Induction cookers have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are characterized by low energy consumption compared to electric cookers, as well as ease of use. Therefore, modern housewives prefer to switch to the new technology.
Some are skeptical about this decision, as they will have to choose new cookware. Let's try to understand the features of induction coating and the choice of cutlery for cooking.
Content
- What is important to know about induction cookers
- What is an induction bottom on pots and pans
- What is the difference between induction cookware and other cookware?
- Are regular pans and pots suitable for induction cooktops?
- Types and materials of induction cookware
- What are the requirements for the internal coating of induction cookware?
- How an induction frying pan works
- How to Make Induction Cookware Out of Any Cookware
- How to choose a frying pan for an induction cooker
- Popular Manufacturers of the Best Induction Cookware
- VIDEO: What cookware can be used on induction.
What is important to know about induction cookers
Induction cookers differ significantly in their structure from traditional ones. The main difference is the operating principle. A gas cooker works quite simply. Fire enters the burners, which heats up the food in the cookware. Electric cookers work a little differently. Current passes through the wires and is transmitted to the heating element. Its temperature rises to the set value, which allows you to heat up the food in the cookware.
With an induction cooker, things are more complicated. Heating occurs due to the generation of induction current. The surface of the device is usually made of a material that insulates electric current. Under this layer are coils that act as a conductor. When electric current flows to them, a magnetic field is created. By placing special dishes on the surface of the cooker, the circle is closed. A magnetic field with electric current is created, due to which heating occurs.
Electromagnetic induction is caused by induction current. Thus, the efficiency of the equipment increases significantly compared to other models. The efficiency is almost ninety percent. This allows for significant savings on electricity.
The heating energy is directed exclusively to the object, and is not dissipated. The surface of the stove itself does not heat up at all, so it is characterized by high safety. You will no longer have to keep dangerous matches at home, which is especially important if you have small children.
If you remove the dishes from the surface, the heating process will stop. That is, you do not need to think about turning on the stove yourself. The entire cooking procedure is simplified.
Please note! Almost every model is equipped with an electronic control system and a timer. This allows you to set the time for cooking certain dishes.
What is an induction bottom on pots and pans
Many people wonder what it is - the induction bottom of a frying pan or saucepan. This surface is characterized by high ferromagnetic properties, which allows for the conduction of induction current and the creation of a heating effect. The bottom interacts with coils located under the surface of the stove, which creates an electromagnetic field.
The principle of operation of such cookware is quite simple. Most manufacturers recommend purchasing steel cookware for cooking. There are also other special materials, which should be clarified individually.
Usually, cookware with an induction bottom is marked with a special symbol. It is located on the back of the product. Magnets are used to check the properties. This allows you to identify the magnetic properties and make a decision about the purchase.
When using regular cookware, the hob will not even start. This is done to protect against overheating. Even if you drop food on the surface, it will not turn into coals. You can safely remove the remains with detergent and a sponge.
Please note! The bottom surface should be smooth, without any dents or unevenness. The dimensions should correspond to the size of the burner. The smaller its dimensions, the lower the power. Heating will occur more slowly.
If you use a Turk to heat coffee, you will have to buy a metal adapter that will help adapt the surface to the size of the heating element. It is not recommended to use such a device constantly. This will waste extra power, and you will not be able to cook on several burners at the same time, which will create inconvenience.
What is the difference between induction cookware and other cookware?
It is recommended to pay attention to the following:
- ferromagnetic properties – the ability to become magnetized in the presence of a magnet, which allows activating an induction field;
- thick bottom – required to ensure sufficient heating of the food inside;
- It is recommended to select the size of the cookware in accordance with the dimensions of the burners on the stove - it is better to study the instructions from the developer, which indicate the recommended brand of cookware.
Please note! It is permissible for the cookware not to be completely made of ferromagnetic material. Also, the thickness of such a product should exceed a centimeter, which will prevent breakage of the cookware during cooking.
Are regular pans and pots suitable for induction cooktops?
To use an induction cooker, you need to buy special cookware. It is usually made of ferromagnetic materials. The bottom must be magnetized, which will activate the electric current and start the heating process.
