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.
Material
Determining whether a saucepan is suitable for a new stove is quite simple. Since modern products have the inscription Induction on the bottom or in the documentation, as well as the induction icon in the form of an elongated spiral.
However, it is not necessary to change the entire set of kitchen utensils if they do not have this mark. Some of the items available will certainly be suitable for the hob.
The main condition is that a magnet be attracted to the bottom. This means that it has ferromagnetic properties.
If the material is not magnetic, then you will not be able to use such cookware: it simply will not heat up. You definitely won’t be able to use the following products:
- glass;
- copper;
- ceramic;
- aluminum;
- brass - although the material is magnetic, there are few ferromagnetic particles in it, so heating will be ineffective.
From the materials of both new and ordinary cookware, the following are suitable for the hob:
- Stainless steel
Durable and lightweight stainless steel utensils are an excellent choice. It is resistant to oxidation, which means you can safely store prepared food in the refrigerator. Stainless steel is beautiful - you can buy both matte and shiny surfaces.
The disadvantages include a high tendency to burn, as well as the inevitable appearance of scratches over time.
Also note that not all stainless steel is suitable for a new induction cooker. The sign we talked about above will help you recognize the right one. If you plan to use existing cookware, simply place it on the stove. Doesn't heat up? This means that the material, unfortunately, is not suitable.
- Cast iron
Cast iron frying pans and cauldrons, beloved by many, are durable, distribute heat evenly, and do not release any chemicals into food. However, porous cast iron easily absorbs odors, which means that storing food in such dishes is not recommended. In addition, without proper care, cast iron will corrode.
The large weight of the product can also create a problem: if you lose it, the glass-ceramic panel may break, and cast iron itself is quite fragile and can crack.
- Alloys and combined materials
It can be an alloy of stainless steel and aluminum. The outside of the devices is coated with a non-stick layer, which provides protection against burning. There are products made of steel, and the top is enameled.
For the manufacture of walls, materials that do not have magnetic properties are often used. Thus, there are hybrid pots and kettles on sale, for example, made of steel and glass.
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.
Why do cookware need a special induction bottom?
Modern cookware is made from a wide variety of materials: the usual stainless steel, heavy cast iron, aluminum, copper (for example, the Turks use it for making coffee) and even glass and ceramics. Many materials are superior to conventional steel in a number of parameters, for example, heating rate or uniformity of heat distribution, but not all metals have magnetic properties, without which it is impossible to use cookware on an induction cooker.
This shortcoming can be corrected precisely by a special bottom - an additional layer, an overlay made of ferromagnetic metal, firmly attached to a base made of an unsuitable material that has its own advantages.
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.
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.
Adapter
For those who do not want to part with their favorite copper or glass saucepan, a special adapter was invented.
It is a flat disk with a handle and is an adapter between the stove and the cookware. Because it is made of magnetic material, the adapter heats up and transfers heat to the object. In fact, it is the very bottom to which the magnetic requirements are imposed.
The stand is also suitable for products that have a smaller diameter than necessary, for example, a coffee pot or a small saucepan.
However, keep in mind that the cooking speed in this case is slightly reduced, since the adapter becomes a heat conductor and inevitably some of it is lost. This means that the operating time and the amount of energy consumed increases.
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.
Working principle of an induction cooker
The process of cooking on an induction stove - stationary or tabletop - has its own technological features. The panel itself does not heat up during operation. Unlike its electric counterparts, the stove acts on the cookware through induced eddy currents. The principle of their operation can be compared to the operation of a transformer. An induction coil placed under the glass-ceramic coating transmits currents to the base of the vessel. The bottom heats up first, and then the contents of the pan. There is no heat transfer, and therefore no heat loss. This feature speeds up cooking time, saves energy, and simplifies maintenance. Nothing sticks to a cold surface, so dirt can be easily removed.
When choosing specialized utensils for induction cookers, pay attention to the markings on their bottoms. It should have a special icon depicting a pictogram of induction cookware. The symbol is an image of 5 curls of an electromagnetic winding. At the bottom it is complemented by the inscription “Induction”. This is an internationally accepted mark developed by manufacturers of induction cookware.
