How to Tell If Cookware Is Induction Ready
People that are considering to purchase a new induction cooktop or stove might have concerns about the compatibility of their existing cookware. Induction cooktops are notoriously known for being compatible with a special type of cookware, after all. These cookware sets specifically made to suit Induction cooktops are termed ‘Induction ready.’
Induction-ready cookware is widely available, affordable, and simple to identify and test. Induction cookware is advised to be exclusively used with an induction cooktop. Unlike gas or electric stoves, not all pans and pots seem to work well with an induction stove or range. Fortunately, it’s fairly simple to discover if your cookware is induction-ready.
Induction cooking has numerous benefits over typical cooking on a gas or electric burners. And it’s for this reason that it’s becoming increasingly popular around the world. Coming to the concern at hand, a common question you may notice people asking is, “how to tell if cookware is induction ready?” There are a few ways to figure out if you are buying the proper cookware or if some of your existing pieces will work on an induction range. In addition, there are ways you can use non-induction cookware on induction cooktops, too. However, we recommend you own a non-stick induction compatible cookware set to ensure long life of your induction cooktop.
This article explains what qualifies a pan for induction cooking and how to tell if your cookware is induction compatible.
What Is Induction Cooking?
Induction cooking is a relatively new cooking method that utilizes the principles of electromagnetism. A magnetic current is created throughout the cooking pan by passing an electric current through a coiled copper wire beneath the cooking surface.
Since the induction cooktop does not have an external heat source, the heat transferred from the pan will solely warm the element in use. This technology is particularly efficient since the cooking surface heats cookware with electromagnetic, allowing for fine control and a quick rise or fall in temperature.
This temperature control usually results in speedier heating, particularly during time-consuming activities like boiling water. It offers numerous safety benefits, such as preventing individuals from burning themselves on top of the elements before they have had a chance to cool down. The cookware on an induction cooker, on the other hand, rarely gets hot.
Are All Cookware Compatible with an Induction Cooktop?
Not all types of cookware can be used on induction cooktops and stoves. Since induction cooking relies on the strength of magnetism, the cookware must be induction-ready. Induction cookware includes cast iron, enameled cast iron, and various stainless steel cookware that are magnetic. The most perplexing material, however, is stainless steel, which may be manufactured from a wide range of metals: a high nickel content will block the magnetic field. Aluminium and copper pans are a clear exclusion
Further, it is pointless to use a pan that won’t sit within the induction line of the stove. Remember, the only way an induction cookware works is when it sits in direct contact of the electromagnetic coils beneath the cooktop surface.
What Does Induction Ready Mean For Cookware?
Induction ready, essentially means that a utensil can be efficiently used on an Induction cooktop. Instead of direct heat, an induction cooktop heats through electromagnetism. Hence the cookware must have magnetic properties. This means that an induction cooktop will not function with non-magnetic cookware. Another need for induction-ready cookware is to have a flat base. So even if you have a magnetic pan with a serrated bottom, it is not induction ready. It is because only a flat surface of cookware can allow magnetic field conduction.
Cookware made of aluminum, copper, or glass with no magnetic layer on the bottom are not induction compatible. Many manufacturers have begun to coat the bottoms of such cookware with magnetic film. Still, older non-magnetic pans are least likely to be induction-ready.
How To Tell If Cookware Is Induction Ready?
1. Using Magnets
You can be reasonably certain that your cookware is induction-ready if it has a flat surface and attracts a magnet. Any magnet will suffice (even a simple refrigerator magnet would work). A simple way to find out if your pot or pan is induction ready is to stick a magnet to the bottom of the cookware.
The cookware will function on an induction cooktop if the magnet sticks to the underside. If the magnetic attraction is not as strong, it may not work well on your stove. If the magnet has no pull, it is missing the necessary metals and will not be properly heated on an induction cooktop.
2. Try Boiling Water In It
If you don’t have a magnet, here’s another reliable way to see if your cookware is induction-ready.
Put some water in the pan or cookware you want to test. Place or stove it on the induction cooktop.
Make sure that the pan is within the induction markings. Your cookware is induction ready if the temperature of water in the pan rises.
3. Look for the ‘Induction Ready’ Mark
Most cookware made of non-compatible materials are likely to have an induction-ready bottom. Manufacturers, on the other hand, are guaranteeing that newer generations of cookware are induction-ready. Check the label or the bottom of the pan to see if the cookware you are about to purchase is induction-ready.
A spiral or coil spring sign for induction cookware is sometimes stamped on the bottom of the pan or printed on the outer package. The words “induction compatible” are sometimes stamped on the bottom of the pan as well.
Final Words
Induction cooking is an excellent alternative to traditional stoves in general, and it’s growing increasingly popular as time goes on. It can provide consumers with various advantages that standard cooking appliances cannot, such as energy efficiency and uncompromised safety. If you’re yet to get your hands on one, just because you already have a gas or electric coil cooktop installed, a smaller dual induction burner might be the way to go.
The simplest way to tell if your cookware is induction-ready is to use a magnet. Keep an eye out for information on the pan’s base, declaring that it is induction-suitable while searching for cookware to use on your induction burner. You can check the pan yourself if you carry a magnet in your purse.
