The Induction Revolution: Exploring The Benefits Of Electric Induction Cookware Sets

Electric induction cookware sets are designed to work with induction stoves, but many can also be used with other types of stovetops, including gas and ovens. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat the cookware from within, rather than using an external heat source. This makes them faster, safer, and more precise than traditional gas and electric stoves.

Induction cookware sets are made from materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, or hard-anodized aluminum with a built-in magnetic disc. These sets typically include a range of pots and pans in various sizes, allowing you to cook different types of cuisine. Some sets also come with specialised cookware like woks, pressure cookers, or roasters.

When choosing an induction cookware set, consider factors such as price, durability, ease of cleaning, and whether it has the essential pieces you need for your cooking style.

Stainless steel sets

Stainless steel is a popular choice for induction cookware sets, and for good reason. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering a stainless steel set for your electric induction cooktop:

Material and Construction:

• Stainless steel cookware with an aluminium or copper core is ideal, as it provides even heat distribution and prevents hot spots. Look for terms like tri-ply or multi-ply construction, which indicates a layered design with a responsive core metal.
• High-quality stainless steel cookware often contains enough ferrous metal to be induction-compatible. However, avoid sets with a high nickel content, as this can prevent the steel from having a magnetic reaction necessary for induction cooktops.
• Hard-anodized aluminium cookware with a magnetic steel base or an induction-compatible disc on the exterior will also work on induction cooktops.

Performance and Ease of Use:

• Stainless steel sets like the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set and the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Set are known for their even heating and browning capabilities, making them excellent choices for searing and sauteing.
• Look for sets with comfortable, angled, and ergonomic handles that stay cool during cooking. Riveted handles also add durability.
• Some stainless steel sets can be on the heavier side, so consider the weight and balance of the pieces to ensure they are comfortable for you to handle.
• High-quality stainless steel sets, like the All-Clad D5 Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set, can be more expensive but offer excellent performance and durability.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Stainless steel cookware sets are typically dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is often recommended to prolong their lifespan and maintain their appearance.
• Some sets may require extra care to remove burnt-on food or to prevent discolouration. For example, the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware Set requires a bit more effort to clean due to its copper layer.
• Keep an eye on the magnetic properties of the cookware's base and check for any separation of an externally bonded induction disc, as this may indicate it's time to replace your set.

Popular Options:

• All-Clad: The All-Clad D3 Stainless 10-Piece Set and the All-Clad D5 Brushed 5-Ply 10-Piece Set are highly regarded for their performance, durability, and comprehensive assortment of pieces.
• Tramontina: The Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set offers excellent performance, durability, and value.
• Cuisinart: The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Set is a sturdy and responsive set that includes a steamer insert, making it a versatile choice.
• Other options include the OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick 10-Piece Set, the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless 10-Piece Set, and the Caraway Ceramic 8-Piece Set.

Non-stick sets

Non-stick cookware is generally lighter than stainless steel and cast iron, requires less oil, and is easier to clean. However, non-stick coatings will eventually wear out, so it is important to take good care of your non-stick pans.

GreenPan GP5 Stainless-Steel Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set includes different-sized pots and pans for all your needs. Each is lightweight, strong, and durable and can withstand high heat (up to 600˚F). The lids are clear with stainless steel handles that are designed to stay cool. The handles are comfortable to hold and protrude a bit to fit your grip while cooking. The set also comes with protectors to help prevent scratching when storing.

Caraway Home 9-Piece Non-Stick Ceramic Cookware Set

Caraway's gorgeous cookware is made of ceramic-coated hard-anodized aluminum and has a stainless steel base, making it compatible with most induction cooktops. However, some customers have reported compatibility issues. The set includes a great assortment of cookware, including different-sized pots and pans for all your needs. The lids are clear with stainless steel handles. The pans are oven-safe up to 550°F.

