Trending Pans for Induction Cooktop
Induction cooktops are undoubtedly the fastest and most efficient of the cooktop types. However, they are useless without induction-compatible pots and pans. Cookware needs to have magnetic properties to function well with induction cooktops. So users need to get cookware that is compatible with their induction cooktop.
For people who are new to induction cooking, you may not know which cookware will be the best for you, especially if you are shopping for pans. So we have assembled a list of induction-compatible pans for you. These pans are all designed to be used on induction cooktops. But before going into the list, let us first examine the things you should look out for when shopping for induction cookware.
What to Look For When Buying Induction Cookware
1. Compatibility
Induction Cooktops are only capable of detecting objects with ferromagnetic surfaces. I.E., magnetic Cooktops will only work if it can sense magnetic properties in the cookware placed on it. Otherwise, it won’t heat up. So the first thing for you to check when buying your cookware is its ability to attract magnets. If it doesn’t react to magnets in any way, then it can’t work with an induction cooktop. If you fail to check this box, you may end up with cookware you can’t use.
2. Sizing
Since the induction cooktop only works when a magnetic surface comes in contact with the glass surface, most manufacturers have put in some protective measures to prevent accidental operation. Because obviously, you have other ferromagnetic materials that are not your pots and pans, so you don’t want to go around mistakenly setting off your Induction Cooktop with your knife or spoon or other similar kitchenware. So to prevent such accidents, the manufacturers have made it such that the cooktop only responds to induction cookware covering 70% or more of the cookware surface. Anything less than that and the cooktop won’t respond.
3. Material
Since there are a lot of materials that have ferromagnetic properties, a lot of manufacturers have tried to adapt many of these materials to Induction cookware; thus, there are different types of Induction cookware made of different materials out there. Some of these cookware types only have the area in contact with the cooktop surface as a ferromagnetic material, but it doesn’t make a lot of difference as they all conduct heat the same.
- Stainless steel
This is the most popular choice among various homeowners, and for good reasons, they do not require nonstick coating, they last longer and do not react with food. They’re reasonably easy to clean and can withstand high-temperature cooking.
- Nonstick
Nonstick is another popular cookware choice for many home keepers; this mostly because they are easy to use, and food doesn’t stick on them, so they’re easy to clean. Even the stickiest food material will simply slide across the Teflon coating. You don’t need oil with this cookware when cooking. However, the nonstick mostly do not last long, because they are easily scratched off when used with metal utensils and they are useless with very high-temperature cooking.
- Cast iron
These are less popular but perfect for some specific uses such as Browning, this is because they have high heat retention capabilities. They are also suitable for microwave use. But the downside to this cookware is their bulky nature.
- Ceramic Coated
This is another surface that doesn’t need the addition of oil to prevent food from sticking to the cooking surface. But it is less popular because of the brittle surface that flakes off Every time it falls or something chips at it. Also, you wouldn’t want to cook high protein foods in this cookware, the fat residue would stick to the surface.
4. Compatibility with Traditional Cooktop.
Another aspect you should really consider is the versatility of the cookware to be used with other Cooktops that are not induction styled (gas and electric). In case your Induction Cooktop can’t be used for any reason, can you use the cookware with alternative Cooktops? It is essential that even without an induction cooktop, you should still be able to prepare a good meal with your cookware without any problems.
Go for products that can be used with gas, electric, and all other available cooking technique. Compatibility is key to convenience.
However, if all these things mentioned are a little bit overwhelming for you, you can just go ahead and pick one of the pans reviewed below.
Top 5 Pans for Induction Cooktop
1. Ozeri ZP3-30 Stone Earth Frying Pan for Induction Cooktop
If you are interested in unsurpassed quality and excellent craftsmanship, the Ozeri Professional series may be the perfect match. This product is designed with a perfectly hardened 4-layer ceramic coating (quadruple seal) to provide scratch resistance and durability.
In terms of health and safety, this product contains no chemicals. And it includes no APEO and PFOA and lesser-known chemicals NMP, NEP, and BPA.
The earthen ceramic pan has an inert coating that makes it safe to use.
Durable, fast, and even heat distribution helps you save time and energy. Safe for the oven (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), this hand-cast pan will surely make your day, every day!
Pros
- Beautiful handcrafted design.
- Durable product
- Scratch-resistant
- Exceeds standard cooking pan health requirements
- It heats up faster and distributes heat evenly
- Oven safe
Cons
- Its screw handle needs to be re-fastened regularly
- Not PTFE Free
2. T-fal E93897 Nonstick Fry Pans for induction cooktop
Holding its place as one of the biggest brands of nonstick cookware, this T-Fal model is an excellent choice and is one of the best-selling nonstick pans. Obviously, with this, you get the infamous T-Fal Thermo-Spot heating indicator, which turns red when the pan reaches the ideal cooking temperature.
