Induction hobs can be a little intimidating, especially if you're unfamiliar with how they work. The irony is that, compared to gas or electric stovetops, they're much easier to use once you get the hang of it. Moreover, an induction cooktop is safer, more energy-efficient, and has higher heat precision, which would explain why more home cooks and chefs are switching. After scouring the web and doing our independent research, here's a comprehensive review of some of the best induction cookware sets we found.
What is Induction Cookware? Is Your Regular Cookware Induction-ready?
Before anything, it helps to familiarize yourself with what induction cooktops are and what induction-compatible cookware is.
Induction stovetops were introduced in 1933— yes, they've been around for a while— at the World's Fair in Chicago. However, the concept didn't really take off until the 1970s and the mid-2000s.
As discussed, induction hobs have many benefits over regular stovetops. However, there's a catch; an induction burner requires special cookware set to work. More specifically, it'll need magnetic cookware (with a magnetic bottom) to activate the heating process.
Don't gloom just yet; you might already own a piece or two in your kitchen. For example, most manufacturers produce kitchenware that can be used on a gas stove and an induction stovetop. So your sauté pans might just be induction-friendly.
Here's how induction heating works.
How Do Induction Burners Work?
Induction cooktops are steadily gaining popularity among many home cooks and chefs. Unlike electric and gas cooktops, induction cooktops have copper coils below the glass cooktop surface to create an electromagnetic field. When induction-friendly cookware sets are directly placed on the induction cooktop surface, electromagnetic currents in the field create heat for cooking.
This means that the rest of the cooking surface that's not in contact with the induction-friendly kitchenware doesn't heat up.
Additionally, the hob instantly cools off after the cookware is lifted. This reduces the chances of getting burnt, making it a particularly better option for cooks with children or physically challenged people in the house.
Induction cooking primarily works off magnetic currents, so the cookware base should be magnetic. However, you might not need to buy induction-ready cookware since most pots and pans can be used in induction cooking.
An easy way to tell whether your regular cooking utensil can be used is by sticking a magnet on the bottom surface. If the magnet sticks, your cookware is induction friendly.
As a rule of thumb, certain cookware materials are induction-friendly, so it'd help to consider the kitchenware material you buy. Induction-friendly picks include; stainless-steel cookware and cast-iron cookware. In addition, most nonstick pans and pots have a magnetic base that can be used on induction stoves.
Copper and aluminum cookware with no additional magnetic base cannot be used on an induction hob.
Here's a review of the best induction-compatible cookware sets we've managed to research and thoroughly test independently.
1. All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Steel 10-piece Cookware Set - Best Overall for Home Chefs
- Set includes: 8 & 10-inch fry pan, 1.5 & 3-quart sauce pan w/...
- 5-ply bonded construction with alternating layers of stainless...
- For an added touch of refinement, it features a beautiful and...
- Compatible with all cooktops and optimized performance for...
- Heat-resistant stainless-steel handles, designed a comfortable...
If you can stomach the steep price, the All-Clad stainless steel 10-piece cookware set is the best for home chefs. So, if you can also splurge a little, you will love this high-quality cookware set.
All-Clad ranks as one of the best quality cookware brands, so this set is built to last a lifetime with a 5-ply bonded construction. The construction comprises alternating layers of aluminum and magnetic stainless steel.
In addition to the durability, we noted that the heavy construction ensures warp-free usage and even heating— so no unsightly hotspots. While testing it, we noticed this is handy while cooking sauces and helps ensure the food doesn't easily burn.
For an extra touch of refinement, the set has a beautiful brushed finish, which is relatively easy to maintain.
This All-Clad stainless steel 10-piece cookware set comprises; two (8" and 10") frying pans, two (1.5-quart and 3-quart) saucepans with glass lids, one 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, and one 8-quart stockpot with a lid. This also gives you the best induction pans for sauteing vegetables.
Besides an induction stovetop, this versatile cookware set can also be used on regular electric or gas tops.
Although pricey, this is the best cookware set for home cooks and home chefs who cook a lot and want a durable, high-quality option.
Pros:
Cons:
2. KitchenAid Hard Anodized Induction Nonstick Cookware
When it comes to induction cookware, the KitchenAid Hard Anodized Induction Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set is a perfect one, and helps to make cooking easier and fun. The deep matte black finish blends flawlessly with any contemporary kitchen setup while the features make us love the product even more. With this set, it makes one equipped for any recipe whether it is thin sauces or thick stews.
