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Everything You Need To Know About Induction Cooktops & Compatible Induction Cookware
Induction cooking has gained immense popularity in recent years, owing to its numerous benefits over traditional gas or electric cooking. Induction cookware is an essential component of this cooking technology, which is specially designed to work optimally on induction cooktops. Induction cookware features a unique set of properties, including energy efficiency, safety, convenience, and durability, making it the preferred choice for kitchens all around Australia. To unlock the full potential of an induction cooktop, it is crucial to have the right cookware. If you are new to induction cooking, finding the right cookware for the best results can be confusing. Read more below and get all the information you need to purchase the right induction cookware.
Quick Links
- What is Induction Cooking?
- What is Induction Cookware?
- Features & Benefits of Induction Cookware
- How to Choose the Best Induction Cookware
- Using Your Induction Cookware
- Induction Cooking: The Best Alternative To Gas or Electric
What is Induction Cooking?
Induction cooking is a type of cooking technology that uses a magnetic field to heat up the cooking vessel directly instead of using a flame or electric heating element. Induction cooktops use an electromagnetic coil under the glass surface to generate a magnetic field that heats up the cooking vessel. The process heats up the cookware directly, making it faster and more energy-efficient than traditional gas or electric cooking methods. Induction cooking also offers precise temperature control, safety features, and easy-to-clean surfaces.
What is Induction Cookware?
Induction cookware is cookware specifically designed for use with induction cooktops. Unlike traditional gas or electric stoves that heat the cookware indirectly, induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to directly heat up the cookware itself. As a result, induction cookware needs to have specific qualities to effectively work with these cooktops. To work with an induction cooktop, the cookware must be made of a ferromagnetic material, such as cast iron or stainless steel. These materials contain iron and are attracted to magnets.
How does induction cookware work?
Induction cookware works via electromagnetic induction on the specialised cooktop surface. When ferromagnetic cookware, like cast iron or stainless steel, is placed on an induction cooktop, it interacts with the cooktop's electromagnetic field, generating an electric current and subsequently heat within the cookware. This direct and efficient heating method allows for precise temperature control and rapid heating while keeping the cooktop surface relatively cool. This is what makes induction cooking energy-efficient, and safer than traditional cooking methods.
Features & Benefits of Induction Cookware
Learn more about the features and benefits of induction cookware and examine why it is an excellent investment for your modern kitchen:
Features of Induction Cookware
- Magnetic Material: Induction cookware must be made of a magnetic material, such as cast iron, ceramic or stainless steel, which allows the cookware to interact with the magnetic field generated by the induction cooktop.
- Flat and Even Bottom: The bottom surface of induction cookware should be flat and even to ensure maximum contact with the induction cooktop. This allows for efficient heat transfer and even cooking.
- Induction Compatible Label: Look for the "induction compatible" label or symbol on the cookware packaging to ensure that it is suitable for use with induction cooktops.
Benefits of Induction Cooking
- Energy Efficiency: Induction cookware heats up significantly faster than traditional cookware, resulting in reduced cooking times and energy consumption. Induction cooktops are known to be up to 90% energy efficient.
- Precise Temperature Control: Induction cooktops offer precise temperature control, allowing for more accurate cooking. Induction cookware responds quickly to changes in heat settings, providing greater control over the cooking process.
- Safety: Induction cooktops only generate heat when in contact with induction-compatible cookware. This eliminates the risk of accidental burns from hot burners. Additionally, induction cooktops cool down quickly after cooking, reducing the risk of accidental burns.
How to Choose the Best Induction Cookware
Choosing the right induction cookware can make a significant difference in your cooking experience. Several factors need to be considered when selecting the best induction cookware, including material, design, size, and price. Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting the best induction cookware to help you make an informed decision:
- Material: Induction cookware is available in various materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and copper. However, stainless steel is the most popular choice due to its durability, non-reactive nature, and compatibility with induction cooktops.
- Cookware Set vs. Individual Pieces: Consider your cooking needs and budget when deciding between purchasing a complete induction cookware set or individual pieces. A cookware set typically includes a variety of pots and pans, providing versatility in the kitchen.
