If you’ve just got an induction hob, or you’re considering buying one, you may want to know which pans and pots you can use on an induction hob.
If your pans are relatively new, you may be able to use your existing pans, but how can you tell?
Well, there is a symbol that lets you know that pots and pans are suitable for use on an induction hob, but there is also another little trick that you can use to very quickly see if your current cookware will work on an induction hob.
First, though, let’s look at the symbol, shall we?
The Induction Hob Symbol
As you can see, the induction hob symbol is pretty distinctive. It has a coil of wire running from edge to edge.
The coil of wire represents the copper coil underneath the glass top that produces the magnetic field that creates the heat.
If you look for this symbol on your current cookware and any cookware you buy in the future, you’ll know that it will be compatible with your induction hob.
How Can You Check If Cookware Is Induction Compatible?
To check whether your current cookware is compatible with an induction hob, you could always look for the induction hob symbol. However, older cookware often doesn’t have the symbol because it wasn’t widely used when induction hobs were first available.
So, to check cookware that doesn’t have the symbol, you can use a magnet. Any magnet will work, even a fridge magnet.
What you are checking for here is whether or not the base of your pan is made from ferrous metal. If the magnet sticks to the pan base, it is made from ferrous metal, and it will work with your induction hob.
If the magnet doesn’t stick, then your pan isn’t compatible with an induction hob, and you’ll need some new ones.
Induction-Compatible Cookware
If you like to buy your cookware online, well, you should certainly check out the rest of Chef’s Pick as we have the very best cookware right here. However, it’s a good idea to know which materials are compatible with induction hobs as well.
Any pot or pan made from ferrous metal will work on an induction hob. Most cookware states whether it can be used on an induction hob or not, but knowing the materials that work on induction hobs can confirm this for you too.
The materials that are compatible with induction hobs include:
- Cast iron
- 18/10 steel
- Magnetic stainless steel
You can also buy cookware that has a base made from one of these materials that will work perfectly on an induction hob too.
This means that there are aluminium and copper pots and pans that can be used, but they must have a base that is compatible with an induction hob, i.e., a base made from one of the materials above, most commonly steel or stainless steel.
We hope this look at the induction hob symbol and how to check if your cookware is compatible with an induction hob has been helpful.
For more induction hob articles, including the very best cookware for induction hobs available right now, please explore our website further.
Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.
