Switching to induction can revolutionize your cooking experience. No doubt. After all, with an induction cooktop, you spend less energy, prepare meals faster, and avoid the risks of open flames.
However, induction cooktops are only compatible with induction-ready cookware. But that doesn’t mean you must replace all your pots and pans with the more expensive induction-compatible cookware after switching to an induction hob. On the contrary, you can use an induction cooktop converter disc to cook with any cookware on an induction stovetop.
We have reviewed the best induction converter plates below. Each product has a brief description and several pros and cons. With the information included here, you can make informed decisions and pick the best item for induction cooking.
How We Tested
Through boiling tests and durability trials, we found these induction converter disks evenly transmit heat and stand up well to scratching. The slight tradeoff comes in added induction hum noise.
- We tested heat conductivity by timing how long a pot of water took to boil with and without disks
- We evaluated the evenness of heating by cooking omelets and monitoring the browning consistency
- Scratched disk surfaces with metal utensils to confirm durability claims
Top 6 Induction Adapter Plates for Your Cooktop
There are a ton of converter disks on the market, but we chose the following six (for a reason).
1. Max Burton 6010 8-Inch Induction Interface Disk
The Max Burton 6010 8-Inch Induction Interface Disk proves to be a valuable addition to any kitchen, offering a cost-effective and space-saving solution for using non-induction cookware on induction cooktops.
Crafted with high-quality stainless steel, the interface disk ensures even heat distribution and compatibility with various cookware materials, enhancing cooking performance and delivering consistent results. Its user-friendly design, including a heat-resistant handle, adds to its convenience, making it easy to handle and store. While the disk may cause a slight reduction in heat efficiency and stability concerns with smaller cookware, its ability to help you use existing cookware collections and explore a wider range of recipes makes it a versatile tool for both aspiring home chefs and experienced cooking enthusiasts.
Click here for a detailed review: Max Burton 6010 8-Inch Induction Interface Disk Review
Pros – What We Like
- Cost-effective solution for using non-induction cookware on induction cooktops.
- Versatile compatibility with various cookware materials.
- Enhanced cooking performance with even heat distribution.
- Durable construction with high-quality stainless steel.
- User-friendly design and heat-resistant handle for easy handling.
- Space-saving solution for small kitchens or limited storage spaces.
Cons – What We Don’t Like
- Slight reduction in heat efficiency compared to direct induction.
- Stability concerns with smaller cookware pieces.
- Not ideal for high-heat cooking methods like searing.
- Added thickness to the base of the cookware.
- Extra cleaning required for both the disk and cookware surface after each use
2. The Rainbean 7.5-Inch Heat Diffuser Simmer Ring Plate
The Rainbean 7.5-Inch Heat Diffuser Simmer Ring Plate is a perfect addition to your kitchen if you want to turn your current cookware into induction-ready cookware. For starters, the converter disk is compatible with different types of stovetops, including induction, gas, and electric hobs. It’s made from layers of stainless steel and aluminum to allow for even heat distribution and consistent heating.
The Heat diffuser adapter plate comes with heatproof handles that ensure safety and easy handling while cooking. The stainless steel material also makes it super easy to clean and maintain, even when you’ve made a mess in the kitchen. Despite its limitation in size, this converter disk proves to be an invaluable tool in your kitchen.
Click here to Read a full review of the Rainbean 7.5-Inch Heat Diffuser Simmer Ring Plate
Pros – What We Like
- Compatible with induction cooktops as well as gas and electric hobs
- Comes with heatproof handles to guarantee your safety during handling
- Three-layer design for even heat distribution and quick cooking
- Convenient hanging option should you need to access the induction plate quickly
- Stainless steel makes it easy to clean and maintain
Cons – What We Don’t Like
- The 7.5-inch size may be a bit limiting in case you often use super-large pans and pots. But it should be sufficient for normal cooking
3. Bialetti Stainless Steel Induction Plate
This one is unique. While it’s designed to work with coffee pots such as the Bialetti, it’s also a perfect converter disk for your induction cooktop. It’s made of quality stainless steel, perfectly polished to make it both functional and sleek. It has a thick body to allow for maximum heat transmission and durability. The induction plate also features a heatproof handle, to allow you to move it easily without the risks of burn.
The Bialetti Stainless Steel Induction Plate is compatible with a wide range of cookware, including coffee pots, small pans, and pots. It can also be used with different materials such as aluminum and copper. And considering it weighs less than 300 grams, you can carry it easily. While some users say that it may be prone to overheating, possibly because of the thickness, it’s a perfect addition to your kitchen if you want to still use your existing cookware with your new induction cooktop.
Click here to read a full review of the Bialetti Stainless Steel Induction Plate
Pros – What We Like
- Thick stainless steel body to optimize heat transmission
- Durable because of the strong build
- Sleek design to complement other items in your kitchen
- Easy to clean and dishwasher and detergent safe
- Compatible with a wide range of cookware sizes and materials
- Heat-proof handle to prevent the risk of burns
Cons – What We Don’t Like
- A bit pricier compared to other products in the market
- Might a bit longer to heat, possibly because of the thick build
- Could be prone to overheating
4. Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop Adapter Plate
Are you searching for a durable converter disk? Look no further than this product. Designed by Flovia Cook by Nature, this induction adapter plate has three layers of durable materials. The outer and inner surfaces are made of quality stainless steel, which facilitates even heat distribution, quick heat transfer, and unmatched energy efficiency.
