Induction frying pan

When buying a new stove, all housewives try to update their kitchen attributes. And one of the first purchases is a frying pan for an induction stove. To cook delicious dishes on such a stove, you need to know how it works and what kind of cookware to use.

What is important to know about induction cookers

Cookers with induction heating elements are increasingly common in our kitchens due to their unique properties and safety in use.

The basic principle of induction is the creation of an electromagnetic field that heats not the surface of the stove, but the bottom of the cookware. Therefore, when buying such a cookware, it is purchased that can interact with the induction field. Such a stove is often used by professional chefs who need to cook quickly, without being distracted by caring for the surface.

There are many benefits to using an induction hob:

• Variety. A wide range of models will allow you to choose your option for the number of heating elements that are necessary for cooking your family's meals.
• Easy to maintain. If necessary, the surface can be wiped during cooking like a regular table.
• Safety. The surface does not heat up, which reduces the risk of burns, which is especially important if there are small children in the house.
• Power. Fast heating of dishes allows you to cook dinner in a short time, which will please any housewife.
• Savings. Electricity consumption is significantly reduced compared to other stoves, it does not spend energy on heating the panel, but gives all the heat directly to the dishes.
• Aesthetics. Since nothing sticks to the surface, such a stove will always look clean and well-groomed.

Disadvantages of induction cookers:

• High price. Induction is much more expensive than conventional electric or gas stoves. But the costs are more than offset by energy savings.
• Replacement of cookware. If you used metal cookware on the old stove, then replacement will not be required. But the need to buy special cookware will arise sooner or later. For a small family, a set of two or three pots and a frying pan will be quite enough.
• Buying an adapter. The bottom of the cookware should be at least 12 cm, if it is smaller you will have to buy an adapter that ensures contact between the panel and the small bottom.

People with nickel allergies and pacemakers, which are sensitive to electromagnetic waves, should use such stoves with caution.

How do frying pans for induction cookers differ from conventional models?

It is necessary to approach the purchase of dishes responsibly and thoroughly.

The material from which the frying pan is made must have magnetic properties - this is cast iron, enameled metal or stainless steel. The bottom of the frying pan for induction cookers is made with special ferromagnetic inserts for better contact of the cookware with the surface and thicker than for other heating elements. Glass, copper and aluminum products are not suitable for such cookers unless they are equipped with a ferromagnetic bottom.

Manufacturers put a spiral sign on such frying pans, which guarantees that the cookware will heat up on induction. Such products can be used on other heating elements if you have a combined stove model.

Frying pans by purpose and use

The choice of model largely depends on your preferences in the menu that you cook at home. In the arsenal of the housewife there are always several examples of frying pans for all occasions.

Basic models used in the kitchen.

• Universal. The most popular model, which is suitable for cooking any of your family's favorite dishes. You can fry, stew and cook glazes and sauces in it. Suitable for use in the oven when cooking casseroles.
• Grill. It has a ribbed bottom, which is designed for cooking food at high temperatures. The fat that drips from the food during cooking remains on the bottom of the pan and does not come into contact with it, so the food turns out healthier, and the beautiful fried stripes are appetizing. It is made of thick-walled metal, which distributes heat evenly.
• Pancake pan. It is made of metal with thin walls and bottom, but is quite resistant to temperature changes and deformation. Thin walls heat up quickly and evenly, pancakes turn out thin and crispy. It can also be used for other dishes that require quick frying.
• Wok. Has a relatively small bottom with expanding walls, is made with a thick bottom. Perfect for cooking any dishes: meat, fish, chicken, vegetables, as well as porridges and casseroles.

All models can have different coatings that have non-stick properties - these are Teflon, ceramics, titanium and stone coating. The Wok, Universal and Grill models are often equipped with convenient removable handles and tempered glass lids.

What materials are frying pans made of?

The material used to make frying pans can be different, the main thing is the induction bottom, which the cookware must have.

The best choice of frying pans based on the materials they are made from:

A cast iron frying pan for induction cookers is an ideal option if you have an old heavy frying pan of your grandmother lying around the house, feel free to get it out. Cast iron is an excellent conductor of thermal energy. Products are made with thick walls and a bottom that are highly durable and have a natural non-stick coating. The main disadvantages of such a frying pan are the need for high-quality drying of the product after washing, otherwise rust may appear. And a lot of weight, but it is not terrible for the coating of the stove. Also, it is not recommended to store food in the frying pan, it is intended only for cooking.

Stainless steel is also great for your stove, it has undeniable advantages over cast iron products. Stainless steel is not subject to corrosion and deformation, does not require special care. You can store ready meals in a stainless steel frying pan in the refrigerator. Such products are made with ceramic, Teflon and stone non-stick coating, which simplifies the cooking and washing process.

Glass and ceramic products are equipped with a special bottom with metal inserts that interact with induction and heat up in the same way as metal pans. They are a little more expensive than metal counterparts, but they look very nice, such a frying pan can be placed on the table without spoiling the serving.

Recommendations for choosing a frying pan

To choose the best frying pan for an induction cooker in a store, first of all, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the bottom - it should be at least 5 mm to avoid deformation of the product. A frying pan with deformations cannot be placed on the stove, any damage to the bottom excludes its use on induction.

Main selection criteria:

• The ideal option is a thick bottom in the form of a cast metal plate. The optimal wall thickness is at least 2 mm; for cast iron products, this value is much higher than 3-5 mm.
• The diameter of the product can be of various values, but not less than 12 cm, otherwise the induction will not sense such a frying pan and will not heat it.
• The cost of a frying pan for induction cookers is slightly higher than products designed for other heating elements, but not significantly.
• It is better to buy universal models complete with a lid or to select one in the store. The lid can have a metal or silicone rim and a handle made of heat-resistant plastic. The best option would be to choose a lid with silicone inserts, they do not heat up and do not slip.
• Consider models with removable handles; you can cook delicious dishes in the oven on such frying pans.

When choosing, first of all, pay attention to the manufacturer, who must provide a guarantee for their products for at least 12 months. Many manufacturers provide a 36-month guarantee, the quality of such products is worth trusting. You should not buy a frying pan from dubious sellers at a low price, the choice may disappoint you the first time you use it.

Set of induction frying pans

If you decide to completely update your cookware when buying a new stove, pay attention to the sets that will provide a complete kitchen. Depending on the composition of the family, you can choose smaller sets or the maximum configuration.

Stores offer a very wide selection of these products and the cost of sets is much lower than buying individual items.

How to care for your induction frying pan

Caring for products with an induction bottom is not much different from washing and cleaning regular frying pans. Much depends on the composition of the non-stick coating that the cookware is covered with. Teflon and ceramics are afraid of aggressive cleaning agents, abrasives and metal sponges. Titanium and stone coating is more durable, cast iron frying pans are not demanding in care, but they must be dried after washing.

All items are dishwasher safe, but if yours isn't and food is burnt on, simply soak the pan in mild detergent and water for 20 minutes and wash.

Rating of the best frying pans

Main characteristics of products suitable for induction cookers:

You can choose any product from the table - this is a rating of the most popular models of frying pans in their segment. And cook for the joy of yourself and your loved ones.

VIDEO: How to choose cookware for an induction cooker.