What Cookware Is Suitable for Induction Cooktops?
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1. How does an induction cooktop work?
Induction hobs are a subtype of electric hobs: they are also powered by the mains, but differ in their operating principle. They are found in both conventional hobs ( tabletop or full-size) and built-in hobs.
Unlike other types, induction does not use heating elements to operate, but an electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic coils are located under the outer panel of the stove. They create a magnetic field, which leads to the formation of eddy induction currents. And they, in turn, affect the electrons in the bottom of the cookware, heating both it and the contents inside. Thus, for the full operation of the bundle, not only the electromagnetic coils are important, but also the material of the cookware with which they interact.
Induction hobs heat only the cookware, but do not heat themselves. This has several advantages. Firstly, energy efficiency and fast heating: the efficiency is about 90% due to the fact that almost all the thermal energy is directed to heating. The frying pan heats up almost instantly, and the water in the saucepan boils much faster (approximately 2 times) than on a gas burner. Accordingly, less electricity is consumed than on non-induction cookers, and this has a positive effect on utility bills.
Secondly, it is safe to cook on such a stove. The surface heats up during cooking only due to the heat from the dishes, and a few seconds after removing the frying pan or saucepan it becomes barely warm. This means that the stove will not cause a fire (except perhaps burnt food), and a small child or an adult will not get burned.
It is also easier to maintain the stove: spilled milk or boiled broth can be wiped up immediately, rather than waiting for the surface to cool down and the dirt to dry. Moreover, all electric surfaces are smooth and even, without protrusions where dirt accumulates. It is enough to wipe it with a damp sponge with or without detergent, without using special chemicals and tools. Most induction stoves are made of glass ceramics: it looks good, is easy to clean, but is fragile and is afraid of impacts.
2. What materials are suitable for an induction cooktop?
Induction cookers interact with any kind of kitchen utensils, be it a saucepan, a frying pan or a kettle. What matters to them is not what is placed on the burner, but what it is made of. That is why one frying pan will work on an induction cooker, and another will not. The main secret is simple: you need a base that transmits electromagnetic waves and has ferromagnetic properties. That is, even if the saucepan is made of an unsuitable material, but has a ferromagnetic bottom, it will interact with induction.
Now let's figure out what materials are considered suitable.
Cast iron
Cast iron is ideal for induction cooking due to its magnetic properties. However, keep in mind that cast iron can scratch fragile glass ceramics, so handle it with care.
Stainless steel
It is important to emphasize here that not all steel is suitable for this - it all depends on the composition of the alloy. Namely, stainless steel must contain ferromagnetic impurities. For example, most old models of the last century do not have ferromagnetic properties, but now manufacturers produce high-quality steel cookware for all types of hobs.
3. What materials are not suitable for induction cooktops?
Utensils with a non-magnetic bottom will not work. The following materials are not suitable for induction cookers:
- ceramics without ferromagnetic bottom;
- glass;
- copper and aluminum without ferromagnetic bottom.
Aluminum and copper themselves do not have magnetic properties, so they do not work with induction. But an insert of ferromagnetic material on the bottom solves this problem. This sandwich design is quite popular among manufacturers. Most often, this is an aluminum core with a steel bottom, but there are also copper utensils with a ferromagnetic bottom. In this case, the device has the advantages of both materials.
4. How do I know if my cookware is suitable for an induction cooktop?
There are several ways to check the compatibility of cookware with an induction hob.
The simplest of them is to check the information on the packaging or on the cookware itself about whether it has an induction bottom. Manufacturers always indicate this information in the characteristics, and also mark the goods with a special marking in the form of a spiral.
This information is often also indicated on the cookware itself - it will help if the packaging is thrown away or lost. This can be either a spiral icon, or the inscription "Induction", or both.
There are cases when there are no inscriptions on the bottom, but the cookware is actually suitable for working with an induction cooker, for example, old cast iron pans. Then you can check the compatibility yourself in a fairly simple way - attach a magnet to the bottom. If it is attracted - feel free to start cooking.
Another obvious test method is to simply turn on the oven, place a frying pan or saucepan on it, and pour some water into it. If the cookware starts to heat up, it is obviously suitable for induction.
