Despite being precise, efficient, and safe, most homeowners are either scared or confused when it comes to induction cooking. One of the prime concerns of this method of cooking is the kind of cookware that’s compatible with the induction cooktop. Besides, you’ll have to change your set of pans and pots to use these space-age cooking methods.
Generally, any cookware containing iron atoms with features of some magnetic properties makes it suitable for induction, including your stainless steel pots and cast iron pans. e
But choosing the right kitchenware can be a daunting experience, so we’ve compiled a list of the best induction cookware and a buying guide to ensure you make a smart decision.
Best Induction Cookware Reviews by Consumer Reports – America’s Test Kitchen
Best Overall: T-fal E918SE Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware Set
This cookware is built to perform with its hard-anodized aluminum known for retaining perfect heat and provide a more protective layer that is scratch and corrosion-resistant. Even better, this model won’t react to an acidic food ingredient.
The T-fal E918SE Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware Set features patented Thermo spot technology to indicate when the pot is preheated and ready.
Pros:
- Even heat base
- Thermo Spot technology
- Longer lasting nonstick coating
- Durable nonstick
Cons:
- Egg pan is not included.
Best High-End: Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware
When it comes to durable construction, this model features hard-anodized construction that offers even heat distribution with maximum efficiency. Also, it features high quality, safe nonstick to offer unparalleled food release and easy cleanup.
It’s equipped with Anolon SureGrip handles to provide a comfortable and convenient grasp. On top of that, it comes with a dual riveted for extra strength.
Pros:
- Shatter-resistant glass lids
- Impressive heat retention
- Convenient to handle
Cons:
- Not scratch resistant
Best on a budget – T-fal C515SC Professional Nonstick Cookware
This nonstick, induction-safe cookware set is an affordable option and comes with lots of useful pieces such as the steamer insert that comes in handy for vegetables and fish. The piece features a nonstick interior equipped with the Thermo Spot indicator that notifies you when it’s preheated and ready for cooking by changing its color.
More importantly, the pots and handles are oven safe up to 400 degrees and 350 degrees, respectively. For the sake of hassle-free cleaning, this product is dishwasher safe. The lids are constructed using tempered glass with well-insulated, and generous handles.
This incredible set of cookware includes a stainless steel steamer insert, two nylon tools, a 1-quart saucepan with a lid, a 10 1/4-inch frying pan, -inch frying pan, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, and a 5-quart stockpot with a lid. In addition, it includes a small, non-induction compatible one-egg wonder frying pan.
Pros:
- Thermo spot indicator
- Durable nonstick construction
- Riveted handles & vented lids.
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Included spoon and spatula seems pretty cheap
Best User-Friendly – Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional 17 Pieces Stainless Steel
Our next choice is Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional 17 Pieces Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set is constructed with 18/10 commercial-grade stainless steel. The bottom features heavy-gauge impact-bonded aluminum for a stable cooking experience.
This built-to-last model features an ergonomic handle with an anti-slippery satin finish. Plus, its handle is well-riveted to offer extra durability and convenient use. This model is compatible with all cooking sources, including ceramic cooktop, and infrared, induction, gas, electric stove.
Similarly, Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional 17 Pieces Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set is dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Even better, it comes with a lifetime limited warranty and freezer-safe.
This set includes an 8.6-Quart stockpot with lid; 9.5-inch pasta basket and steam basket; 3 pcs kitchen tools; 5.5-Quart Saute pan with helper and lid; 4.2-Quart casserole with lid; 1.6-Quart, 2.5-Quart saucepans with lids; and 8 and 9.5-inch fry pans.
Pros:
- Ergonomically shaped handle
- 8/10 commercial grade stainless steel
- Dishwasher-safe
- Suitable for all cooking source
Cons:
- Light lids
Best Compact – Duxtop Whole-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
Another spot, another Duxtop Whole-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set. This set includes a 6-inch potholder, 6-1/2-quart saucepot with cover; 1. 6-Quart and 3-quart Covered saucepan; and 8-inch, 10-inch fry pan.
Further, it features Tri-Ply Stainless Steel construction to prevent hot spots and offer uniform heat distribution along the sidewalls and bottom of the cookware. Duxtop Whole-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set is equipped with a stay-cool stainless steel perfect-grip handle well riveted to the pan.
Moving on, this unit is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and oven safe up to 550 degrees F. It’s compatible with gas stove, electric plate, induction, halogen, and ceramic stove. Lastly, it assures customers of quality with its lifetime limited warranty.
Pros:
- Anti-scalding pot holder
- Three bonded layers of premium stainless steel and aluminum
- Stay-cool stainless steel handles
- Complete 9-piece set of cookware
Cons:
- The handles get hot
Chef’s Star Premium Pots And Pans Set – 17 Piece Stainless Steel
When it comes to durability, Chef’s Star Premium Pots And Pans Set is also a top pick. Each piece in this model is made with premium 18/8 commercial-grade stainless steel for ultra-durability and impact-bonded aluminum encapsulated bottom.
