For years, the induction cooktop has been glorified as the next big sensation in the cooking ranges. And rightly so, as induction cooktops can deliver fast cooktop heat without open flames, scorching cooking surfaces, or superheated pots. The cooktops are also energy-efficient as the heat loss is minimized during the cooking process.
But there’s a catch to induction cooktops.
They require special pots and pans!
It brings us to a common question asked by non-stick pan users:
In This Article
Does My Ceramic Pan Work on Induction Cooktop?
The answer is: No and yes. Ceramic non-stick cookware in itself is not induction compatible, but if it has a stainless steel plate at the bottom of the pan, it will work on the induction cooktop. If you are looking for alternative of ceramic, don’t miss our recommendations for the best non stick pans without Teflon 2022.
Why Is Regular Ceramic Non-Stick Pan Not Compatible With Induction Burner?
A regular ceramic non-stick pan is composed of aluminum, over which a non-stick coating of ceramic is applied. Aluminum is one of those materials which doesn’t work on an induction hob. Besides aluminum, pots and pans made of copper, glass, or anodized aluminum also don’t work on an induction stove.
In order to be compatible with an induction burner, cookware must have ferrous material in it. The reason is that induction burners operate by producing a magnetic field using an electric current. The magnetic field can’t be activated if the cookware lacks iron or ferrous.
To resolve the issue, non-stick manufacturers use a metal plate bonded with the base of the cookware. Some manufacturers also encapsulate the metal layer within the non-stick pan to make it work on an induction stove.
How to Check Your Ceramic Non-Stick Pan Induction Compatibility?
Check the bottom of the pan. If it has a metal layer on the bottom, it will work on the induction cooktop. The induction burner symbol on the packaging also represents the induction compatibility of the ceramic pan.
If you are ordering the pan online where the pan’s bottom image isn’t available, always check the description or the manufacturer’s website about the pan’s induction compatibility.
In fact, any pan’s induction compatibility can be checked by holding a magnet to the pan’s bottom. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it means it is induction compatible.
100% Ceramic Pans and Induction Compatibility
100% ceramic pans are made of molded natural clay that doesn’t have any ferrous metal in it. It’s the reason they won’t work on an induction burner.
Are All Induction Compatible Ceramic Pans Work Perfectly on Induction Burners?
No, a few aspects can adversely affect the ceramic non-stick performance on an induction hob (even if it has a metallic base).
These are also a few points to focus on to ensure that your non-stick ceramic pan works flawlessly on the induction burner.
Flat Base
The ceramic pan should have a flat smooth base. To create an efficient magnetic field, the bottom of the pan should entirely touch the induction’s flat surface. If the ceramic pan has even a slight curve, it won’t lie flush with the induction burner. It will result in uneven heating, hot and cold spots in the pan, and your food won’t be browned evenly.
The Metal Base Diameter
In some pans, the manufacturers use a smaller diameter of the magnetic metal plate. For example: on a larger 12 inch non-stick pan, only the center part, 8 or 9 inches, would be induction compatible. So even if you place it on a larger burner, the induction range would only detect a smaller size (due to a small metal plate) and de-rate the larger burner to a smaller one. That smaller burner would be weaker and won’t heat up the ceramic pan faster.
So, better check that your ceramic non-stick pan has a magnetic base covering the bottom completely.
Ceramic Pan’s Weight
The lightweight pots and pans create a buzzing, pulsing, and humming sound. Don’t worry, though, as it’s perfectly normal, especially in high-power settings. Unfortunately, non-stick ceramic pans aren’t that heavy compared to Teflon pans. So, you should take into consideration the pan’s weight to avoid the humming sound.
A pro-tip: Using a heavy glass lid reduces the humming sound of the burner and doesn’t vibrate.
Warped or Uneven Bottom
Warped or uneven bottom in the ceramic non-stick pan will also cause vibration, ratting, or humming noises. Moreover, the cookware won’t heat uniformly.
FAQs
Can I use an induction-compatible non-stick ceramic pan on any other burner?
Yes, induction compatible non-stick ceramic pans can be used on every other burner. In fact, it is recommended to buy induction compatible pots and pans as it makes them sturdier, dent and warp-resistant.
Can you put ceramic pans in the oven?
Ceramic coated cookware is one of the safest options to be used in the oven. However not all ceramic pots and pans are oven safe. You have to check oven-safe symbol on the packaging before putting it in the oven. There are ceramic non-stick pans like Blue Diamond that are oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wrapping Up!
Induction burners are the fastest cooking burners that boil water nearly half the time compared to any electrical or gas burner. If your ceramic pan is induction compatible, it will save your money from buying any other pan. And if you are planning to buy an induction-compatible non-stick ceramic pan, keep the above-mentioned points in mind before purchasing to avoid any future hassle.
