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Ever noticed a symbol underneath specific cookware such as pots and pans? What is the induction hob symbol? What does it look like, what does it mean and how can this help you in your induction cooking for years to come?
As you may know, when using an induction hob, only specific types of cookware will work properly. This is due to the working mechanisms of the hob itself. Induction hobs work using a magnetic field created between the coil beneath the surface of the hob and the magnetic bases of the pots and pans on top. So if you are upgrading from say a halogen hob, even though both are glass, you will need new pans.
Therefore, in order for the pots and pans to work, they have to be made of a magnetic material such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. Sadly, materials such as glass or common steel will not work.
Thankfully, nowadays, most pots and pans come with symbols on the bottom indicating whether or not they are suitable for induction hobs. That is why it is important that you are able to recognise the induction hob symbol if you’ve invested in this type of cooktop.
The symbol is easy to recognise – it is a small square containing four loops. The loops are there to represent the coil beneath the surface of the glass under each individual zone, be that four or five, or sometimes, this can be two if you have a flex induction hob, and, therefore, the magnetic component of the hob.
Some pots and pans have inscriptions directly telling you that they can be used on induction hobs, however, the induction hob symbol is becoming more and more commonplace. It saves space on inscription!
Why is recognising the induction hob symbol necessary?
One of the downsides of buying an induction hob is that you will have to buy new cookware that will work on this type of appliance. Therefore, when you go out looking for new utensils, be it in a physical shop or online, it’s good to know what to look for!
In the vast majority of cases, the square and rings symbol will let you know that you can connect a certain pan to an induction hob. If you find cookware that doesn’t bear this symbol, things can start to get a little tricky.
It’s safe to say that having a pot or pan be compatible with an induction cooktop is a huge bonus. Therefore, it’s likely to be a major selling point for kitchenware lines – and if you can’t see the symbol for induction cooking underneath, it’s likely that the label attached to your chosen pots or pans will.
Other ways to check that your cookware will work with induction hobs
If the cookware you own – or want to buy – doesn’t have the induction hob symbol on the base, don’t worry. There’s a really simple trick you can use to ensure your pans are the right variety.
Simply take a fridge magnet – we all have them – and see if they connect to the base of a chosen pot or pan. If they connect, then yes – your cookware is going to work on an induction hob top!
However, this method isn’t always 100% foolproof, so make a point to check the exact compatibility with the shop or manufacturer you are buying from, just in case. As mentioned, induction hob functionality is a massive bonus. Therefore, it’s unlikely that a manufacturer or retailer would want to hide this feature away!
