Are you intimidated by induction cookware? Because you’re not exactly sure how it works? Or if your current collection of pots and pans will even work on an induction top?
The truth is, it’s not complicated. You only need induction-compatible cookware to make use of the induction cooktop. But how can we identify if the cookware is induction-compatible?
Why Is Induction So Useful?
We’ll learn about it later on but first, let us discover the different pros and cons of induction cooking with this handy infographic from the Induction Pros.
Just in case, to recap:
Pros:
- It is superior in heating. Faster to transfer heat from stove to pan compared to gas and electric.
- Induction cooktops offer precise temperature control, which allows you for more precise cooking.
- It is more energy-efficient because heat isn’t lost in the transferring process.
- The cooking surface of an induction stove does not heat up. It‘s much safe from fire hazards and burns in the kitchen.
- It offers convenience in cleaning. There’s almost zero cooked on spills to clean up because the cooktop stays cool.
- Induction cooking is environmentally friendly because it uses less energy.
- It has both aesthetics and convenience.
Cons:
- The induction cooktop needs magnetic cookware. It will not work unless you use the appropriate cookware.
- Buying an induction cooktop will cost more than a traditional cooktop.
- It makes noise as a result of the type of cookware you use. Lighter stainless steel pans can produce more noise than heavier pans.
- It needs electric power to be used.
How does induction work?
An induction cooktop is way different from gas and electric cooktops. Do you wonder why the surrounding of an induction top does not heat up, but it does heat up with induction cookware? What’s the science behind it?
An induction cooktop creates a magnetic field between the cookware and magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. The energy produced in the electromagnetic field heats the contents of the pot.
Watch this video from GE Appliances to learn more about how induction cooking working.
What Cookware Doesn’t Work for Induction?
As we all know, you can’t use all pieces of cookware on induction cooktops and stoves. Since induction cooking uses magnetism, the cookware piece itself must be magnetic and have a flat bottom.
So, what are the cookware that is not compatible with induction technology?
Aluminum
Pure aluminum cookware has no magnetic disc, which makes them not compatible with induction cooking. However, there is also aluminum cookware that has a magnetic base that makes it compatible with induction.
Copper
To work with induction, copper cookware must have a magnetic base. Some brands have magnetic bases, whereas others do not. However, there are products like All-Clad Copper Core that are induction-compatible.
Ceramic
Induction cooktops are not compatible with 100% ceramic cookware. Ceramic-coated nonstick cookware with a magnetic base, on the other hand, maybe suitable with induction.
What Cookware Does Work for Induction?
It needs the cookware to have a magnet to work with induction. But what is that magnetic cookware?
Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware is induction compatible. When we say cast iron, this includes enameled cast iron cookware like Le Creuset and bare cast iron like Lodge.
Clad Stainless Steel
An 18/0 grade, also called 400 grade, is compatible with induction. But, an 18/10 or 18/8, or 300-grade stainless steel is not magnetic. It’s possible that older clad stainless cookware made before the mid-1990s is fully 18/10 and, therefore, induction incompatible. Induction is compatible with almost all modern clad stainless cookware.
Carbon Steel
All carbon steel is magnetic, so it is induction compatible—all cookware made from carbon steel work perfectly on an induction cooktop.
Cookware with Magnetic Stainless Disc Bottom
Today, many brands of aluminum cookware have a magnetic stainless steel disc attached to the bottom, which makes it induction compatible. One of the brands that use magnetic discs at the bottom is the T-Fal Professional.
People Also Ask’
How much weight can you put on an induction cooktop?
This depends on the manufacturer of your induction stovetop, but 45 to 50 pounds of cookware per burner is a good range.
Can you damage an induction hob by using the wrong pans?
If the pan doesn’t touch the induction cooktop, it won’t work. This is why you need to use pots and pans with thick, flat, non-bendable bases. If the base is too thin, it can easily lose its shape when cooking at high temperatures, and if it gets too hot, it could even damage the cooktop.
Will cast iron scratch on an induction cooktop?
Rough bumps or scratches are common on cast iron cookware. If these are on the bottom of the pans, they can easily scratch a glass induction cooktop and disrupt the induction process from working.
Summary
Finding the best induction cookware can be a challenge for you. There is a lot of induction cookware available on the market. But with a little bit of research, you may find the cookware best for your needs.
There are a lot of advantages to using induction technology. The heat transfer from the cooktop to the pan is faster, and temperature control is more precise. Cookware composed of aluminum, copper, or ceramic, on the other hand, will not work with your induction cooktop.
To work with an induction stovetop, though, your cookware must have a magnetic base. However, the cost of induction cookware is justified by the convenience it provides.
In addition, we looked for the best induction cookware hacks. You can check it here.
What do you think is the best type of induction cookware you will get for your kitchen? Let us know in the comments!
References:
- https://therationalkitchen.com/best-induction-cookware/
- https://www.frigidaire.com/Collections/Induction-Appliances-Collection/What-Is-Induction-Cooking/
- https://www.metrokitchen.com/induction-compatible-cookware
