What Kind of Pans to Use for an Induction Cooktop?
Induction cooktops use technology that, rather than producing heat on the stovetop, transfers energy into the pot or pan itself and heats the pot. However, not all pots and pans will work on an induction cooktop. If you are considering switching to induction or already have, ensure that you have pots and pans that will work on your stove. Does this Spark an idea?
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Materials
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Pans used on induction cooktops must be made of material that attracts magnets. This is because induction works through electromagnetism, so the pan must attract magnetic charges. The easiest way to find out whether a pan you already have will work is to try to stick a magnet, like the kind you have on your refrigerator, to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet holds tightly, the pan will work. Cast iron pots and pans work on induction. Many, but not all, types of stainless steel or clad cookware will also work.
Flat-Bottomed
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The pots and pans used on induction cooktops must have flat bottoms so the electromagnetism can transfer into the pot. Pots or pans with ridges on the bottom will not work very well on induction because the cookware does not have solid contact with the cooktop.
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Manufacturer Recommended
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When manufacturers design pots and pans that work especially well on an induction cooktop, they are likely to mention this in the product description. Read the information with the product and look for a statement such as "induction-ready" or "induction compatible" to indicate that they will work. If the description does not mention whether the pan works on induction and it is not made of cast iron, do not assume it will work.
Advantages
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Although buying the right pots and pans for your induction cooktop seems like a hassle, induction has a number of benefits as well. One major advantage of induction is that the stovetop itself does not get hot at all. This means that you lose less heat to the environment, which both saves energy and keeps you from heating your house excessively during the summer. In addition, you or your children are less likely to suffer burns in the kitchen from touching the cooktop, and it is easier to clean because it does not cook food spilled onto it.
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