Induction Cookware: Special Pots And Pans Needed?

Induction cooktops are becoming increasingly popular, but do you need special pots and pans for them? The short answer is yes – induction cooking is very different from conventional gas or electric cooking, and only certain types of pans will work. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly in the cookware, so the pots and pans you use need to be made of magnetic materials like iron or steel. You can test whether your current cookware will work on an induction cooktop by simply holding a magnet to the bottom of the pan – if it sticks, it will work.

Stainless steel

To check if your stainless steel cookware is induction-compatible, perform the magnet test. Simply hold a magnet to the bottom of the cookware. If the magnet sticks, it means the cookware contains enough iron to be compatible with an induction cooktop. If the magnet does not stick, the cookware will not generate heat on an induction cooktop.

It is important to note that not all stainless steel is magnetic. Some stainless steel with high nickel content, for example, may react magnetically but may not work on an induction cooktop. Therefore, it is always best to perform the magnet test to ensure compatibility.

When purchasing stainless steel cookware for induction cooking, look for high-quality, heavy-bottomed cookware with magnetic bottoms. This will ensure better heat distribution and more even cooking. Additionally, consider stainless steel cookware with aluminium or copper cores placed between the interior and exterior layers of steel, as these conduct heat better than stainless steel alone.

Cast iron

To protect your induction cooktop from cast iron, avoid sliding the cookware on the surface and place it gently when moving it on and off the burners. Regularly cleaning the cooktop surface and the cookware can also help protect the surface from scratches and stains.

Enameled cast iron, which has a smooth enamel coating over the rough cast iron, can further reduce the chances of scratching the cooktop's surface. This type of cookware also has non-stick surfaces and reliable heating, provided that the coating is evenly applied.

Enamelled iron

Induction cooktops use magnetic fields to heat cookware, so the cookware must contain ferromagnetic materials, such as iron or steel, to transfer heat. This means that cast iron, enameled cast iron, and many types of stainless steel cookware are compatible with induction cooktops.

Enameled cast iron is a great option for induction cooking. It has a non-stick surface and reliable heating, as long as the coating is evenly applied. If you invest in premium-quality enameled cast iron pots and pans and care for them properly, they will last a lifetime.

To test whether your enameled cast iron cookware is compatible with an induction cooktop, simply hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet clings to the underside, the cookware will work on an induction cooktop. If there is no pull on the magnet, the cookware will not generate heat on an induction cooktop. Manufacturers have started putting an "induction compatible" symbol on the bottom of their cookware or noting compatibility on the packaging. This symbol often looks like a horizontal zig-zag or a coil.

When shopping for enameled cast iron cookware for an induction cooktop, look for cookware with a flat base that connects to the induction hob's cooking zone. An uneven bottom can vibrate and make noise on the glass surface, and it won't heat uniformly. It is also important to match the size of the pan's base to the induction cooking zone. Using a pan with a smaller bottom diameter than the hob creates a weaker magnetic field and less heat output.

Non-stick pans

When choosing a non-stick pan for an induction cooktop, it is important to ensure that the pan has a magnetic base. Induction cooktops work by creating a magnetic field between the pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface, so the pan must contain ferromagnetic materials such as iron or have a layer with magnetic properties.

• Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan: This pan has a tri-ply steel and aluminum plate welded to the bottom, making it compatible with induction cooktops. It heats up quickly and evenly, and its smooth, hollow stainless steel handle stays cool and provides a comfortable grip.
• T-fal Professional Nonstick Heat Indicator Fry Pan: This skillet is induction-friendly and reasonably priced, as non-stick skillets need to be replaced every few years. It has a stainless steel base and a titanium non-stick coating.
• Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set: This set includes 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch pans with induction bottoms.
• SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet: This pan has a Swiss granite coating and is PFAS-free. It is available in 8, 9.5, 10, 11, and 12.5-inch sizes.
• Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Restaurant Fry Pan: While this pan is not compatible with induction cooktops, it is a great option for other cooktops. It has a slick non-stick coating, a comfortable handle, and a flared lip for easy flipping.

Glass, aluminium or copper

Glass, aluminium, and copper cookware will not work on an induction hob unless they have a magnetized base. The induction cooktop uses a magnetic field to generate heat, so the cookware must contain magnetic material. Copper and aluminium require much higher frequencies to generate the heat needed to cook food.

Some manufacturers offer aluminium or copper pans with a magnetized base designed for induction cooktops. However, older, non-magnetic pans will not work.

To test if your cookware is compatible with an induction cooktop, simply hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet sticks, the cookware will work. If the magnet grabs the pan softly, you may not have much success with it on your cooktop. If there is no pull on the magnet, the pan will not generate heat.

Frequently asked questions