Compared to conventional gas or electric cooking, induction cooking is quite different. Only a few of the range of pans and pots will work on an induction burner or cooktop. This is of course, because of the way induction works. So, one of the main things that people worry about when purchasing cookware is if the cookware they are offered is induction compatible. In our guide about how to tell if cookware is induction ready we have some info about the issue of many cookware buyers. Keep on reading to find out.
Namely, there are a number of things you can do to make sure that the cookware you are purchasing is induction compatible. Of course, the same goes if you want to try if the cookware you already have can work on an induction cooktop.
Another amazing thing you will learn here is that there is a way you can make non-compatible pots and pans to work on your induction stove.
However, first things first.
How does induction-compatible cookware work
It is quite simple in fact, induction cooking works by making a magnetic field between the cookware and the magnetic coils under the cooking surface. This, of course, creates energy in the electromagnetic field which serves by heating the contents of the pot. Simple, right?
Benefits of induction cooking
Here are the main reasons why home-cooks choose induction cooking
- It is energy efficient
- It allows even-heating
- It is safer because the cooking surface stays cool
- The cooktop is more responsive
- The cooktop is more responsive to changes in the temperature control
Which cookware works on induction cooktops
If you want to get cookware which performs on induction cooktops, you should make sure of one thing. Namely, your cookware should have ferromagnetic materials. This means that it should have a layer with magnetic properties or it should contain iron.
There are few types of cookware that would work with induction. Amongst them are enamel cast iron, cast iron and a lot of stainless steel cookware. They are all induction compatible. However, there can be exceptions which are why we recommend asking your seller or checking with the manufacturer.
It can confuse you why sometimes stainless steel doesn’t work. This is because it can be made with a large variety of materials. However, it will depend on how much nickel it has. This is because nickel has the ability to block the magnetic field.
Which types of cookware aren’t induction compatible
Among the cookware which cannot be used on induction cooktops are aluminum, glass or all-copper cookware. Of course, this is if they don’t have a layer with magnetic properties on the bottom. You can find this type in newer versions because it is becoming a trend for manufacturers nowadays.
How to tell if cookware is induction ready
If you have cookware at home but you don’t know if it is induction ready, there is a trick to finding out. Namely, you should hold a magnet to the bottom. If it clings to the bottom, your pan or pot will work on an induction cooktop. However, if the magnet just grabs the pan softly, it won’t.
Additionally, if there is no pull on the magnet it means that your pan doesn’t have the right metals and will not generate heat.
If you don’t know where to find a magnet, take a look at your fridge – those magnets work perfectly. You can even take one and bring it with you when you are buying cookware. It might come in very handy.