How to Choose Cookware to Use on Your Induction Cooktop

Induction cooking is very different to traditional gas or electric cooking, and only certain types of pans can be used on an induction cooktop or burner. So, how do you know if your cookware is compatible? Induction cooktops produce electromagnetic energy, so you must use ferromagnetic cookware (such as enameled steel, cast iron, or stainless steel designed for induction) to cook on an induction cooktop. Read on to learn how to find the right induction pans for your induction cooktop to help you get the most out of your appliance.

What cookware should I use with induction?

Only ferromagnetic cookware must be used for induction cooking. Ferromagnetic cookware is made entirely of (or contains) a layer of magnetic material that makes it attracted to magnets. If you use non-ferromagnetic cookware on an induction cooktop, it will not be detected by the burner and will not interact with the electromagnetic energy generated.

How does induction cookware work?

Underneath each cooking zone on an induction cooktop is a copper coil. When the cooking zone is turned on, the current turns the copper coil into a magnet that heats the cookware directly. With Auto Sizing™ pan detection, the cooktop automatically adjusts the heating position based on the size of the cookware, so the heat is just right. The surface stays cooler and can be cleaned minutes after cooking is finished.

Compatible Induction Cookware Materials

The magnet test can easily show that you have cookware that can be used on an induction cooktop, but you may be concerned about damaging the stovetop or pots and pans. While induction cooking is gentle on your pots and pans, your cookware must contain magnetic iron or steel to be used on an induction cooktop. Follow this guide for the most common compatible materials:

1. Stainless steel – Durable and easy to clean, stainless steel cookware is a great choice for induction cooking, but cooking can sometimes be uneven. Not all stainless steel is magnetic, so you’ll need to do a magnet test to make sure it is.

2. Cast iron – Cast iron is a slow conductor of heat, so it retains heat well and cooks more evenly once it reaches cooking temperature. However, avoid using cast iron pots and pans with a rough surface to prevent scratching your cooktop.

3. Porcelain enamel on metal – Porcelain enamel cookware is strong and durable and can be used on induction as long as the base material of the cookware is a magnetic metal. This type of cookware is made of metal coated with a glass called enamel, so the heating characteristics will vary depending on the base material. Always use the magnet test to check if they are induction compatible.

What cookware won't work on an induction cooktop?

Incompatible cookware won't damage your induction cooktop, but it won't heat up either. Eventually, non-magnetic cookware (like ceramic, glass, non-magnetic copper, aluminum, and non-magnetic stainless steel) won't work. Some induction cooktops will flash an error code or indicator light when the cookware you're trying to use isn't compatible.

● Glass

● Ceramic

● Some copper or aluminum pans

Benefits of induction cooking

It is more energy efficient than gas or electric stoves.

Food heats up faster.

The cooking surface stays cooler and is therefore safer.

The stove is more sensitive to changes in temperature control.

How to Choose the Best Induction Cookware

The best induction cookware may well be the one you already have! In addition to making sure any new cookware is induction-friendly, consider these tips when adding cookware:

Induction heats the pot, not the cooktop surface. Choose a wide, flat bottom so that the heat can be easily dispersed. Use a ruler to rotate the bottom of the cookware to check its flatness.

Induction cooking creates some vibration, which is completely normal. Heavier, sturdier pot lids are quieter than lighter lids and hold up better at high power.

To control any vibration, well-fitted and durable handles can reduce the risk of noise at high power.

For best cooking results, use high-quality, thick-gauge cookware on your induction cooking area.

Recommended Induction Cookware - Stainless Steel Cookware