The KitchenAid 10-piece set includes essential cookware: a vg-oleo 8.25 inch and a 10 inch skillet, a 1.5-quart and a 3-quart sauce with lids, a 3.5-quart sauté pan with a lid, and a 6-quart stockpot with lid. The non-stick surface is created through a process called hard-anodization and the design of each piece is smooth to avoid warping or wearing out. It is made to work with all types of cooktops including induction, which increases convenience. The triple layer nonstick inside is our favorite because it makes cooking as well as cleaning up easier. Moreover, it is convenient because it is a dishwasher safe.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Blue Diamond 3-ply Ceramic Stainless Steel Nonstick 7-piece Pots and Pans Cookware Set - Best Ceramic Affordable Option
- The Blue Diamond Triple Steel nonstick stainless steel 7 Piece...
- Blue Diamond Triple Steel features all the benefits of...
- These three-layer tri-ply stainless steel bodies deliver even...
- Metal utensil safe, Blue Diamond’s diamond-infused coating is...
- Suitable for all cooktops, and optimized for induction stovetops
If you're on a relatively small budget but want to use ceramic cookware, the Blue Diamond 3-ply ceramic and stainless steel pots and pans set is the perfect value-for-money choice.
The ceramic feature gives it nonstick capabilities. Besides the basic cookware pieces, this set also comes with a multifunction 11-inch chef's pan, a nylon slotted turner, and a solid spoon. Unfortunately, the set doesn't include a dutch oven or stockpot for big food batches.
Right out of the box, we could easily tell that this set is built for durability, with a double layer of stainless steel and an aluminum core built into each piece. Having the aluminum core built-in beats attaching an aluminum disc at the base to make it induction-friendly, like in some less expensive pieces.
The ceramic nonstick coating is diamond-infused which makes it tougher. In addition, the diamond-infused nonstick coating is four times higher in heat conductivity than copper. This ensures that it heats up faster as well. From our tests, we noticed that we didn't need too much heat to cook different dishes fully.
The stainless-steel component in the construction also helps to even out the heat, so we were able to cook and brown our potato wedges quite well evenly.
Each piece in this set is oven- and broiler-safe (up to 600 degrees). Moreover, it's dishwasher-safe, so you can just toss it in the dishwasher when it's time to clean up. However, as a rule of thumb, it is generally best to hand-clean nonstick ware with non-abrasive cleaners. We noticed that it was also quite easy to clean up.
Our independent trials concluded that this is a great induction-friendly pick for cooks who prefer ceramic nonstick ware but work with a tight budget. The only caveat is that you get fewer pieces in the set, but you'll get plenty of value for money on the brighter side.
Pros:
Cons:
4. T-fal Experience Nonstick Cookware Set
The T-fal Experience Nonstick Cookware Set 12 Piece has become one of our favorite choices for induction cooking. Its impressive build and reliable performance make it ideal for daily cooking, from simple meals to elaborate dishes. Here’s our breakdown of what makes this set a kitchen must-have.
This product includes 8 inch and 10.25 inch fry pans, 1 quart and 2 quart covered saucepans, 5.5 quart covered Dutch oven and three utensils. The design of each layer has a multi layer non-stick coating that effectively combines with the scratch resistant cooking surface to prevent foods from sticking. The Thermo-Spot heat indicator is an extra bonus – it solid red when the pan is heated to the ideal cooking temperature. This set comes with sturdy, riveted handles so you won’t have issues with slipping when holding the pots and it’s tempered glass lids enable one to see what’s inside without having to take the lids off.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Viking Contemporary 3-ply Stainless Steel 10-piece Set - Best Stainless Steel Cookware
- Includes: 8-Inch Fry Pan, 10-Inch Fry Pan, 5.2-Quart Dutch Oven...
- This 10-piece pots and pans set features a mirror finish and cut...
- Viking Contemporary 3-Ply Cookware induction pots and pans...
- Viking 3-Ply Contemporary Cookware is designed for professional...
- From high-quality cookware to cast iron pieces, or nonstick pans,...
Right from the box, we noticed that the Viking Contemporary Stainless Steel set has uniquely large pieces, which makes them perfect for family-size meals in one batch.
Each piece has a stainless steel construction on the interior and an aluminum core exterior for superior performance.
The construction makes this induction cookware versatile for use on different cooktops, the oven, and the broiler as well. Without the glass lids, they can safely take up to 600 degrees. The tempered glass lids can safely take 450 degrees.
Besides the essentials such as a frying pan or a saute pan, this 10-piece set also includes a 5.2-quart dutch oven with a lid. This would come in handy, especially with some of that homemade Tortellini soup.
From the description, they're dishwasher safe, but we noticed they were quite easy to hand-clean when cooking was done.
Overall, this is currently the best stainless steel cookware set on the market. It has a steep price tag, but in addition to its generous size, the tri-ply clad construction assures you of great quality and durability.
Pros:
Cons:
What to Consider for the Best Induction Cookware Set?
