What’s the best cookware to use with induction ranges and cook tops?
First, lets explain how induction cook tops and ranges work.
A coil of copper wire is located under each element or burner on the stove top. when, stove is switched on an electric current flows through the coil which produces an oscillation magnetic field. This induces an electric current in the pan that is placed on that burner or element. It will not heat if a pan or pot is not on the burner.
Induction cooking delivers fast heat and constant heat for simmering foods. Cools down almost immediately, leaving the burner cool.In fact the burner never gets very hot in the first place. Click here please.
It’s becoming a favorite of home cooks because of the speed of heating and cooking time and the noticeable lack of heat loss in the processing time. Making it more efficient and cost-saving in the long run.
Plus the cost of induction cook tops and ranges is becoming increasingly easier to afford and they are much more cost efficient than conventional methods of cooking.
Plus clean up is miminal compared to cooked on food , which sometimes happens with regular electric and gas stoves. I’m sure there is a learning curve to conquer when preparing a complete meal. I wouldn’t start with Thanksgiving dinner!
For most models of induction cook tops and ranges, cookware is made with a ferromagnetic metal, such as stainless steel or cast iron.
Before you start shopping for your new induction cookware, even before you buy your induction stovetop or range, here is a rundown on the pros and cons of induction cooking.
Induction Cooking is now more user-friendly for the home chefs for these reasons.
Pros
1. Zero heat loss.
Induction cooking transfers heat directly through the electromagnetic field to the pan being used on that burner, which will absorb all the energy. No loss of heat.
2. Fast temperature changes.
Induction cooking will bring liquids to a boil much faster than conventional cooking and simmer foods easily. Also, temperatures decreases just as quickly so a big saving on energy.
3. Safety.
The cooktop on an induction range will stay cool so will prevent burns, especially helpful when young children are around the kitchen.
4.Less Waste
The unit heats only the cookware being used and not the whole burner making it 70% more efficient than conventional electric or gas.
Now to the bad side.
Cons
There are very few cons in regard to Induction cooking.
Probably the biggest drawback is cost. The price of an induction range is higher than a conventional range. But the savings in energy costs might outweight that argument in the long run.
Also, you will have to fine tune your cooking skills. Gone are the days when you can muli-task while preparing dinner.You will have to keep a close eye on the cooking process as the food will cook much faster than electric cooktop and even a gas stove. But, that could be a plus in a busy family lifestyle.
Also, clean up is a breeze.
Now, lets get to which cookware is best for cooking with induction cookware.
First of all, check to see if the cookware is labeled “induction cookware friendly”. Then you are sure it will work well with your range or stovetop.
Look for stainless steel, cast iron and carbon steel, they also work well. Nonstick aluminum and copper can also be a good choice. When you go shopping for your cookware bring a magnet with you. If it sticks to the bottom of the cookware than that cookware is “induction- friendly”.
My first choice in any type of cookware is Scanpan Cookware. Their reputation is wonderful. A company that has been around for many years. Their best cookware for induction cooking is the CTX model.
Here are some of the specifications of this cookware. The top of the line.
The set features ceramic titanium non-stick finish which is heated to 1700 degrees f. and fired on to the cast aluminum base, without any chemicals being used. The nearly indestructible finish is considered very safe.
You can achieve gourmet cooking results very easy. You can brown, sear, deglaze and then run under the broiler all being done with the same pan, unlike conventional nonstick pans.
I know this set is quite expensive but it will last a lifetime
Scanpan Cookware
8″ fry pan
10 1/4 ” fry pan
12 1/2 ” fry pan
2 qt sauce pan with lid
2 3/4 qt saucepan with lid with lid
4 qt saucepan with lid
10 1/4 ” saute` pan/ with lid
7 1/2 qt Dutch oven / with lid
One of my other all-time favorite brand of cookware is Calphalon Cookware. They just recently came out with this stackable set which I think is great for anyone in an apartment or wanting to downsize.