You can also use kitchenware with a ferromagnetic bottom. This significantly reduces the cost of the product. It is best to choose steel pots and pans.
A grill pan is purchased for the oven. It ensures that the heat is distributed evenly across the bottom surface. Such a pan must be equipped with a double bottom.
Types and materials of induction cookware
Such kitchen utensils usually have a corresponding designation, which makes it easy to identify them among other products. Externally, such kitchen utensils look more massive. The cost is also different - it is almost twice as high as regular analogues. If you want to save money, you can buy dishes at the market. You can check its magnetic properties using a regular magnet. Cookware made of cast iron, steel, iron and other thick metals is suitable for an induction cooker.
Steel cookware has an attractive appearance and optimal performance properties. This guarantees a long service life. Be sure to consider the thickness of the bottom of the product. Many manufacturers save on the use of high-quality materials. Check the magnetic properties of steel. A suitable product will cost more than its analogues. You can buy enamel-coated cookware. In this case, you should consider the manufacturer and magnetism.
Please note! You can buy a cast iron frying pan for cooking on this type of stove. This product will serve for many years. At the same time, pay attention to the bottom. It should usually be flat to ensure even heating of the food inside. You can choose a Tefal frying pan for an induction stove, which will be an excellent choice.
Aluminum cookware is often used. Glass models with a special bottom are also popular. However, care should be taken when using such cookware.
What are the requirements for the internal coating of induction cookware?
Cookware for an induction cooker must be made with a double bottom. It does not matter at all what material the inner surface will be made of. Options made of homogeneous alloys are welcome. The walls can also consist of enamel surfaces or steel. The main condition is that the product should not be thinner than one centimeter.
How an induction frying pan works
The wok pan for an induction cooker has special properties that allow it to be used for heating food. Let's look at the main parameters of the product.
Ferromagnetic bottom
The bottom of the frying pan should be made of magnetic material. When buying, be sure to check the product for magnetic properties using a magnet. A ferromagnetic bottom allows you to complete the electromagnetic field circle. An induction current is formed, which is directed to the bottom and heats the surface of the cookware. This allows you to heat any food in a targeted manner without dissipating heat.
The importance of a flat surface
The bottom surface must be absolutely flat. To create an induction field, two plates are required, one of which is placed under the surface of the stove. The bottom of the cookware allows you to close the circle. If it is uneven, heating will not occur, since it will not be possible to form an induction field.
How to Make Induction Cookware Out of Any Cookware
For this purpose, you can purchase a special adapter, which is made of ferromagnetic material. This will allow you to save significantly on the purchase of specialized cookware. This adapter is a disk on which the cookware is placed, which allows you to heat the food inside.
How to choose a frying pan for an induction cooker
There are different types of frying pans for induction cookers. The choice depends on what you are going to cook on it. Let's look at the most popular options.
Choosing a Grill Pan
Made of cast iron or aluminum. Has certain features in food processing. Designed for cooking:
- meat - thanks to a special cavity, it is possible to prepare dry and at the same time juicy meat;
- fish – you can cook any type of fish as in a regular frying pan;
- vegetables – allows you to quickly prepare any vegetables.
Induction crepe maker
For housewives who like to cook pancakes, there are special pancake makers that are of high quality. It is recommended to choose models with built-in handles, which will help to avoid problems when turning over. There are also special models that allow you to cook several small pancakes at the same time.
Wok pan
Characterized by fast cooking while preserving its useful properties. Such cookware has a small deep bottom. It is used for cooking various dishes. Recommended for those who value cooking speed.
Popular Manufacturers of the Best Induction Cookware
It is difficult to single out the leading developer of this type of kitchen utensils. To choose the best option for a specific stove, you should pay attention to the properties of a separate model. It is recommended to buy options specifically designed for certain products. Among the largest representatives of the industry, it is worth noting Tefal, Fissler, Woll, Zepter. Their products are distinguished by high quality, long service life and optimal performance characteristics.
It is difficult to choose the right cookware for an induction cooker. You should carefully study the market and choose the best product. Such cookware is characterized by a high cost compared to analogues, so initially choose only what is necessary.
