Contents
- 1. Best Induction Cookware Overview
- 2. What is Induction Cooking?
- Top 10 Best Induction Cookware Summary
- 1. T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper-Bottom Heavy Gauge Multi-Layer Base Cookware Set
- 2. Cuisinart Classic Induction Stainless Cookware Set
- 3. Gourmia GHP9530 Induction Cooker Diffuser Plate
- 4. PRIMA MATERA Round Copper Stainless Steel Saucepan
- 5. All-Clad 600822 SS Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
- 6. Tramontina Tri-ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- 7. Matfer Bourgeat 668524 Elite Pro
- 8. T-fal C515SC Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Induction Base Cookware Set
- 9. Nuwave Duralon Ceramic Nonstick 7 Pc. Cookware Set
- 10. La Cuisine 4 Piece Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven Set
- Pauli Cookware 7 Quart Never Burn Stock Pot
- Granite Ware 6148-2 Saucepan Set
- Pros of Induction Cooking
- Cons of Induction Cooking
- Tips for Buying Induction Cookware Sets
1. Best Induction Cookware Overview
So you’re ready to explore the world of induction cooking. Induction cooking is stepping away from open flame cooking and stepping into a more modern and safer way of cooking. Before you go out and buy any induction cookware set, there are different factors you would want to consider. First you want to understand what exactly induction cooking is and how it works. You’ll also want to have a good grasp on the best induction cookware that’s compatible with your induction stovetop.
Some consumers buy a standard cookware set with the expectation that it will work with their induction stove. Chances are that it won’t. Here we’ll discuss shopping tips along with the pros and cons for induction cooking. We will discuss the advancement of it’s technology and how it has become affordable while home installation has been easier. Lastly, we’ll provide our reviews on the best induction cookware sets out there. If you haven’t already purchased an induction stovetop, then this guide is has everything you need to know before making a decision.
2. What is Induction Cooking?
So what exactly is induction cooking and why do I need to understand it before buying some cookware? Well, if you don’t understand why induction cookware is needed for an induction stove, you wouldn’t have a good grasp on what cookware to buy.
Induction cooking works by first switching on the stovetop. Once it is switched on, an electric current in transferred through the coils that are made of copper wire. These coils sit under each element of the stovetop. That power creates a magnetic frequency that then transfers an oscillating electric current to the cookware. Resistant heating is the product of this and that in turn cooks the food. Once the cookware is removed from the stovetop, the heating stops immediately because there is no magnetic frequency any longer.
In induction cooking, the heat only comes from the electric current that’s inside of the cookware, therefore the heat is contained and does not transfer throughout the stovetop. This is a great feature if you are accident prone or if you have small children in the household.
Top 10 Best Induction Cookware Summary
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Types of Cookware That Work (And Don’t) With Induction
Induction cooking works based on a magnetic field that’s created, this means you’re unable to use material that does not have a magnetic element. Materials that are ideal for induction cookware are stainless steel, cast iron and carbon steel. Other materials are used to constructing quality induction cookware such as aluminum, copper and stainless steel but will not be compatible alone. We’ll dive into the uses of these materials and others below.
Stainless Steel Cookware
Most serious cooks first option will likely be stainless steel. However for the self-proclaimed chefs, stainless steel is not the most budget friendly material to go with. Stainless steel is durable and even though you may spend a lot upfront, you will save in longevity. It also happens to be a great choice for induction cooking. When deciding on buying cookware constructed of this material, it’s important to go with a good quality that’s combined with another metal. Lower quality stainless steel sets sometimes are only layered with aluminum at the bottom of the pan, versus being layered with it on the bottom and sides.
Stainless steel alone heats food unevenly but when applied with a material suck as copper and aluminum, its not only induction safe but will distribution heat well, decrease hot spots and cook your food evenly.
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If you’re looking for a long lasting durable set, then this is a great choice. Stainless still is safe and non-reactive. Therefore, tomatoes and other reactive foods are completely safe to cook in these pots and pans. This set comes with a multi-layer base with thin layer of copper sandwiched between two outer layers of stainless steel. The copper allows for fast and even heat distribution.
Some great features about this set is that it comes with glass lids which allows you to peek on your food while it’s cooking. The lids are vented which allows for steam to escape and prevents boiling over. The handles are riveted for a secure attachment. This set is oven safe (up to 500 degrees F) and great for stovetop to oven recipes. A drumroll for this part; it is compatible with your induction stove! Its also compatible with your glass, electric and gas stoves.
Lastly, this cookware is dishwasher safe but since copper is a fragile metal, it is recommended to hand wash. T-fal also recommends to towel dry immediately after use instead of allowing it to air dry. This could create spots that are challenging to remove.
