Which pans work on induction? How to check in ten seconds

A pan works on induction if its base is magnetic. Hold a fridge magnet against the underside: if it grips firmly, the pan will heat on an induction hob. If it falls off or barely holds, it will not. Cast iron, enamelled steel and most stainless steel pans with a magnetic base work; plain aluminium, copper, glass and ceramic do not.

How does induction cooking work?

Beneath the glass of an induction hob sits a coil that creates an alternating magnetic field. That field induces an electric current in a base made of magnetic metal, and the base heats up itself. The glass only gets warm because a hot pan is standing on it. That is why the base has to be magnetic: without iron in it, nothing happens.

Which materials work on induction?

How do you test whether a pan is suitable?

1. Take an ordinary fridge magnet.
2. Hold it flat against the centre of the base, on the outside.
3. If it grips firmly, the pan works on induction. If it lets go or slides off, it does not.
4. Check the packaging or the underside of the pan for the induction symbol, a coil or zigzag line: it means the manufacturer rates the pan for induction.

Does the magnet only just hold? Then the base is weakly magnetic. The pan may heat slowly or unevenly, or the hob may not detect it.

What should you look for in the base?

• Flat: a base that bulges or dips picks up the magnetic field less well and heats unevenly. Lay a ruler across it to check.
• Diameter: choose a pan whose magnetic base is roughly the size of the cooking zone. The hob may not detect a pan that is too small; on many hobs the minimum lies between 10 and 12 cm, and the manual gives the exact figure.
• Humming is normal: a soft hum or ticking at a high setting comes from vibration in the base, especially in multi-layer bases. It says nothing about the quality of the pan.

Tips to keep pans and hob in good shape

• Do not heat an empty pan on the highest setting. Induction is fast, and a non-stick coating can overheat within moments.
• Lift heavy cast iron pans instead of sliding them across the glass, to avoid scratches.

Induction pans in our range

In Pots & Pans you will find frying pans, stockpots and woks. Looking for a particular material? Browse cast iron, enamelled steel, 3-ply or stainless steel. Not sure about a pan without the induction symbol? Send your question to info@potsandpretties.com. Cooking with cast iron? Read how to care for a cast iron pan.