If you currently possess an induction cooktop or intend to get one, you may be concerned about the sort of cookware you may use on it. Induction cooktops are engineered to operate with particular types of cookware. Regular cookware is usually non induction cookware that won’t work on induction cooktops because of the lack of magnetic layers in them. Inverter or converter discs are mainly used to make regular cookware compatible with induction cooktops. So, before using a normal pan or utensil on your induction cooktop, ensure the pan/utensil is compatible with the induction cooktop or get a converter disc.
Are you perplexed about how to use non induction cookware on an induction cooktop? Induction cooktops, which are now popular on the market, are the most recent and advanced cooktop technology on the planet and are in high demand due to the numerous benefits they provide. The technique used in induction cooktops is not the same as traditional gas or electric cooking, and only specific cookware will operate on an induction cooktop. But most of you must own non induction cookware which you are thinking cannot be used on the induction cooktops. So here comes the interesting fact that you can use non induction cookware on an induction cooktop. In this article, we will be making your life easy by explaining to you an inexpensive method through which you can use your favorite non induction cookware on an induction cooktop and avoid having to replace all of the non induction cookware with induction.
How Induction Cooktop Works
The induction cooktop does not use a typical outside heat source. Induction cooktops have magnetic coils beneath their cooking surface. When you cook, it generates a magnetic field between the pot and those coils. This electromagnetic field produces electrical induction instead of flame that warms the contents of the cookware. This cooking method is preferable because of several reasons. For instance, it uses less energy than gas or electric cooktops, heats food faster than usual so, it is considered more efficient than standard electric and gas cooking. Also, the cooktop surface never gets hot, and that makes it considerably safer. Cookware compatible with induction cooktops is made from magnetic material like magnetic stainless steel or cast iron so it can perform efficiently. Non induction cookware doesn’t work on induction cooktops without any medium because they are not magnetic.
Can You Use Regular Pans on Induction Cooktop?
Well no, you cannot use a regular pan on an induction cooktop. The reason is that most of our regular pans and cookware are made up of non-magnetic material which cannot be used on the said cooktop. As is mentioned above a magnetic field is required for the whole cooking process to work and if one part doesn’t have any magnet how it will work. It is also advisable to not use non induction cookware on an induction cooktop without proper research to avoid any expensive damage to the cookware or the cooktop.
How to use non-inductive pans on the Induction Cooktop
Many people own a lot of non induction cookware so when you install an induction cooktop you are thinking of replacing all of your cookware. But you don’t have to, you can still use all that non inductive cookware on an induction cooktop. Normal cookware is not ferromagnetic nor, it attracts a magnet. To be compatible with the induction cooktop normal cookware should have a magnetic bottom. The same case is for nonstick cookware, they can work on induction cooktops but they have to have a magnetic base. Recently manufactured nonstick pans include an induction-ready seal, making them usable with induction cooktops. But if you want to use your non inductive cookware on your induction cooktop you only need to purchase a flat stainless-steel induction disc which can be put on the induction cooktop underneath the pan, causing the heating reaction to heat the contents of the pan. These are called converter discs which are flat plates made up of magnetic material that allows you to use non induction cookware on an induction cooktop. It spreads heat evenly across the pan. To use a converter disc, set it over the cooktop and then you can cook anything in any of your non-induction cookware. Although the better option is still to use cookware that is compatible with induction cooktop, it doesn’t mean you have to discard all of your non induction cookware.
What happens if you use a non induction pan on an induction cooktop?
The good news is that all induction-friendly cookware may be used on both electric and gas stoves but the bad news is that all non-induction cookware or you can say your regular cookware is incompatible with induction cooktops. Non-induction cookware is usually made up of aluminum, copper, and other non-magnetic material which will not function on the induction cooktop because the magnetic field will not be able to pass through and no electric current will be generated. No electric current means no heat is produced. You won’t damage your non induction cookware but you also won’t be able to cook in that cookware on the induction cooktops without using a converter disc.
How do I know my cookware is induction compatible?
This is one of the most often requested inquiries. Here we are mentioning some of the tips and tricks to determine if your cookware is compatible with the induction cooktop or not. So, the question is what exactly makes the non-induction cookware induction compatible. You need to know about the material your cookware is made up of. For your cookware to be induction compatible, it must be constructed of magnetic material so that it can support a magnetic field which is how an induction cooktop warms the cookware. This implies that non-magnetic cookware will not function with induction cooktops. Magnetic materials include cast iron, iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel. Now the next step is to confirm if your cookware is magnetic or not. The easiest method to be sure of it is to use a magnet to check whether it will cling to the cookware. If it clings to the bottom of cookware then congratulations. Also, another important thing to remember is that to be able to work on an induction cooktop the cookware should have a flat bottom surface. For instance, a wok doesn’t have a flat bottom surface so even if it does attract a magnet, it will not function with an induction cooktop. If you don’t have a magnet, here’s another guaranteed way to verify your cookware’s induction compatibility. Simply add some water to whatever pan or cookware you wish to test, set it on the induction, and turn it on. If you observe the induction heating in the pan, it implies your cookware is induction compatible. Many manufacturers nowadays identify their cookware with a symbol indicating that it is compatible with induction cooktops.
The downside of Using a Converter Disk
So, you want to buy a converter disc for your non-induction cookware; there are some downsides that you need to be aware of so that you won’t make the mistake of buying the wrong or incompatible converter disc for your induction cooktop. Some converter discs may not sit flat on the induction cooktop and have bottom support knobs. The issue that might arise with such a disc is that it leaves a lot of air spaces in between the induction cooktop and the cookware. This results in a large portion of the heat not being transmitted to your cookware. Sometimes the size of the converter disc doesn’t match the induction cookware and sometimes the converter disc is made up of heavy metals which places too much strain on the induction cooktop and as a result of this strain, the cooktop can get scratched or damaged. Moreover, some discs are made of poor-quality materials that may rupture, change color, grow extremely hot causing damage to your cooktop. so, to avoid all these problems make sure to buy a flat converter disc made of high-quality material for the greatest cooking experience on an induction cooktop with your non-induction cookware.
What are the benefits of Induction cooking?
Induction cooking is more productive than other previous traditional cooking methods as it directs 90% of the energy towards the cookware which means the food cooks faster while losing less energy. It is also considered safer because of the absence of any flames any element to cause burns or ignite fumes. Some other benefits of induction cooktops are;
- Induction cooktop provides for more accurate heat management. This improved temperature control lowers the possibility of undercooking or overcooking. Consistent heat yields delicious results every time.
- Cleaning is easy because the surface of an induction cooktop is smooth without any hidden nooks where any food particle can get stuck.
- Induction cooktops keep the kitchen cooler because the surface of the cooktop only heats up when cookware is placed on it. The energy is retained inside the cookware and doesn’t escape in the surroundings.
Conclusion
For better performance, the ideal solution is to go out and by induction compatible cookware for your induction cooktop but what about all of your favorite pots and pans. Will they go into the bin? No, you don’t have to send them to the bin, you can just adapt them to the induction cooking. Induction cookware is without a doubt the greatest cookware to use on induction cooktops. However, you may opt to utilize an induction converter disc for a variety of reasons. A converter disc might help you save money and save the inconvenience of buying new cookware. Furthermore, it is simple to use. This fast cure, however, is not without drawbacks but it is a better option than to go and replace all your non-induction cookware. Make sure to do proper research and consider all of your choices before buying a converter disc or an induction cooktop altogether.
