Tips

How to Tell If Your Cookware Is Induction Compatible?

The shift towards induction cooking to prevent fire hazards is gaining traction. However, not all cookware is compatible with induction cooktops, so it's essential to know how to identify the right type before making a purchase to avoid any mistakes.

Administrator

9 August, 2024

Most modern luxury apartments and households have made the switch from traditional stoves to induction cooktops. This is due to the increased control induction cooktops offer over heat levels, as well as their superior safety features that help prevent fires and gas leaks.

However, a key characteristic of induction cooktops is that they rely on the principle of electromagnetic induction to function, and only cookware with ferromagnetic properties will work on them. If you’re unsure about the composition of your pots and pans, here are some tips to help you determine whether your cookware is induction-compatible:

Look for the Induction Symbol

Induction symbol on product label

Typically, if a piece of cookware is induction-compatible, the base will feature a spring-like symbol or explicitly state its ferromagnetic properties on the product label. Keep an eye out for these indicators when shopping for new cookware.

Test with a Magnet

Testing with a magnet

Carry a small magnet with you and hold it up to the base of the cookware. If there is a strong magnetic pull, the cookware is ferromagnetic and suitable for induction cooking.

Consider the Material

Opt for cookware made from stainless steel, particularly grade 430 stainless steel (as indicated on the product label), or cast iron. These materials contain iron and are therefore ferromagnetic, making them ideal for use on induction cooktops.

A small tip when choosing induction-compatible cookware: Select pots and pans with flat bases, free from ridges, to maximize the contact area between the cookware and the cooktop.

Additionally, choose cookware with a base consisting of at least three layers and a diameter that matches your induction cooktop (typically ranging from 10 to 26 cm) to optimize heat transfer and reduce cooking times.

Important Induction Cooktop Usage Tips

Important tips for using induction cooktops

Maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter between your induction cooktop and other electronic devices to prevent electromagnetic interference.

Avoid touching the area around the cooktop or its sides during cooking to prevent burns.

To prevent scratches on the cooktop surface, lift and move your cookware instead of sliding it across the surface.

Do not turn off the power immediately after cooking. Wait for about an hour before turning off the power. This is because, after cooking, the cooktop activates its cooling system to gradually lower the temperature, thus prolonging the lifespan of its internal components.

We hope this article on how to identify induction-compatible cookware has empowered you with the knowledge to make informed choices when shopping for your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

There are a few simple ways to determine if your cookware is induction compatible. Look for a symbol on the base of the cookware indicating induction compatibility, usually a coil of wire. Perform a magnet test by taking a magnet and seeing if it sticks to the base of your cookware. Or, try the water test by boiling water in the cookware and if the water boils quickly and the heat is distributed evenly, it’s likely induction compatible.

Induction cooking is a fast and efficient way of cooking that uses electricity to create a magnetic field which heats the cookware directly. The process involves an electric current running through a coil, creating a magnetic field that reacts with the iron in the base of the cookware, generating heat.

Yes, cookware made from magnetic materials such as cast iron, enameled iron, and stainless steel (with a magnetic base) are typically induction compatible. Some manufacturers also offer induction-specific cookware lines.

There could be a few reasons. Your cookware may not be induction compatible, so check for the compatibility symbol or perform the magnet test. The base of your cookware must be flat and in full contact with the cooktop. Also, ensure that the size of your cookware matches the size of the cooking zone.

No, using non-induction cookware on an induction cooktop will not work. The cookware must be made of a magnetic material for the heat transfer to occur.