Special utensils: are they needed?
The operation of the induction panel is based on electromagnetic induction. In simple words, the generation of electric current occurs only under the influence of magnetic waves. It turns out that the stove simply cannot work without special cookware. You won't even get burned if you touch your palm to a working stove. Actually, no heat will emanate from it. Such a tile is only a source of magnetic waves.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that any of the same utensils will be useful to you when cooking on an induction panel. Aluminum and ceramic pots and pans do not have the necessary ferromagnetic properties and are therefore useless for cooking on an induction surface. Even if you place such utensils on the stove, nothing will happen in it. However, if you are sad to part with your favorite saucepans, you can independently determine whether they are suitable for the new tiles. How to determine whether cookware is suitable for an induction cooker? All you need is an ordinary magnet, which you need to apply one at a time to the bottom of the kitchen utensil. If a magnet sticks to a pot or pan, you can leave it alone with peace of mind.
How to choose suitable cookware for induction cookers
Selecting suitable cookware should be based on the specialized operating principle of the induction panel. The bottom is the main parameter that the consumer must focus on.
The bottom is the main parameter on which the consumer must focus attention.
But, in addition to the bottom, there are several other factors that play a role when choosing a special container. The diameter of the bottom must be at least 12 centimeters. This is necessary so that the vessel heats evenly and the food is cooked efficiently. Of course, we should not forget about the sustainability of the production material. Kitchen utensils should not be subject to even the slightest deformation.
Characteristics of utensils for the display plate
You will still have to buy several new pans and pots. But what kind of cookware is needed for an induction cooker and how to choose it? Of course, you should focus on your own preferences. However, utensils suitable for the display plate must have the following characteristics:
- The uniform heating of the pan directly depends on how smooth its bottom is.
- The thickness of the bottom varies from 2 to 6 mm. They also use utensils whose bottom is only 1 mm thick, but deformation often occurs, and heating is accompanied by unpleasant noise.
- The diameter of the bottom of the pot or frying pan is 12 cm or more. But there are quite a few models of stoves that work even if you use dishes of a smaller diameter. It is better not to buy a product with a large diameter, but with a smaller magnetic insert. It often happens that an induction cooker simply does not see such cookware.
- The bottom consists either of different materials or is all metal. The outer layer is made of ferromagnetic alloys, which can be identified by special markings.
- The inside of the bottom is covered with a non-stick coating.
On sale you can find an induction disk - an adapter that allows you to cook in regular cookware. Just keep in mind that the heating time will increase significantly. Utensils can be made of aluminum, cast iron, ceramics, copper, stainless steel. It should be noted that utensils that are designed for an induction panel are suitable for an electric or gas stove. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when purchasing.
What cookware is suitable for induction cookers?
The hob has one significant drawback - careful selection of cookware. You may have to part with your favorite pots and saucepans to maintain the integrity of the coating. Suitable for induction cookers:
- Enameled dishes. It is advisable to use pans made of magnetic steel. The enamel layer should be thick and the bottom should be perfectly flat.
- Cast iron. You can use dishes made of this material, but it is unlikely that you will be able to find cast iron products with a flat bottom. You will definitely have to say goodbye to old frying pans.
- Aluminum. Pans made from this material are often equipped with a steel bottom, so they can be used on the stove.
- Stainless steel. If possible, it is better to choose just such dishes, as they are beautiful, durable, and easy to use.
- Glass. There are also glass products with a ferromagnetic metal bottom that are designed specifically for induction cookers. These teapots are mostly produced; they are quite fragile, but they look stylish.
Induction or glass-ceramic hobs require special care and careful selection of pans. If the dishes are chosen incorrectly, then not only the food, but also the stove itself can deteriorate.
It may either simply not turn on or become unusable, and other electrical appliances may fail due to improper operation of the panel.
Manufacturers of cookware for induction panels
Today, there are many companies engaged in the production of utensils for induction cookers. Their variety is so great that it is sometimes difficult to sort through such a huge selection. We suggest considering the most popular
German is one of the leaders in the specialty cookware segment. The company produces ergonomic, stylish and high-quality products. The range of manufactured cookware is also impressive - from frying pans and frying pans to saucepans and pressure cookers. Only the cost of such products is very high, which is not surprising given the popularity of this brand. However, the reliability and functionality of the manufactured cookware are worth the price. Cookware series: Maxeo Classic, Fissler Solea.
"Wall"
Another manufacturer from Germany is Woll. Each product is cast by hand, and a special titanium-ceramic coating with a non-stick effect is applied to the surface. The thickness of the bottom is at least 10 mm. The products of the presented company cannot be classified as budget options. Cookware series: Woll Induction Line.
"Tefal"
French is widely known all over the world. It is a manufacturer of high quality tableware, but at reasonable prices. The company produces aluminum cookware with a reliable coating. For induction surfaces there are Pro Seriesm Privilege Pro, Armatal Privilege, Tefal Equinoxe and Titanium Pro.
"Tescoma"
The Czech company produces stainless steel utensils. One of the most affordable cookware manufacturers. Series: Tescoma Prima.
"DeBuyer"
French also deserves attention. The tableware of the presented company consists of stainless steel (10%) and copper (90%). Pricing directly depends on the high quality and functionality of the utensils, and the price of a frying pan exceeds several hundred dollars. Series: Mont Bleu, French.
Cookware adapters
For those who purchased an induction panel but did not take care of the cookware, manufacturers offer special magnetic adapters. They are a thin magnetic disk with a handle. It is placed on the stove burner, and an existing vessel is placed on it.
A special disk will allow you to cook dishes in any pot or pan without harming the stove.