T-Fal Induction Cookware Review video here:
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Stainless steel is going to always win in durability. This set will last you a long time with the proper maintenance. It comes with a thick aluminum core at its base. It will distribute heat well, cook your food evenly and eliminate hotspots. The handles have a soft secure grip that is designed to stay cool and are riveted for a secure fit. The lids are tempered glass that has a tight fit which helps lock in flavor. The glass allows for food viewing and the rims of the pots are tapered which allows for easy pouring.
This set will be a great addition to any kitchen. Its dishwasher safe and you’ll love that it’s versatile. It can be used in the oven, stovetop and under a boiler for up to 500 degrees F.
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If purchasing an entire new cookware set for your new induction stovetop is not an option, you can explore this induction diffuser plate. With this plate, you can turn any cookware into induction safe cookware. If you do go with this option, I think it should be a temporarily solution. In order to get the best utilization from your stovetop, you’ll want to combine it with compatible cookware.
This plate is constructed from stainless steel and aluminum. It cooks food evenly and is not coated with harmful chemicals that will burn off while cooking. Lastly, one of the best features is that it helps preserves your cookware.
Copper
For years, copper has been a top choice for serious cook and the dibble and dabble cook. With the popularity of induction cooking, copper cookware may be headed to the garbage can. Many are finding that their expensive copper set is not compatible with their new induction stovetop. This is due to the magnetic field needed in induction cooking, which aluminum and cooper do not possess. Despite this, there is one brand that is the trailblazer in copper induction cooking.
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Prima Matera is the only copper cookware on the market that is induction ready. The manufacturer company, de Buyer has been in business since 1830. The company has remained both family owned and privately owned.
This cookware is constructed of 90 percent copper and 10 percent stainless steel. This set heats food evenly and will make a statement in your kitchen.
Prima Matera Copper Cookware review here:
5-ply Copper Core
The most expensive combination of them all is the 5-Ply. This set has both aluminum and copper bonded as the inner core, while the outer layers are stainless steel. The copper and aluminum allows for maximum heat distribution.
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The All-Clad 5 Ply is the elite of all cookware, if you want to impress yourself, your friends and your stove then this is definitely the way to go. You can choose between 7, 10 and 14 piece sets. This 5 ply set has a stainless steel construction with bonded aluminum and a thick copper core. This allows for even heating. This 18/10 stainless steel set has stick resistance, it won’t react with food and its easy maintenance.
The handles are riveted securely and the set comes with stainless steel lids. You’ll find that the edges on the pots and pans are flared for easy pouring. These pots and pans are oven safe up to an outstanding 600 degrees F and they are dishwasher safe.
All Clad Induction Cookware Copper Core review video here:
Tri-Ply Clad
Tri-ply Clad is high quality cookware that has an inner layer of aluminum with stainless steel outer layers. The aluminum allows for even cooking while that stainless steel adds longevity
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If you’re going with a Tri-Ply set then the Tramontina cookware is a great investment. This set has an 18/10 stainless steel construction. The tri-ply clad has even heat distribution on all sides of the cookware which is the most efficient construction. The handles are riveted and the stainless steel lids are fitted with precision.
You will find that this set is durable, versatile, and is great for both your induction stovetop and your conventional stove.
Tramotina Tri-Ply Induction Cookware Unboxing video:
Nonstick
Sorry to spread the news, but some of your old non-stick pans will not work with your induction stovetop. The reason why is that many of the old ones are made out of aluminum and this material doesn’t offer a magnetic field. Some of the new non-stick pans have another magnetic metal such as iron on the surface. These can work great for induction stoves.
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When looking for a great non-stick pan that has great quality and a bang for your buck, then the Matfer Bourgeat cookware line would be a great fit. The company prides themselves on quality and manufactures satisfying premier cookware.
This cookware set comes with 4 layers of nonstick coating and has an extra thick aluminum construction. It has a magnetic induction stainless steel plate that makes it compatible with induction stoves.
Intro to Matfer Bourgeat Cookware:
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This is the non-stick champion. Its going to be the best bang for your buck. The set comes with 12 pieces and if that’s too much you have the option to select the 10 piece. This is compatible with your induction stove.
The best feature is the thermo spot heat indicator. It tells you exactly when the pan is heated enough to add your food. This set is durable and scratch resistant. The handles are riveted for safety and comes with a comfortable silicone grip. The lids are glass which allows you to see your food as its cooking. The vent allows steam to escape preventing spilling. This set is dishwasher safe and can be placed in the oven for up to 400 degrees F.
The T-Fal set serves many purposes and is versatile on different stovetops tops. If versatility is your main objective, then you have met your match.
