Induction Cookware: Choosing The Right Pans

Induction cooktops are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They're sleek, modern, powerful, and energy-efficient. But if you're thinking of making the switch, you might be wondering what kind of pans you need. The key thing to know is that induction cooking relies on magnetism. To be compatible with an induction cooktop, your pans need to be made of ferromagnetic metal, such as cast iron or some types of stainless steel. You can easily test if your current pans will work by seeing if a magnet sticks to the bottom. If it does, your pan will work on an induction cooktop.

Cast iron

Induction cookers use electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly in the cookware, rather than heating the ceramic glass surface. This means that only certain types of pans will work on an induction cooker. Cast iron is a great option for induction cooking. Cast iron pans are made from ferrous, magnetic materials, which are required for induction cookers.

However, cast iron pans require careful handling when used with induction cookers. Due to their weight, they can scratch or damage the cooking surface if not used carefully. It is recommended to gently pick up and set down the pan when moving it, rather than sliding it across the surface. Additionally, cast iron pans should be preheated slowly with oil to avoid thermal shock, which can cause the pan to break.

Enameled cast iron saucepans are also available, which have a protective enamel layer that prevents rusting and eliminates the need for regular seasoning. This type of pan is easier to clean and maintain than traditional cast iron.

Stainless steel

Induction cooking uses electromagnetism to generate heat. This means that compatible cookware must be made with a ferromagnetic material. Materials such as carbon steel, cast iron, and some types of stainless steel are commonly induction compatible, while copper, glass, and aluminium are not.

How to Tell if Your Stainless Steel Pan is Induction Compatible

To determine whether your stainless steel pan is induction compatible, you can perform a simple test. Simply take a magnet and check if it reacts to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet sticks to or is repelled by the pan, it is made with a magnetic grade of stainless steel and is therefore induction compatible. If the magnet does not stick or has a weak reaction, the pan is not induction compatible.

Additionally, most manufacturers will indicate if their cookware is induction compatible by including a special symbol on the bottom, such as a coil or a horizontal zig-zag, or by inscribing the word "induction".

Benefits of Induction Cooking

Induction cooking offers several advantages over traditional gas or electric cooking. It is more energy-efficient, with food heating up more quickly and the cooking surface remaining cool, making it safer. Induction cooktops are also more responsive to changes in temperature control, allowing for greater precision in cooking.

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Pan for Induction Cooking

When choosing a stainless steel pan for induction cooking, look for high-quality pans with a layer of stainless steel at the bottom and a copper or aluminium layer inside. These materials are better conductors than stainless steel alone, ensuring more efficient heat distribution.

It is also important to ensure that the pan has a flat base that connects to the induction hob's cooking zone. A pan with an uneven bottom can vibrate and make noise on the glass surface, and it may not heat uniformly.

Maintaining Your Stainless Steel Pan

Non-stick

When shopping for non-stick induction cookware, look for products with a thick magnetic base, multi-layer non-stick coating, and a heat tolerance of at least 450°F.

Made In Non-Stick

Made In offers a unique 5-ply construction, combining a stainless steel exterior, a triple-layer aluminium core, and a steel cooking surface coated with a non-stick material. This results in excellent heat conduction and retention. Made In's non-stick coating is also proven to last ten times longer than other brands.

All-Clad HA1

The All-Clad HA1 collection features a thick hard-anodized aluminium body and a multi-layer PFOA-free non-stick coating. It also includes a steel induction plate, making it compatible with all cooktops. The hard-anodized aluminium body heats up quickly, evenly, and retains heat well.

Anolon Accolade

The Anolon Accolade combines the benefits of cast iron and non-stick cookware. It features a sturdy stainless steel base for induction compatibility and a hard-anodized aluminium core for quick and even heating. The collection also includes three layers of Infinity Slide non-stick coating, making it a pleasure to cook with and easy to clean.

T-fal Professional

The T-fal Professional collection is an affordable yet quality option. It is made with an aluminium core for quick and even heating, a steel induction base, and a titanium-reinforced non-stick interior. It also includes T-fal's signature Thermo-Spot technology, which indicates when the pan is heated and ready for cooking.

Caraway

Caraway is a great option if you're looking for a ceramic non-stick coating. Its coating is derived from sand and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, making it a healthier and safer choice. The body is made of thick aluminium with a steel induction plate bonded to the base, ensuring even heat distribution.

Misen

Misen offers an affordable and durable non-stick option for induction cooktops. It features a thick aluminium base and a PFOA-free 3-layer Dupont Platinum coating with a plasma primer. The steel induction plate makes it compatible with induction stoves, while the aluminium conducts heat quickly and evenly.

HexClad

HexClad is a hybrid non-stick option, combining the strength of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. Its unique cooking surface features stainless steel peaks and non-stick valleys, allowing you to use metal utensils without scratching the coating. The 3-ply stainless steel base provides even heating and heat retention.

Glass and ceramic

It is important to note that even if a glass or ceramic pan is compatible with an induction cooktop, it may not be the best choice for induction cooking. Induction cooking can involve some vibration, and glass and ceramic pans may not be sturdy enough to reduce the risk of noise at higher power. Additionally, glass and ceramic pans may not have flat bottoms, which are necessary for distributing heat evenly on an induction cooktop.

If you are considering purchasing a glass or ceramic pan for use on an induction cooktop, it is recommended to look for one with a flat bottom and a sturdy, durable construction.

Aluminium

However, some manufacturers have started creating aluminium pans with a magnetic base made of ferrous metals, making them compatible with induction cooking. These pans offer the best of both worlds, as they combine the lightweight feel, good thermal conductivity, and affordable price of aluminium with the convenience of induction cooking.

If you want to use your existing aluminium pans on an induction hob, you can purchase ferrous discs that convert any pan into an induction-friendly pan. These discs simply slip under your pan when cooking on an induction hob, providing a fast, strong heat.

To check if your aluminium pans are compatible with induction cooking, you can perform a simple test by placing a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If the magnet sticks, your pan is induction-compatible. If it slides off, you may need to consider altering or replacing your pan.

Frequently asked questions