This way, you don’t have to replace all the dishes with new ones, spending a lot of effort and money. A special disk will allow you to cook dishes in any pot or pan without harming the stove. In addition to the direct purpose of the adapter - the ability to cook food in any container - there are additional reasons for purchasing - protecting the induction surface from scratches and damage.
Tips for use.
If you've recently become the proud owner of an induction hob, here are a few tips that can help make your experience easier.
Uneven bottom.
Irregularities in the bottom of the utensil can scratch the induction surface, despite the fact that the surface of the hob is made of durable glass ceramics. Therefore, it is better to find another use for such a frying pan or saucepan.
Induction disc.
As already mentioned, for dishes with a diameter of less than 12 centimeters (mug, ladle, pot), you can buy a special adapter that looks like a disk with a handle.
Universal cookware.
A pan designed for an induction stove will also work on a gas stove. However, many modern manufacturers advise refraining from using utensils on glass-ceramic surfaces that were previously used on a gas stove. The fact is that uneven heating on gas can lead to deformation of the bottom.
Temperature difference.
If you want your stove to cook properly for several years, never place a pan with a wet bottom on the burner that is on. The glass-ceramic surface is very susceptible to temperature differences, which will have a detrimental effect on the further operation of the stove.
Is it possible to cook on an induction cooker in regular cookware?
It will not be possible to prepare a tasty, appetizing dish on such a panel using an ordinary saucepan or frying pan. The panel may not respond or may turn on, leaving the pan cold.
The only peculiarity of induction cookware is the ferromagnetic bottom, due to which it is completely heated.
You won’t cause any harm to the stove, you’ll just waste time and energy trying to cook something. Therefore, when using induction, take care of suitable cookware.
Consumers are often interested in what is an induction pan? The answer is simple: it is the same shape and size as a standard container. Its only feature is its ferromagnetic bottom, due to which it is completely heated.
Care of special cookware
Both the pot and the pan for the induction cooker can be easily washed by hand or put in the dishwasher. For washing, it is better not to use pastes or powders, but to limit yourself to mild products. However, there are several secrets that will extend the life of your cookware. Before using an enamel pan, boil lightly salted water in it. A cotton swab dipped in vinegar will help get rid of deposits on aluminum cookware, and to prevent a cast-iron frying pan from rusting prematurely, wipe it dry with a towel every time after washing. Do not heat ceramic products for a long time. Otherwise, the integrity of the coating will be compromised.
A little trick: to protect your induction cooker from minor damage, place a thin sheet of paper under the pan. Just don’t do this if you cook in cast iron cookware.
When purchasing cookware intended for an induction panel, you should pay attention to the material, thickness and diameter of the bottom, as well as the manufacturer. Be prepared that updating your kitchen utensils will cost a considerable amount. However, you should not save money and it is better to buy dishes from a well-known brand that you can use for many years.
Justification for choosing special utensils
When purchasing an induction cooker, we immediately ask ourselves: what kind of cookware is needed for an induction hob? As mentioned earlier, kitchen equipment only heats the bottom of the vessel. This means that when choosing utensils, you need to pay attention to its bottom.
Specialized dishes must have a thick bottom, the height of which is at least six centimeters.
Specialized dishes must have a thick bottom, the height of which is at least six centimeters. There should also be ferromagnetic layers between the layers of the bottom, which contribute to uniform heating of the container.
Features by type of cookware
What kind of cookware you use to cook on an induction cooker depends on what you are going to cook.
- Pot. It is better to cook soup or porridge on an induction panel in a stainless or enamel pan, and to prevent anything from burning, look for models with an aluminum layer on the bottom.
- Pan. The most durable frying pan is cast iron. If you initially calcinate it properly and take proper care of it, nothing will ever burn to the coating.
- Turk. The most popular cezves for induction cookers are stainless steel. Although you can also find copper ones with a special bottom on sale, or use an adapter for any familiar Turk.
- Kettle. If it’s convenient for you to boil water on the stove, there is a huge selection of classic kettles at your service: ultra-modern chromed stainless steel, cute enameled ones, even ceramic and glass with a suitable bottom.
How does an induction cooker work?
To understand why an induction bottom is required in general, and why you cannot use conventional cookware on induction cookers, you need to delve a little deeper into the operating technology.
How does a regular gas or electric stove work? In a gas stove, an open flame heats up the dishes placed on it directly; in an electric stove, under the influence of current, the heating element first heats up, and then the heat is transferred to the bottom of the frying pan or pan in contact with it. In both cases, the heat can be felt with your hand. This is not very safe, since you can easily get burned on such a stove, and objects that fall on a heated burner will ignite.
An induction cooker is much safer in this regard. Even in operating condition, the heat from the surface is not felt, and it does not interact with most objects, so there is no fear that, for example, tulle may catch fire from a gust of wind.
The thing is that the heating process begins only when a metal object is placed on the surface of the stove, which begins to be affected by the electromagnetic field. It is generated by a coil located under the hob. Under the influence of the field, the electrons in the bottom of the dish are set in motion and heat up. It sounds complicated, but there is simple physics behind it all.
Induction cookware has another advantage: since the bottom is not an intermediary, but itself plays the role of a heating element, the walls and contents are heated faster.
How to properly care?
In terms of care, cookware for induction cookers is not much different from regular cookware:
- Wash cast iron and copper by hand, wiping thoroughly dry after use; With
- the steel can be washed in the dishwasher: nothing will happen to it;
- If you have a frying pan with a non-stick coating, carefully read the instructions; some models can also only be washed by hand.
An induction cooker itself without a suitable frying pan or saucepan is an absolutely useless thing! But once you find the right cookware, you are guaranteed to notice the difference.
