Best Induction Cookware
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Induction cooking is an energy efficient and highly responsive way of cooking. We run down our favorite induction cookware so you get the most out of your induction cooktop.
What is Induction Cooking?
Induction cooktops create a fluctuating magnetic field that interacts with appropriate cookware. The pan itself creates heat through interaction with the magnetic field. Induction cooking is very energy efficient and responsive. It’s also a safe, flameless method of cooking. All that is required to make the most of an induction cooktop is the right cookware.
What Makes Good Induction Cookware?
The only cookware that works with an induction cooker is magnetic cookware. Take a magnet to the bottom of your pots and pans, if it sticks it will work on an induction cooktop. The more strongly a magnet sticks the better responsiveness you’ll get from your cookware.
Cast iron is an excellent material for induction cookware. Most cookware made of ferrous metals work on an induction cooktop. Stainless steel is also a great choice as long as it is magnetic – some aren’t. Nowadays most manufacturers list induction compatibility in their cookware’s description.
I prefer enameled cast iron over seasoned cast iron. I have had instances where seasoned cast iron has left stains on a white ceramic induction cooktop from the seasoning. Enameled cast iron totally solves this problem and also provides a very smooth surface to interact with. Most induction cook surfaces are glass, so it’s best to avoid cookware that may scratch.
The best stainless steel cookware for induction are the multi layered ones. The multiple layers sandwich aluminum (a non induction friendly material) with stainless steel and sometimes more magnetic materials. This makes for excellent induction cookware without the weight of cast iron. When in doubt about stainless steel just look for ‘Induction Compatible’ or similar description.
Our Favorite Induction Cookware
We’re going to break this into 2 sections. Cast iron, and stainless steel. They are all excellent pans for induction, and are all high quality cookware brands. These are what we would consider to be the best induction cookware.
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Cast Iron Induction Cookware
Many people ask, “Will cast iron scratch an induction cooktop?” The enameled cookware I recommend has a smooth enameled bottom that will not scratch an induction cooktop. Plain seasoned cast iron can have a rough finish and I don’t recommend those. I’ve also had seasoned cast iron stain a white induction surface when the pan got really hot. Enameled cast iron works beautifully on induction.
Staub Cast Iron Cookware
A personal favorite of mine, most of my cast iron is Staub. Staub is enameled cast iron with a unique matte black interior enamel. All of the bottoms of Staub have a smooth enamel to prevent any scratches to a glass topped induction cooktop. The quality is top notch, my Staub has been in near constant use for many years.
Le Creuset Cast Iron Cookware
Le Creuset is another trusted enameled cast iron. They also have smooth bottoms that make them ideal for induction cooktop use. All of my Le Creuset still looks new and has held up for many years. I love using a dutch oven on an induction cooker, especially with a timer.
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron
I have this Lodge enameled cast iron dutch oven and use it all the time. The bottom is smooth enamel that is perfect for induction cooking. This does have an off white interior that I have had a little trouble with discoloration depending on what I cook in it. Other than that it is a great value for enameled cast iron cookware. Lodge enameled cast iron is great as a ‘try me’ piece to see if you like enameled cast iron at an affordable price.
Stainless Steel Induction Cookware
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware
The Cuisinart multiclad pro is a triple layered stainless cookware that is suitable for use on an induction cooktop. I particularly like the stainless lids that this line comes with. I’ve had the 1.5 quart saucepan for a few years and it is one of the few pans I own that really does pour drip free.
Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel Cookware
Calphalon’s Premier stainless is also a triple layer construction that works on an induction cooker. These are oven safe to 450, and Calphalon says they are all dishwasher safe. I prefer to hand wash mine just to be on the safe side.
All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Steel Cookware
The All-Clad D5 line has in impressive 5 layer construction. This allows for extremely even heating and outstanding warp resistance. The smooth bottom layer is designed with induction in mind, and performs exceptionally. These are also oven and broiler safe to 600 degrees. What I love about my All-Clad is how easy it is to clean and stands up to a little extra elbow grease when needed.
Of course all of these high quality cookware brands can also be used on gas stoves and traditional electric stoves. They really are all designed to work with all manner of cooktops. We’re sure you’ll get many years of use out of any of the pieces we recommend, as they’ve stood the test of time in our own kitchen.
Also see our post on the Best Stainless Steel Cookware for more recommendations.