Induction technology can be a minefield to navigate for those unfamiliar with the equipment, so if you’re thinking of splashing out on an induction hob and are wondering can you use a small pan on a large ring, let’s find out…
The general rule of thumb with pans and Induction is that you can use any size pan on your hob, as long as the pan is induction-friendly and as long as it covers the electric magnets within the hob rings underneath the glass that draw the heat.
This means that yes, you can use a small pan on a large ring on an induction hob.
What Is Induction?
An induction hob is a glass countertop cooking unit with a ferromagnetic base above copper coils that allow an alternating electric current to pass through it. This results in an undulating magnetic field wirelessly inducing an electrical current, thus producing heat quickly.
Induction cooking is one of the fastest ways of heating food. It is safe and easy to use and does not rely on gas. While it does use electricity to heat up, it is very different from a standard electric hob.
The Benefits of Induction
The benefits of cooking on an induction hob are multiple. One of their biggest selling points is that they draw heat very quickly and will cool down equally as fast once a pan is removed.
They are safe because of the elimination of a potential gas leakage. And because they lose heat as soon as a pan is removed, they can be great for families with young children and pets.
Also, from a chef’s point of view, it is very difficult to burn yourself using Induction technology!
One of their key appeals is that they are often cheaper on utility bills than other types of hobs. They are also very easy to keep clean.
If you are in the market for an induction hob, check out our list of the best induction hobs in the UK.
Induction Pain Points
While the benefits of cooking on an induction hob are plentiful, they aren’t perfect and they do have a few cons, including needing more maintenance than regular cooktops. They can also be somewhat temperamental!
It is important to note that they are not suitable for any given pan type. If you purchase an induction hob for your kitchen, you will need to ensure your cooking equipment is compatible with it.
This means doing your research and possibly kitting yourself out with an entire new set of pans.
Conclusion
Induction hobs are brilliant and nifty for heating food up quickly, and are generally one of the safest and cheapest ways of cooking up a storm. They are often chic and compatible for any size (and design) of kitchen, and are super easy to keep clean (unlike their gas hob cousin!).
However, they aren’t perfect and are prone to having the occasional ‘blip’! You also need to kit out your kitchen with Induction-friendly pans to be able to use your fancy new hob.
But the bottom line is, you can use a small pan on a large induction ring providing the pan’s base length covers the magnetic plates under the induction hob glass.
Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.
