Yes, it’s possible. But you have to be careful and follow some tips (which we are going to cover in this post)
I get it – you just bought a fancy new induction cooktop for your kitchen and stocked up on some seriously nice induction-ready pots and pans to go with it. But that old gas stove you’ve had forever still isn’t going anywhere just yet. Now you’re wondering if all those new induction pans will even work on those old gas burners. I’ve been there myself!
Induction cooking is definitely having a major moment right now, and for good reason – it heats faster and more efficiently than old electric or gas ranges. But gas stoves still remain super popular in most kitchens, considering they are expected to grow at CAGR of over 5% through 2025.
Let’s take a look at this topic in more details:
Here are fun facts about gas stoves
Are Induction Pans Suitable for Cooking on Gas Hobs?
The short answer is yes, you totally can. But there are some real trade-offs to keep in mind.
See, Induction cookware is designed to be compatible with induction cooktops, where a magnetic field creates the heat directly in the pan. While made for induction, most induction pans will also work on traditional gas and electric ranges.
So in most cases, you can safely use induction cookware on a gas stove. However, it is not recommended for extended use or high heat on gas. The construction that makes induction pans so effective on induction burners makes them more vulnerable to warping on gas flames.
Induction Cookware vs. Gas Cookware
| Induction Cookware | Gas Cookware | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Must be magnetic (e.g., stainless steel, cast iron) | Compatible with a wide range of materials (e.g., stainless steel, cast iron, copper) |
| Heat Distribution | Even heat distribution across the base | May have hot spots and uneven heating |
| Efficiency | Efficient, as it directly heats the cookware | May lose some heat to the surrounding air |
| Cookware Cost | May be more expensive due to magnetic materials | Wide range of price options |
| Weight | Can be heavier due to magnetic materials | Varies depending on the material |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean, but may require special care for magnetic materials | Generally easy to clean |
| Compatibility | Specifically designed for induction cooking | Can be used on various cooktops, including gas |
The biggest difference between cookware for induction vs gas is the base material. Induction requires magnetic pans, while gas cookware is often lighter-weight aluminum or anodized aluminum.
Gas-specific cookware may have an aluminum, ceramic, or hard-anodized aluminum cooking surface. Aluminum conducts heat well but is more reactive and less durable than stainless steel. Quality gas pans will have thicker, more heat-responsive metal bases.
When Should You Avoid Using Induction Cookware on Gas Stoves?
While induction pans generally work on gas stoves, there are a few situations where you should exercise caution:
- Induction cookware is not designed for the intense direct heat of a gas burner. Using very high heat can damage the pan over time.
- Very lightweight induction pans may warp more easily on gas flames. You should go for heavier stainless steel pots and pans.
- The responsive heat of induction makes it safer to leave cooking – whether you are on your phone or running to the bathroom. Gas flames, on the other hand, can scorch if you leave the pans unattended.
Benefits of Using Induction Pans on Gas
While requiring a bit more care, there are advantages to using induction cookware on a gas range:
- The stainless steel surface can brown and sear meats and veggies more evenly than some gas-specific pans.
- Quality induction cookware allows the same pans to work across stove types.
- Stainless steel induction cookware stands up well to heavy use, and can handle most of the cooking you do on your gas stove
How To Use Induction Cookware On A Gas Stove – Top Tips
While induction pans are gas stove-friendly, you’ll need some simple tips to make the most out of them.
- Bring pans up to temperature slowly to prevent hotspots
- Cook over medium-low to medium heat for most cooking. High gas flames can overheat induction cookware.
- Don’t plunge hot pans into cold water
- Don’t leave induction pans completely unattended over gas flames
- Ensure pans sit flat on the grates
- Select a burner about the same size as the cookware base for the best transfer of heat.
Final Thoughts
There are no cookwares that are 100% suitable to use for all cooktops. While designed for induction cooking, you can use induction pans on your old gas stove. You only need to take some simple precautions like limiting high heat use and uneven bases.
Common Questions
What’s the benefit of using induction pans on gas?
Induction cookware often has better heat distribution compared to basic pans. This allows for more cooking and browning. The stainless steel surface can also sear and brown better than some gas cookware.
Are there risks to using induction cookware on gas stoves?
Yes. High heat, simmering, and leaving pans unattended can damage induction cookware on gas stoves. The intense direct heat of gas flames can overheat the cookware over time. Lighter-weight induction pans are also more prone to warping.
