If you have an induction cooktop in your kitchen, you might agree that it’s one of the best investments in your household.
Not only is it energy-efficient, but it’s also a significant time saver as it heats up twice as fast as a regular electric cooktop.
But for a new user, figuring out which cookware to use can be confusing as some pans get the job done while others leave your food uncooked.
You’ve always wanted stainless steel cookware, but they can be expensive.
But now that you’ve upgraded your cooktop, you wonder: Do stainless steel pans work on induction cooktops?
This article will help you figure out which stainless steel cookware will work best on your cooktop. So if you’re ready to show off your kitchen prowess, read more below.
What is stainless steel cookware?
There’s a reason why stainless steel pots and pans are a common staple in professional kitchens. They’re lightweight and versatile, so they’re perfect for cooking even the most complicated dishes.
But even if scrambled eggs and toast are the only things you know how to prepare, you can rely on stainless steel cookware to heat your meals evenly.
That’s because they’re made of steel alloy, which makes them a perfect heat conductor, so they warm up quickly and retain heat longer.
They’re also oven-safe, so you can add some finishing touches to your favorite dishes from cooktop to oven without adding another step.
Even though stainless steel cookware can be pricey for some households, its durability will make them a worthy buy for any cook.
Can steel be used on an induction cooktop?
Although induction cooktops have their advantages in your kitchen, a major downside of having one is you can only use it with compatible pots and pans.
While a variety of cookware is available in the market, you’re thinking about getting a particular set.
Steel is a durable material for pots and pans, but making it stainless will make cooking your meals ten times easier.
So you wonder: can I use stainless steel on an induction cooktop?
Since induction cooktops use electromagnetic currents to heat pans, you need to make sure the stainless steel cookware you pick is magnetic.
You can check this by sticking a magnet on the bottom of each pan. If the magnet sticks, then the pan is suitable for use on your induction cooktop.
Does induction heating work on stainless steel?
An induction cooktop may look sleek and minimal on the outside, but what makes it different from other cooktops is it conceals a copper coil underneath.
When using the correct cookware, your cooktop will create a magnetic field that will cook your food effectively.
So does stainless steel work on an induction cooktop?
As mentioned above, stainless steel pots and pans will work on an induction cooktop as long as it contains a magnetic base. That’s because the copper coil in your induction cooktop requires a magnet to release energy to create a magnetic current.
This current will then heat your stainless steel pot directly, without using any open flames.
But if you use a non-magnetic stainless steel pot, no magnetic induction will take place, so your food will remain cold.
Does all stainless steel work on induction cooktop?
As convenient as it would be to have all stainless steel cookware work on induction cooktops, that isn’t always the case.
One test to find out whether a stainless steel pan is compatible with an induction cooktop is the magnet test. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of the pot, it’s suitable for your cooktop.
But if you test several stainless steel cookware, you’ll find that not all of them are magnetic. That’s because some contain nickel to increase their resistance to corrosion.
So if you’re looking for a good stainless steel set, it’s better to choose ones that are induction cooktop ready, as these will surely contain a magnetic outer layer.
Picking cookware that has a copper or aluminum layer won’t also hurt, as these will improve your pan’s heat conductivity so it’ll have a consistent temperature throughout its surface.
Does 18/10 stainless steel work on an induction cooktop?
Food-grade stainless steel cookware should contain a minimum of 16% chromium as this will help protect your pots and pans from rust and gives them that shiny finish.
But some cookwares also contain nickel to improve their durability.
For instance, you might be familiar with an 18/10 pan. It’s a common stainless steel cookware containing 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Another type is an 18/8 pan with 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
Although they are less prone to tarnishing, the presence of nickel in their material makes them non-magnetic, so they’re not suitable for use on an induction cooktop.
But if you really want to use an 18/10 cookware, you can find some that have a magnetic bottom, so make sure to check the label if they’re induction-ready.
Otherwise, you’ll need to invest in an induction converter disk so you can use your non-magnetic pans on your induction cooktop.
Does All-Clad stainless steel work on induction cooktop?
All-Clad is a Pennsylvania-based company that’s known for its steel and aluminum cookware and kitchen equipment.
So it’s no wonder you’re interested in getting a set of their best stainless steel pots and pans for your kitchen.
But now that you know that not all stainless steel cookware is compatible with an induction cooktop will an All-Clad set would work on one?
Fortunately, every All-Clad stainless steel cookware is induction-ready as they come with a magnetic bottom layer. So the only thing you’ll have to worry about is which set you’ll want to get for your kitchen.
Their D3 Stainless Steel set is a best seller as each pan contains an aluminum core that’s sandwiched between 2 layers of stainless steel. This ensures long-lasting cookware with an even heat distribution.
While their D5 Stainless Steel set is even more durable as it contains 5 plies of alternating stainless steel and aluminum layers for optimum quality.
The final takeaway
If you’re looking for versatile and durable cookware for your induction cooktop, stainless steel pots and pans have a long-standing record for compatibility.
You may get overwhelmed with the types of stainless steel pans available on the market, but the only thing you need to remember is to look for a magnetic bottom layer.
One way to know is to look at the manufacturer’s label, indicating if your cookware is induction-ready. If you’re lucky, your pans might also have an aluminum or copper layer to ensure there will be no cold spots when you’re cooking.
Another way to figure out if your cookware is magnetic is to stick a kitchen magnet on the bottom of your pot. If the magnet sticks, you’re good to go, but if it doesn’t, you might want to look into getting an induction converter disk.
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