How do I know if my pans are induction compatible?
TL;DR: Induction cookware can seem daunting, but the simplest way to test for induction compatibility is to grab a magnet. All cookware that can hold a magnet is compatible with induction stoves. Common materials are cast iron or stainless steel.
Induction cooktops require pots and pans that are made from specific materials, as the electromagnetism that heats an induction stovetop requires a magnetic material. Materials like Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, and Cast Iron are commonly induction compatible, while materials like copper, glass and aluminum are not.
For pots and pans to be compatible with an induction cooktop they must be made of a magnetic material: either iron or iron-based, such as steel. Induction heating works by exciting the iron atoms in cookware, so there needs to be enough iron in your pots and pans for the heat to happen.
You won't cause any damage to your stovetop or your pan, but the burner itself simply won't turn on, so your pan won't get hot. This is because any pan used on an induction hob must be made from or have a base that contains a magnetic material, which effectively completes the circuit within the hob.
Some of our stainless steel products are induction compatible. The Calphalon Contemporary Stainless and Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless items that were manufactured in 2010 and marked with an induction symbol on the bottom of the cookware are induction compatible (see the image below).
Non-induction cookware can still be used on induction cooktop through an induction converter disk. These disks are magnetic and can be placed on your stove's surface to attract heat. By placing your non-induction cookware on top of the disk, it can then heat up.
If you're not sure, you can check for an “induction compatible” symbol on the bottom of your pot or pan, which looks like a coil of wire, or for the word “induction” inscribed on it.
There are many types of cookware that cannot be used on the Induction cooking surface. Aluminum or aluminum clad, copper or copper clad, aluminum foil, glass/ceramic and some stainless steel products (because these will not attract and hold a magnet) cannot be used.
Well, any pan that is made from some form of ferrous material should be OK. Cast iron cookware is fine, as is 18/10 stainless steel, but stainless steel, aluminium, copper, glass or hard anodised will not work unless they have an induction plate built into the base.
Do you need new pans or can you perhaps use your existing pans? We have to tell you that special pans are needed for cooking on induction cooktops. You need magnetic pans or pan materials. Because with an induction cooktop, it's the pan itself that generates the heat.
Can I use cast iron on induction?
Cast iron pots and pans work well with induction cooktops and stoves and are ideal for frying, slow cooking or browning. The versatility and durability of cast iron also make it ideal for cooking meals that move from the cooktop to the oven.
Checking to see if your pans are suitable to use is very simple. Often if they are suitable the word “induction” and the coiled spring symbol will be stamped on the base of the pan. If you cannot see this symbol, the easiest way to tell if a pan is suitable for induction cooking is with a kitchen magnet.
Despite their similar appearances, the most significant visual cue that distinguishes an induction cooktop from a smooth top electric cooktop is that there isn't a natural, heat-generated glow to indicate that the appliance is on.
Even stainless steel cookware labelled 18/8 or 18/10, which is not generally suitable for induction cooking due to the nickel content, can be used if it has a ferrous base. 18/0 stainless steel is suitable for induction cooking.
- Induction cooking feels very different from cooking with gas. ...
- It can get expensive when you convert from gas to electric. ...
- You need the right cookware. ...
- It might emit a sound. ...
- You may need an analog thermometer.
Chefs love induction cooking because of the extremely fast heating and precise heat control provided through a high-performance glass-ceramic surface. Also, induction technology warms the pan and not the surface or surrounding area, so very little heat escapes into the room.
To confirm whether or not your Non Stick Pan is induction compatible, take a look at the pan's packaging or the bottom of a pan you already own. If there is an “induction compatible” symbol, which looks like a coil of wire with 4 loops, your pan is compatible with induction stovetops.
Induction Cooktops are Easy to Clean
Because heat is produced in the cookware, not on the range top itself, you can safely cover the cooking surface with a sheet of baking parchment paper before you start preparing your meal.
Our Contemporary Stainless steel cookware, Tri-Ply Stainless steel cookware manufactured after 2010, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron and Enamel Cast Iron cookware are all induction capable. Induction cook tops contain high-frequency electromagnets.
Tefal Induction Pots & Pans Set are all compatible with all hobs including Induction.
Can I use stainless steel on induction?
Stainless steel cookware works best on induction stovetops when it has a flat bottom. This ensures even heat distribution and allows the cookware to make full contact with the surface of the stovetop. Avoid using warped or rounded-bottomed pans, as they may not work well with induction stovetops.
10-Piece Cookware Set
Stainless steel bases fully encapsulate a thick aluminum core for exceptional heat distribution, are ready for use on all stovetops including glass and induction, and are oven safe to 500°F. Dishwasher safe for convenient, easy cleanup. Your order will ship within 24 business hours!
INDUCTION COOKING WITH ENAMEL COOKWARE
Induction stoves therefore heat up the enamel cookware extremely quickly. In the case of enamel (a material made of glass and iron) glass and iron expand differently when heated up. It is therefore important to not start on the highest heat so that both materials warm up evenly.
Cast iron, enameled cast iron, and many types of stainless steel cookware are all induction compatible. There are exceptions, though. For instance, All-Clad's MC2 line, which is made of aluminum and stainless steel, is not induction-compatible.
Stainless Steel – Durable and easy to clean, stainless steel pots and pans are a great choice for induction cooking, however cooking results can sometimes be uneven. Not all stainless steel is magnetic so you will want to perform the magnet test to be sure.
