Loved by industry cooking professionals, induction cooking has been rapidly growing in popularity over the past decade. If you’re interested in making the transition to an induction cooktop or recently made the move, you need to make sure you have the right kind of cookware. In this blog, we take a closer look at the best pots and pans for induction cooking.
The Best Pots and Pans for Induction Cooking: Induction Ready Cookware
So why does your induction cooktop or range need a specific kind of cookware? When turned on, induction cooktops produce an invisible magnetic field that will penetrate the metal of the cookware when it is within the heating zone. The magnetic field creates an electrical current inside of the pan, which is how the heat is produced.
In other words, the union between the induction cooktop’s magnetic field and the cookware is what creates heat. Without the correct pan, no heat is produced.
And while it might be a little overwhelming to replace all of your cookware, induction ready pans are a great investment. They will last you for years and can be used on a gas cooktop or range too!
- Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel can be a challenge to cook with since thin stainless steel pans heat up very quickly, making it harder to control what you’re cooking. When selecting stainless steel cookware, ensure you choose thick bottom, heavy pans. Thick bottom, heavy stainless steel pans are perfect for induction cooking since induction cooktops and ranges heat faster and more accurately.
- Nonstick Aluminum
If you have already tried, you know that the aluminum cookware you already have will not work on your induction cooktop. It will not work because it isn’t magnetically reactive. While we can’t save your old aluminum cookware, we can introduce you to some great replacements! Induction compatible nonstick pans are perfect for cooking eggs and other breakfasts foods that you don’t want to stick.
- Cast Iron
If you already have cast iron cookware, then you’re all set. Cast iron is magnetically reactive and is a strong candidate for the most essential cooking tool in your kitchen. If you don’t have one already, the investment is well worth it. Relatively low in cost, the only thing you have to really worry about is properly taking care of it. (Remember to never use water to clean your cast iron. Use coarse salt and a paper towel to wipe clean.)
- Stone
We saved the best for last! Stone cookware is the crowning champion when it comes to induction cooking. Not only do they have excellent durability, but they’re also super easy to clean and handle. There are also 100% PFOA-free, making them environmentally safe to use for the whole family.
