How to safely use stainless steel cookware with induction cooktops? 5 easy steps 2023

The use of an induction cooktop or burner necessitates special pans that are not compatible with standard gas or electric stoves. Have you ever wondered if you can use stainless steel cookware with induction cooking?

If yes, how to safely use stainless steel cookware with induction cooktops?

Though stainless steel is often assumed to be induction-ready, not all stainless steel cookware is compatible with induction stoves. Only cookware with a base from a magnetic grade of stainless steel will work on an induction stovetop. Nickel-based ones won’t function because they’ll block the magnetic field. Stainless steel 432 and ferritic stainless steel are ideal for use with induction cooktops due to their magnetic characteristics.

Read the article if you are fond of induction cooktops and curious to know how to use stainless steel cookware with induction cooktops safely.

What Is Induction Cooktops?

An induction stovetop or induction cooktop is required for induction cooking. An electric stovetop employs electromagnetic induction to heat cookware instead of relying on a separate heat source. The power source is usually a heating element, which heats the pan or pot by passing electromagnetic waves. Later, the waves are reflected between the pan or pot and the heating element. With these stoves, electromagnetic is used to raise or lower the temperature of the cookware rapidly; this usually results in quicker cooking times, especially when using pots.

What Features Of Stainless Steel Cookware Make It Induction Compatible?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apbkoX5Wks8

You can only use stainless steel cookware with a magnetic base on an induction burner. Those with a lot of nickel in them can’t generate a magnetic field. Thus, they won’t operate.

Induction cooking requires special equipment compared to traditional cooking methods with an electric or gas burner. This specialized cookware is ferromagnetic, meaning it has a magnetic layer beneath its regular steel layers.

As the copper coil and electric current combine, they produce an oscillating magnetic field within the cookware. After the bottom of the pot or pan is permeated with heat generated by the electric coupling with the magnetic field, the food is ready to cook.

Being superior conductors to stainless steel, copper and aluminum are typically used in induction-compatible stainless steel cookware like Cuisinart. You can turn induction cooking on and off instantly, requiring less energy and providing greater temperature control. Only the bottom of the cookware becomes hot during induction cooking, so the rest of the cooktop stays cool to the touch and makes cleanup a breeze.

4 Steps to Use Stainless Steel with Induction Stoves

You can safely use stainless steel cookware like Calphalon with induction cooktops by following these simple steps:

Turn On Induction Cooktop

Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions since certain models may require pressing a different button or turning an additional dial to turn your induction stove.

Put the induction-capable pots and pans on the induction stove.

When the cookware’s iron content is detected, the heating ring on the stovetop will activate immediately.

Time Your Meal So That It Turn Out Perfectly

Your food will be ready to eat using an induction cooktop sooner because it is more efficient than electric and gas models. Hence, keep a constant eye on your cooking station while getting used to this faster procedure.

Turn Off The Stovetop When You are Done Cooking 

Most induction stoves are equipped with sensors that trigger an automatic shutoff in the event of a predetermined event. Your stovetop may be programmed to turn off after a particular time or if it fails to identify any pots or pans. Wait to let go of the power button until the device powers down.

Safety Tips For Using Stainless Steel On An Induction Range

• Choose Cookware That Corresponds To The Size Of The Cooktop. Stainless steel cookware will perform better if it is smaller than the cooking area of the induction cooktop since it will heat up more quickly. If the cookware is extensive, you will experience uneven heating.
• Flat-bottomed stainless steel cookware is perfect for use on an induction cooktop.
• Please ensure the base of the pot or pan is smooth to make good contact with the stove. Rough or uneven surfaces reduce the efficiency of the cooktop.
• If you use stainless steel cookware with a plastic or wooden handle, you must avoid letting the handle come into contact with the cooktop. These materials can melt or catch fire due to the high temperatures produced by the induction process.
• Low to moderate heat settings are recommended when cooking with stainless steel on an induction cooktop. When using excessive heat, cookware might get discolored or deformed.
• Suppose you are using stainless steel cookware not explicitly built for induction cooking. You may need to place a magnetic disc underneath the cookware to ensure it functions properly. You can find these discs in the majority of kitchen supply stores.

