Induction cooking has become a widely used cooking method in home kitchens and restaurants. However, after upgrading to an induction range you might also have to invest in some new cookware pieces because an induction stovetop requires a specific kind of cookware.
Now you’ll probably ask: Do I need to replace the cookware I already have? To find out if your current pot and pans work on induction cooktops, look for the symbol on the underside of your pan that indicates compatibility with an induction cooking surface. Another way is to try the magnet test. To perform the test, hold the magnet to the bottom of your cookware. If the magnet clings to the bottom, your cookware can be used on an induction cooktop. To be able to use your regular cookware on induction cooktops you should purchase an induction converter disk.
Induction cookware can be used on other stoves where standard pans will work. However, unlike standard cookware, induction cookware can additionally be used on induction stoves.
What Makes a Cookware Induction Compatible?
1. Materials
Cookware items made from ferromagnetic metal such as cast iron, carbon steel, enameled cast iron, and magnetic (18/0) stainless steel are induction compatible as they support a magnetic field generated from an induction cooktop. Aluminum, copper, and glass lack ferromagnetic properties and are not induction-compatible unless the base of the cookware is bonded with a magnetic metal.
2. The base
The bottom of induction-compatible cookware must be thick, flat, and smooth. The flat bottom enables the cookware to make full contact with the perfectly flat cooktop surface, which ensures maximum efficiency of the cooking process. The thickness keeps the bottom in shape, preventing denting and warping. Rough and convex bottoms can spin and vibrate, making a noise on the glass surface.
3. Size
The diameter of the pan base should match the burner size. If your pan pans larger than the outer diameter of the hob, some parts of the pan will remain outside of the element and won’t heat properly. A small pan on a larger burner generates less power and may fail to activate the induction element.
Induction Compatible Pans
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1. Whole-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Saute Pan with Lid by Duxtop
This beautifully and efficiently designed saute pan with a nicely polished surface works perfectly on induction cooktops and looks great in your kitchen. The riveted stainless-steel handle stays cool during stovetop cooking, allowing for comfortable handling. The stainless-steel lid is thin but fits well, creating a good seal to keep the moisture inside the pan.
This multipurpose pan is ideal for heating soups and other liquids and also for cooking rice, stir-fried veggies, noodles, stews, mashed potatoes, curry, and pasta. With proper technique and enough oil, it also works well for eggs and other foods that tend to stick.
Heat sources:
This Duxtop Tri-ply pan works great on an induction burner and is also suitable for gas, electric, and halogen cooktops. Thanks to the stainless-steel handle the pan is oven-safe to 500°F, so you can place it in the oven to finish your meal.
Materials:
The core is made of gauge aluminum to offer fast and even heat transfer across the bottom and up the sides.
The cooking surface is made of 18/10 food-grade stainless steel.
The outside of the pan is made of 18/0 magnetic stainless steel with a thick and flat bottom to ensure compatibility with induction ranges.
Pros
- Works great on induction cooktops
- Doesn’t make noise on induction cookers
- The pot handle stays cool while cooking on the stovetop
- Attractive shiny finish
- Excellent heat distribution
- Drip-free design
- Easy clean–up
Cons
- The lid handle gets very hot, so you need to use potholders when handling the lid.
Care and Maintenance:
The pan is dishwasher safe. It also can be cleaned easily by hand with hot soapy water. Use Bar Keepers Friend Cleaner & Polish periodically to clean burned food, remove discoloration, and bring back the original luster.
2. CTX 12-3/4-Inch Fry Pan by Scanpan
The CTX pan is a versatile, safe, and durable non-stick fry pan. It makes it easy to cook egg dishes, and it is also great for sauteing, browning, and searing. If you want to get away from Teflon and some other unsafe nonstick coatings, this pan may be a great choice.
Heat sources: The CTX pan is suitable for all cooking surfaces, including an induction range. It is safe for use on a broiler and can be placed in the oven.
Materials: Multi-layer fused construction offers an even heat distribution, perfect non-stick performance, and compatibility with induction cooktops. The core is made from recycled aluminum to ensure exceptional heat conductivity. PFOA-Free Non-stick interior surface is made of ceramic reinforced with titanium. The exterior is made of 18/10 stainless steel.
Pros
- Offers excellent nonstick performance
- Cooks evenly with no hot spots
- Doesn’t warp over time, which is important for use on induction cooktops
- The ergonomically designed handle stays cool while you are cooking.
- The non-stick coating doesn’t have negative health impacts associated with Teflon and some cheaper nonstick surfaces.
- It comes in an attractive velvet bag, which makes it a nice gift.
- The higher sides allow scrambling eggs in it without falling over the side.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a lid but you can purchase the lid separately and make this pan suitable for preparing multiple dishes.
- Like any nonstick cookware, this pan will gradually lose its nonstick properties and the interior non-stick surface may degrade after several years. Once it loses its nonstick qualities, you can use it as a regular fry pan.
- The small steel buttons that attach the pan to the handle are not as easy to clean as the rest of the interior.
Care and Maintenance:
According to manufacturer instructions, you can throw this nonstick pan in the dishwasher. It is also easy to rinse by hand under hot water and wipe with a paper towel. The stainless-steel exterior can be cleaned with Bar Keepers Friend Clean and Polish.
The manufacturer says that the pan is metal utensil safe. However, if you want to prolong the functionality of the nonstick surface, use nonmetal utensils most of the time. Keep the heat setting at low to medium.
3. Decorative Non-Stick Frying Pans – Induction Ready by TRIVETRUNNER -ANNA STAY
This versatile non-stick frying pan is made for cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all your favorite dishes. It was designed to be the perfect balance of functionality and sophisticated design.
Heat sources:
The pan is suitable for all stove types, including induction cooktops. It is oven-safe up to 350°F
Materials:
The pan has an anodized aluminum construction and is triple-coated with marble instead of chemical nonstick surfaces. Marble-coated cookware is considered safer than cookware with a nonstick coating made from toxic chemicals.
Pros
- The non-stick surface allows efficient cooking keeping food from sticking. It requires very little oil making it a great option for more delicate foods.
- The pan has an artistic decorative design and comes in cute colors. You can both cook in it and use it as a decorative serving dish.
- It has good depth, so you don’t have to worry about dishes that tend to splash out when being stir-fried. This pan heats evenly to prevent burning and to ensure an easy release of foods.
Cons
- The handle can get warm when you use it, so you have to use a potholder or a towel to handle it.
Care and Maintenance:
Always wash by hand with hot water and soap. Do not use harsh detergents, steel wool, or abrasive pads to protect the cooking surface from scratches and damage.
