Confessions: How I Got Addicted to Induction Pans

When you think of Induction Pans, think about ferrous materials like iron, as iron is magnetic, and magnetic equals Induction. If your cookware is magnetic, it will work with an induction range, however, not all pans are Induction ready, and sometimes the only way to tell is by doing the magnet test, as induction stoves work with alternating currents. Yes, I know that it sounds like sorcery, but you wouldn’t believe the height of sorcery that induction cookware will take you to. Here are the much needed answers about this devilish rascal.

What Are The Best Induction Pans to Buy?

When looking for the best induction pan, think magnetic materials like cast iron or enamel cast iron cookware. When it comes to stainless steel pans, some may work with induction and some may not, as not all are induction ready. The only way to know this would be by doing the magnet test. For an induction range, you will need a specific type of cookware, because although induction ranges are technically a form of electricity, it directly heats the pan by using magnetism instead of a stove top coil. These pans are usually induction ready.

What Is The Best Non-Stick Induction Pan To Buy?

When considering which non-stick pan would be the best to buy, the same rules for all induction cookware would apply. Any non-stick pan that is made from ferrous metals will do the trick, and the non-stick quality that you wish to buy would rely entirely on your budget, however, the non-stick quality is not the issue for induction cookware to perform at its best. Magnetism is key to any useful induction cookware, as induction stoves react to the magnetic fields from the cookware. So as long as the non-stick pan that you buy passes the magnetic test, I think you’re good to go.

What Is Different About Induction Pans?

Comparing induction pans to normal pans, and knowing which one is more suitable for induction cooking can be a bit tricky, but if you remember these few simple tips then you would not have any problem. Inductions pans differ from normal pans as in order for them to be induction ready, they have to be magnetic. Non-magnetic pans will not work with induction stoves as the magnetic field that is required is not present. Because of magnetism, induction stoves heat the pan up very quick and easily without much thermal loss, which makes it very efficient in the cookware category.

What Happens If You Use A Normal Pan On An Induction Hob?

If you use a normal pan on an induction hob, the chances are that it might or might not work, because again, it all depends on the materials it is made from, which will determine whether or not it is induction ready. If you look at materials like copper or ceramic, although they make quite impressive cookware, they are non-reactive to magnets. This makes them useless on an induction hob as there is no magnetic field present for the induction hob to react to. Simply put, induction hobs are attracted to magnets, so metals like cast iron or stainless steel will create the necessary reaction.

What to Look For In a Frying Pan for an Induction Hob?

Most modern frying pans have an induction ready stamp underneath, making it easy for you to make the right purchase for your induction hob, however, if that’s not the case then a quick magnet test will give you the answer. With all the fuss surrounding induction hobs, induction cooking is gaining in popularity throughout the world, as it uses the power of magnets for quick boiling, has a lot of heat control over delicate foods, and has a cool to the touch safe stove top. These features are advantages to both home cooks and chefs, as it reduces the heat circulation in any kitchen, providing a more comfortable environment to cook in. All you need to do is to make sure that your frying pan is magnetic, as it will be a perfect fit with an induction hob. That definitely sounds like a winner to me.

What Are the Disadvantages Of Using Induction Pans?

Unfortunately Induction stoves need induction ready pans, which means that the pan has to be magnetic otherwise it won’t work. Sometimes being clueless about the sorcery surrounding that old cast iron skillet that your grandmother left to you, can be a disadvantage, however, it’s nothing that a little fridge magnet can’t solve.

How Long Do Induction Pans Last?

How long an induction pan will last will entirely depend on how often and how long you use it for. If it is generally for an hour or two a day, then I would say that your induction pan should carry you for a good many years. Although the lifespan of induction cookware is measured by hours used, and not by years, it is safe to estimate that the daily use of a couple of hours should preserve the pan for a good few years, as the hourly lifespan is clocking 10 000.

Can I Use an Induction Pan on an Electric stove?

Yes, electric stoves are a bit more flexible than the competitive induction cookers and are built to accommodate almost all cookware. There are no specifics as to the type of cookware that electric stoves will accommodate because it is usually inviting to all. Induction ready pans are no exception.

Can I Use an Induction Pan on a Gas Stove?

Just like the other front runner in this race, gas stoves are as flexible as electric stoves when it comes to cookware, and induction cookware is always a welcome pan at the party. With an equal amount of flexibility in accommodating all types of cookware, gas stoves are very accommodating to induction cookware, ensuring an even, all round blaze.

Can I Use My Induction Pan on a Glass Top Stove?

Glass top stoves which are normal electric stoves with a glass top, rather than a coil top, is the stunning mascot in this race, and just like her counterparts, she has the potential to accommodate all types of cookware, induction pans included. Although there are no specifics as to the types of pans that can be used, a little consideration as to the weight of such pan should be given, as this petite front runner has the potential to crack.

Can I Use My Induction Pan In The Oven?

If you take into consideration, whether or not a pan is oven proof, and that all of the necessary precautions are taken, then it is safe to say that induction pans are safe to use in the oven. Make sure to double check that there are no plastic tops attached to your cookware. Although some pans are oven safe even with the plastic handles and lids, there are a few that are not. A little extra caution wouldn’t hurt.

What Are Induction Pans Made Of?

Although most cookware is made for induction cooking, there are a few pots and pans out there that are not compatible. Knowing that induction cooking uses magnetism, choosing suitable cookware that is induction ready is simple. Induction ready cookware is magnetic because they are made from ferrous metals which consist of cast iron, steel or wrought iron. These metals are compatible with the magnetic fields required for induction cooking.

Are Induction Pans Healthy To Cook with?

You might be surprised to know that although induction cooking is flame free, and works with electromagnetic fields, and although it may sound like sorcery, it’s actually quite a safe and healthy way of cooking. The induction pans that it calls for are pans that our grandmothers used, and grandmas pans are probably laying in the cupboard, unknowing to us about the magnetic fields that it is built to tread.