Circulon A1 Series with ScratchDefense Technology Nonstick Induction Cookware/Pots and Pans Set, 10 Piece

This set includes skillets that showed even heat distribution and all of the eggs tested in them (without any grease) slid out without any help from a spatula. The handles are wide and grippy, and they stayed cool during cooking. Testers liked how the pots have pour spouts and built-in strainers in the lid. They also liked how durable the nonstick surface was and how the ridged design on the pan's surface resisted scratching.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set impressed testers with its great performance, outstanding durability, and design. The pieces are made from 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminum core that allows for the magnetism necessary for induction. The handles are riveted for durability and are ergonomic—they'll consistently be comfortable throughout any long day of cooking. The set includes the essentials, but a few testers disliked that the weight of the pots is very centered and that you need dedicated storage space for the complete set.

All-Clad D3 14-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This set is made of high-quality stainless steel that contains enough ferrous metal to be induction-compatible. The pots and pans are durable and can be used with or without oil or butter. The set includes a medium or large sauté pan or fry pan, a 2- or 3-quart saucepan, and a roomy Dutch oven that doubles as a stock pot.

Cast iron sets

Cast iron is a great option for induction cooking as it contains iron, a ferromagnetic material that works with the magnetic field generated by induction cooktops. This means cast iron cookware, including enameled cast iron, is compatible with induction cooktops.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using cast iron on an induction cooktop. Firstly, cast iron can be prone to thermal shock if heated too quickly, so it's important to preheat your cookware slowly with oil. Secondly, while not all cooktops require full contact between the cookware and the burner, choosing a piece of cookware that is a similar size to the burner is important for even heating. Additionally, when moving cast iron cookware on an induction cooktop, it's best to gently pick it up and set it down rather than sliding it to avoid scratching the surface.

• Lodge Cast Iron Set: Lodge offers a range of cast iron cookware that is compatible with induction cooktops. Their products are known for their affordability and performance.
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Set: Le Creuset offers a range of enameled cast iron cookware, including Dutch ovens, skillets, and braisers, which are compatible with induction cooktops. Their products are known for their smooth coated surface, even heating, and wide range of colours.
• Staub Enameled Cast Iron Set: Staub offers a range of enameled cast iron cookware, including grill pans, skillets, and Dutch ovens, that are compatible with induction cooktops. Their products are known for their ease of cleaning and durability.
• Victoria Cast Iron Set: Victoria offers a range of cast iron cookware, including skillets and Dutch ovens, that are compatible with induction cooktops. Their products are known for their affordability and performance.
• Cuisinart Cast Iron Set: Cuisinart offers a range of enameled cast iron cookware, including Dutch ovens and skillets, that are compatible with induction cooktops. Their products are known for their dishwasher-safe convenience and even heating.

Ceramic sets

When it comes to choosing the best ceramic cookware set for an induction cooktop, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to ensure that the cookware has a magnetic bottom, as this is necessary for the induction stove to function. Additionally, the quality and material of the cookware are important factors to consider.

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

The Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set is a durable and well-designed option. It includes pieces made from ceramic-coated aluminium that are free of PTFE, cadmium, and lead. The set includes securely riveted stainless steel handles, and the pans can withstand oven temperatures of up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. While the Caraway set performs well in terms of even heating and food release, the handles tend to get hot during prolonged stove use. The straight sides can also make pouring and sliding food onto a plate a bit challenging. Overall, the Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set is a top-performing choice, offering easy maintenance and durable construction.

Cuisinart Elements 10-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set

The Cuisinart Elements set stands out for its elegant design and high-quality construction. The exterior of the cookware boasts a bright cherry red finish, while the interior features a pure white ceramic coating. The pieces are made with stainless steel lids, ensuring sturdiness and compatibility with induction cooking. The set includes a 10-inch skillet, a 2-quart covered saucepan, a 5-quart covered saucepan, a 3-quart covered deep saute pan, and a 6-quart covered Dutch oven.

Bialetti Aeternum 10-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set

Bialetti, a well-known brand among cookware enthusiasts, offers this elegant and professional-quality set. The set is made of gauge aluminium with a stainless steel base, making it perfect for induction cooking. The ceramic coating is of good quality and completely non-stick, allowing for safe use in ovens at high temperatures. The set includes a 2-quart covered saucepan, a 5-quart covered saucepan, a 3-quart covered deep saute pan, and a 6-quart covered Dutch oven.

