In the contemporary kitchen, induction cooking has surged in popularity, promising efficiency, precision and safety. Yet, as more of us transition to induction hobs, there’s still some confusion about which pans are suitable for induction cooking. Our guide explains how induction cooking works and the features to look for in the best pots and pans for induction hobs.
What is induction cooking?
Unlike conventional gas or electric stoves that use flames or heating elements, induction hobs use electromagnetic energy to directly heat the pan, rather than the hob. Heat is created inside the pan incredibly quickly, which then allows you to bring your dishes to temperature and make adjustments as you go. It’s quicker than electric hobs and provides greater control than gas.
How do induction hobs work?
Induction hobs use electromagnetic energy to generate heat. Coils made from copper wire that generate an electric current sit beneath the glass surface of the hob. When a compatible pan is placed on top, an alternating electric current flows through the coil, generating a fluctuating magnetic field. This creates an electric current in the base of the cookware, instantly producing heat that’s transferred through the pan.
What are induction pans?
When shopping for induction cookware, be mindful that not all pans are compatible with induction hobs. Because it generates heat using electromagnetic energy, the pan needs to be magnetic for the energy to be transferred from the hob to the pan.
You can test this with a magnet. If it sticks to the pan, it will be compatible with an induction hob. You can also check for an induction logo on the bottom of the pan.
However, just because it is technically compatible does not mean it will perform well. Later in this guide, we explore what makes an ideal induction pan.
The benefits of induction cooking
Induction cooking has several advantages over conventional hob types, including cooking control, efficiency and safety:
- Energy efficiency: Induction hobs are much more efficient than other hob types as they use most of the energy they produce, with minimal heat loss.
- Speed: Heat is generated instantly. This makes it quicker than both electricity and gas, and food will take less time and less energy to cook.
- Control: Each ring of an induction hob offers precise control over temperature. With instant response to temperature changes, you can make precise changes to your recipes.
- Safety: Heat is only generated beneath the base of compatible cookware when it’s in contact with the hob. As soon as an induction-compatible pan is removed, the area doesn’t remain hot.
- Convenience: Cleaning the hob surface is quick and easy. As the surface stays cool, spills will not burn on or stick.
As the technology becomes more affordable and these benefits become better known, induction cooking is becoming more and more popular.
Induction cooking energy savings
Due to their improved efficiency, induction hobs can save a lot of energy. Heat is generated in the pan rather than the hob, so there’s very little wasted energy. This is in contrast to electric hobs - especially gas - which lose energy to heating their surroundings, as well as the pan.
With an induction hob, as much as 90% of energy is transferred to food while cooking. This is normally just over 70% for electric hobs and around 40% for gas. This means that cooking food on an induction hob will require less energy than other hob types, ultimately saving you energy and reducing your emissions.
Induction cooking vs gas
Gas has traditionally been the serious cook’s choice because it delivers heat quickly and has the ability to instantly control the size of the flame. But, as induction hobs have become more available, the position of gas as the serious home cook’s choice is changing.
As we’ve already seen, induction is more efficient than gas and cooks food faster. It also provides the precise changes in temperature that were previously only available with electric hobs.
As well as better performance, induction is safer. The surface only produces heat when it’s in contact with a pan - meaning no accidental burns. There’s also no risk of gas leaks or the possibility of leaving the gas running.
We’ve already discussed that cleaning is easier, with no stains or foods to worry about. But in addition to the practical aspects, induction hobs are future-proof. Gas is being phased out in the UK, with no new houses being connected to the gas grid from 2025, and gas hobs won’t be installed in new homes. With an induction hob, you’ll be prepared for the future with a cleaner, more efficient hob.
Best cookware for induction cooktops
The foundation of effective induction cooking lies in the cookware’s material – particularly its magnetic properties. The best induction hob pans are made of quality magnetic materials such as stainless steel or cast iron. These materials facilitate the transfer of electromagnetic energy, ensuring efficient heat generation and distribution through food.
Navigating the countless cookware options can be daunting. Yet, a couple of key features separate the best induction hob saucepans from the rest.
