Induction cookers are technological kitchen equipment with high productivity and efficiency in terms of energy consumption. In addition, such stoves are characterized by increased safety, compared with gas and electric samples. But those who have acquired a wonderful technique often wonder what kind of cookware is the most suitable for an induction cooker. After all, it is important that the kitchen assistant does not lose her properties and effectively cope with the duties assigned to her.
The validity of the choice of special dishes
The induction hob has a special operating principle, which requires the use of special utensils. If the classic gas version is used, the source of heating is an open flame, which heats the walls of pots and pans. This heat is then transferred to the cooked food. But in the process, the stove itself and the surrounding air are also heated.
Electric stoves sometimes take a long time to warm up. After turning off, they also cool for a long time. In this case, heat is released into the surrounding space.
The operation of an induction cooker is based on a phenomenon such as electromagnetic induction. The bottom line is that in a confined space, under the influence of magnetic radiation, a current is formed. The stove is equipped with a glass-ceramic surface, a copper coil is located under it. It is she who is responsible for magnetic vibrations. And the bottom of the special dishes is a closing circuit, which quickly heats up due to the appearance of current. At the same time, heating only affects the pot or pan, while the glass-ceramic surface remains cold.
But for the formation of heat, it is necessary that the bottom has ferromagnetic properties. In other words, a magnet should attract. Otherwise, the pan will remain cold.
Suitable cookware material
Not only taste qualities, but also operational characteristics depend on the choice of material. It is important to understand which cookware is suitable for the induction cooker and which material to prefer. Each has its undeniable advantages, but also has disadvantages.
Stainless steel
From stainless steel there are many different pots and whole sets. When choosing this material, the user receives a lot of positive characteristics:
- The dishes are resistant to oxidation. Therefore, food retains its beneficial properties and can be stored in the refrigerator without being removed from the pan.
- The material is durable, therefore it is used for a long time without loss of quality characteristics.
- Light weight.
- Optimal design. You can choose a matte or shiny surface.
Among the disadvantages of stainless steel cookware are the following:
- There is no non-stick layer, so cooked food often burns.
- Despite the durability of the surface, scratches appear during operation.
Not all stainless steel samples have ferromagnetic properties. Therefore, determining which cookware is suitable for the induction cooker, it is worthwhile to find out this property.
Cast Iron Pans
A reasonable question about the possibility of using cast iron utensils is associated with the merits of the material. Cast iron heats up quickly and evenly, while the food does not burn.
Kitchen utensils are particularly durable and durable. Cast iron perfectly holds heat, while it is possible to bring food to readiness simply by leaving it there until it cools completely.
For human health, it is important that the material is completely chemically inert. Therefore, it does not come into contact with any products and, therefore, does not cause unpleasant consequences.
Among the minuses of cast iron utensils can be identified:
- Too much weight. Therefore, if accidentally dropped, it can significantly damage the glass-ceramic surface.
- Unprotected walls easily absorb food odors and are gradually exposed to corrosive phenomena.
- Despite the massive appearance, such dishes are quite fragile. If you hit a ceramic tile on the floor, it may crack.
But definitely cast iron is a good material from which cookware for induction cookers is made.
What kind of enamel is needed?
When choosing utensils for a technological assistant, you can look at a metal one with an enamel coating. She has undeniable advantages:
- simplicity in maintenance and care;
- durability and strength, if you correctly select cleaning products that do not damage the enamel;
- low price and quite a variety of colors.
When deciding which cookware for an induction cooker is suitable, pay attention to its bottom. In enameled samples, it is often rounded. It turns out a small elevation, which acts as a resonator. Therefore, when heated, you can hear noises. For an induction cooker, it is better to look for a pan with a flat bottom.
How to choose the right cookware for induction cookers?
The spiral, consisting of small loops and the word Induction, is a special mark on specialized dishes. But if it is not possible to purchase one, then you should go for a purchase with a small magnet. He will serve as the guarantor of verification. If the magnet sticks to the bottom, then you can safely take a pot or pan.
