If you own an induction stove, you know the advantages of this energy-efficient and sleek cooktop over other types of hobs. With all the benefits the induction cooker comes with, you should note that they might require special cookware, non-stick induction frying pan.
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic technology to transfer heat. For this reason, all induction-compatible cookware should have a base made from a ferromagnetic material. Simply, if a magnet will stick to the pan's base, it should be appropriate for use with an induction hob.
Are you looking to switch to the induction stovetop, or you want to upgrade your existing cookware? We have a review of the best nonstick frying pans great for induction tops to help you choose the best for you.
5 Best Non-stick Induction Frying Pans
1. Utopia Kitchen 11 Inches Nonstick Frying Pan - Induction Bottom
- The wobble-free bakelite handle is ergonomically designed and riveted strongly to the pan so you can have a safe cooking experience without...
- The induction bottom of the frying pan is suitable for all types of cooking; including electric and ceramic cook tops
- Formed with multi-layered nonstick and top rated aluminum alloy which is used for highly durable professional grade frying pans
- High quality nonstick interior allows for easier cooking and cleanup; PFOA, lead and Cadmium-free
- For hand cleaning, first use a paper towel, wooden, or plastic spatula to remove off any loose food from the pan; then use a soft nylon...
From its excellent non-stick properties to decent build quality, the Utopia Kitchen 11 Inch Nonstick Frying Pan has a great value such that it does a lot for its price point. It isn't easy to find such a quality induction frying pan at an affordable price. It is made from an aluminum alloy that acts as a conductive and lightweight base.
The pan's interior is made from a PFOA, cadmium, and lead-free nonstick coating, ensuring it is safe for use. Although the price of this frying pan can make you think the pan is not durable enough, this pan is made to last depending on the care, frequency, and use.
Handles are wobble-free and have rivets to ensure the handle is secure. It is suitable for all types of cooking, including ceramic and electric cooktops. The non-stick coating is also effective, making it a great pan for cooking eggs and sauteed vegetables.
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2. All-Clad 4112NSR2 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded
- A kitchen staple featuring a flat base and flared, mid-sized sides that allow for easy flipping and tossing
- Classic tri-ply construction, made with a responsive aluminum core bonded together with 2 layers of durable, stainless steel all the way...
- Secured with riveted stainless-steel handles to ensure a safe grip and to add a bit of style
- Compatible with all cooktops including induction, and oven/broiler-safe up to 600°F
- Bonded, Engineered, & Assembled in USA. Backed by All-Clad's Limited Lifetime Warranty
The All-Clad 4112NSR2 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded is a 12-inch non-stick fry pan that comes with a versatile, low-profile shape and a wide flat base. It features a three-ply bonded construction that is made up of durable stainless steel material. The inside is made of aluminum that distributes heat evenly throughout the pan.
Just like any All-Clad brand product, the durability and performance of this pan are excellent. The pan is made from a PFOA-free nonstick coating, and rivets permanently secure the contoured handles made of stainless steel. This not only gives the pan a sleek and beautiful look but also the strength and longevity of your pan.
One of the outstanding features of All-Clad cookware is the pan's capacity is indicated at the bottom of the pan, so you don't have to guesswork about how much food the pan can hold. It is dishwasher and oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This stainless steel pan has an exterior and interior that resists warping, and it also has a limited lifetime warranty.
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3. T-Fal E93808 Professional Nonstick Fry Pan
- TITANIUM NONSTICK INTERIOR: Durable nonstick coating that stands up to rigorous usage; Designed for everyday chef looking to create...
- THERMO-SPOT TECHNOLOGY: Unique heat indicator that turns solid red to show when pans are properly preheated to start cooking
- THICK INDUCTION BASE: Distributes heat evenly resulting in no hot spots for reliable cooking results
- RIVETED SILICONE HANDLES: Provides comfortable and secure grip
- DISHWASHER AND OVEN SAFE: Up to 400F
The T-Fal E93808 is a Nonstick pan that comes with a size of 12 inches. It features the T-Fal's thermo-spot heat indicator in the middle of the pan, which will change its color from black to red if the pan has been heated sufficiently. It also has a riveted silicone handle that stays cool to the touch and will provide a comfortable grip while cooking.
The pan also features a heavy-gauge aluminum core that is heat conductive to provide fast and even heat up. Its base is stainless steel and warp-resistant, which makes the frying pan induction compatible. This cookware is made free from PFOA, Cadmium, and Lead, making it a safe option.
With the Pro Metal, the nonstick technology ensures that the nonstick coating is scratch-resistant and safe to use with metal utensils. You will only need to use very little oil while cooking because the surface makes it easier to cook and slide off the food or eggs into the plate.
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4. TECHEF - Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Frying Pan
- Built for Performance: Forged heavy-gauge aluminum (commercial-grade 3004) construction distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots
- 3-layer Reinforced Platinum Nonstick Coating: New Safe PFOA Free Teflon Platinum with new, proprietary, and patented scratch resistance...
- Exceptional Design - An extra-tall, sloped sidewall provides more cooking surface and makes food easier to toss
- Induction-Ready Heavy-Duty Forged Base: Ensures no warping/wobbling and works with all stoves such as electric, gas, and ceramic stoves,...
- Stainless Steel Handle and Rivets - Double-riveted stay-cool handle for strength and durability. The long-brushed stainless steel handle...
Due to the DuPont Teflon Platinum coating, the Techef non-stick pan is considered one of the finest frying pans for induction cooking. It is coated six times using Teflon and also a durable ceramic coating on the outer layer. The unique design ensures that the pan is heated evenly, distributing the heat effectively.