The stainless skillet set includes utensils, pans, saucepans, stockpots, and fry pans. Chef’s Star Premium Pots And Pans Set is induction ready. This model is suitable for all types of cooking modes, including induction, infrared, gas, electric stoves, ceramic, and glass cooktops.
This unit is oven and dishwasher safe, and BPA free. Also, Chef’s Star Premium Pots And Pans Set can withstand up to 550 Degree F and freezer-safe. Despite being made of top grade materials, this product is accompanied by 1-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Super-durable kitchen set
- Dishwasher and oven safe
- Impressive heat distribution
- 1-Year warranty policy
Cons:
- Not spill-free
Duxtop Whole-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
Duxtop Whole-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set features an aluminum core and stainless steel layers for better heat conduction. The heat passes from the top to bottom and up to the sidewalls of the pans and pots for optimal cooking performance.
The outer layer is equipped with magnetic stainless steel for compatibility with induction stovetops.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Mirror polished interior
- Riveted stainless steel handles
- magnetic stainless steel for induction compatibility
Cons:
- Leaves some marks
Best Induction Cookware – Buyer’s Guide
What’s Induction Cooking?
Before purchasing induction cookware, you need to understand why you want to purchase on. But before we address that, let’s consider what induction cooking is all about.
It starts with an element that creates a magnetic frequent through an electronic power in its coil. This magnetic frequency sets up an electric current through the cookware to heat up the induction cookware.
To simply put, induction cooking refers to a cooking method using the heat generated from a magnet. That’s why you notice the induction cooktop halt heat generation when the cookware is moved away; since the magnetic field has been disturbed.
Advantages of Induction Cooking
Induction cooking is not a new means but has only recently gained a lot of reputation for power and temperature accuracy it brings to the kitchen. As we know, there are various benefits of owning a set of induction cookware, but what are they?
Let’s find out!
Swift Temperature Adjustment
The main reason most chefs prefer and love induction is its ability to increase and decrease the level of heat quickly and accurately. This incredible feature helps you cut down your cooking time significantly since you don’t have to wait for a long time to get water boiling or heated up.
Zero Heat Loss
Since heat is transferred via an electromagnetic field to your induction cookware, any pan or pot not in direct contact with the induction stovetop will not be heated. This means the induction cookware absorbs all the energy for maximum efficiency.
Safety
The induction stovetop always remains cool when you touch it regardless of how long you’ve been cooking. This feature makes it safe to use around kids and you since it lessens your chances of getting burned.
Health
Unlike other means of cooking that pose some level of health risk, the induction stovetop takes advantage of electromagnetic energy instead.
Disadvantage of Induction Cooking
Overall, induction stovetop is a safe means of cooking, but it comes with some cons you might want to consider:
Induction Ready Cookware
Since induction relies on electromagnetic fields, pans, and pots, not containing enough iron atoms won’t work on the induction stovetop. Examples include a set of copper cookware, pyrex and glass cookware, and aluminum cookware.
Noise
Although the induction cooktop has a quiet operation mode, the electromagnetic coils generate heat, which is trapped and dissipated using a fan that can be noisy. Sometimes, it’s a faint ticking sound from the induction cooktop’s coil power cycling.
No charring effect
Some chefs love a nice char with some meals like steaks. This method of cooking does lack an open flame, which makes it unable to char.
How to Choose the Best Induction Cookware Sets
Before purchasing a set of induction cookware or pans, you need to consider the following factors to ensure you pick the best induction cookware
Induction-ready cookware
Not all cookware on the market is induction ready. Therefore, it’s essential to check the packaging to make sure you’re purchasing a set of pans and pots that are induction ready.
Flat bottom
Another essential factor to consider is the bottom design. The right option here is a flat bottom to prevent vibration or noise.
Lid’s weight
You need to consider the weight of the lid for cookware. Lighter lids at high power tend to vibrate and fall off due to bubbling contents.
Handle design
When choosing the best induction cookware, the handle should not be overlooked. If it’s poorly attached, then at intense vibration, the handles might fall off. Thus, ensure the cookware features sturdy handles.
Construction
You might want to stay off products featuring several metal layers. For instance, the cookware exterior will be made of stainless steel and features copper or aluminum on the inside.
While they might offer even cooking, this cookware might produce a buzzing sound due to different layers of metals vibrating at a different speed. For some customers, this high pitch sound can be annoying, while others find it quite soft. However, high end or higher quality clad induction cookware should do just fine.
Material
While most stainless steel cookware is suitable for induction stovetops, some feature several metal layers on the base, which can be challenging to use. So, take a quick test using your fridge magnet to see if it sticks to the bottom of the stainless steel pan or pot.
Conclusion
We’ve expertly handpicked the best induction cookware on the market. However, it’s up to you to make an informed decision considering the factors discussed in the buying guide.