If you’ve recently purchased an induction cooktop or are considering one, you’ll need to make sure your cookware is compatible. Induction cooking relies on magnetic induction between the cooktop and pots/pans. So not just any cookware will work.
Luckily, most quality cookware sets made in recent years are designed for induction use. But how can you easily identify induction-ready pots and pans when shopping?
Simple – Just look for the induction symbol!
Let me show you what I mean.
How do You Know Induction Ready Symbol Infographic
What is the Induction Ready Symbol?
The universal induction cookware symbol consists of a coil occupying each of the four quadrants, almost resembling the electric coil of an induction burner itself.
This symbol is usually stamped on the bottom of pots, pans, and other cookware. It’s a quick indicator that the cookware will work on an induction cooktop without any problems.
According to a survey by Houzz, the induction-ready symbol is the #1-way owners identify compatible cookware. Around 68% just flip pots and pans over to look for the symbol when shopping.
Where Did the Symbol Come From?
The induction-ready symbol was created and trademarked by the Cookware Manufacturers Association (CMA), a trade association for cookware producers in North America.
In 2009, the CMA introduced the symbol as a voluntary universal indicator after the rise in popularity of induction cooking. This provided easy identification for consumers shopping for induction-safe cookware.
Today, almost every cookware brand includes the induction-ready symbol on their induction-compatible products. It has become an industry standard across quality cookware.
How To Test Your Cookware For Compatibility
Here are some ways to test your existing cookware to see if it’s compatible with an induction cooktop:
1. Magnet Test
The easiest way is to grab a fridge magnet and see if it sticks to the bottom of the pan or pot. If the magnet adheres, then the cookware is magnetic and should work on your induction cooktop. This won’t work for aluminum or copper pans as they are not magnetic.
2. Battery Powered Induction Tester
You can buy a small handheld induction tester that mimics an induction cooktop surface. Simply place the pan on the tester and see if it gets hot. If so, then the pan will work on an induction burner.
3. Stovetop Test:
If you have access to an induction cooktop, place the pan on a burner set to a medium heat level. If the pan heats up within 30-60 seconds, then induction compatibility is confirmed. If the pan fails to heat at all, it’s not compatible.
4. Check Product Details:
Review the product description, packaging, or manufacturer website details of your existing pots and pans. Compatible materials like stainless steel or cast iron should be highlighted. The induction-ready symbol may also be displayed.
Which Materials Work with Induction?
For cookware to be compatible with an induction cooktop, it must be made of a ferrous or magnetic material. Common induction-ready materials include:
- Stainless steel
- Cast iron
- Enameled steel or iron
- Magnetic stainless steel
On the other hand, non-magnetic metals like aluminum, copper, glass and ceramic don’t work on an induction cooktop. However, many brands offer aluminum or ceramic cookware with a magnetic stainless steel disc on the base, making them induction-compatible.
What Happens If You Use A Normal Pan On An Induction Stove?
Simple answer: nothing!
Here’s what you need to know!
- The pan won’t get hot – Induction stoves heat cookware using electromagnetic energy which only works with pans made of ferrous/magnetic metals. Non-magnetic pans like aluminum won’t heat up at all.
- The induction burner may cycle on/off – When no compatible cookware is detected, the induction elements will periodically switch on to scan for a magnetic pan then quickly shut off to avoid overheating. This cycling on/off is normal but wastes energy.
- The stove remains safe – With no cookware to heat, the induction elements won’t actually activate or get hot themselves. There is no risk of burns from accidental contact with elements while empty.
- The cooktop can be damaged – Repeated cycling while empty may damage induction components over time due to overheating. Never run the cooktop for long without a compatible pan in place.
- Pans can scratch the surface – Sliding normal aluminum or ceramic pans across an induction cooktop, while it’s on, can potentially scratch and damage the glass-ceramic surface.
- Error messages may appear – The cooktop may display warning lights or error messages indicating no cookware has been detected or to turn off the power.
Benefits of Induction-Ready Cookware
Cooking with induction-compatible pots and pans allows you to enjoy 5 benefits. These include:
- Maximized efficiency – Induction works by inducing a magnetic current in the pan itself. Compatible cookware allows for the fastest heating, responsiveness, and efficiency.
- Even heating – Magnetic cookware heats evenly across the entire pan, avoiding hot spots. This makes induction perfect for delicate foods.
- Safety – Incompatible cookware won’t activate the induction elements at all. This prevents the accidental burning of forgotten empty pans.
- Noise reduction – Quality magnetic cookware emits less vibrational noise when used on an induction cooktop.
- Energy savings – Induction cooking is already super energy efficient. Magnetic cookware enhances this benefit.
Do Old Pots and Pans Work?
You don’t necessarily have to replace all your cookware to use an induction cooktop. Pots and pans made of magnetic materials will work, even if they don’t have the induction symbol.
However, older cookware may heat unevenly on induction due to its composition. Newer sets are specifically designed to maximize induction efficiency.
You can also choose to use converter discs, which act as a bridge between your current cookware and the induction cooktop.
Key Takeaway
The induction-ready symbol takes the guesswork out of choosing induction cookware. With magnetically enhanced, precision-engineered pots and pans, you’ll be ready to unlock the potential of your induction cooktop.
Common Questions
Where is the symbol found?
The induction ready symbol is etched, stamped, or printed on the bottom of pots, pans, and other cookware that will work on an induction stove. You can find it on the underside when you flip the pan over.
Who created the induction symbol?
The induction-ready symbol was designed and trademarked by the North American Cookware Manufacturers Association (CMA) in 2009. They introduced it as a universal indicator for induction-safe cookware.
Is the symbol mandatory?
No, the induction symbol is voluntary and not required by law. However, most reputable cookware brands include it on their induction-compatible products as it is helpful for consumers.
Can I use pans without the symbol?
Possibly, if they are made from magnetic materials like cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. Do the magnet test to check if they will work. Older pans may not be optimized for induction efficiency.
Why is it useful?
The induction-ready symbol takes the guesswork out of choosing induction-compatible cookware. It’s much easier than checking materials or doing the magnet test on every pan while shopping.
Does it have other names?
It may also be referred to as the induction compatible symbol or induction capable symbol. Some brands use their own induction logo.
Does all stainless steel work?
No, only magnetic stainless steel will work on induction. Non-magnetic stainless won’t heat up. Check for the induction symbol to be sure the stainless steel pan is compatible.
