Induction cooking is different from conventional gas or electric cooking, and only certain types of pans will work on an induction cooktop or burner. The following types of pans are compatible with induction cooktops:

• Cast iron
• Enameled cast iron
• Magnetic stainless steel
• Nickel

These pans have two necessary properties: theyre ferrous and magnetic. However, there are exceptions. For instance, All-Clads MC2 line, which is made of aluminum and stainless steel, is not induction compatible.

On the other hand, the following types of pans are not compatible with induction cooktops:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Glass cookware (unless they have a layer on the bottom with magnetic properties)
• Non-magnetic stainless steel

Its worth noting that some premium cookware manufacturers have developed aluminum pans with a base made using a blend of induction-compatible metals.

To check if a pan is suitable for induction cooking, test if the base is attracted by a magnet. Flat-bottomed pots or pans with or made from magnetic stainless steel, cast iron, enameled iron, and nickel will work best on induction cooktops.

If you have non-inductive pans, you can make them work on your induction stove by using an induction interface disk. This is a flat disk made of magnetic stainless steel that you place on the cooktop, and then place your non-inductive pan on top of the disk.