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Step 1
Bring a magnet with you when you go shopping. Induction cooking works with magnetic energy so if the bottom of the pot or pan doesn't stick to a magnet, it is not going to work. No guess work there!
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Step 2
Stainless steel and cast iron are very good choices when looking for pots and pans that will work with induction cooking. Some brands will mark on their packaging that they work with induction cooking while others will not label their products for induction cooking.
This is where it gets confusing. Not all stainless steel cooking products are created equal. That means that some stainless steel actually has quite a bit of aluminum or other alloy mixed in and you will not get the best magnetic energy from that product. While it may work with your induction cooktop, there is a chance it may not work very well.
This is one of those times where a magnet might help you if you can't be sure of what you are buying. -
Step 3
Other pots that are not stainless steel or cast iron will work if there is a stainless steel or iron plate on the bottom.
For example, I have copper bottom pots and pans that are actually layered with a thick layer of stainless steel on the bottom. Really good cooks love to cook with copper so you don't have to toss your copper pots if you love induction cooking! -
Step 4
When in doubt, make sure you get a receipt when you buy your new induction cooking pots and pans just in case it doesn't work for some reason.
