Induction cooking is a modern, energy-efficient way to heat food using magnetic technology, but it requires specific tools to work effectively. So, how does induction cooking work, and what is induction cookware? Read on to unlock next-level cooking.

What Is Induction Cooking?

Induction cooking is a method of heating food using magnetic currents as opposed to traditional gas or electric heat sources. It works by using an electromagnet and power coil beneath the cooktop surface to generate a magnetic field between the cooktop and cookware. This field causes electric currents, called eddy currents, to flow through conductive cookware. As these currents flow through the metal, they create friction at the molecular level, producing heat directly within the pan rather than on the cooktop surface.

Tip!

For a more detailed description of this type of kitchen appliance and how to use it effectively, check out our related guide What Is an Induction Cooktop?

Benefits of Induction Cooking

Induction cooking offers many benefits over cooking with a traditional gas or electric stove.

• Higher Efficiency & Precision: Because induction cooking heats your cookware directly, there is less energy loss which makes for a highly efficient cooking process and precise temperature control.
• Enhanced Safety: This also makes for a safer kitchen environment because the cooktops themselves don’t heat up – reducing the risk of burns or fires.
• Improved Air Quality: Induction cooktops have also been shown to improve the indoor air quality of homes because they don’t release harmful byproducts like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides that occur with gas-fuel stoves.

What Is Induction Cookware?

In order for induction cooktops to work, you need the proper cookware. Named for its stove compatibility, induction cookware is made from magnetic, conductive materials that allow energy to flow through the cookware in order to generate heat for cooking.

Induction Cookware Materials

Induction cookware must be made of a ferromagnetic metal – metal that has magnetic properties – in order to be compatible with induction cooktops. Cast iron, carbon steel, and some forms of stainless steel are induction-compatible cookware materials to look for.

In general, glass, ceramic, aluminum, and copper cookware are not considered induction cookware because they don’t have the magnetic properties required to work with an induction stove. Some cookware made of these materials include an iron pad in the bottom to make them induction-compatible, however, they do not heat as evenly as cookware made of 100% ferromagnetic material.

Tip!

Want a quick and easy way to check if your cookware is induction-compatible? Induction cookware is magnetic! Hold a magnet against the bottom of your cookware. If it sticks, it’s safe to use on an induction cooktop or stove.

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