How To Use Non-Induction Cookware On Induction Cooktop?

You might have an excellent induction cooktop, but not all your pots and pans are compatible. Do you know how to use non-induction cookware on induction cooktop?

Imagine the frustration of cooking for hours, only to find out that your recipe requires a pot that isn’t compatible with your stove.

If you have this problem and want to know what’s next, keep reading!

What is an induction cooktop?

A cooking surface that uses the principles of electromagnetic induction to create heat. It contains a coil and electricity that creates a magnetic field between it and a pot or pan placed on its surface.

This means that cooking temperatures are regulated entirely by controlling the level of power flowing from the induction coil to the magnetic housing, much like in an electric oven.

The strength of this magnetic field can be changed in three ways: frequency (number of cycles), amplitude (depth of penetration), and duration, allowing any pot or pan at varying distances from the coil to receive various levels of energy as needed.

How does an induction cooktop work?

An induction cooktop generates heat by dividing electrical current into fast-moving waves. These electromagnetic waves create currents in the metal of the pot by pushing electrons back and forth.

The faster the cooktop’s electric currents oscillate, the more these high-energy waves reach a boiling point inducing warmth throughout your pot.

When you place a metal pan on top of this cooktop, it absorbs energy without needing to be heated first with gas or electricity.

Nowadays, induction cooking has one great advantage over other cooking methods. It requires no contact with delicate coatings or ceramics that can scratch and break easily and release toxic particles into food when touched.

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induction cooktop

Using non-induction cookware on an induction cookstove

The presence of any metal on the cooking surface significantly reduces its ability to generate electromagnetic currents.

This means that cookware for induction stovetops designed for use on a traditional stovetop will take longer and require increased heat to perform well on induction hobs.

Non-induction cookware may also cause scratching when used with the wrong pan, making it even more difficult for induction pies to generate strong currents through the cooking surface.

How do you know if your pot or pan can be used on an induction cooktop?

Cast Iron or Carbon Steel Pans are safe to use on an induction cooktop surface. If the pan has a magnetic bottom, it should also be safe for an induction cooker.

Nonstick-coated pans generally do not work on an induction cooktop because they contain aluminum in their non-stick coating, which cannot distribute the electromagnetic field well beneath its coating.

The outermost layer of ceramic coatings used to make pots and pans also have properties preventing them from working with induction cooking.

These coatings may peel off and will not respond to changes in cooking temperatures without a great deal of heat applied directly to the surface.

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pot or pan on an induction cooktop

The dangers of using the wrong type of cookware on an induction stovetop

The risks of wrong cookware are that acidic foods will cause the metal pot or pan to react and change the nutritional content. The acid causes a reaction with the metal, which in turn starts leaching metals into your food.

It also creates a reaction that can damage your intestine lining due to the metal ions being absorbed through your colon walls. This isn’t good for two reasons:

  • Prolonged exposure to even small amounts of these metals can lead to many serious health problems, including kidney failure, high blood pressure, and several cancers.
  • Some food contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, which react with acids to maintain minerals from natural sources. But this process transforms those minerals into cancer.

Tips for using a non-induction pan or pot on an induction hob

Induction cookware has a dual layer of metal. One thing that might not be evident is the importance of this second (bottom) layer being steel (not aluminum like most pots and pans in your kitchen).

The induction system is looking for an electric current to provide energy, thus directing heat only to the material it is touching.

Therefore, steel-bottomed alternatives are required for induction, or else you risk frying your surface entirely off.

Buy either copper, nickel, or aluminum products labeled induction stove ready. Copper cookware isn’t always reactive enough to work on most stovetops.

The nickel content is best suited for high-end cooktops but can be troublesome if you need to make changes quickly due to its higher cost.

How to make regular cookware induction-compatible cookware?

We love cooking new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients. So, it’s been enjoyable to find out what works best.

But one thing has always been complicated: no matter which type of stovetop we tried, none of the cookware would work on an induction stove.

Until now! Here is a tip for using your regular cookware with induction burners!

Induction converter disk or interface disk

An induction converter is a flat disk that will allow you to use commonly sold aluminum or copper pots and pans that don’t have a flat bottom.

These disks connect to the bottom of your pot with a magnet, so they coordinate well and make your regular cookware induction-compatible cookware.

An induction cooktop converter disk is also called an induction cooktop interface disk! It is manufactured from stainless steel or iron and features a safe heat-proof handle to hold.

Before using any non-induction cookware, you need to place the converter disk over the induction stove. There is no chance of tipping or slipping because it is thin and heavy.