With an 8 inch diameter, the pan is perfect for frying eggs or even pork chops. The non-stick qualities ensure the easy transfer of food to the plate. Its 11-inch lid is great for the preparation of food that requires minimal evaporation. This will also make the pan easy to clean and should be rinsed with soapy water.
For its quality and considering the six layers of Teflon this pan, the price is great. It is perfect for sauteing meat and vegetables before cooking them. Once you use the pan, you may hear some pings and pops as the pan cools down. This is because the material expands when heated and contracts when cooled down.
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5. Cuisinart CastLite Non-Stick Cast Iron Fry Pan
- Classic cast iron construction for even heating and best heat retention
- Dupont Platinum Non-Stick Coating - exclusively for cast iron
- Porcelain enamel exterior, riveted cool grip stainless handles
- Induction ready, dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty
The Cuisinart CastLite Non-Stick Cast Iron is a frying pan that features a classic cast iron build and a red color that makes it an elegant frying pan. The pan's exterior is made using porcelain enamel, and the handles have a riveted cool grip with a stainless steel plating.
Although this pan is known to create perfect fried eggs, it is also very important cookware in the kitchen. The base of the pan will quickly heat up and will maintain and distribute the heat very well. The handle has been designed to be comfortable, secure, and stays cool when cooking.
With the non-stick feature, the pan is easy to clean. Even if you burn the food, scrubbing the pan won't affect it because of the scratch-resistant surface. Moreover, this 8-inch pan comes with a limited lifetime warranty which ensures great value for the money spent.
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Factors to Consider When Buying a Non-stick Frying Pan for Induction Cooktop
1. Material
a). Stainless Steel
This is a popular type of material found in frying pans, and it is crafted using an alloy of steel that contains chromium and a small percentage of nickel. This makes the material sturdy, non-reactive, and resistant to corrosion rust. Typically, the high-quality multi-clad stainless steel pans include the aluminum or copper core that has been sandwiched between the steel layers to help the pan with heat induction.
However, if the nickel content in the stainless steel pan is too much, it will prevent the pan from getting a magnetic reaction, and this won't work with an induction cooktop. Although one can attach a heating disk to the external surface of the pan, this disk may eventually separate from the frying pan.
b). Hard anodized Aluminium
This is made from electrochemically hardened aluminum that makes it more durable than steel. It features an oxidized layer at the top which protects it from scrapes and scratches. Ideally, a hard-anodized aluminum frying pan is not induction-ready. However, if it features a built-in magnetic and iron steel disc, one can use it with an induction cooktop.
c). Cast iron and Carbon Steel
Any cookware made from either a cast iron or carbon steel is great because of their durability, and they are also known to hold up heat extremely well. Since most of these pans are made from an alloy with iron, they will most definitely work with induction cooktops, although with several conditions.
First, the pan should have a flat surface to ensure complete contact with the stove. Also, the pans should have a smooth surface, and lastly, the surfaces must attract magnets. Though designed for induction, uncoated cast iron is not recommended because the rough surface will scratch the cooktop.
2. Induction Compatibility
You don't want to get cookware that is not compatible with the induction hobs because it won't last. Cookware that is compatible with induction cooktops must have ferromagnetic materials. This means that the cookware should have some magnetic properties that are compatible with the magnets on the cooking stove.
The easiest way to know if the cookware is compatible is to put the magnet close to the bottom of the pan and see if it sticks to it. If the magnet clings to the surface, then it should work with an induction cooktop. If the magnetic pull feels weak, then it might not work well with the induction range. However, if there is no pull at all, then the cooktop won't transfer heat to the pan.
3. Heating Capacity
The heating capacity of cookware depends on the manufacturer and also the material. Ideally, the uncoated pans tend to have a higher heat threshold than those with ceramic or PTFE nonstick coatings.
Generally, most inductions stoves have a heat capacity of between 100 to 500 degrees, with a few models surpassing 550 degrees. When choosing the induction-friendly pans, find one that will withstand the temperatures of the cooktop you're planning to use.
4. Warranty
While many brands will offer a limited lifetime guarantee on their induction frying pans, this will only happen if the pans are bought from an authorized dealer. The warranty should guarantee protection against defects in construction, craft, or material and may exclude damages caused by normal wear and tear or improper use.
You might also find that some warranties, for example for coated pans, have a limited short period. It is crucial to always the warranty and also the manufacturer's terms and conditions on warranty coverage.
5. Price
Since you already made a big investment in the purchase of an induction stove, you probably don't want to spend a lot of money purchasing an induction frying pan. However, if you're hoping to get a premium quality, you should know that it does come with a price. This means you should be ready to spend a few more dollars on the frying pan.
If you're on a budget, you can find lower-priced induction compatible pans. However, you should note that the lower price may mean less durability when it comes to the construction and the material of the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Non-stick Induction Frying Pans
1. What happens if you place a non-induction pan on an induction hob?
A non-induction pan will not work on the induction hob because the magnetic fields won't be able to pass, and this will lead to no generation of current in the cookware. The electromagnetic mechanism will fail, and the cooker won't produce the heat. It is critical to have the right cookware because the cookware aids in heat production.
2. Do chefs prefer gas or induction?
Gas has been for a long time the choice used by chefs because the induction cooktop was for many years considered either second to gas or out of reach. Currently, the induction cooktop is becoming the preferred hob choice for many top chefs.
2. What are the disadvantages of induction cooking?
One major disadvantage of induction stoves and cooktops is that they can easily overcook the food because they heat up faster than the traditional cooktops. It is important to note that when cooking with an induction cooktop, the cookware won't need a lot of time to preheat, and a lower heat setting is required to keep up with the temperature of food.