But even if all these methods did not work and you were convinced that the existing cookware does not work on induction hobs, do not get upset and do not rush to throw away your favorite frying pans. There are special adapters on sale that ensure the compatibility of any cookware with an induction hob. They are a thin rim, often made of durable stainless steel or other metal. The adapter is placed on the burner, and the cooking container is placed on it. Thus, it acts as an adapter and transfers heat to the cookware. However, with the adapter, the cookware heats up longer than directly from the burner.
Adapters of different sizes, with and without handles, are sold on store shelves. Keep in mind that the size should match the burner. A slight deviation in size is allowed.
To sum it up, when buying an induction cooker, you shouldn't throw away your entire set of kitchenware and run to the store for a new one. Most likely, the kitchenware will be suitable for cooking - even a cast iron frying pan inherited from your grandmother. In extreme cases, it will be easier to buy an adapter.
5. Types of induction cookware and popular brands
Induction cookers do not have any "preferences" for the types of cookware, they only care about the material it is made of. Therefore, you can put anything with a ferromagnetic bottom on the cooker:
The most popular brands in the kitchenware market are:
- Tefal is a French brand that produces frying pans, saucepans, sauté pans and woks in various price segments. These are usually non-stick cookware, often with a heating indicator. The brand's ferromagnetic bottom ensures compatibility with induction.
- BergHOFF is an international manufacturer of pots, pans and baking dishes. It uses a multi-layer ferromagnetic bottom, which provides versatility and non-stick properties.
- Krauff is a German brand that produces frying pans, pots and saucepans. The products are distinguished by their modern design, durability and high-quality materials.
- Fissman is a company specializing in the production of affordable cookware with non-stick coating.
- Brizoll is a Ukrainian manufacturer offering cast iron frying pans and pots, which are, accordingly, induction-compatible. Their products are durable and have high heat capacity.
- Berlinger Haus is a Hungarian brand that produces stylish sets of pots, pans and kitchen accessories.
- KitchenAid is an American company that produces pots, pans, and baking dishes. It is distinguished by high-quality materials and stylish design.
- WMF is a German company specializing in stainless steel pots, pans, kettles, and woks. The brand's cookware is distinguished by its elegant design, durability, and even heating.
- Fissler is a well-known German manufacturer of pots, pans, stewpans and steamers. Fissler cookware has a thick bottom with magnetic properties, which makes it energy-efficient and suitable for professional use.
6. Answers to frequently asked questions
What happens if you put the wrong cookware on an induction hob?
Nothing terrible will happen, the equipment will not break, the dishes will not be damaged - if there is no interaction with the magnetic material, the burner simply will not turn on. In some cases, the stove may display an error message or signal the problem by flashing the indicator.
What happens if you put your hand on the burner?
If nothing has been cooked on the stove before, the burner will not turn on - after all, the hand and other parts of the human body are not suitable conductors for the electromagnetic field. But immediately after you remove the hot dishes, you should not touch the surface. Although the induction cooker transfers heat directly to the dishes and their contents, and not to its surface, the panel still heats up from the heat of the dishes. This is still not comparable to the open fire of gas burners, but it is still better to wait until the burner cools down after turning it off. Fortunately, it cools down very quickly - literally in a matter of seconds.
Is non-stick cookware suitable?
Yes, but only if it has a ferromagnetic bottom.
What happens if you put an empty pan on the stove?
It is better not to allow this, as it may cause smoke in the room. In addition, with prolonged heating, the dishes themselves will most likely begin to deteriorate, which, in turn, can damage the hob.
Is it important to choose cookware with a thick bottom?
The thickness of the bottom does not affect the interaction with induction, but the optimal thickness ensures uniform heating and prevents deformation. This indicator primarily affects the strength and durability of the cookware, as well as the quality of cooking.
Should the size of the cookware match the size of the burner?
Yes. Using a pan with a smaller bottom size than the hob creates a weaker magnetic field and less heat output. Of course, differences in size are acceptable, but small.
Why doesn't the stove turn on even if the cookware fits?
Check that the bottom fits snugly against the hob and that its size matches the heating zone.
Can induction cookware be used on a gas or electric stove?
Of course. Not all cookware is suitable for induction, but absolutely any cookware designed for induction surfaces is suitable for gas and electric cookers.
Is cookware with an induction bottom more expensive than regular cookware?
Lately, almost all cookware is produced with an induction bottom, so this factor usually does not affect the price, and if it does, then it is insignificant. There are enough suitable models in all price segments, including the budget one. First of all, the price depends on the brand, material and additional characteristics, such as non-stick coating and design.
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