The problem with most nonstick cooking utensils is that they can get damaged, and you can even scratch the nonstick coating when using metal utensils. This is a big problem, as wood tools are not better for many situations, and I don’t want to go into the various plastic options available. Fortunately, this pan has a special nonstick coating that is strong enough for use with metal utensils. T-Fal calls it Prometal Pro Nonstick.
The pan is easy to clean as it is nonstick, but it is safe to use with a dishwasher. You can also place it the oven at and use it for cooking at temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The handle doesn’t heat up during regular use as it is made of silicone.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe non-stick makes it easy to clean
- Comes with a Thermo-spot heating indicator
- The non-stick coating is durable enough to be used with metal utensils
Cons
- Nonstick coating only lasts for a couple of years
3. All-Clad E785S264 Nonstick Fry Pan for induction cooktop
All-Clad is a luxury brand when it comes to kitchen appliances. These products may be a bit pricey for some kitchens, but these pans will provide you some of the motivation you need to start cooking.
Unlike some other similar pans, these aluminum pans use the magnetic disc method for compatibility with induction fields. Aluminum housings provide excellent heat distribution, which means the pan is heated to a constant and even temperature in the shortest possible time.
Although the anodized aluminum housing, vented glass covers, and stainless steel handles in this kit have lifetime warranties, the PFOA free non-stick coating doesn’t. This is a PTFE-based variation, which means it will work fine until it starts to peel off or scratch. Typically, this does not happen within two or three years after buying kitchenware, but this is almost inevitable. Do not expect this pan to be the same in ten years still.
This set is kind enough to use in the kitchen. It is incredibly easy to spread sticky food while cooking with them. The pans work really well on an induction hob. If you are not used to induction cooking, you may be surprised how quickly the cooking surface of these pans heats up.
If you can afford it, this is one of the best non-stick cookware pans on the market.
Pros
- It has excellent temperature characteristics, a durable and practical non-stick coating, and one of the best guarantees you will find.
- The handles stay pretty cold if the pan is not used for long on low heat, the lids make it easier to see food without generating heat.
- The small vents in the lids retain most of the internal steam, preventing the lids from bursting.
Cons
- The non-stick coating on these pans have a limited lifespan and will only last for about 4 years before peeling off.
4. Cook N Home 02404 Non-Stick Pan for induction cooktop
The first thing you notice is that it is green and, unfortunately, it doesn’t come in any other color. However, this is an exceptional pan. This is a very well-made and durable pan. It is made of thick aluminum, which means that it is very durable but not too heavy.
The non-stick surface is excellent and contains no cadmium or lead. The only problem is that it doesn’t last for an extended period like some non-stick surfaces and the nonstick coating peels when the metal utensils are used with it, so you need to pay a little more attention. The unit will last a long time, and it gives excellent value for money, but keep that in mind and be careful when you use it.
The handle doesn’t heat up when being used for cooking. It is dishwasher safe and can be used in ovens for up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit temperature.
This pan is 12 inches, but there are different pans that you can get in this range and this color. This is a trendy choice and has excellent reviews.
Pros
- Great Value for money
- The non-stick is save to use as it contains no lead or cadmium
- Very light and durable design
- The pan is dishwasher safe and can be used in the oven.
Cons
- The non-stick coating does not hold well against metal utensils
- It comes in only one color (green)
5. Cuisinart MCP22-20NSN MultiClad Nonstick Pan for Induction Cooktop
Cuisinart always produces excellent products, and this is no exception. Merely holding it, this pan feels like a quality object in your hand. It is designed with stainless steel construction that works perfectly with induction cooktops.
The non-stick coating is Quantanium non-stick coating, a high-quality non-stick coating that works very well. It is not as easy to clean as some pans on the list, but it is dishwasher safe. It can be used with metal devices without scratching off the nonstick coating but, as with all non-stick surfaces, it will not last forever.
In general, it is a well-made pan of good quality that works exceptionally well on the plate.
Pros
- It has a Quantanium non-stick coating, which is a very reliable and durable non-stick coating.
- It is dishwasher safe and can also be used in an oven.
- Great value for money
Cons
- Like with most nonstick coated pans, The non-stick coating doesn’t last very long.
- Tend to be a little heavy.
Do you have any questions on pans for induction cooktop? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll answer them or you can see our FAQ page.
Last update on 2021-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API