Green Earth Nonstick Cookware Set

The Green Earth set offers a unique textured ceramic coating with a honeycomb design, enhancing the non-stick properties of the pans. The ceramic material, made in Germany, is free of PTFE, PFOA, and APEO, ensuring safe use at high temperatures. The body of the cookware is made of durable heavy-gauge aluminium, and the set includes a special base that works with all types of cooktops, including induction. The Green Earth set is available as a set of three pans (8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch) without lids, or you can purchase the lids separately.

WaxonWare Ceramic Frying Pan

The WaxonWare pan is technically a ceramic-coated pan with a mix of granite and ceramic. This coating provides a sturdy non-stick surface that feels like real stone. The bottom of the pan is scratch-resistant and works splendidly with induction cooktops. The pan comes in a mix of gray tones, complementing the brand's focus on earth materials.

While these options stand out, it's worth noting that some other ceramic cookware sets may work with induction cooktops if they have a stainless steel disc on the bottoms to conduct the magnetic heat. Additionally, converter plates can be used with existing ceramic cookware, but the heating efficiency may not be as impressive as with dedicated induction-compatible sets.

Aluminium sets

Aluminium cookware is desirable because it conducts heat well. However, on its own, it is not compatible with induction cooktops. This is because induction cooktops use electromagnetic induction to heat the cooking vessel, and aluminium is a non-ferrous metal. Therefore, aluminium cookware will not generate a magnetic field when placed on an induction cooktop and will not heat up.

To make aluminium cookware compatible with induction cooktops, manufacturers add a layer of magnetic material to the base of the pan. This can be in the form of a stainless steel plate or a magnetized base. The plate generates the heat from the induction cooktop and passes it through to the rest of the pan.

T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans

This 12-piece induction-safe set includes a steamer insert that is useful for fish, vegetables, or Chinese buns. The pieces have a nonstick interior with a Thermo-Spot indicator that changes colour when the pots are preheated and ready for cooking. The set includes a 3-quart saucepan, but no bigger size, and a "one-egg wonder" frying pan that is not induction-compatible. The pots and lids are oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the whole set is dishwasher-safe.

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

Each piece in this eight-piece set is made from ceramic-coated aluminium that is free of PTFE, cadmium, and lead. The pans have securely riveted stainless steel handles and are oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. They are also "cooktop agnostic", meaning they work well with induction stoves. The set includes a frying pan, a Dutch oven, and a lid that fits both. However, the handles tend to get hot, and the straight sides make pouring and sliding food onto a plate challenging.

OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Cookware Set

This 10-piece set is constructed from hard-anodized aluminium and coated with a durable ceramic coating that stands up to metal utensils. The handles are made from brushed stainless steel and are securely riveted. The set includes a 10-inch fry pan, a 12-inch fry pan, a 2.3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3.3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, and a 5.2-quart casserole with a lid. All pieces are oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit without the lids and dishwasher-safe.

Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware Set

This 10-piece set includes a copper core and a stainless steel cap for excellent performance on induction cooktops. The lids are made from stainless steel, and the handles are large and offer a good grip. The copper layer ensures even heating, and the angled sides make it easy to toss vegetables while cooking. The set includes a range of useful pieces but may be too small if you are batch cooking or cooking for a large number of people.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set includes pieces made from stainless steel with an aluminium core, which allows for the magnetism necessary for induction. The handles are riveted for durability and are ergonomically designed for comfort during long cooking sessions. The set includes a range of essential pieces, but some users may find the weight distribution of the pots unbalanced, and the pieces do not stack together nicely.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Stainless Cookware Set

This set is made from stainless steel with an induction-compatible aluminium core. The pans heat up quickly, retain heat well, and are great for searing and sauteing. They are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The high sides prevent splatters but make it difficult to see into the pan. The set is well-balanced, with evenly distributed weight and comfortable angled handles. The pieces are dishwasher-safe but are also easy to clean by hand.

Frequently asked questions