Calphalon Spacesaving Stackabe Stainless Steel 15 piece Cookware.
Stacks smaller and in any order. Made with 3 layers of metal distributing heat evenly and quickly.
The glass lids also save space. The handles are made of stainless steel and do not heat up during cooking time.
Set includes:
8″ fry pan 4.5 qt. soup pot with lid
10 ” fry pan 3 qt. saute` pan with lid
12 ” fry pan 5 qt. saute` pan with lid
2.5 qt. saucepan with lid 8 qt. stockpot with lid
3.5 qt. sauce pan with lid
Everything you need tp prepare a meal for a King or Queen.
Our next set of induction friendly cookware in the higher price range is the Woll Diamond Lite/Plus Non-stick Cookware. This cookware has reinforced nonstick scratch resistant cast iron aluminum and induction ready. With a coating made from diamond crystals insuring it being stick free.
Safe for use with metal utensils. Conducts heat four times faster than copper without any hot spots. Oven and dishwasher safe.
Price is $599.95
Made with 18/10 commercial grade stainless steel. It has heavy gauge bonded aluminum enclosed bottom. Good for a lifetime. Anti slip satin finish on handles to help prevent accidents and improve durability.
Compatible with all types of ranges, cooktops, electric, gas infrared, induction stove, radiant glass and also ceramic cooktops. So probably even good on a campfire.
This set includes:
8″ fry pan
10″ fry pan
1.6 quart sauce pan with lid
2.5 quart sauce pan
4.2 quart casserole with lid
Certainly enough cookware to prepare an excellent meal for your family. See it here.
Here is another middle of the road priced induction cookware set.
All-Clad E785SC64-HAI Hard-Anodized Non-stick 10-Piece Cookware Set price is $348.00
This non-stick set is made with aluminum hard-anodized finish for even, fast heat without any hot spots. Plus, also helps with easy clean-up.
Pans feature stainless steel bonded non warp base which is great for induction cooking. Scratch resistant, nonstick coating for healthier cooking, without using extra added fat.
Tight fitting lids, seals in heat and moisture plus can view food cooking.
Handles are contoured for a comfortable grip.
This cookware set is compatible with all types of ranges and stovetops, including induction.
Oven safe to 500 degrees and dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended.
10 piece set includes :
8″ fry pan
10″ fry pan
2 quart sauce pan with lid
3 quart sauce pan with lid
4 quart saute` pan with lid
8 quart stockpot with lid
For some more reasonably cookware, let’s look at the Vremi 8 piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware. This set is priced on the lower end of the price line, if you don’t want to invest as much as the other sets cost. Might be more practical if you are not in the kitchen a lot. This is an eight piece set that is available at $109.49
This cookware can go from the stove to the dinner table, saving you time and clean-up.
The ceramic coated finish heats quickly and evenly, plus, it releases food without a problem.
Made with die-cast aluminum, it’s non-toxic, scratch resistant and BPA free.
The pans release steam to prevent food from boiling over with a vent designed in the lid. Also, the cookware has bakelite handles with wood tone colors making the pans easy to handle.
Oven safe and induction ready this cookware is oven safe up to 500degree F.
Pans have induction compatible spiral that is useable on gas, electric and halogen cookware as well. A good product for the price.
The final induction cookwareand can be used with metal utensils. set I’m going to highlight is the T-Fal C5155C Professional 12 piece set. Price is $99.99.
The non-stick finish is very durable and user friendly and can be used with metal utensils.
The t-fal thermos spot heat indicator informs you when the t-fal pan is ready to use. All the pans have comfort grip handles for safety in handling.
Pans are oven safe to 400 degrees F. Safe for all cooking methods. Made with stainless compatible base.
All pans have superior non stick interior for cooking with less oil or fat.
For larger meals the Dutch oven has a wide bottom and a large enough size to accommodate large crowd recipes.
The set also comes with 2 nylon utensils. Not bad for the price.