T-fal C515SC Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Induction Cookware Set Review:
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This is a fan favorite! This Nuwave Ceramic Nonstick set is budget friendly and the best bang for your buck. The set has a stainless exterior coating with a copper colored ceramic interior.
Some key features include a durable non-stick coating, its PTFE and PFOA free and allows you to cook healthier meals due to the need for less oil. The surface is scratch resistant that allows metal utensils to be used and it is dishwasher safe. It is recommended that you still handwash for longevity. Its an excellent choice and you will not go wrong with this set.
Cast Iron
Want a material that will work with induction stoves 100% of the time? Then cast iron is your match. This material is great for induction cooking due to their iron composition that contains a magnetic field needed for induction stovetops.
The only downside is that it can scratch your pristine stovetop. This can be avoided by placing paper towel, parchment paper, or baking mats under the cookware. Since the surface does not get hot, they will not burn.
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This set is a beauty! With cast iron, as long as you give it proper care, you don’t have to worry about replacing your cookware set for a long time. Cast iron is extremely versatile with the ability to be used on both the oven and stove, its great for low temperature cooking but is also great for searing, caramelizing and browning. Food will heat evenly and the pot retains heat well allowing food to remain warm for a good length of time.
The set comes in various colors that can match any kitchen décor. The color choices are red, ruby, black, green blue, white, and cream. This set is simple to clean; all you need to do is wash it in warm water and it is induction ready.
Spun Disk
For midrange cookware, this item is layered with a magnetic steel and an aluminum disk that allows the food to cook evenly. Since the aluminum is located at the bottom, that will be the source of the thermal energy versus it being transferred through the entire pan. The downside of this cookware is that over time, the disks will begin separating.
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This pot includes a thick outer shell of stainless steel and 7 layers of alternating stainless steel and aluminum. The glass lids are tempered and this pot features heat resistant handles.
Pauli Cookware 7 Quart Pot Highlight Review Video:
Graniteware
Okay, the secrets out, graniteware actual has nothing to do with granite. I’m sorry to spill the beans. Modern graniteware is made with carbon still and porcelain enamel. It absorbs heat fast but is unable to retain it well. This cookware isn’t great for glass stovetops as it can be subceptible of cracking. As long as cracks are only on the exterior and not the interior, this material can be used for food storage. The smooth glass coating makes it great for easy cleanup. The food is always moist and ever so delicious and the best part, its affordable!
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Talking about affordable, you might find a picture of these pots next to the dictionary definition of the word affordable. These pans distribute heat well and do a good job at absorbing it. Its PFOA free and a great addition to any kitchen set.
Pros of Induction Cooking
Although induction cooking has been around for a long time, it just recently gained popularity due to its benefits. Some of the top benefits include:
Rapid temperature adjustment
The heat can be adjusted instantly and with great precision. Your cooking time is essentially cut in half.
No wasted heat
With gas and electric stoves, the entire stovetop can receive the thermal energy. With induction stovetops, the heat is centralized and does not transfer across the stove. This makes it less hot in the kitchen and less potential to be burned.
Safety
This is a great parent feature, the stovetop always stays cool, you won’t have to worry about you or your children burning themselves.
Health
Your stovetop uses electromagnetic energy, therefore its not burning gas
Cons of Induction Cooking
Limited Cookware
Since your induction stovetop requires specific cookware, that means that most cookware will not be compatible. Material such as copper and aluminum cannot be used alone.
Noise
This induction cooking process is typically noise-free, however, since the coils generate heat, sometimes the heat is trapped and needs to be dispelled. This process sometimes can create noise. Faint ticking sounds can also be heard during the induction process.
Unable to Char food
Since there is no flame, charring of food items like steak is not possible.
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Tips for Buying Induction Cookware Sets
When you venture on your journey of buying your cookware set, look at these tips to help guide you so you can save yourself money and time.
Induction Ready Cookware
Make sure the packaging has the phrase “Induction Ready Cookware”. With an inundated amount of cookware in the marketplace, it can be easy grabbing the incorrect one. All induction cookware will be labeled with this so make sure you pay anything to the package or description if buying online.
Cookware Characteristics
There are a few things that you would want to look for physically in your cookware set. First, you’ll want to make sure your cookware set has a flat bottom. This is important because if the bottom is uneven, the cookware tends to vibrate when heated.
Secondly, avoid getting cookware with light lids. If the lid is too light, this will cause more vibrations when contents are at a boil. Also make sure handles are securely attached because this will also cause vibrations.
Material
Not all stainless steel is can be used. The better sets are the ones that have multiple layers of metal. To test if stainless steel has a magnetic field, try using a magnet and see if it sticks.
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