What cookware to use on induction cooktop?

Whether you already own an induction cooktop or you’re wondering if it’s right for you, what you cook with is as important as how you cook it. The good news is, there’s a good chance you don’t even need to buy special induction cookware.

Many of the pots and pans you already own are just waiting to get the call. So, how do you know what cookware to use on induction cooktop? Let’s find out in today’s post on Frigidaire Arabia.

How to tell if cookware is induction compatible?

We can find out whether a pot or pan is induction-ready with the induction magnet test.

Induction cooktops use copper coils to generate heat from electric currents directly to your cookware. In order for the induction cooktop to work, pots and pans need to have a magnetic and flat bottom. Follow these 3 simple steps:

• Grab a pot.
• Hold a magnet to the bottom surface.
• Does it stick firmly? You’ve got induction cookware.

How induction cooker works?

Below each cooking zone on an induction cooktop is a copper coil. When a cooking zone is turned on, the electricity turns the copper coil into a type of magnet that heats the cookware directly.

With Auto Sizing™ pan detection, induction places heat right where you need it by automatically adjusting to the size of your cookware. The surface stays cooler, and you can start cleaning just minutes after you’re done cooking.

Stainless steel, cast iron & porcelain enamel: Are they induction compatible?

Passing the magnet test is an easy indicator that you have induction-ready cookware, but you may be worried about damaging your cooktop or pots and pans. While induction cooking is gentle on your pots and pans, your cookware must contain magnetic iron or steel to work on an induction cooktop.

Follow our guide below for the most common compatible materials:

Can I use stainless steel pans on an induction hob?

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.

Is cast iron induction compatible?

Cast iron is a slow heat conductor that retains heat very well, allowing for even cooking once the cooking temperature is reached. However, avoid cast iron pots and pans with a rough surface to prevent your cooktop from being scratched.

How about porcelain enamel?

Strong and durable, porcelain enamel cookware will work on an induction cooktop as long as the base material of the cookware is magnetic metal. This cookware is made up of metal that's coated with a type of glass called porcelain enamel, so the heating characteristics will vary depending on the base material. Be sure to use the magnet test to check that they're induction compatible.

TIP: Before using your induction cooktop for ­­the first time, apply a ceramic cooktop cleaning cream to the surface to protect it from scratches and make it even easier to clean in the future.

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How to use non induction cookware on induction cooktop?

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.

Yet the use of induction converter disk does not come without certain drawbacks. some downsides to using a disk, including possible damage to your induction stove’s surface and longer heating time.

How to choose the best cookware to use on induction cooktop?

The best induction cookware is most likely the cookware you already own! Beyond the necessity of ensuring any new cookware is induction-ready, consider these tips when looking for what pans to use on your induction hob:

• Choose wide, flat bottoms to easily distribute the heat because induction heats the pot and not the cooktop surface. Check for flatness by rotating a ruler across the bottom of the cookware.

• Induction cooking can involve some vibration which is perfectly normal. Heavier, sturdier lids can be quieter and stay on better at high power than lighter ones.

• To manage any vibration, well-attached, durable handles can reduce the risk of noise at higher power.

For the best cooking results, use high-quality heavy gauge cookware on the induction cooking zones.

Extra tips on how to cook with induction power levels

Cooking with induction power levels is slightly different than cooking with Hi-Med-Lo settings, but we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick induction cheat sheet to help you choose the right power levels for some breakfast, lunch and dinner basics.

It’s never been easier to get all the great benefits of induction cooking and using the proper cookware is the first step. The time you save with faster heating and consistent temperatures is just the beginning of how induction can revolutionize the way you cook.

In case you are looking for a new induction hobs, check out our Stove & Hob Buying guide to choose the right appliance for your kitchen or browse our high-quality Frigidaire induction cooktops below: