Can Aluminium Pans be as good as steel ones on an induction hob.

Redlander

We're getting an induction hob installed shortly and need to buy new pans suitable for it. I always supposed the pans had to be iron or steel, but I find there are many aluminum pans that claim to be induction-compatible.

Can some aluminium pans be as satisfactory as steel/iron ones?

FreeBear

Aluminium (and copper) pans need a steel base to work on an induction hob.

When you go shopping for new pans, take a magnet with you. If it sticks to the bottom, it should work fine.

I have an aluminium wok with a steel core in the base - Works a treat on my induction hob.

ThisIsWeird

Redlander said:

We're getting an induction hob installed shortly and need to buy new pans suitable for it. I always supposed the pans had to be iron or steel, but I find there are many aluminum pans that claim to be induction-compatible.

Can some aluminium pans be as satisfactory as steel/iron ones?

Yes, provided they are designed for use on Induction hobs. That means that they have a suitable steel base, and also that the base is flat.

You don't test pans with a magnet, unless you want to be sniggered at by all and sundry; some Stainless Steel pans, for example, are magnetic, some weakly, and others not at all. You'd be silly to try and use a pan on an induction hob just because a magnet kinda stuck to it.

You simply look for this:

If it doesn't say 'induction', and/or have the coil logo, then don't use it.

I bought a Tower set recently in anticipation of having an induction hob soon, and they are cast aluminium - which is great as they are nicely solid, but still quite light - and a lovely flat steel botty ready for inducing - ooh, er, missus.

carly

I'm going to be the voice of dissent here and say that all aluminium "induction ready" pans are not equal.  I have used many such pans over the last 12 or so years.    Most  aluminium pans will have a steel disc on or in the base and the induction hob only works on this area.  I found it really annoying when cooking and only 85% of the pan was cooking as one would expect due to the smaller area of this disc.    This might not be a problem if you wanted some foods to cook more gently than other ingredients in the pan.  Also some pans simply did not heat up as fast or as hot as others ( circulon I'm looking at you ).  In the end I gritted my teeth and bought a full range of pans where the whole base was stainless steel  " Stellar 7000".  They range between 6 and 10 years old and still look as good as new and perform well.  Not cheap initially , but longterm worth every penny.

Eldi_Dos

Another vote for Stellar stainless steel, if you keep a eye out in TK you can pick up individual pots at good prices, although you may end up with a harlequin set, I do not mind that.
We have had many years of good useage and still pots are looking good.

DullGreyGuy

ThisIsWeird said:

Redlander said:

We're getting an induction hob installed shortly and need to buy new pans suitable for it. I always supposed the pans had to be iron or steel, but I find there are many aluminum pans that claim to be induction-compatible.

Can some aluminium pans be as satisfactory as steel/iron ones?

Yes, provided they are designed for use on Induction hobs. That means that they have a suitable steel base, and also that the base is flat.

You don't test pans with a magnet, unless you want to be sniggered at by all and sundry; some Stainless Steel pans, for example, are magnetic, some weakly, and others not at all. You'd be silly to try and use a pan on an induction hob just because a magnet kinda stuck to it.

You simply look for this:

If it doesn't say 'induction', and/or have the coil logo, then don't use it.

I bought a Tower set recently in anticipation of having an induction hob soon, and they are cast aluminium - which is great as they are nicely solid, but still quite light - and a lovely flat steel botty ready for inducing - ooh, er, missus.

None of ours have induction or a coil logo on the bottom and unsurprisingly they all work on induction. In fact they have nothing at all written on the pan, just the brand name on the handle. 

Austenitic Stainless Steel is the only one that I know of that isnt magnetic and it's a poor heat conductor. You can get pans made of it but it's usually layered with something more conductive inside like aluminium or copper. 

Sure if you are buying new pans you should look at the label to see if it states its compatible with induction but if you are buying secondhand or vintage which existed 100 years before induction hobs were even an idea you'll be spending a long time looking for one with the logo! A magnet onto the base is a good test where there is no box or it predates induction, your looking for a strong attraction not just a weak one. Similarly need to make sure the base is flat and not warped. 

ThisIsWeird

DullGreyGuy said:

None of ours have induction or a coil logo on the bottom and unsurprisingly they all work on induction. In fact they have nothing at all written on the pan, just the brand name on the handle.
Austenitic Stainless Steel is the only one that I know of that isnt magnetic and it's a poor heat conductor. You can get pans made of it but it's usually layered with something more conductive inside like aluminium or copper.
Sure if you are buying new pans you should look at the label to see if it states its compatible with induction but if you are buying secondhand or vintage which existed 100 years before induction hobs were even an idea you'll be spending a long time looking for one with the logo! A magnet onto the base is a good test where there is no box or it predates induction, your looking for a strong attraction not just a weak one. Similarly need to make sure the base is flat and not warped. 

Fair enough. And your call as to which pans to use on your own hob.

I can imagine, tho', a less-than-ideal level of magnetability being potentially unkind for a hob, with it not being able to lose/use its generated inductance - as well as it likely being inefficient. Add to that a less-than completely flat butt, and well...

My comments are aimed at someone in the OP's position - new indie hob, and buying new pans.

kimwp

Check what size the "hobs" are before deciding which pan (sizes) to get. #madethatmistake

prettyandfluffy

Don't be tempted to buy one of the "adapters" that you can put between a non-magnetic pan and the hob, they can ruin your induction hob.  Plenty of evidence on Amazon from people who've done this.

Risteard

FreeBear said:

Aluminium (and copper) pans need a steel base to work on an induction hob.

When you go shopping for new pans, take a magnet with you. If it sticks to the bottom, it should work fine.

I have an aluminium wok with a steel core in the base - Works a treat on my induction hob.

Aluminium is non-ferrous, so no. As above there must be ferromagnetic material in the base.

Redlander

Thanks to everyone for their contributions. I have bought a set of Ninja Zerostick stainless steel pans