Induction Cookware Guide: Professional Chef Top Picks

Are you thinking about getting an induction cooktop, or do you already have one? This induction cookware guide will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the right pots and pans! I’ll cover how induction cooking works and how to tell if your current cookware is compatible. I’ll also share some favorite induction cookware picks from professional chefs. We will go over all you need to know about your induction stove and why the right cookware is crucial. Now let me take you through this induction cookware guide.

Key Takeaways

Magnet Test: Use a magnet to check if your cookware is induction-compatible. If it sticks firmly, it works!
Induction Symbol: Look for the coil symbol on cookware packaging or the bottom of pots and pans.
Right Materials: Stainless steel (some), cast iron, and enameled cast iron are generally good.
Avoid: Pure aluminum, copper, and glass usually won’t work without an adapter.
Chef’s Picks: Prioritize even heating, durability, and comfortable handles.
Use the correct cookware for different cooking methods.
Start with the cookware for beginners.

Table of Contents

What is Induction Cooking and Why Does Cookware Matter?

Induction cooking is a super cool way to cook! It’s different from gas or regular electric stoves. Instead of heating the burner, induction cooktops use magnets to heat the pot or pan directly. This means you need special cookware for it to work. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the fundamental science of how the induction burner functions. This induction technology relies on a very specific interaction. For more information on different types of cookware materials see our article material for cookware.

How Do Induction Cooktops Work? (Induction Cooking Works)

Imagine a powerful magnet hidden under the glass cooktop surface of your induction cooktop. This magnet creates a special kind of energy field called an electromagnetic field. When you put a pan made of the right cookware material (like iron) on the cooktop. This field makes tiny particles inside the cookware move around really fast. All that movement creates heat! This is how the pan heats up, not the cooktop itself.

The technical term for this is ‘ferromagnetic’ interaction. Materials that are ferromagnetic are strongly attracted to magnets. This is different from how materials like those used in ceramic knives vs steel knives interact, as ceramic is non-magnetic.. This process is far more efficient than traditional cooking methods. It’s kind of like magic, but it’s actually science!

Benefits of Induction Cooking

Induction cooking has some awesome advantages, making it a popular choice for both home cooks and professional chefs:

Super Speedy: It heats up much faster than gas or electric. You can boil water in a flash – a significantly reduced cooking time! Some tests have shown induction burners boiling water up to 50% faster than gas stovetops.
Energy Saver: It’s more energy-efficient because the heat goes straight into the pan. Less energy is wasted heating the air around it. This also means your kitchen stays cooler.
Safer: The cooktop surface itself doesn’t get as hot as a radiant electric stove. It is a significant safety advantage, especially when considering knife safety for children in the kitchen. A cooler cooktop reduces the risk of burns.. It also cools down quickly after you remove the pan, reducing the risk of accidental burns. This makes it a great option for families with young children.
Precise Control: Induction cooktops allow you to accurately control the heat, which gives your food a more even temperature. This is crucial for delicate sauces or achieving the perfect sear on a steak. This responsiveness is often compared to gas stoves, but without the open flame.
Easy to Clean: The Smooth glass surface makes cleaning a breeze.

Why Regular Cookware Doesn’t Always Work (Non-Compatible Cookware)

Here’s the key: the electromagnetic field needs a magnetic material to work with. If your pot or pan isn’t magnetic (non-magnetic cookware), the field can’t “grab” onto it and create the heat. That’s why not all cookware (conventional cookware) works on induction cooktops. It must be induction-compatible cookware.

Trying to use wrong induction cookware simply won’t work. It can sometimes even cause error messages on your induction stovetop. It’s like trying to use a gasoline engine with diesel fuel. They are simply not designed to work together.

How to Check if Your Cookware is Induction-Compatible (Compatible Cookware Range)

There are a few easy ways to find out if your pots and pans are ready cookware for induction cooking. Knowing these tests will save you time and frustration when choosing your new cookware.

The Magnet Test: A Simple DIY Check (Induction Compatibility)

This is the easiest test! Grab a refrigerator magnet – any magnet will do. Hold the magnet to the bottom of your pot or pan.

