Cookware for induction cookers: how to choose and use?

The appearance of a new type of cooker with an innovative induction cooking mechanism has aroused increased interest among housewives, especially since they are economical in terms of electricity consumption. Among the many questions related to the features of induction cookers, one of the most important is what kind of cookware is suitable for cooking?

The main characteristics of dishes

The main thing to consider when using a new stove is to understand what characteristic qualities should be inherent in the dishes that will be used on it.

The primary requirement is the presence of ferromagnetic properties in the raw materials from which the bottom of the dish is made. To determine the suitability of dishes, you should listen to the following recommendations:

1. Take note of the main points of the instructions for using cookware on stoves with an induction heating mechanism.
2. With the help of a magnet, which should be attracted to the bottom of the dish, it can be concluded that such dishes are suitable for use.
3. On the wall of the dishes there may be a mark — «induktion», which allows using it on the stoves of the type in question. Sometimes manufacturers leave a special icon in the form of a twisted spiral on the dishes.

This video, presented to your attention, describes practical tips on how to choose the right cookware for an induction cooker — what properties and characteristics it should have.

The principle of operation of the induction hob

The mechanism of operation of the device has unique features, which consist in heating only the dishes and the food contained in it, and the surface of the stove remains cold. This fact allows you to cook food in a safe environment.

Heating occurs due to the influence of electromagnetic waves. The heating element, unlike gas burners or an electric coil, is a coil that is a source of a high-frequency magnetic field. Induction current in contact with a ferromagnetic field sets the electrons in motion. And thus, there is heating.

The new type of heating device has a number of obvious advantages: minimal power consumption, a significant reduction in cooking time. However, many housewives are in no hurry to switch to an induction cooker, fearing problems associated with the requirements for dishes.

Indeed, it is recommended to use only the one that corresponds to the parameters specified in the instructions. But you should not think about the problems, because they are all easily solved, you just have to take a closer look at the wise advice of professionals.

Requirements for the condition of the bottom of the dishes

The primary condition is a thickened bottom. This condition is due to the fact that under the influence of increased heat transfer of the plate, a thin material may undergo deformation. The bottom will become uneven, which will lead to instability on the surface of the plate, as well as uneven distribution of heat. An uneven bottom will also cause unpleasant sounds that will come from the stove during cooking.

Materialwhich was used in the manufacture of the bottom, can be as follows:

• enamel;
• steel;
• cast iron;
• high-quality metals with ferromagnetic properties.

Often manufacturers use aluminum as a material for the manufacture of induction cookware, but such kitchen utensils necessarily have an induction bottom.

Is enamelware suitable?

Many housewives have chosen enameled dishes. It is visually attractive and easy to use, it is easy to wash and clean. In this regard, the question of whether it is possible to cook in it on an induction hob is quite reasonable.

The answer is comforting. As it turned out, enameled pans can be used, but on condition that the enamel is applied to a layer of iron that can be magnetized.

Kitchen items made of ceramics, glass, aluminum and stainless steel

Manufacturers are trying very hard to meet the needs of modern housewives, creating unique samples of kitchen utensils. It can be ceramic pots, saucepans or frying pans with a magnetized bottom. The combination of different materials, firstly, makes the dishes stylish, they can be a great addition to the kitchen interior. Secondly, it is easy to keep clean. Food cooked in it stays warm and tasty for a long time.

There is also glassware with metal bottom. Most often, teapots or braziers are made from glass, less often — pots. Aesthetic appearance is one of the important advantages. For example, a glass teapot goes well with a Plexiglas tea set.

Lightweight, practical, cheaper than the types listed above, aluminum utensils with a steel bottom are also successfully used on modern stoves with an induction heating mechanism.

copper utensils also no exception, it must also be equipped with a ferromagnetic bottom.

Buying a pot from of stainless steel, it must be taken into account that this material does not always have ferromagnetic qualities. It is necessary to consider the presence of markings, ask the seller or check it yourself with a piece of magnet.

Steel utensils It has antioxidant properties that keep food fresh for a long time. It is lightweight, comfortable, practical and durable. In addition, it has an aesthetic appearance.

It is necessary to choose a pan made of steel very carefully so that there is no nickel in the composition of the alloy. Food cooked in it may contain allergens.

You can choose any of the named types of dishes, but in order for it to last as long as possible, you should strictly follow the recommendations for caring for it.

Is cast iron suitable?

As for cast iron cookware, it is quite suitable for cooking on an induction hob, but it is desirable to select a perfectly smooth bottom. Otherwise, irregularities may damage the glass-ceramic plate. Due to the fact that cast iron cookware has an impressive weight and not always a perfectly smooth surface, it should be handled with extreme care so as not to damage the glass-ceramic layer of the induction hob.

Despite the existing precautions, you should not refuse cast iron cookware. After all, it is in such dishes that the most delicious dishes are obtained. In addition, they remain warm for a long time and retain their useful and taste qualities as much as possible.

It is worth giving preference to cast iron cookware with an enameled layer, without which cast iron is not immune from corrosion, which can ruin its visual appeal.

Care Tips

We must agree that special utensils for induction panels require particularly delicate handling and adherence to useful recommendations:

1. Use only gentle detergents that do not contain abrasive components.
2. After washing, wipe with a dry cloth to remove stains.
3. It is undesirable to keep a frying pan without food on the burner for a long time, this can ruin the integrity of the non-stick coating.
4. To prevent cracking of the surface layer, do not start cleaning the dishes until they have completely cooled down.
5. It is better to wash the dishes immediately after cooking (as soon as it cools down), then you will not have to exert additional efforts that destroy the surface.

Do not think that you will have to spend too much time in handling special kitchen utensils. This is excluded, because food practically does not burn on such stoves.

Which manufacturers have the best cookware?

Italian manufacturer Risoli creates budget samples of aluminum dishes worth from 3,000 rubles.

Company Tefal produces all types of cookware for induction cookers (from 3,000 rubles).

German company Fissler produces expensive, but high-quality products (from 6,000 rubles). The range includes:

• pots;
• pans;
• braziers;
• saucepans;
• teapots.

Firm Woll (Germany) also produces expensive tableware. High-quality raw materials with a non-stick coating made of titanium-ceramic are used (from 6,500 rubles).

Finnish company Hackman produces cast-iron kitchen utensils for use on induction panels (from 6,500 rubles).

Ceramic and high-quality steel utensils are produced by the company Cristel (France), which costs from 7,300 rubles.

Aluminum utensils are produced by the manufacturing company Swiss Diamond. It is covered with a reliable non-stick crystalline layer (from 8,000 rubles).

Is it possible to do without special dishes?

There is a way out that will allow you not to worry about purchasing special dishes. However, you still have to bear the cost of buying a special device — an adapter. It is a stand that plays the role of an adapter. It allows you to use cookware without special ferromagnetic properties.

There are several compelling arguments for deciding in favor of an induction cooker. First, convenience, safety and economy. Secondly, if the house does not have suitable dishes, it is not necessary to say goodbye to the old one and purchase a new one, you can get an adapter. Thirdly, do not worry if a pot or pan without a ferromagnetic property accidentally appears on the stove. The mechanism of the stove simply does not work, she «does not see» such dishes.

Based on this, it is easy to draw the right conclusion: the induction cooker is a modern invention designed to alleviate the lot of the hostess and help save the family budget.

The complexity of choosing dishes for this appliance lies in the rich assortment, but this is more likely not a problem, but a blessing. One has only to remember a few basic recommendations and buy dishes that would suit both the stove and the financial capabilities of the hostess.