Why Material Matters
When choosing an induction pan, you want to look for one that’s ferromagnetic. This means it contains a lot of iron, a conductive material that transfers heat very well. Cookware with a base crafted from high-performance stainless steel or cast iron are both good choices.
For even better heat conductivity, look for induction pots and pans with an encapsulated aluminium base layer. Aluminium isn’t magnetic so an entirely aluminium pot wouldn’t work on an induction hob, but it’s an excellent conductor of heat - better than stainless steel. When used in an encapsulated base layer combined with a stainless steel base, the result is an ultra-responsive induction pan.
You should also opt for cookware with a thick, flat base that ensures maximum contact with the hob. This creates an even, efficient heat transfer and means the pan will respond quickly to temperature adjustments.
Tips for Induction Cooking
- Choose the correct pan size for your induction hob ring for optimal contact and performance
- Ensure the entire base of the pan is in contact with the hob. If a pan has become warped from overheating, it won’t work effectively
- Always lift rather than drag pans to avoid scratches on the induction surface
- Heat pans gradually rather than using the ‘boost’ function
- Cook over a low to medium heat to avoid any damage to your cookware, and provide the most efficient cooking results.
Stellar Induction Pans
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, our induction pots and pans give you absolute control. Take your skills to the next level with the meticulous design, premium materials and precise functionality of our induction range.
All of our stainless steel and cast iron pans are designed for excellent performance on induction. But our dedicated induction cookware collection of Flow Cookware stands out for its additional elements that help hone your home cooking confidence:
1. Consistent
Our induction hob cookware features a thick and flat base which reads induction zones accurately. Made from a premium combination of conductive aluminium encased in stainless steel, the base is designed for ultra-efficient heat distribution and ultimate control. Offering maximum compatibility with induction zones, the base is also extremely durable and designed to last. Cookware that stands the test of time empowers you to create culinary masterpieces for years to come.
2. Effortless
Our induction cookware features an excellent non-stick coating that allows for easy cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. Our induction frying pan has even been rated an Indy Best Buy by The Independent. Stellar induction saucepans feature internal measuring guides and vented glass lids, giving you even more convenience while cooking. Easy-pour rimmed pan edges allow for clean pouring from pan to plate.
3. Cooking Comfort
A staple of the Stellar induction pan is the neatly incorporated stay cool handles. These are smooth and anti-slip, providing ultimate comfort and control at the stove.
4. Aesthetic Elegance
Beyond functionality, our induction hob saucepans look the part in the kitchen. Boasting sleek, straight sides in a polished stainless steel finish, these pans are designed to never lose their lustre. They’re a timeless investment for your home. Our commitment to creating smart products for smart kitchens ensures each piece is not only a joy to use but a statement of sophistication and Stellar quality.
5. Lifetime Guarantee
Stellar kitchenware is built for your most adventurous recipes. Take our Lifetime guarantee as the only proof you need, and pass our pieces from generation to generation. Our induction pan sets, single saucepans and frying pans are all covered.
Our induction-compatible Flow Cookware range is designed with the passionate cook in mind, facilitating energy-efficient cooking, reducing cooking times, and enhancing safety and convenience in the kitchen. Discover our collection to find the best induction pan for your style of cooking.
FAQs
Will 18/10 stainless steel work on induction? Not all 18/10 cookware will work on induction hobs. 18/10 steel normally has some magnetism, but the properties that make it one of the best materials for cookware are its hardness and sheen. On the other hand, 18/0 steel is known as a ferritic steel (i.e. works well with magnets) and is used on the base of Stellar 18/10 cookware to ensure induction compatibility. An aluminium base is encapsulated in 18/0 steel, giving the pan great magnetism on contact to engage with the hob and great heat efficiency due to the aluminium conducting layer.
Can cast iron be used on induction? Cast iron can be used on induction hobs. It’s magnetic and conducts heat very well, so it’s a great choice for induction cooking.
Is stainless steel induction compatible? Most stainless steel pans are induction-compatible. However, if they have a base with a high nickel content, they won’t be magnetic and won’t work with an induction hob.