If the magnet sticks firmly and strongly: Your cookware is induction-compatible! This means it contains enough ferromagnetic material to interact with the induction burner.
If the magnet doesn’t stick, or only sticks weakly: Your cookware will not work (non-compatible cookware) on an induction cooktop. This indicates that the pan does not have the necessary magnetic properties.

Understanding the Induction Cookware Symbol (Common Cookware Symbols)

Many manufacturers now include a special symbol on cookware that’s made for induction. This symbol, sometimes called the induction logo, usually looks like a coil of wire or a series of loops (often four loops).

(Visual Example: Here, you would insert an image of the induction cookware symbol.)

You can usually find this symbol on the bottom of the pot or pan, or sometimes on the packaging. Checking for this symbol is a quick and easy way to ensure you’re choosing the right cookware. Some manufacturers might also print the word “Induction” directly on the bottom of the pan.

Materials That Work (Induction-Friendly Pieces)

These materials are generally good for induction cooking, providing excellent induction compatibility:

Stainless Steel: Many stainless steel pans are induction-compatible, but not all. The key is whether the stainless steel has a magnetic layer (often a layer of ferritic stainless steel). Always do the magnet test! Tri-ply clad cookware, often sandwiches a layer of aluminum between layers of stainless steel. It is usually a good bet, as long as the outer layer is magnetic.
Cast Iron: Cast iron cookware, including iron skillets and dutch ovens, is naturally magnetic, so it works great. This includes both uncoated cast iron and enameled cast iron.
Enameled Cast Iron: This is cast iron with a smooth, glassy coating (usually porcelain enamel). It’s also induction-friendly.
Some Carbon Steel: Carbon steel skillet is similar to cast iron and is usually induction-compatible. This includes carbon steel woks and frying pans.
Stainless steel with an induction bottom

Materials to Avoid (Non-Ferromagnetic Cookware)

These materials will not work on an induction cooktop because they are non-ferromagnetic cookware:

Pure Aluminum: Aluminum cookware is not magnetic. Unless it has a special magnetic base specifically designed for induction.
Copper: Copper is also not magnetic, unless it has a similar magnetic base. Check out our guide, copper cookware benefits, for the many advantages of copper.
Glass: Glass cookware is not magnetic.
Non-Magnetic Ceramics: Some ceramic cookware is not magnetic. Although some manufacturers are now producing ceramic cookware with induction-compatible bases.
Non-induction skillet

Professional Chefs’ Favorite Induction Cookware Picks (Professional Cookware)

Chefs love induction cooking for its speed, precision, and energy efficiency. It’s becoming increasingly common to see induction stoves in professional kitchens. Here’s what they look for in top-quality induction-friendly cookware. Also here are some specific cookware recommendations. For more insight into what cookware chefs use see our guide to best cookware for professional chefs.

Top Features Chefs Look For

Even Heating: Good cookware distributes heat evenly across the bottom and sides of the pan. This prevents hot spots and ensures food cooks uniformly. This is crucial for everything from pan frying to delicate sauce making. Heavy gauge cookware often provides better heat distribution.
Durability: Chefs need cookware that can withstand heavy use and high temperatures, day in and day out. This means choosing cookware made from robust materials and with solid construction.
Handle Design: Comfortable, stay-cool handles are essential. Also the ergonomics of knife handles are equally important for safe and efficient food preparation. Both cookware and knife handles should focus on comfort and control. Handles should also be securely attached, often with rivets rather than screws.
Weight: A good balance between sturdiness and manageability is important. A pan that’s too heavy can be difficult to maneuver, while one that’s too light may not heat evenly.
Oven-safe: Oven safe cookware is essential.

Best Stainless Steel Induction Cookware (Stainless Induction Cookware)

All-Clad: All-Clad is a premium brand known for its high-quality, multi-clad stainless steel pans. It’s a favorite among professional chefs and serious home cooks. All-Clad’s tri-ply clad cookware is particularly well-regarded for its even heating and durability.
Made In: Made In is a newer brand that offers professional-quality cookware at a more affordable price. Their stainless steel cookware sets are often praised for their performance and value.
Dalstrong: This brand of cookware can be found on the Food52 shop.