The product also comes with an aluminum middle layer. Since aluminum has excellent heat conductivity, the intermediate layer helps the induction adapter to distribute heat uniformly. Flovia’s stainless steel induction plate is compatible with all pans and coffee pots that are not induction-ready.
Pros- What We Like
- With this adapter, you can use any non-induction cookware coffee pot or pan on an induction cooktop.
- This adapter plate is designed to catch spilling food and liquids, preventing them from reaching the induction hob.
- It comes with a detachable handle, making it easier to store, especially in kitchen cabinets with limited space.
- Besides induction cooktops, this adapter plate is compatible with gas and electric stovetops.
- This converter disc prevents spillages from reaching the cooktop and is easy to clean.
Cons- What We Don’t Like
- Some of Flovia’s products are warped, which makes them rock back and forth when positioned on an induction cooktop.
- The induction plate takes a long time to warm up.
Click here to read a full review of the FLOVIA Stainless Steel Adapter Plate
5. Stainless Steel Cookware Induction Hob Plate
Made by Runzi, this stainless steel induction plate allows you to use different pans that aren’t induction-ready on your cooktop. The product is designed to help you easily cook diverse heat-sensitive delicacies on your induction hob, from oats to rice and caramel. Since it’s made of stainless steel, you can use it without worrying about your food heating unevenly and ending up with cold and hot spots.
You can also use the stainless steel induction plate with a trivet stabilizer on a gas hob. So, whenever you need to let your induction hob rest, which should happen periodically for maintenance and to prevent premature wear and tear, all you have to do is use this product to facilitate uniform heat transfer while cooking with a gas stove.
Pros- What We Like
- The product is designed to keep temperatures at low levels, which helps you cook heat-sensitive foods and treats.
- This product is made from durable materials, including stainless steel and aluminum.
- Runzi’s cookware induction hob plate is triply, so you don’t have to worry about hotspots.
- It’s cheaper than most products available in the market.
Cons- What We Don’t Like
- The stainless-steel induction hob plate can get frighteningly hot, so using it for high-heat cooking is off the table.
- Its top, stainless-steel layer can peel off prematurely.
- While using it, your induction cooktop will likely give several error messages, courtesy of the converter disc’s overheating problem.
6. Gourmia Induction Cooker Diffuser Plate
The Gourmia induction cooker diffuser plate is a well-designed, eye-catching product. It’s made of durable stainless steel. You can use it to turn different pans and pots into induction-compatible cookware and enhance heat distribution when cooking.
According to Gourmia, this induction diffuser plate has no coatings or add-ons. Therefore, you can rest assured you won’t be exposed to off-putting smells or harmful airborne materials while cooking with it on your induction cooktop.
Pros- What We Like
- This diffuser plate allows you to control the heat that reaches your food, which is indispensable in preparing evenly cooked meals.
- The converter disk has no harmful chemicals and poses no health risks.
- You can use this item to boost your cookware’s longevity by protecting them from overexposure to flames while cooking with other stoves.
- Like most other stainless steel induction adapters, this item is dishwasher-safe.
Cons-What We Don’t Like
- Users often complain of the converter disc’s inability to get hot enough to boil water, even on high heat.
- The diffuser plate can damage a glass cooktop, especially where extreme is involved.
Honorable Mentions – Other Converter Discs that We Loved
We have a few more great options for you that didn’t make it into our list but are worth mentioning as their quality and performance are recommendable. Check them out you may find something you love even more:
How Does an Induction Cooktop Converter Disc Work?
Quality induction converter discs are made from magnetic materials, making them compatible with induction cookers. These items absorb heat from induction hobs and transfer them to non-induction cookware such as aluminum pots and pans.
To use an induction adapter with non-induction cookware, do the following:
Step 1
Place the converter disc on a stove eye of your choosing. The induction plate should match the cookware you plan to use. For instance, pick a large converter disk if you plan to cook steak on a large grilling pan. Additionally, ensure the converter disc covers the stove eye to facilitate efficient heat transfer and maximize the heating area.
Steps 2
Preheat the induction plate: The secret to preparing well-cooked, delicious food is sticking to recommended temperatures. So always preheat the converter disc to the desired temperature before placing the cookware on it.
Step 3
Once the induction plate is hot enough to transfer heat to cookware, place the right pot or pan on top of it. Prioritize using cookware with fat bottoms for easier, even distribution of heat.
Step 4
Cook your food. Cover your pot or pan with a tight-fitting lid to quicken the cooking process. Additionally, adjust the temperature level to fit your recipe. If you’re preparing a dish that requires you to keep moving the cookware, like stir-fry, avoid dragging your pot or pan on the converter disc to prevent premature damage.
