In recent years, induction cooking has become a popular choice for modern kitchens. This style of cooking uses electromagnetic energy to produce heat, making it a more efficient and faster option than traditional gas or electric cooktops.

If you’re in the market for an induction cooktop, you may be wondering if stainless steel pots and pans are compatible with this induction stove.

The answer is…it depends on the type of stainless steel your cookware is made of.

As stainless steel can be made with different alloys, there are several types of stainless steel and two most popular types of stainless steel are ferritic and austenitic.

1) Austenitic Stainless Steel
The most common type used in cookware is 18/8 stainless steel, which is made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This type of stainless steel is nonmagnetic, meaning it won’t will work with induction cooktops.

Another one is 18/10, which contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This type of stainless steel is magnetic, meaning it will work with induction cooktops.

2) Ferritic Stainless Steel
Another one is Ferritic Stainless Steel 18/0, containing 18% chromium and no nickel and has a low resistance to corrosion. This type of stainless steel is magnetic, meaning it will work with induction cooktops.

If you’re not sure what type of stainless steel your cookware is made of, you can check the manufacturer’s label or website.

How Stainless Steel Pan Work On Induction?
The ferromagnetic property of stainless steel is what enables it to work with induction heating.

When an electric current is run through the metal, it creates a magnetic field. This field then causes currents of electricity to flow through the pan, which in turn create heat.

Some people may find that their stainless steel cookware doesn’t always work with their induction cooktops.

This could be because the pan isn’t made of a compatible type of stainless steel, or there may be something wrong with the cooktop.

If you’re having trouble getting your pans to work with induction, contact the manufacturer of your cooktop for help.

How to use non induction stainless cookware on induction cooktop
If you have cookware made from a different type of stainless steel, such as 304 or 316, it is likely that it will not be magnetic and therefore will not work with induction cooking.

Therefore, you need to buy induction converter plate (induction adapter) which is made of induction ready material like Stainless steel or cast iron that works as converter.

How to know if your cookware is induction-ready
If you have a set of stainless steel cookware and you’re not sure if it’s compatible with induction cooking or induction-ready, there are a few things you can do to test it.

Method One– One way is by using a magnet. Grab a magnet and touch it with your particular pan, if the magnet sticks to the cookware, it’s made with a magnetic alloy and will work with induction. If the magnet doesn’t stick, the cookware is made with a non-magnetic alloy and won’t work with induction without an induction converter plate.

Method Two – Other method is to look for a symbol on the bottom of your cookware that says “induction-ready.” Usually symbol looks like piece of coiled wire in horizontal shape. If the symbol is present, it means the cookware is induction-ready.

In order to determine whether stainless steel cookware works on induction cooktops, it is important to understand the basics of how induction cooking works.

Induction cooking occurs when electricity passes through a coil beneath the cooktop, creating a magnetic field. This field creates heat in the pan, which cooks the food.

Bottom line
There are a few things you need to consider before purchasing cookware for your induction stovetop.

First, make sure that the pots and pans you select are specifically labelled as “induction-ready.” Some stainless steel cookware is not compatible with induction stovetop.

Additionally, not all stainless steel is created equal – some varieties have a higher percentage of nickel, which can interfere with induction cooking. So make sure to check the percentage of nickel in your cookware before making a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use nonstick pans on an induction cooktop?

No, nonstick pans are not induction-compatible because most of the non-stick pans are typically made with aluminum base (Non-Magnetic), which doesn’t work with induction cooking.

Can you use cast iron cookware on an induction cooktop?

Yes, cast iron is a good choice for induction cooking because it is magnetic. However, you will need to season your cast iron cookware before using it on an induction cooktop to get a better results.

Can you use glass cookware on an induction cooktop?

No, glass cookware is not compatible with induction cooking because it does not contain any metal and will not create heat.

Can you use aluminum cookware on an induction cook top?

No, aluminum is not a good choice for induction cooking because it’s a non-magnetic metal and has a low heat retention.

What is the best cookware set to buy for an induction cooktop?

The best cookware set to buy for an induction cooktop is stainless steel cookware that is specifically labelled as “induction-ready.” This cookware will work with your induction stovetop and is a good choice for cooking.

Can you damage an induction hob by using wrong pans?

No using wrong or non-magnetic cookware on induction hob won’t damage the stove, however, the cookware will not heat up this is because the pan is not designed to work with induction.