Choosing Cookware for Induction Cooktops

It is exciting to get a new kitchen appliance – especially an induction cooktop. This shiny yet sleek addition to your kitchen can rejuvenate your desire to cook again. Whether you have wanted a reason to pull out your old family recipes or you have a collection of eclectic recipes you’ve gathered online, this is the way to do it. Then again, let’s be real – with all the new advanced features and a cooking method that is off the beaten path, even boiling water can be exciting. But what about compatibility – as in choosing cookware for induction cooktops?

Unfortunately, you will have to kick all the fun to the curb if you don’t have the right cookware for your induction cooktop.

What is Induction Cooking?

Regardless of whether you are used to cooking with electricity or gas, induction cooking is quite different. There is no flame or burners that have to heat up. Instead, this method of heating food involves creating a magnetic field that runs between the cookware and the magnetic coils below the surface.

There is energy created in the electromagnetic field, which then heats up the pot. And it does so quickly without ever heating the surface of the cooktop. You could even put a piece of paper on the cooktop underneath the skillet you are cooking food in – and the paper won’t burn. It remains cool.

You don’t see the electromagnetic heat as it does not produce any flame or bright orange coils. It is just invisible heat.

Benefits of Induction Cooking

So, why are induction cooktops becoming so popular these days? Well, probably because they come with so many incredible benefits that make cooking at home to the next level. A few of them include the following:

–Fast and efficient cooking. Because you aren’t waiting for anything to heat up before it heats your pan, it has actually been proven to bring water to a boil at a much faster rate than other cooking methods.

–Safe. Since the surface of the cooktop never heats up, it remains cool to the touch – and safe for little hands or paws. This also significantly reduces the risk of fires in the kitchen.

–Easy to clean. Any spills or messes on an induction cooktop can just be wiped up. There is no way for them to burn to the surface because it doesn’t get hot.

–Energy efficient. These cooktops use much less energy than electric or gas cooktops, which makes them much more energy efficient.

When you choose the right induction cooktop, such as a model offered by THOR Kitchen, you will also get an appliance that offers you the ability to cook with a lot of features. Not only do these features make the cooktop even better, but they also enhance your cooking experience.

30 Inch Built-In Induction Cooktop with 4 Elements by THOR Kitchen

Below are a few of the features you will find with a 30-inch built-in induction cooktop with 4 elements by THOR Kitchen:

-Two sizes to choose from based on your available space and size requirements, including 4 or 5 elements ranging in size and wattage.

-Nine power levels, so you get just the right amount of heat you need based on what you are trying to achieve.

-Power boost elements that allow you to reach your desired temperature fast.

–Digital LED displays and touch controls are easy to read and use.

-Residual heat indicator and child lock offer you extra protection and safety in the kitchen.

-Automatic safety shut-off feature. If the unit does not sense the presence of cookware on the burner after two hours, it will shut off automatically.

Of course, this is all in addition to its incredible good looks and sleek design!

What Cookware Works with Induction Cooktops?

Induction cooking uses an electromagnetic field to create the energy that heats the pot. That means there has to be a magnetic connection between the cooktop and the cookware, right? Therefore, in order for that to happen, cookware for induction cooktops must be magnetic as well.

But, since you now know that not all cookware will work with an induction cooktop, what can you use? It is important to determine just what type of pots, pans, skillets, and so forth you will need to effectively use your new appliance.

Cast Iron Gets the Job Done

Cast iron and enameled cast iron are both consistent players in the game of induction cooking, beautifully transferring heat without question. Stainless steel is usually a good option, too. However, be careful because sometimes stainless steel has a high aluminum volume, and that won’t work very well.

Avoid Aluminum, All Copper, and Glass

Just as there are certain types of cookware that will work with induction cooktops, there are those that won’t. Don’t even waste your time trying to cook dinner using a pan made of aluminum, all copper, or glass.

Many cookware manufacturers are now adding induction-compatible bottoms to their pots and pans so that they will work regardless of what the rest of the pan is made of. And many are also adding a symbol to the packaging so that you know ahead of time whether or not it will work. It looks like four loops of coiled wire – and it may also state “induction ready.”

A Simple Compatibility Test

You may know what to look for in the future pans you purchase, but what about the ones you have? How do you know if they will work with an induction cooktop if you decide to invest in one?

If you aren’t sure what type of pan you have or that it will work with your induction cooktop, consider trying this simple test using a magnet.

Place the magnet close to the bottom of the pan. Did it cling tightly and quickly to the pan? If so, it will work perfectly with your cooktop. Was it a gentle magnetic pull? Was there no magnetic pull at all? It likely won’t be a very good fit with your new cooktop.

Get It All with Induction Cooking

Investing in an induction cooktop can be a very wise decision with many advantages. As long as you have the right cookware, then you can enjoy all it has to offer. And now that you know just what you need – what are you waiting for? See where the nearest THOR dealer is and find the perfect induction cooktop for your kitchen space.