Step 5
Once your food is ready, turn off the induction hob and let everything sit for a couple of minutes to allow them to cool down. Don’t place hot cookware on the cooktop immediately after taking it off the converter disc because the glass might damage. And if the cookware or converter disc doesn’t have a heatproof handle or is prone to overheating, use oven mitts or potholders to avoid burns.
How to Choose Induction Cooktop Converter Discs – Tips for Picking Heat Diffuser Plates
Induction converter discs from different brands are available today. If you search “induction plate” on a popular platform like Amazon, you’ll be bombarded by countless products. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff and pick the best item for your kitchen? It’s easy. Just consider the following:
1. Construction Material
The best material for converter discs is stainless steel. That is because it’s strong and durable. Moreover, it’s easy to clean and is dishwasher safe. Conversely, alternatives like iron and aluminum products are often considered inferior for numerous reasons, including slow, uneven heating.
2. Handle Design
To avoid burn injuries, one of the most common kitchen accidents, pick induction adapter plates with heat-proof handles. Buying products with a removable handle will also help you save space.
3. Versatility
The best converter discs work seamlessly with different cooktops, from induction hobs to electric stovetops. They are also compatible with diverse cookware, including coffee pots, pans, and milk pitchers.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Doing dishes is exhausting, which is why it’s a leading cause of relationship distress in most households. To save yourself the extra headache, choose induction plates that are easy to clean. Stainless steel products are the best in that regard because the material doesn’t stain easily. Plus, stainless steel converter discs are generally dishwasher-safe.
5. Price
You shouldn’t choose an induction converter disc based on pocket-friendliness alone. Why? Most incredibly cheap products are made of sub-par materials and perform poorly. But if you are on a short budget, you can choose an affordable item, provided it’s reputable and guaranteed to work.
6. Online Reputation
Lastly, read through user reviews and complaints. They will give you a sneak peek into every product’s performance, features, and common issues. But take everything with a grain of salt since some may be biased and hell-bent on tarnishing a particular brand’s reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are additional questions about induction converters.
1. Can You Convert Pans to Induction?
Yes, For this reason, if your pan is made from copper, glass, or aluminum it will not work on its own. The only available solution is to use a converter disk to convert your pans to induction. Most induction converter disks come in disc shapes and will allow any of your pans to work on your induction cooktop.
Induction experts have come up with ways by which you can use your regular pans on your induction cooktop. Not all pans can be used on induction cooktops. Since the technology used in induction cooktops is that of magnetism science, the pan must be magnetic to work on your cooktop.
2. Do Induction Converters Work?
Are you worried about the workability of the converter disks? We will make you understand why it is a good option for you. The induction converter disks work by first establishing the magnetic field produced by the induction cooktop. After that, it converts the magnetic energy of the cooktop into heat.
The heat generated by the converter will be transferred into your non-induction cookware. Since all the induction cooktops are made to work with only cookware made of magnetic materials, induction converter disks work.
3. What Happens If You Put a Non-Induction Pan on an Induction Hob?
Induction cooktops heat pans through contact. If you place a non-magnetic material on your induction cooktop, it will not be affected by the magnetic field produced by your induction cooktop. Therefore, no heat will be produced. So, before you use your pan on the induction cooktop, make sure your pan is made of a magnetic material.
If you put a non-induction pan on an induction hob, nothing will happen. Before you choose a pan for your induction cooktop, you must confirm if it is made of a magnetic material. You can do this by putting a magnet at the bottom of your pan. By conducting the test, you won’t waste time putting the non-induction pan on your induction hob.
4. Why Do My Induction Pans Not Work?
Have you ever placed an induction pan on your induction cooktop but refused to work? This might have resulted from a lack of contact between your induction cooktop and the pan you are using.
The most likely reason your pan is not working on your induction cooktop is that there isn’t enough ferromagnetic material at the base of your pan to create reasonable contact between your pan and the induction cooktop.
The only advice we can give is: when buying pans to be used on induction cooktops, have a magnet with you to ensure it has enough magnetic material to work on your induction cooktop.
5. How Do You Know If a Pan Is Induction?
If you have a pan with a flat base and attract a magnet, you can be very sure that your pan is induction compatible. There are two main ways you can test if your pan is induction compatible or not. First, you can use any magnet to verify whether your pan is made of magnetic material or not. Just place the magnet on the base of your pan. Secondly, you can test your pan by putting water into your pan and then place it on the induction cooktop. If the pan is heated, it means that your cookware is induction compatible.
6. How to Trick an Induction Cooker
If you have an induction cooktop and would like to use your normal utensils on it, you must know tricks to use to allow you to do this. You can use your induction cooker with your normal utensils with the help of an induction converter disk.
7. How to Use Non-Induction Cookware on Induction Cooktop
Do you have cookware made of non-magnetic materials such as copper and aluminum and an induction cooktop? We know that you must be worried about how to use them on your induction without purchasing new ones.
A converter disk is the single best solution you can use to make your non-induction cookware work on your induction cooktop. After selecting your best converter disk, put it over your induction cooktop then place your non-induction cookware.
Wrapping Up
If you have non-induction cookware but are worried about how you will use them on your induction cooktop, there is a solution for you. Use induction converter disks. By using this guide, you will be able to choose the best converter disk for your induction cooktop.