Best Cast Iron for Induction (Cast Iron Cookware)

Lodge: Lodge is a classic American brand that makes durable and affordable cast iron cookware. Their Lodge Chef Collection offers slightly more refined designs while maintaining the excellent heat retention of cast iron.
Le Creuset: Le Creuset is a French brand known for its colorful enameled cast iron cookware. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s beautiful and performs well, offering excellent heat distribution and retention. Their dutch ovens are particularly iconic.

High-Performance Hybrids (HexClad Cookware)

Demeyere: Demeyere makes high-end cookware that often combines multiple materials for optimal performance. Their induction-ready cookware often features multiple layers of stainless steel and aluminum for exceptional heat conductivity and responsiveness.
HexClad: HexClad Known for their unique hybrid cookware, combining the durability of stainless steel with the nonstick properties of a special coating.

Budget-Friendly Induction-Friendly Cookware

Tramontina: Tramontina offers a range of affordable cookware, including some induction-compatible options. Their tri-ply clad stainless steel cookware is a good value for the price.
Cuisinart: Cuisinart is another popular brand with budget-friendly choices. It includes induction cookware sets and individual pieces.
T-fal: Known for its nonstick cookware.

Non-Compatible Induction Cookware: What to Avoid (Wrong Induction Cookware)

It’s important to choose cookware carefully. This will get the best results from your induction cooktop and to avoid potential problems.

Common Mistakes

Assuming all stainless steel works: As mentioned earlier, not all stainless steel is magnetic. Always do the magnet test! Even some stainless steel pans marketed as “high-quality” may not be induction-compatible.
Using thin pans: Thin pans can warp or heat unevenly on an induction cooktop. Look for cookware with a thick, sturdy base (heavy gauge cookware) for better heat distribution and durability.
Using damaged cookware: Pans with warped or damaged bottoms may not make full contact with the cooktop surface. It leads to inefficient heating and potential damage to the cooktop.

Can You Use Non-Induction Cookware on Induction Stovetops? (Non-Induction Pans)

There’s a workaround! You can use a special adapter called an induction interface disk (also known as an induction disc). This is a flat, magnetic disc that you place between your cooktop and your non-induction pan. The disc heats up and then transfers the heat to your cookware.

But, keep in mind that using an interface disk can reduce the efficiency and responsiveness of induction cooking. It’s generally better to use cookware that’s directly compatible (induction-compatible cookware). The disk can also get extremely hot, so handle it with care. It also adds an extra step to the cooking progress.

Induction Cookware Maintenance Tips from the Pros

Taking good care of your induction cookware will help it last longer, perform at its best, and maintain its appearance.

Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts

Do: Wash your cookware with warm, soapy water (add soap) and a soft sponge or cloth. For most everyday cleaning, this is all you need.
Don’t: Use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Like how you should avoid harsh abrasives when cleaning wood boards vs plastic. Gentle cleaning is key to maintaining the surface of both cookware and cutting boards.
For tough stains or baked-on messes: Make a paste of baking soda and water, and gently scrub. You can also try simmering water with a little dish soap in the pan to loosen stuck-on food.
Dishwasher Safe?: While many brands say they are dishwasher safe, hand-washing is recommended.

Preventing Warping and Damage

Use low-to-medium heat: Induction cooktops heat up very quickly. Start with a lower heat setting and gradually increase it as needed. This is especially important when pan frying or using high heat for searing. This will help prevent your food from burning.
Avoid sudden temperature changes. Much like the advice given in how to care for carbon steel knives, sudden temperature changes can cause damage. Allow the pan to cool down gradually before washing.
Use the right size burner: Match the size of the pan to the size of the induction burner for optimal heating and efficiency.

Storing Induction Cookware

Stacking precautions: If you stack your pots and pans. Place a soft cloth, pan protector, or even paper towels between them to prevent scratches, especially if you have nonstick cookware.
Avoid hanging heavy pans: Hanging pans can be a convenient storage solution. But be careful with heavy cast iron cookware, as it could potentially damage your wall or rack.

Frequently Asked Questions About Induction Cookware

Let’s answer some common questions about compatible induction cookware.