How To Know If Your Stainless Steel Cookware Is Induction Ready?

Many varieties of stainless steel and cast iron cookware are induction ready. Nonetheless, there are several notable outliers. The aluminum and stainless steel used make them incompatible with induction stoves. Because it may be manufactured from so many different metals, stainless steel is the most likely to need clarification; a high nickel concentration will prevent the material from attracting a magnet and make it incompatible with induction.

Cookware must have a magnetic coating on the bottom to use a magnetic surface, which rules out aluminum, solid copper, and glass. While many newer versions of these pans feature a magnetic layer on the base, earlier, non-magnetic versions will not operate. Higher frequencies are needed to produce the heat necessary for cooking with aluminum and copper.

Evaluation of Compatibility

• The induction stovetop compatibility of cookware is determined by whether or not the magnet adheres to the base.
• Put interest on the bottom of a pan or pot to see if it will work with your induction cooktop.
• You will only have a little luck with the pan on your stovetop if the magnet only lightly grasps the pan.
• The magnet’s inability to generate heat indicates that it does not contain sufficient amounts of the necessary metals.
• Many manufacturers now include a notation on their cookware’s package or base, suggesting it is “induction compatible.” The sign can resemble a horizontal zig-zag or a spiral.

Things to Consider While Purchasing Stainless Steel Induction Cookware

Your current cookware is probably the best induction cookware you can use. Despite the apparent need to check if a new piece of cookware is induction-ready, here are some other things to think about while expanding your kitchenware collection:

• Choose dishes with wide, flat bottoms to facilitate even heat distribution. Run a ruler around the base’s perimeter to ensure it is flat.
• You can experience some vibration during induction cooking. More weight and durability in a lid means it’s more likely to remain in place and keep noise levels down when the power is turned up.
• Well-attached, sturdy handles help mitigate the potential for noise at increased power by dampening vibrations.
• For optimal performance with induction stovetops, use only high-quality, heavy-gauge cookware.

Faqs

Can you use stainless steel pots on an induction range?

Stainless steel pots and pans are an excellent option for induction cooking since they are durable and simple to clean; moreover, cooking outcomes need to be more consistent. A magnet test is necessary because not all stainless steel is magnetic.

Can standard steel utensils be used with induction?

Induction cooking surfaces are compatible with all pots and pans having a ferrous metal base. Stainless steel cookware is consistent if the bottom of the cookware is made of a magnetic stainless steel grade.

Do induction stovetops harm stainless steel cookware?

Your induction range may be warping your cookware. Especially the middle of your pots and pans may be subject to deformation or distortion over time. For an induction stove to function, the circle that specifies where to place a pot or pan when cooking heats up.

What is the best sort of pan for induction cooktops?

Stainless steel on aluminum, cast iron, and enamel on metal are all suitable for use with an induction stovetop because of their magnetic properties. Avoid materials like glass, ceramic, pure aluminum, and copper. Stainless steel is the most common material for induction-ready cookware, with aluminum coming in a close second.

Can a pan be induction-ready before using it?

If you want to ensure your cook wares are induction-compatible, take a magnet off the fridge and attach it to the underside of any pan you currently own. If the pan’s interest stays, you can use it with an induction stove or oven.

Conclusion

Stainless steel is ideal for induction. Its magnetic conductivity also means you can utilize it with almost any range.

The magnetic grade of stainless steel is excellent for cookware since it resists corrosion, requires little maintenance and works with any stovetop.

Stainless steel cookware has become very popular in recent years as you can use it for both traditional cooking and baking because it allows you to do both simultaneously. Induction cooking with stainless steel yields superior efficiency and flavor.