Thinking about upgrading to a glass-ceramic induction cooktop? Show Why induction cooktops are so popularMore home chefs are going for glass-ceramic induction cooktops because they heat quickly and with great precision. Plus, there’s no wasted heat. Unlike gas or electric cooktops, the thermal energy goes directly into the pot to cook the food instead of heating the area around your stove. Induction cooktops are also easy to clean and safer to use. The coil in the induction cooktop transfers heat directly to the pan while the surface stays relatively cool. A smooth glass-ceramic induction cooktop gives any kitchen a sleek look, too. Glass-ceramic also resists scratches and is strong enough to take impacts and temperature changes without cracking, warping or breaking. Will my regular pots and pans work on an induction cooktop?For pots and pans to be compatible with an induction cooktop they must be made of a magnetic material: either iron or iron-based, such as steel. Induction heating works by exciting the iron atoms in cookware, so there needs to be enough iron in your pots and pans for the heat to happen. You can tell whether the pots and pans you’re currently using are magnetic simply by holding a magnet to the bottom of a pan to see if it sticks. You can also check the underside of your cookware for the induction logo. This is an example of induction symbol.But just because a pan is magnetic doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to use it for cooking on your new glass-ceramic induction cooktop. For example, some stainless-steel pans with too much nickel content react magnetically but may not work at all on an induction hob. Basic tips:
DO NOT use these pots and pans for induction cooktopsCookware made only from glass (including Pyrex), aluminum or copper will not work on an induction hob. However, some cookware manufacturers offer aluminum or copper pans with a magnetized base that is specifically designed for induction cooktops. Best kinds of pots and pans for induction hobsStainless steel Stainless steel pots and pans are a great choice for cooking on an induction hob, but it’s important to shop for stainless steel cookware manufactured for induction cooktops. Here’s are some of the things to consider about stainless steel:
Non-stick pans with a magnetized base The interiors of these pans are heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum with a magnetized base for the rapid-heat transfer of an induction stove. Interior surfaces can be a non-stick coating derived from stone, hard-cost anodized, or other types of coatings. Look for pans that are cadmium and lead-free, and contain no APEO and PFOA, NMP and NEP (lesser used chemicals). Cast iron Thanks to their all-iron composition, cast iron pots and pans have the magnetic quality induction hobs needs. When “seasoned” properly, they are famous for their non-stick cooking capabilities. But is cast iron the best cookware for induction cooktops? Cast iron isn’t ideal for cooking that requires fast temperature changes; it’s slow to heat and cool. Cast iron is also heavy. Enameled porcelain cast iron pots and pans also work well with induction cooktops. They have non-stick surfaces and reliable heating, as long as the coating is evenly applied. Invest in premium quality enameled pots and pans and they will last a lifetime, with proper care. Carbon steel is a lighter alternative to cast iron that heats up faster and is more responsive to temperature changes – good for cooking on an induction hob. Can any pan be used on induction cooker?While induction cooking is gentle on your pots and pans, your cookware must contain magnetic iron or steel to work on an induction cooktop.
What happens if you use a normal pan on induction?If you try to use a normal pot or pan on an induction hob, the hob ring won't turn on. This is because a pan for an induction hob must be made from ferrous metal, or have a ferrous metal base. This completes the circuit of the hob, switches the hob ring on and allows the pan to heat up.
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