If you’ve recently purchased an induction cooktop stove, you might be wondering whether or not it is recommended or, more importantly, whether or not it is safe to use cast iron pots and pans on it. Nowadays, many people are opting for induction cooktops because they target your pots and pans directly using electromagnetic fields instead of radiant heat.
Induction cooktops are famous for cooking foods faster while wasting less energy. Therefore, many people ask can cast iron be used on induction. Overall, it is possible to use cast iron cookware on induction cooktops; however, you need to pay attention to some important details that we’ll explain below.
Cast Iron and Induction
A lot of people ask what types of pots and pans can be used on an induction stove, and to most people’s amazement, the cookware that always works perfectly is cast iron. This is due to their all-iron composition and how it guarantees magnetic cooking compatibility with your induction cooktop stove regardless of how big or heavy your cast iron pans are.
Will Cast Iron Scratch An Induction Cooktop?
The simple answer is yes, cast iron can scratch your induction cooktop stove. However, due to the fact that induction uses magnetic fields, your cooking surface won’t actually get hot enough to burn other substances. So many folks choose to put a thin layer between their induction cooktop and the bottom of the cast iron pan.
You can easily use the following to protect your induction surface:
- Parchment Paper
- Newspapers
- Paper Towels
This way, you can easily use your cast iron pots and pans on your induction cooktop without worrying about scratching the glass surface. Keep in mind that even though your cooking surface won’t get too hot, the cast iron pots or pans will! Be sure to use caution when handling cast iron cookware while it’s being used on your induction stovetop.
Note: We do not recommend using Silpat because it can be damaged when temperatures rise above 500° F, plus the heat won’t be evenly distributed to your pans while cooking with Silpat in between.
How to Protect Induction Cooktop Stoves From Scratches
Protecting your induction cooktop’s surface can be easily done with a few simple steps that only require the use of everyday household items. But before we get into that, we want to mention that you should NEVER hit or slide any pots, pans, or skillets across your induction stovetop. As we mentioned above, how to make a thin layer to protect your glass top from cast iron pans, the same applies to anything you would place on top of your induction stovetop.
We suggest using a thin material between the induction glass top and the pan, and this will help protect your glass surface from any potential scratches. However, if you don’t want to use any materials in between your pan and the stovetop, then we strongly suggest moving your pots and pans very carefully and not dragging them across the glass from one burner to the next.
You should also try to make sure that the bottom of your cast iron pots and pans are as smooth as possible; this will help eliminate the chances of it scratching your glass surface.
Does Enameled Cast Iron Work on Induction Cooktops?
Yes, enameled cast iron will also work on your induction stove. In fact, enameled cast iron cookware is extremely useful and is presented as a food-safe metal that enables plenty of chefs worldwide to use cast iron regularly. There are many factors that come into play when choosing to cook with enameled cast iron cookware.
The following are prime examples of why cast iron is often the number one choice:
- Strong & Durable
- Withstands High Temperatures for Extended Amounts of Time
- Distributes Heat Evenly
- Maintains Temperature Throughout Cooking
When trying to find out if your cookware works with induction stovetops, you should always check the bottom side of your pots and pans for the ‘works with induction’ symbol that resembles loops in a square type box. When your cookware has this symbol on the bottom, that means you can use it on any induction type stovetop.
A lot of the newer made pots and pans will have this symbol on the bottom if that cookware is compatible with the use of an induction stovetop. But, if you can’t find the logo because your pots or pans might be older, then just use the old school magnet trick to see if the cookware is magnetic. It might sound silly, but it’s definitely a proven way to check your pots and pans to see if they have the magnetic field required for using on top of an induction type stovetop.
Can You Use Any Pan on an Induction Cooktop?
Unfortunately, you can not use any type of pan on an induction cooktop. You need to use pans with high concentrations of iron on induction heating elements because it is the iron in the pot or pan that concentrates the current to actually produce any heat in the metal. However, if the metal of the cookware is found to be too thin, or it doesn’t provide enough resistance to the current flow, then the heating will not be sufficient.
Induction cooktops usually don’t heat up aluminum or copper pots and pans because the magnetic field is unable to produce the necessary concentrated current. The cookware that works best is cast iron, enameled (enamelware), and some stainless steel pots and pans. The stainless steel will depend on the alloy used to make it. If it’s iron, it’s magnetic, but if it’s nickel, then it’s non-magnetic and shouldn’t be used on your induction stovetop.
You can also choose to use carbon steel cookware (similar to cast iron, but noticeably lighter in weight) on your induction stovetop. One of the best ways to check your pots and pans to see if they can be used on an induction stovetop is with a magnet. Just place a decent sized magnet on the bottom of your cookware to see if it sticks; if it does – you’re good to go.
If you have ceramic cookware, you will need to find out if the base of the pot or pan is iron or steel. Some ceramic brands like Le Creuset are made with the proper materials and can be used on all induction stovetops. However, not all ceramic cookware is made the same, and you should perform the magnet test if in doubt.
Note: You can use other types of pots and pans if you place a metal disk that is designed for being used as a conventional hotplate on top of your induction stovetop to be the barrier between the pan and cooking surface.
Famous Brands
Le Creuset – This brand is famous for it’s bright colored enameled cast iron pots and pans. Both professional chefs and home cooks have been using Le Creuset for many years due to its impeccable designs and its quality workmanship.
Lodge Cast Iron – This brand is one of the leaders when it comes to cast iron cookware; they’ve been used by generation after generation and have a reputation for being one of the most reliable brands for cast iron pots and pans.
Smithey Ironware Co. – This is a brand that stands behind their craftsmanship and boasts about the extensive process they take to produce the best cast iron cookware available on the market today. From the buffing to the polishing, Smithey delivers a satin-like surface on all its products.
Staub en France – This brand has been around for years and is the staple cookware used by many professional chefs worldwide. You can choose from a variety of products that range from small pots to large casserole dishes; all are completely scratch resistant and made from some of the finest cast iron found on the planet.
Conclusion
If you have an induction glass stovetop, don’t hesitate to use your cast iron pots and pans on it regularly. It has been proven that the answer to ‘can cast iron be used on induction cooktops’ is an astounding YES! If you haven’t gotten any cast iron cookware as of yet, we suggest checking out some of the brands above for the best cast iron cookware you’ll ever find.
Remember, don’t slide or glide your pots and pans across your induction stovetop if you want to prevent scratches. Instead, take some of the suggestions and precautions listed above to protect your glass surface at all times so that your induction stovetop lasts as long as your cast iron cookware.