A. Construction Material
Carbon Steel and Cast Iron
Cast iron and carbon steel cookware are great options since they are extremely durable and hold heat well. This means that you won't need so much heat while cooking. In addition, since carbon steel cookwares also have an alloy construction, they may contain some iron that works well with induction cooktops.
However, for this to work on induction hobs, there's a catch— actually, make it two. First, it requires a flat smooth surface with full contact with the stovetop's electromagnetic element. Second, they must be magnetic. For instance, although uncoated cast iron is compatible with an induction stovetop, it has a rough surface that's not best suited for use on your cooktop, so you should always opt for an enameled option.
Ceramic
Like induction stovetops, ceramic cookware is steadily becoming popular in the market. Besides the nonstick component, ceramic is completely not reactive and doesn't contain any chemical additives that might be present in some types of nonstick cookware. With this, you can trust that nothing will leach into your food. So, it's a no-brainer why more people are getting ceramic cookware.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cookware is crafted from a steel alloy with 10.5 % chromium (and a smaller percentage of nickel, sometimes). This combination makes it a sturdy non-reactive construction resistant to corrosion and rust. If you're looking for great quality multi-clad stainless steel cookware typically includes an aluminum or copper core sandwiched between steel layers to aid the pot or pan with heat conduction.
B. Heat Capacity
The maximum heat capacity of this kitchenware largely depends on the material used and the quality of the make.
PS: Uncoated kitchenware tends to have a higher heat capacity than ones with a ceramic or PTFE nonstick coating.
The heat range of most induction stoves runs between 100-500 °, but some high-end models often surpass the 550° mark. Therefore, when buying induction-friendly cooking utensils, always try to consider pieces that will stand the highest temperatures on what you are most likely to use, e.g., the oven, broiler, etc.
Always go for versatile pans that can be used on different stove tops, like electric stoves, gas stoves, etc.
C. Budget/ Price
As with most items, premium quality will come at a steep price. At times, the pricey tag also means durability in construction. However, certain inexpensive pieces still give you value for money. The only caveat is that this also means that you get fewer pieces in the set or fewer accessories.
D. Maintenance
Maintaining induction-compatible kitchenware largely depends on what the cookware set is made of.
Using induction-compatible pieces will need you to monitor the magnetic properties of the base of the pan. Always check to see if there's anything between the bottom of the base and the induction disc. If there are signs of a weak magnetic attraction, then it could be a sign that the disc's bond has been compromised, and it's probably time to replace it.
Here are some tips we use to maintain induction-friendly cooking utensils:
- Hard-anodized aluminum and stainless steel cookware can stand rigorous use. You can put them in the dishwasher or just hand-wash them.
- Carbon steel and cast iron pans should be regularly oiled to maintain the seasoning and boost their nonstick capabilities.
- To protect the nonstick cooking surface and prolong its lifespan, always wipe to clean or hand-wash nonstick pans — even if the description reads that it's dishwasher-safe.
- To avoid having water spots on your cookware, always dry them immediately after washing, which helps stop the water spots from forming in the first place.
- As you boil water, throw in some salt after it has boiled to protect your set from pitting corrosion.
- Always preheat the pan before adding any oil, after which you should let the oil get hot before placing any food on it. This helps prevent the steel from becoming static.
- Avoid directly putting frozen food on a hot pan to prevent food from sticking. Always let the frozen food thaw for a few minutes before cooking it.
- Allow your frying pans to cool before submerging or washing them in cold water since this can lead to warping.
- To remove any discoloration stains, use vinegar or baking soda.
If you are a home cook or home chef, these are some cookware maintenance tips we have picked up on this far.
In Conclusion
We enthusiastically test different kitchenware, interview field experts, and do the legwork on research and consumer reviews, so that passionate cooks like you can find the best products.
Thanks to the induction-friendly pieces mentioned, avid cooks everywhere get a great cooking experience with premium quality picks and budget-friendly sets.
Our independent trials and research on these pots and pans assure you superior performance and value. These range from the best premium overall picks like, All-Clad Brushed D5 stainless steel cookware set to the best affordable ceramic picks like the Blue Diamond ceramic stainless steel set. Happy cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions on Induction Compatible Cookware
1. What kind of cookware should not be used on an induction cooktop?
Like with any glass equipment, it's best to avoid textured to rough base cookware. This will damage the cooktop's surface, which in turn affects how the induction hobs work. An uncoated bare cast iron pan would work well on an induction stove since it has ferromagnetic properties. However, you're better off using the enameled version to prevent scratches.
2. What is the weight capacity of an induction cooktop?
The weight capacity varies by manufacturer, but the best range to work with is 45-50 pounds, at maximum, per burner.
3. Can induction cookware be used on other cooktops?
Most induction-friendly cookwares are not exclusively used on induction cooktops. For example, most stainless steel pots and pans can also be used on electric and gas stoves.