- Quality and Brand: Opt for reputable brands known for their quality induction cookware in Australia such as Tefal or Swiss Diamond. Well-known brands often provide warranties and have a reputation for producing durable and reliable products.
Tips on Using Your Induction Cookware
If you're new to induction cooking, using induction cookware may seem daunting at first. However, once you understand the basics, induction cooking can be an effortless and enjoyable experience. Induction cookware requires specific handling to ensure optimal performance and safety. Explore the basics of using induction cookware in this section, from preheating and cleaning to using it on non-induction stovetops.
How to Use Induction Cookware: A Basic Step-by-Step Guide
- Place the selected cookware on the induction cooktop burner.
- Turn on the induction cooktop burner.
- Select the desired temperature and power level.
- Wait for the cookware to heat up, which happens much faster with induction cooking than with traditional stovetops. 1 to 2 minutes of preheating should suffice for standard induction cookware.
- Cook your food, stirring or flipping the ingredients as needed.
- Lower the heat or turn off the burner once you're finished cooking.
- Carefully remove the hot cookware from the induction cooktop using oven mitts or pot holders.
- Clean the cookware and the induction cooktop according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Using Induction Cookware on Different Types of Stoves
Gas Stove
While induction cookware is specifically designed for use with induction cooktops, it can also be used on gas stoves in a pinch. However, keep in mind that the efficiency and benefits of induction cooking may not be fully realised on a gas stove.
Electric Stove
Induction cookware is generally not built to be compatible with electric stoves. Electric stoves require cookware with a flat and smooth bottom. Using induction cookware on an electric stove may result in uneven heating and reduced cooking efficiency.
Can I Use Non-Induction Cookware on an Induction Cooktop?
Although induction cookware offers numerous benefits, not all pots and pans are compatible with induction cooking technology. If you have non-induction cookware but still want to use it on an induction cooktop, you can purchase an induction interface disc. This disc, typically made of stainless steel or cast iron, acts as a bridge between the induction cooktop and the non-induction cookware, allowing it to heat up through induction. However, keep in mind that using an interface disc may reduce the efficiency and speed of induction cooking and should be utilised as a last resort. We recommend investing in some induction-compatible cookware set for your induction cooktop. If you need more information on how to choose the best cookware for your needs, read our comprehensive cookware buying guide.
How to Care for Your Induction Cookware
To clean induction cookware, avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads that can damage the surface. Instead, use mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth to remove any food residue. Dry the cookware thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots or rust.
Additional care tips for induction cookware:
- Use the right utensils: When cooking with induction cookware, use only non-metallic utensils, such as plastic or silicone. Metal utensils can scratch the surface of the cookware and damage the induction element.
- Avoid thermal shock: To avoid cracking or damaging your induction cookware, do not expose it to extreme temperature changes. For example, do not wash a hot pan with cold water, and do not place a cold pan on a hot stove.
- Store carefully: When storing your induction cookware, avoid stacking it or placing heavy objects on top of it. Instead, store it in a single layer with a piece of paper or cloth between each piece to prevent scratching.
Cleaning the Induction Cooktop
To clean the induction cooktop, first, ensure it is turned off and completely cooled down. Gently wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth or a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for induction cooktops. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the cooktop.
Induction Cooking: The Ultimate Alternative To Gas or Electric
Induction cooking is a great alternative to traditional cooking methods, providing a faster, more efficient and precise experience. Using the right cookware is crucial for optimal performance and safety. By choosing induction-compatible cookware and following some basic guidelines, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked meals every time. Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, understanding the basics of induction cookware will help you make the most out of your induction cooktop. With its many benefits and convenient features, it's no wonder that induction cooking continues to gain popularity across Australia. You're now well on your way to mastering the art of induction cooking - a simple yet effective way to prepare tasty meals for you and your loved ones. Shop the amazing range of induction-friendly cookware sets or individual cookware such as fry pans, saute pans, saucepans and skillets from leading brands har Harris Scarfe.
