We're all familiar with the traditional nostalgia of the gas stove, but some of these appliances release harmful chemicals like nitrous oxides (NOX) and carbon monoxide (CO) into the atmosphere. Those who prefer their eggs sans chemicals and with remarkable speed and efficiency prefer induction cooking.
With the growing popularity of the induction cooktop comes the need for induction-compatible cookware. Unlike electric ranges, induction uses electromagnetic currents to heat magnetic cookware. Therefore, selecting the correct induction-compatible cookware set is absolutely vital.
Only some induction cookware sets are created with the same high-quality materials and chef-friendly design. This article will explore the ideal induction-ready cookware for your kitchen, including the must-have features and expert insight on the power of induction.
With de Buyer, your new induction-friendly cookware becomes your forever cookware. Let’s get started.
Induction Cooking and Cookware Compatibility
A frying pan that performs perfectly well on standard electric and gas stoves may fail to transfer heat on an induction range due to induction technology's magnetic fields.
Your induction top has an electromagnetic field that rests under its glass cooktop. When turned on, this field interacts with ferromagnetic metals in cookware, heating your pan at about three times the efficiency of gas.
However, pans without these vital magnetic metals will remain cold and useless on your induction stove. Generally, the following types of cookware are best for gas/electric ranges and will not function on induction. We recommend avoiding:
- Aluminum or aluminum all-clad,
- All copper,
- Aluminum foil,
- Glass/ceramic,
- Select stainless steel cookware sets.
Keep in mind that cookware of compatible metals may function in induction but may not perform optimally. If you’re in a pinch, any magnetic pan with a relatively flat bottom will ensure even heat distribution on induction. However, cookware with magnetic properties made specifically for induction ensures efficient heat transfer and safe operation. Try using a magnet stick to discover which of your pots is best suited for induction.
For example, both regular and enameled cast iron work decently on induction ranges, but the lack of a consistent flat bottom, high weight, and heat limit (enamel) leave a bit to be desired. The best cookware set for induction is expertly designed for induction cooking.
Qualities for Look for in Cookware for Induction Cooktops
Traditional cooking techniques are precisely honed and efficiently executed on induction cooktops, but only with the ideal pan set. Both professional and home cooks look for the following induction-designed features:
- Material: Pure stainless steel and carbon steel are the best materials for induction. These materials can be mixed with copper to create professional-quality pans with exceptional heat distribution. Keep in mind that 100% copper pans are not induction-compatible. These metals will all heat evenly and are easy to clean; most of these materials are also oven-safe.
- Material Thickness: We recommend a tri-ply or 5-ply construction, meaning pans crafted with three or five metal layers. Both types are durable and will heat evenly; however, the weightier construction of the 5-ply typically leads to superior conductivity and durability, which is reflected in the price tag. Professional cooks should almost always lean toward 5-ply, but 3-ply is more than enough for the passionate home cook.
- Flatness: The physical connection between the glass cooking surface and the cookware is vital for induction. A flat, ridge-free button will pair wonderfully with an induction burner, ensuring even temperature control and distribution. Induction models sometimes make a buzzing noise, which, while being normal, can get irritating. A completely flat and weighty pan will decrease this noise.
- Appropriate Size: Your pan should not be significantly larger or smaller than the induction burner. An overly-large pan will not heat evenly and may heat slower, while a too-small pan will reduce the stovetop's efficiency.
A note about nonstick: an artificial nonstick coating should function on an induction range if it possesses the above features. Still, the coating must be made with a PFOA-free, high-quality and non-toxic coating. A safe, nonstick cookware set with these coatings is most appropriate for bakeware.
The Best Cookware for Induction Cooktops
Are you looking for new cookware that’s perfect for induction tops? The induction-friendly carbon steel, stainless steel, and partial copper cookware at de Buyer will perform beautifully.
Here are just some of the high-quality and long-lasting induction cookware you should source:
- Set of Stainless Steel Pans: You can build your cookware set one sauté pan at a time or invest in the 5-Ply Stainless Steel Signature Cookware Set with 11 Pieces. These stainless steel items deliver high performance on induction ranges and last for years.
- Copper High Stew Pan: With a quart capacity comparable to a Dutch oven, this copper and stainless steel multi-clad gadget is ideal for large-quantity simmering, reducing, and flambéing. Paired with the slightly smaller stockpot, your kitchen will be prepared for any soups or stews.
- MINERAL B PRO Carbon Steel Fry Pan: Skip heavy cast iron pans and pick up a carbon fry pan that can handle low and high heat efficiently, caramelizing and browning perfectly. With a stainless steel handle and a natural nonstick surface (seasons itself over time), this nonstick fry pan is a powerful tool in any kitchen.
The superior craftsmanship of our induction cookware exhibits impressive heat retention and durability, making them stable cookware items.
Industry Tips for Cooking on Induction Cooktops
Premier induction cookware will last you for years, even decades, in the proper kitchen and when maintained well. Note that most copper cookware is not dishwasher safe, whereas carbon and stainless steel may be. Always double-check the instructions for use before starting to clean up.
Many chefs and home cooks prefer to season their new steel pans with oil, burning off the residual coating from the manufacturing process and using oil to protect the pan.
When your pan is clean, seasoned, and ready to go, use the following induction cooking tips.
- Go slowly with heat: Induction is the most responsive stovetop cooking method. Start low and adjust the heat incrementally, watching for unwanted burning.
- Choose an ultra-flat pan: A low-end induction pan from Amazon or Cuisinart may have the right materials and decent reviews, but where these items fall short is in high-contact bottoms and anti-warping design. Your pan will not heat if it doesn’t maintain full contact with the glass top.
- Use proper oils: Just like traditional gas cooking, you’ll want to be mindful of your oil’s smoke point and use enough fats for the recipe. High-quality olive oil or duck fat appropriately heated and long enough will make your dish sing.
- Don’t irritate the glass top: The glass top of an induction range is prone to scratches, which, over time, may degrade the stovetop’s efficiency. Something like a cast iron skillet is heavy and may have a rough bottom, easily scratching the glass. A wok needs to be used carefully with more utensil movement than physical wok shaking.
Follow these steps, and you can cook anything on an induction stovetop. Recipes like fried chicken will show off the induction’s ability to heat evenly and consistently over a long period. Alternatively, heavy sauces like mole or shakshuka, which require consistent simmering and bursts of high heat, will come together beautifully on an induction top.
Upgrade Your Induction Experience with de Buyer
Induction is a near-miraculous invention that allows for consistent, speedy, and environmentally friendly cooking. Selecting the best cookware for induction ranges is key to enhancing cooking performance.
Cooks of all experience levels should invest in high-quality cookware that meets the demands of induction cooking for a superior culinary experience. Explore de Buyer's range of cookware options designed for induction cooktops. Made in France by culinary experts, these pieces are the perfect additions to your modern kitchen.
