Cookware for induction cookers: features, types and recommendations

Induction hobs have been gaining popularity lately, and this is not surprising. Such a stove allows you to cook food much faster than it can be done on a gas or electric stove. It also saves energy consumption and cleaning time. The induction hob works according to a special technology, the burners themselves do not heat up, the bottom of the pot or pan heats up. Induction cookware must meet certain requirements. Therefore, before purchasing such a stove, you need to find out what kind of dishes you need for an induction hob.

Features of the necessary utensils

When purchasing an induction hob, housewives wonder if they need special cookware for an induction cooker. Not any saucepan is really suitable for such a stove, so you need to approach it responsibly, you should not choose it from a photo on the Internet. It must meet many requirements. You need to pay attention to the material of the pan, as well as to its bottom.

Ferromagnetic

Ordinary cookware for an induction surface is not suitable, because it is not the hotplate that heats up, but the bottom itself. If the heating element is first heated in an electric stove, then the burner and only then the pan with the contents, which consumes a lot of electricity and takes time. Then the induction cooker works thanks to electromagnetic induction. Inside such a stove there is a block in which electromagnetic energy appears, electrons are captured by the bottom of the pan, and it heats up. This process takes much less time, but requires special kitchen utensils. If you put a regular saucepan on the hob, it won't even turn on.

The cookware, or at least its bottom, must be made of ferromagnetic material. You can check this using an ordinary magnet, if it is attached to the bottom, then the product has the desired properties.

Bottom structure and thickness

The thickness of the bottom should be from 2 to 6 mm, if the bottom is thinner, then it may deform from heating. When using an induction hob, it is extremely important that the bottom is perfectly flat, it must be in full contact with the panel. Any protrusions or depressions can interfere with the operation of the hob and lead to scratches. The bottom structure is also important, it can be a single layer of cast iron or steel, or consist of several layers. The outer layer has ferromagnetic properties, the next one retains heat, and the last one consists of the material from which the walls of the product are made.

Diameter

The bottom should not only be thick, its diameter should be at least 12 cm. This is the smallest permissible diameter of the contact area with the hotplate. The bottom should cover at least 70% of the hotplate, if it is smaller, then it simply will not turn on. Such a feature can upset those who like to brew coffee in a Turk, but there is a way out, you can purchase a special adapter that will simulate the required bottom diameter.

Comparison of materials

There are several materials that are ferromagnetic, so you can check your pots and pans at home before heading out to the store. This can be done using an ordinary magnet, the main thing is to check the bottom, what material the walls are made of does not matter.

It is not difficult to find kitchen utensils in the store that are suitable for induction cookers, they will be distinguished by a special marking. The icon is indicated by a lightning bolt or four vertical loops. The price for such products is noticeably higher than for ordinary pans and pots. In Moscow, the price of such a saucepan or frying pan is about 2-3 thousand rubles. If you decide to use the budget option and purchase a product without marking, then take a magnet with you to check the properties of the bottom.

The best option is considered to be stainless steel cookware for induction hobs. Most often, pots and pans for an inductive cooker are made of stainless steel, it allows you to create a different design. You can also store food in it, it retains its beneficial properties and original taste. But there are other materials that deserve attention as well.

Ceramic

Ceramic cookware for induction cookers is easy to maintain, easy to clean and convenient to use. It has a pleasant appearance and retains it for a long time, because it is not subject to scratches. It is an environmentally friendly material that does not affect the taste of food and is suitable for healthy food lovers. You can cook in ceramic dishes without adding fats, food does not burn on it.

Cast iron

Our grandmothers still used cast-iron pans, but they still have not lost their popularity. The owners of such products ask themselves the question - "Is cast iron cookware suitable for induction cookers?" It's safe to say that it fits. Cast iron retains heat well, so food in such a container will stay warm for a long time. It is chemically neutral, allowing you to prepare healthy foods. The disadvantages include heavy weight, as well as the fragility of the material. The walls of a cast-iron frying pan absorb odors, and it is also not advisable to cook sour food in it, this negatively affects the surface.

Enameled

Iron enamel cookware consists of various steel alloys or cast iron. The product is covered with several layers of enamel, which improves its appearance and protects food from harmful metals. Therefore, there is no need to doubt whether the enamel cookware is suitable for induction hobs. But if the enamel layer has cracks, then the product is no longer suitable for use. It is worth paying attention to the bottom, if it is convex, then this can affect the operation of the panel, it can start to make noise.

Copper

Copper is not ferromagnetic, but manufacturers have recently started using copper cookware for induction hobs. For this, it was necessary to add ferromagnetic alloys to the copper composition. Copper products are aesthetically pleasing, easy to maintain and use, and have good thermal conductivity.

If the question arises, which pans are suitable for induction cookers, then you should pay attention to cast iron and stainless steel. German cookware for induction cookers is of excellent quality.

Care rules

In order for pots and pans to last for many years, you need to follow some care guidelines:

• It is necessary to wash such dishes only with gentle agents that do not contain abrasive components.
• After washing, it must be wiped dry with a towel.
• It is undesirable to keep empty dishes on the switched on stove for a long time.
• Do not wash dishes that have not yet had time to cool down, this can lead to damage to the surface layer.
• It is necessary to wash the products immediately after they have cooled down, before the food remains dry, so as not to expose the surface to mechanical stress.

An induction hob has many advantages, which is why it is worth purchasing a special cookware. In addition, induction hob products can be used for other hobs as well. When buying a pots or pans, you must take into account all the recommendations, you should not skimp on quality. And then, with proper care, the product will last a long time.