Technology is changing the world. One sector that is making big leaps is the cookware industry. Induction cooking is changing how we heat and cook food. They offer quick and portable cooking that is otherwise unobtainable. However, to utilize induction technology, you need cookware that is induction compatible. The Best Induction Cookware set isnt necessarily the best for gas. The main reason is magnetic compatibility.

What is Induction Cookware?

For a Cookware to be Induction compatible, it needs to have a magnetic pull. Pans such as pure copper or aluminum will not work with induction stove top. While they are great conductor of heat, they dont have a strong magnetic pull.

There are ways that manufacturer get around this. One of the best way is using a fully cladded design. By putting a layer of stainless steel on the outside, it gives the cookware a magnetic pull. This way, you get the thermal conductivity of copper or aluminum, with the durability of stainless steel.

Another way manufacturer get around this is by adding a stainless steel disc. That disc gives the cookware extra heft and a magnetic pull. Usually you find this design on nonstick cookware. Its cheaper to manufacturer than the fully cladded design.

Benefits of Induction

The main benefit of induction is how fast it heats up. Once you turn it out, the heat is almost instant. However, you need a powerful unit to get it really hot. Hobs with 1800 watts are preferable. In other parts of the world, their outlet support much higher energy rating and can boil water faster than a gas stove. That’s not really true in the states.

Another benefit of induction is how even the heating is. The pan is heated via magnet and it has little of the downfalls of gas models. Our experiments has shown with stainless cookware that you get a beautiful uniform color on the pan. Cast Iron perform a little worse, but its better than what you get with gas.

Finally, its much more energy efficient than traditional hot plate. Instead of the heat escaping to the air, its all directed towards the pan. If you want a portable stove, than induction is the way to go.

Which Cookware is Induction Compatible

Stainless Steel Cookware, Cast Iron, Carbon Steel, nonstick cookware with a stainless steel base and Fully Cladded Cookware are induction compatible. If you’re not sure if your pan is induction compatible, just grab a magnet and stick it on.

There are some attachment that are just stainless steel disc that goes on the induction hob. They work, but generally its not recommended. The performance is mediocre at best. You might as well just get a hot plate to heat it.

Can Induction be used a stove top or oven?

Yes, the only thing that makes a cookware induction capable, is its magnetic pull. Its the same as any other cookware.

For oven compatibility, check to see if its already compatible. Most manufacturer will give its oven safe compatibility rating. Usually cookware with metal handle will have a higher oven safe temperature rating.

Best Induction Cookware Set List

Below, you will find a list of some of the Best Induction Cookware Set. There are many different options available, choose one that best suits you.

All-Clad 600822 SS Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set (Best Overall)

All Clad Copper Core is their premium line of cookware. Instead of pure aluminum core, it uses copper. This makes it one of the most responsive and fastest heating cookware around. If you combine it with induction, you get a extremely responsive pan. This makes it perfect for making delicate food like sauces. Plus, it pretty much eliminate a lot of the wait that most cookware have. The only bad thing about this is the handle that All Clad likes using.

Tramontina 80116/249DS Gourmet Stainless Steel Induction-Ready Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece (Best Buy Stainless Set)

All Clad is nice but its also expensive. Thankfully, Tramontina makes a very affordable alternative. It uses a fully cladded design so you get the durability and performance of stainless steel. The performance rivals those of the bigger name and the handle is comfortable to boot. This also makes a great beginner set for those looking to get into cooking.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set (Best Cast Iron Induction Set)

Cast Iron is one of the oldest cookware around. What better way to use it than to combine then with induction technology. While cast iron are slow to heat up, its made infinetly better with induction. Heat spots are minimized and its still great for searing. As with all cast iron, proper seasoning and care is required. Dont wash with soapy water and dont soak it in water. Do this, and it should last a lifetime. It also boast a natural nonstick coating.

Scanpan 65100000 CTX 10-Piece Deluxe Set (Best Nonstick Induction Cookware Set)

Scanpan is a premier nonstick cookware brand. This model uses a fully cladded design with a nonstick interior. The handle is comfortable and it has a high oven safe temperature. However, its pricey for a nonstick. Once the coating wears out, so does the pan. I recommend you find a cheaper alternative like our Best Buy.

T-fal Professional Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set, 12-Piece (Best Buy Nonstick Induction Cookware Set)

Having a nice set of nonstick cookware is a great idea, but they dont last. Thats why I recommend buying affordable yet functional nonstick cookware. This set by T-Fal fits the bill. It wont break the bank and you pretty much get a fully kitchen battalion. The stainless steel base will make it compatible and on average, you can expect 2-3 years of daily use.

Thoughts

Induction is the new way of cooking. Its heats up faster and provides more even heat. However, to use it, you need induction capable cookware. The best of the bunch is made by All Clad. But the prices are out of reach for most people. Thankfully Tramontina makes a very affordable alternative. Its triply design gives its the benefit of stainless steel with the heat conductivity of aluminum. In the nonstick front, scanpan is best, but I recommend you go with T-Fal instead. Its affordable and it works. When it wears out, replacing it is cheap and you dont have to send it in. As for cast iron, Lodge is still the best in my book. You get the searing performance of cast iron and the natural nonstick coating.

Looking for a burner? Check out our article on the Best Countertop Burner.