Induction hobs have by far the highest energy efficiency of all stoves: Because the heat is generated directly in the base of the cookware, there is little heat loss. Accordingly, an induction hob does the same job faster and with around 20 percent less electricity than a ceramic hob, around 40 percent less electricity than an old cast iron stove top - and with only half as much energy as a gas stove!
However, to take full advantage of an induction cooktop, it is essential to use the right cookware. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about induction hob pans, including how they work, the best materials to use, and tips for choosing the right pans for your kitchen.
How Do Induction Hobs Work?
Induction hobs work by using electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cooking pot, rather than heating the cooktop itself. When an induction hob is turned on, it generates a magnetic field beneath the surface. This field interacts with the metal in the cookware, causing the pot to heat up.
One key feature of induction hobs is safety and energy efficiency. If the cookware isn't compatible (i.e., it's not made of ferrous metal like cast iron or magnetic stainless steel), the hob won’t detect it and will not turn on. Similarly, if the pot is removed or moved away from the cooking zone, the magnetic field is interrupted, and the hob automatically switches off. This prevents unnecessary energy consumption and minimizes the risk of accidents.
Are They Energy Efficient?
Yes, induction hobs are highly energy-efficient. Unlike traditional gas or electric cooktops, which heat the cooking surface and then transfer heat to the pot, induction hobs heat the cookware directly through electromagnetic energy. This means less heat is wasted, and more energy is focused directly on the pot, making induction cooking faster and more efficient.
Induction hobs typically use about 90% of the energy they produce for cooking, while gas hobs only use around 40-55% of the energy. This makes induction cooktops not only faster but also more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run, especially when it comes to reducing energy bills.
Related:
How Much Does lt Cost to Use Induction hob
What is the Symbol for Induction Pans?
The symbol for induction-compatible pans typically looks like a coil or a series of loops, resembling the electromagnetic coils used in induction cooktops. It’s usually a simple icon, such as:
- A coil symbol: This represents the magnetic field used for induction cooking.
- A square or circle with a coil inside it: This indicates that the cookware is induction-friendly and can work on induction hobs.
However, if a pan doesn't have this symbol, it doesn’t necessarily mean it's incompatible with induction hobs. Many pans that can work with both gas and induction cooktops might not display the symbol. The key is to check the material of the pan. Induction pans need to be made of ferrous (magnetic) materials like cast iron or certain types of stainless steel.
To test if a pan is induction-compatible, you can use a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan, it’s likely suitable for induction cooking. If it doesn't stick, then it’s not suitable for induction hobs.
What Happens If I Put a Non-induction Pan On the Induction Hob?
If you place a non-induction pan on an induction hob, the hob simply won't work. Induction cooktops rely on a magnetic field to generate heat directly in the pan. If the pan doesn't have the right magnetic properties, the cooktop won't detect it, and the induction burner will remain off.
Some induction hobs may show a "no pan" error or indicator light, signaling that the cookware is incompatible. Essentially, nothing will happen—the pan won't heat up because the cooktop isn't receiving the necessary feedback from the cookware.
What Pans Can You Use on Induction Cooktops?
For induction cooktops, you can use pans that are made from ferrous (magnetic) materials, as induction cooking relies on magnetic fields to generate heat directly in the cookware. Here are the types of pans that are suitable for induction cooktops:
- Cast Iron Pans: These are excellent for induction cooking. They have a magnetic base and provide great heat retention, making them perfect for even cooking.
- Magnetic Stainless Steel Pans: Look for stainless steel pans that are specifically marked as induction-compatible. Not all stainless steel is magnetic, but high-quality stainless steel with a magnetic base will work well on induction cooktops.
- Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Pans: These are cast iron pans with an enamel coating. They work like regular cast iron pans on induction cooktops but are easier to clean and maintain.
- Carbon Steel Pans: Similar to cast iron, carbon steel pans are magnetic and will work on induction cooktops. They heat quickly and offer excellent searing performance.
- Some Multi-Layer or Clad Cookware: Cookware that has a base layer of magnetic stainless steel (such as tri-ply or multi-ply pans) will also work on induction hobs.
Best Materials for Induction Hob Pans
When it comes to choosing the best materials for pans on induction hobs, aluminum stands out as one of the top choices due to its excellent heat conduction properties and versatility.
Aluminum is one of the best materials for induction pans due to its excellent heat conduction and versatility. When paired with a magnetic iron base and a non-stick ceramic coating, aluminum pans are not only perfect for induction cooktops but also work seamlessly on gas stoves, making them highly versatile for various cooking environments. Additionally, many aluminum pans with a magnetic base and ceramic coating are oven-safe, allowing you to easily transition from stovetop cooking to oven baking or roasting. This makes them ideal for recipes that require both searing and finishing in the oven, offering convenience and flexibility in the kitchen.
Caring for Induction Hob Pans
Caring for induction hob pans is essential to ensure they last longer and perform at their best. Here are some tips to help maintain your induction-compatible cookware:
1. Keep the Bottom Clean
Regular Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the bottom after every use.
Avoid Scratches: Be cautious not to scratch the bottom of the pan, as this can impact the performance on the induction hob. Always use soft sponges and avoid abrasive cleaners.
2. Oven-Safe Pans
Use Oven-Safe Cookware: If your induction pans are oven-safe, ensure you’re following the temperature guidelines for both the stove and the oven. Avoid placing a hot pan directly into a cold oven to prevent warping.
3. Care for Non-Stick Coatings
Use Non-Abrasive Tools: If your induction pan has a non-stick ceramic or Teflon coating, avoid using metal utensils that could damage the surface. Opt for wooden or silicone utensils instead.
Product Recommendation
This is the best quality set you can buy for your induction hob, with a surface that makes cooking effortless
Specifications
Set includes: 28cm Saute pan, 20cm Sauce pan, 24 Dutch oven (all with lids) and a Frying Pan: $199.00
Cleaning: Dishwasher safe
Oven safe?: Yes, up to 450°C
Reasons to buy
- Cutting edge cookware technology
- Dishwasher safe
- Incredibly hard wearing and can be used with metal utensils
- Non stick works brilliantly
This saucepan set is your ticket to cooking rice, pasta and all sorts of family-sized meals more efficiently. The generous sizes mean you can easily batch cook with this set – which is exactly what I did in testing – and the 3 ply material means that setting one of these pots to boil with water takes less time than other options. Fast to heat and fast to cool, this set feels incredibly efficient.
Fine to be flung in the oven or the dishwasher, I found these pans to be happily low-maintenance and easy to use. They’re surprisingly lightweight given the quality and the handles stay cool even when you'd expect them not to.
This is the best-looking pan I tested, and it's also in our guide to the best non-stick frying pans. Its lovely matte-textured outer finish is modern and tactile, while the inside is silky smooth thanks to a ceramic coating (which makes for an effective non-stick cooking surface). It comes in 4 colours too, meaning it’ll look the part in any kitchen.
Designed to act as a frying pan, saute pan, steamer and saucepan, the aptly named Ciarra Beyond Pan is, I can confirm after testing, competent enough to take on a range of culinary tasks – I used it for everything from whipping up stews to frying omelettes and steaming veg.
Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, the Ciarra Beyond Pan has an easy-grip, stay-cool handle, and a generous size – it’s bigger than any of the frying pans on this list. And, now it is oven-safe which is a win.