Tiffany Haney
Induction cooktops are rising in popularity due to their energy efficiency, precise heating, and safety. However, they require specific types of pans to function, as they rely on electromagnetic energy to generate heat. This means that only pans with ferromagnetic properties, such as cast iron, enameled cast iron, and certain stainless steel varieties, will work. To determine if a pan is compatible, a simple test involving a magnet can be performed. If the magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan, it will work on an induction cooktop. This is because induction cooktops heat food by creating a magnetic field between the pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface, so the pan must have magnetic properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cookware | Ferromagnetic, made of iron or iron-based steel |
| Examples | Cast iron, enameled cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel |
| Testing Compatibility | Hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible. |
| Pan Base | Flat base that connects to the induction hob's cooking zone |
| Pan Size | Should be the same size as the surface area of the burner for best heat conduction |
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What You'll Learn
Cast iron pans
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to create a magnetic field between the pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. This energy heats the contents of the pot. Therefore, for a pan to be used on an induction cooktop, it must be made of ferromagnetic metal. Cast iron is a ferromagnetic metal and therefore can be used on induction cooktops.
To check if your cast iron pan can be used on an induction cooktop, hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet clings to the underside, the pan will work on an induction cooktop. If the magnet only grabs the pan softly, you may not have much success with it on an induction cooktop. If there is no pull on the magnet, the pan will not generate heat on an induction cooktop.
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Enameled cast iron pans
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to create a magnetic field between the pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface, heating the contents of the pot. This means that only ferromagnetic cookware can be used on induction cooktops.
To test whether a pan is compatible with an induction cooktop, hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet clings to the underside of the pan, the cookware will work on an induction cooktop. If there is no pull on the magnet, the pan will not generate heat on an induction cooktop.
It is important to note that not all cookware will work with induction cooktops. Non-magnetic cookware such as ceramic, glass, non-magnetic copper, aluminium, and non-magnetic stainless steel will not work. Some stainless steel cookware is compatible, but a high nickel content will block the magnetic field.
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Stainless steel pans
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to generate heat. This is done by creating a magnetic field between the pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. Due to this, the cookware used on induction cooktops must be made of ferromagnetic materials, such as cast iron or some types of stainless steel.
Not all stainless steel pans are compatible with induction cooktops. Stainless steel can be made with a variety of metals, and a high nickel content will block the magnetic field. To test whether a stainless steel pan is compatible with an induction cooktop, simply hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet clings to the underside, the pan will work on an induction cooktop. If the magnet grabs the pan softly, the cookware may not be compatible. If there is no pull on the magnet, the pan will not work on an induction cooktop.
It is worth noting that some stainless steel pans are induction-compatible but are not magnetic. This may be because the stainless steel is a bonded metal, or it may be because the pan interacts with the electrical waves to create a magnetic field.
Other Types of Pans
Cast iron, carbon steel, and enameled cast iron pans are all compatible with induction cooktops. Pans made of glass, aluminium, or copper are not compatible with induction cooktops unless they have a layer on the bottom with magnetic properties.
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Carbon steel pans
Induction cooktops work by creating a magnetic field between the pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. The energy created in the electromagnetic field heats the contents of the pot. Therefore, the cookware used must be made of ferromagnetic metal. Cast iron, enameled cast iron, and many types of stainless steel cookware are all induction-compatible.
Carbon steel is made from electromagnetic materials, making it fully compatible with induction cooktops. Carbon steel is made from roughly 99% iron, a highly electromagnetic metal, and 1% carbon. Carbon steel pans have sloped, flared sides, which make them better suited to sautéing. They are also responsive to temperature changes and have comfortable handles.
When using carbon steel pans on induction cooktops, it is important to preheat the pan slowly. This is because carbon steel is subject to warping and thermal shock if heated too quickly. Additionally, induction cooktops cannot transfer heat to a pan without direct contact, so the pan will quickly lose heat if taken off the stove.
To test if a pan is compatible with an induction cooktop, simply hold a magnet to the bottom. If the magnet clings to the underside, the cookware will work. If there is no pull on the magnet, the pan will not generate heat on an induction cooktop.
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Cladded-bottom pans
Induction cooktops require specific types of metal pots and pans. The cooktop creates a magnetic field between the pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface, which heats the contents of the pot. Therefore, only magnetic materials are compatible with induction cooktops. Cast iron and steel are ideal, while non-magnetic materials such as aluminium, copper, glass, and ceramic will not work.
Another option is the Cuisinart 77-7 Chef's Classic Stainless 7-Piece Cookware Set, which includes cladded-bottom pans that are compatible with induction cooktops. This set was previously recommended for radiant electric and gas stoves, but is now also suitable for induction cooking.
When choosing cladded-bottom pans for induction cooking, it is important to consider the size of the pans. The flat bottom of the pan should be about the same size as the surface area of the burner to ensure direct contact with the cooktop and even heating. Additionally, some cladded-bottom pans may produce a clicking or whining sound when used on induction, which may be a consideration for some users.
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Frequently asked questions
Pans that are compatible with an induction cooktop are made of ferromagnetic metal, such as cast iron or some types of stainless steel. Pans made of glass, aluminium, or copper will not work on an induction cooktop.
Hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet clings to the underside, the pan will work on an induction cooktop. If the magnet does not stick, the pan does not contain the right metals and will not generate heat.
Non-compatible cookware will not heat up on an induction cooktop. However, the cooktop will not be damaged by the use of non-compatible cookware.
Examples of induction-compatible pans include the Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan and the Tramontina Gourmet Tri-Ply Clad 12-Inch Fry Pan. The Le Creuset stainless steel cookware set is another option that is compatible with induction cooktops.
