Table of Contents
If you are looking at buying an induction hob, then you may have recently learned that you will need specific types of pans in order to make them work. This is true, and you will need the right ones, or your hob will simply not turn on! So what saucepans for induction hobs should you invest in?
Chances are that you may already have the right kind of pots and pans for your new induction hob without even knowing it. Let’s take a look at how you can tell, and how you can easily prepare for induction cooking.
What Pots and Pans do I Need for an Induction Hob?
Whether it is saucepans, frying pans, grilling pans, or any other cookware, you will need to look for magnetism, first and foremost. Without this feature, you won’t be able to use your cookware on your induction hobtop.
Obviously, the size and style of the pan will depend entirely on what you are looking for – however, it is the base of the pan that you will need to keep an eye on.
Essentially, induction hobs will only work with pans that have a magnetic base. This is due to the fact that induction hobs use coils beneath the glass to create fields of magnetism. These fields will only be complete, or closed, with the base of an applicable magnetic pan. Without it, the hob will simply not activate or get hot.
This is an efficient way of heating up the pan and the hob at the same time, without having to lose as much energy and time as other hobs do (having to heat the hob first, then the pan, then the food). It’s also an extremely safe way to ensure that your hobs don’t stay scalding hot when children and pets are around.
Induction hobs heat up everything at the same time, making your everyday cooking quicker, easier, and more energy-efficient.
How do I Check to See if my Pans will Work on an Induction hob?
Ideally, try and shop for pots, pans and other cookware made from cast iron or stainless steel. These will certainly magnetise to an induction cooktop – any saucepans made from aluminium, for example, simply won’t make the right connection. Not all metals magnetise!
Check the bottom of your cookware for a symbol, too. Most induction pots and pans come with symbols or simply an inscription to tell you that they can be used on induction hobs.
However, if there is no symbol, then there may not need to be a reason to worry yet – your pan could still be suitable for an induction hob. You will simply need to test it!
All you need to do to check them is to grab a fridge magnet. If the magnet sticks to the base of your pot or pan, then it is perfectly suitable for your induction hob. If, on the other hand, it does not stick to it, then the pan will – regrettably – not be induction suitable.
However, if you notice that your induction hob still does not turn on even after having checked your pans, then it could be that there is another issue. You might want to try unlocking your hob, checking your induction surface is clean, or consult your user manual.
Are Saucepans for Induction Hobs Scratchproof?
Not always – sadly, even the best pots and pans can easily damage your induction hob, especially by scratching them. The best thing to do to better preserve your induction hob is to simply use them mindfully!
For one thing, you should never slide your pots and pans across the hob, as you might be tempted to do when stirfrying or cooking pancakes, in case there is anything underneath that could scratch the surface. From food debris that has fallen while you are cooking to things that have dried underneath your pots and pans, there are multiple things that, if slid along the surface of the hob under the weight of a pan, could easily scratch up.
What’s more, you should never prepare food directly on the hob, and preferably, not too close to it, either. Food can easily make its way onto the surface, from peelings to spices, liquids, and more. All of this food debris is dangerous for the hob, especially if it heats up and even burns onto the surface.
Of course, food can spill out of pans, as well as liquid, at any point as you are cooking. If that does happen to you, then there is no need to panic, as long as you know how to correctly clean your induction hob. Always have some kitchen roll or a clean cloth handy to mop up immediate spillages without burning yourself. Then, wait for the unit to cool down completely before going in for an all-over clean and dry.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a pain to have to invest in specific pans and pots for your induction hob, it’s actually more to your benefit. Without this magnetism in place, you are at risk of leaving your hob rings turned on – potentially making things very hazardous for those around you. At least when you remove your saucepan from an induction ring or zone, you know that the heat is cut!
Ultimately, it’s worth trying the fridge magnet test on any pots and pans you come across. Otherwise, shop for specific cookware – and you’ll be glad you did in the long run!