“Can I Use My Existing Cookware on an Induction Stove?”

The best way to know for sure is to do the magnet test! If a magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of your pot or pan, it’s good to go (induction-ready cookware). If not, it’s non-compatible cookware.

“What Does the Induction Symbol Look Like?”

It usually looks like a coil of wire or a series of loops. You’ll find it on the bottom of the cookware or on the packaging. This is a reliable indicator of induction compatibility.

“Is Induction Cookware More Expensive?”

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be! There are great options available at all price points. You can find budget-friendly choices as well as high-end splurges (great cookware investment). The price often depends on the materials, construction, and brand.

“Do Chefs Prefer Induction Over Gas or Electric?”

Many chefs appreciate the speed, precision, and energy efficiency of induction cooking. It’s becoming popular in professional kitchens, and many home cooks are also making the switch. Gas stovetops have long been the standard in professional kitchens. Induction is gaining ground due to its superior performance in many areas.

“What is Tri-Ply Clad Cookware?”

Tri-ply clad cookware is a type of cookware construction that features three layers of metal bonded together. Usually the layer is aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel.

“Can I Use a Wok on an Induction Cooktop?”

Yes, but you’ll need a special induction wok. These woks have a flat bottom to make contact with the induction cooktop, unlike traditional round-bottom woks.

“What about Stainless Steel Skillets?”

Stainless steel skillets can be a fantastic option for an induction cooktop if, and only if, the stainless steel skillet has a magnetic base.

Considering Other Cookware Types

“While this guide focuses on induction, it’s helpful to understand the broader world of cookware. You might be interested in learning about the pros and cons of stainless steel cookware or delving into the specifics of cast iron cookware. Knowing the characteristics of different materials will help you make informed choices for all your cooking needs

Final Tips for Building Your Induction Cookware Collection

Here’s how to get started with induction cookware:

Start with essentials: A good frying pan (or stainless steel skillet), a saucepan, and a dutch oven are great starting points. These pieces will cover most of your basic cooking needs.
Focus on versatility: Look for cookware that can go from stovetop to oven (oven-safe up to a certain oven temperature). Lids that fit many pots are also helpful.
Mix high-end splurges with affordable staples: You might want to invest in a high-quality saute pan or frying pan that you’ll use often. But you can save money on other pieces, like a saucepan for boiling water or making sauce.
Consider a cookware set: Cookware sets can be a cost-effective way to get many pieces of induction-compatible cookware. But make sure the set includes the pieces you’ll actually use. A 12-piece cookware set might seem like a great deal, but if you only use half the pieces, it’s not a good value. Avoid anti-cookware sets if they contain pieces you won’t use.
Read the manufacturer’s care instructions

Where to Buy Induction-Friendly Cookware

You can find induction-friendly cookware at many retailers:

Amazon: Amazon offers a wide selection of cookware from various brands, making it easy to compare prices and read reviews. You can often find good deals on cookware sets and individual pieces.
Williams Sonoma: Williams Sonoma is a good place to find high-end cookware. They include premium brands like All-Clad and Le Creuset.
Restaurant supply stores: You can also find other professional kitchen tools such as a Japanese chef knife. They may not have the same brand-name recognition as some retail stores, but they often offer excellent value.
Food52 Shop Check out thier selection of cookware
Direct from Manufacturers: Many cookware brands sell directly to consumers through their websites. This can be a good way to find specific models or get more information about the cookware.

Expanding Your Kitchen Arsenal

Once you’ve mastered induction cooking, you might be interested in expanding your kitchen tools. Consider exploring the world of specialty knives such as sushi knives. You can also learn about the different types of cutting boards to complement your new cookware.

Conclusion

When shopping online, look for the words “induction-compatible” or “induction-ready” in the product description. You can also use filters to narrow your search to induction cookware. Also, be sure to read customer reviews to get an idea of how the cookware performs in real-world use. Pay attention to reviews that specifically mention induction cooking. This induction cookware guide provides you with all the tools to make informed purchase. Plus you’ll find the top cookware options for your new induction stovetop. Enjoy your new kitchen appliances!