There are also several more conditions that cookware for induction cookers must meet. Which one can be judged by its bottom. In addition to the ability to attract a magnet, it must be thick. The cooking time depends on this. The thicker it is, the faster you can achieve the result and at the same time the utensil does not deform. The minimum thickness is 3 mm, it is from this size that one should proceed when choosing cookware for an induction cooker.
Which pan to choose also depends on the diameter of the burner. This information can be found in the instructions for the stove. The diameter of the selected model should cover at least 70% of the working area. This is due to the fact that the heating process otherwise will not start.
Typically, the plate manufacturer indicates the exact dimensions of the necessary utensils. But in any case, it should not be less than 12 cm in diameter. By the way, a wide and low pan will allow you to cook food faster than a narrow and tall one. This fact should be taken into account when choosing.
Little tricks
After purchasing a technological innovation, cookware for induction cookers is required. Which one is suitable? This is a matter of concern to inexperienced housewives. But if with standard pots and pans everything is clear, then what about small copies. If you put a Turk on a stove whose bottom diameter is small, the heating process is not activated. How to be? The solution is to purchase a special “pancake” that completely covers the burner. You can already install a Turk on it.
If after the old gas stove there is an old set of dishes, then it can be used, but with some precautions:
- Inspect for scratches and chips, they can damage the glass-ceramic surface.
- If the bottom is deformed, then it is better to refuse dishes.
- The enameled pan should have a flat bottom.
If possible, it is better to purchase a special kit of the same design and manufacturer. Performance will be higher and aesthetic properties will please the eye.
Manufacturer's choice
When choosing cookware for an induction cooker, it is no less important to study the manufacturers overview than the manufacturing material.
Top Brands Review
Luxstahl is a German brand, but production is located in China. It is a popular brand among Russian consumers. The dishes are made of stainless steel and have a triple bottom.
The surface is not oxidized, the walls are thick, so the food is cooked quickly. The handles are securely attached by precision welding and do not heat up, which is undoubtedly convenient.
Pots and pans from the Turkish brand LAVA are made of durable cast iron and coated with colored enamel for an aesthetic appearance. Cookware for an induction cooker is very different; its types are suitable for different purposes. Utensils from this manufacturer are great for stewing meat, vegetables. At the same time, products do not stick and retain their aroma. For the convenience of users, LAVA pans have a long handle.
The Italian brand Paderno boasts professional cookware designed for induction cookers. They are made of high-quality steel, and you can choose a sample of matt material or prefer glossy. The bottom is three-layered, so the food does not burn.
Another Italian manufacturer, Pintinox, offers cookware made of cast aluminum and stainless steel. The bottom has three layers and a non-stick Teflon coating. The dishes warm evenly and retain heat for a long time. The walls are scratch resistant.
The dishes from the French brand Matfer are distinguished by their stylish design and the variety of materials used. You can find on sale cast iron pots with an aluminum layer that conducts heat. As well as lightweight aluminum pans with ceramic coating and non-stick layer. The dishes are different in shape and size. It is hygienic and easy to care for.
conclusions
When an induction cooker is purchased, which cookware is suitable and reviews are studied very carefully. The considered brands have proven themselves well, and the choice depends on personal preferences and the method of cooking. So for stewing, cast iron will be the best, and for cooking soup, you can prefer light aluminum.
Preferences and external characteristics are equally important. Someone prefers steel shine to stainless steel, another likes the strength of cast iron. According to reviews, it helps to preserve the natural taste of dishes. Many praise aluminum because the dishes are lightweight and easy to clean. And for someone, external characteristics are important, so they choose colorful enamel.
In order for the cookware for the induction cooker to satisfy its characteristics, it is necessary to precisely select its diameter, volume and determine the design and material of manufacture. Each option has its pros and cons, it is important to choose the best option.