A converter disk will make your cooking more convenient. You can use any metal pot instead of those pots made for cooking on induction stoves.

Induction cooking has many benefits, including shorter cooking time, quicker clean-up, more energy saving, and a lower boiling temperature.

Foods won’t overcook, especially when there are stringy vegetables mixed in like carrots or celery. This method; cooks food faster across all ranges from low to high heat settings.

All converter disks are not good in quality. So, choose a sturdy disk with a robust magnet and easy-to-use heat-proof handle before buying.

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induction converter disk or interface disk

Problem with using induction converter disk

The magnetic waves that an induction converter disk emits are absorbed by your metal non-induction utensil, transferring them to its surface and causing damage.

Non-induction metals such as aluminum and stainless steel are prone to having this issue since they do not have a compatible oscillation frequency with the application of a converter disk.

The good news is that if you wish to retain these metals in your cooking set while still enjoying the benefits of using an induction cooker. Placing a thin bimetal on top will help shield it from interference from the magnetic waves emitted.

Commonly used materials include steel wool and copper sheets or other copper-based metal combinations like brass etc.

Using induction cookware on an induction stove

There are two reasons that you need cookware for an induction cooker to work with an induction stovetop. Firstly, induction coil surfaces radiate the heat outwards for all your pots and pans to access.

Pots and pans without their own surface cannot be heated solely by the electric coils like they can on the stovetop.

Second, there’s no such thing as “induction safe” glass or plastics because ferromagnets don’t react well at all with any other type of heat distribution source.

Induction cooktops can only work with cookware that is made for use with induction cooking. This is because electromagnetic waves need to pass through your pot or pan to function correctly and make good food.

Final Thoughts

You may be wondering how to use non-induction cookware on an induction cooktop. This article will answer your question.

Induction cooktops are a great way to save energy and money while cooking, but what can you do if you have non-induction dishes?

Different sorts of non-induction cookware can be used on an induction hob. However, the best way to ensure compatibility is to invest in new pots and pans.

The best type of pan for an induction cooktop is magnetic stainless steel or cast iron. These materials will heat quickly on the surface.

Be sure not to use any aluminum or copper-based metals–these types of metal won’t work with your stove’s magnetron coil.

Investing in some high-quality cookware may seem like an expensive purchase. Still, it could save you hundreds over time by using less electricity!

Read Next: How To Restore Magnalite Cookware?

FAQs

  • What is the easiest way to use non-induction cookware on an induction cooktop?

    The easiest way to use non-induction cookware on an induction cooktop is with the help of a special magnetic plate or a converter.

  • Can induction cookware be used on electric or gas stoves? Will that damage the cookware?

    No, induction cookware can only be used on induction cooktops. Using an induction cooktop on an electric or gas stove will damage the cookware.

  • Can I use non-stick pots and pans on induction cooktops?

    Yes, you can cook using a non-stick pan on an induction cooktop. But you must make sure the pan is magnetic.

    The cooktop uses a magnetic field to heat the pot or pan, and the non-stick coating should also be magnetic.

  • What happens if you use regular pots on the induction cooktop?

    When you use regular pots on the induction cooktop, it doesn’t work as well. The pot won’t heat up as quickly, and the food won’t cook as evenly.

    This is because the induction cooktop uses a magnetic field to heat up the pot, and regular pots don’t have a magnet in them.

    If you try to use a regular pot on the induction cooktop, it might not work at all, or it might damage the cooktop.

  • Can I use stainless steel on the induction cooktop?

    When looking to buy cookware for your induction cooktop, it’s important to keep in mind that not all materials are compatible with the induction heating process.

    The reason for this is that induction cooktops use a magnetic field to produce heat, and some materials (like aluminum) can be affected by this field.

    Stainless steel is a good option for those looking for cookware that will work on an induction cooktop, as it is not affected by magnets.

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Writer & Product Reviewer
Ramon Monroe
Ramon A. Monroe is a senior writer specializing in home and kitchen appliances. He always makes sure that every piece is written with utmost care and attention to detail. Ramon likes to go skiing in the winter and hiking during the summer. He is also an avid cook, so he spends most of his free time looking for the best recipes to try out on his friends and family.

2 thoughts on “How To Use Non-Induction Cookware On Induction Cooktop?”

  1. “What happens if you use regular pots on the induction cooktop?
    If you use regular pots on the induction cooktop, the pot bottom gets extremely hot while the sides stay cool.”

    Completely wrong information

    Reply

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