When buying modern induction cookers it is worth being prepared for the fact that for their proper operation, special dishes may also be needed. An old ceramic, glass or copper frying pan, as well as an aluminum pan, may simply not be suitable for this equipment. Further, they will be needed only for heating food in the microwave or they are simply put in the shelf for an indefinite period.
A huge number of options are presented for induction cookers in modern cookware stores. They will help in creating unsurpassed culinary masterpieces.
Cooking
Why use special cookware for the induction cooker?
Gas stoves continue to bribe with simplicity and clarity: an open fire heats dishes, in which there are foods or liquids. Its walls and bottom begin to actively give off heat not only to their contents, but also to surrounding objects, namely, burners, grill, surface and even air.
A similar job is with an electric stove: first, the energy is spent on heating the burner, and then its heat is transferred to the dishes. Only then does the cooking process begin. This kitchen equipment is characterized by slow heating, which significantly increases the cooking time.
Induction cookers represent a completely new approach to the cooking process. These plates use a coil instead of a heating element. It creates high-frequency magnetic fields, the emerging induction current makes the electrons of the ferrimagnetic field move. In a closed loop of dishes, the temperature rises. The cooking surface remains cold, and the entire cooking process occurs as a result of heating the dishes. Safety and the elimination of the risk of burns have made this type of stove popular. The only drawback of the induction cooker is the moodiness in working with different dishes. Induction requires cookware with ferromagnetic properties.
The principle of operation of the induction cooker
Important: To check whether the cookware is suitable or not for the induction cooker, it is fashionable to use a simple magnet. If it sticks to the bottom of a pot or pan, then the utensils are suitable for modern technology.
What should special dishes be made of?
The best ferromagnetic properties are cast iron and steel. In some cases, you can also use enameled dishes. The main thing before buying is to choose it correctly, since cooking using an induction cooker requires compliance with certain rules.
How to use stainless steel cookware for induction cooker?
Magnet check
Before choosing stainless steel kitchen utensils, you need to check if the magnet sticks to its bottom - without this condition, working with induction is impossible, and not all alloys become suitable.
Important: Today, the stores offer a fairly wide range of stainless steel cookware, which is suitable for modern equipment. You can purchase both individual elements and entire sets of special kitchen utensils.
Pros of stainless steel:
- It does not oxidize during operation.
- Preserves all the useful properties of the products that are prepared in it.
- Suitable for subsequent storage of food in the refrigerator after cooking.
- Relatively light weight.
- Material strength.
- Durability with careful handling.
- Beautiful appearance, thanks to which shiny dishes will decorate any kitchen.
In addition to the strengths of each material, each material has weaknesses. The negative points of stainless steel include:
- The development of an allergic reaction. This usually happens if nickel is present in the alloy;
- during cooking, it can become very hot.
Important: Stainless steel is not practical as a material for kitchen utensils and it is very difficult to maintain in perfect appearance. Any touch leaves imprints and spots on the surface, and also here are very visible stains and splashes from the water.
Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Cast iron cookware
This material was used for making dishes by our grandmothers, but this does not deprive him of his popularity today. Cast iron pots and pans will be a good solution for cooking on an induction cooker. Almost every house has dishes made of this material. If something is missing, then you can safely buy the missing items and use both new and old items.
Cast iron cookware
Among the main advantages of cast-iron cookware are:
- Long operational period;
- heating is carried out evenly over the entire surface;
- food is cooked for a short period of time;
- the material retains heat for a long time, which prevents the quick cooling of cooked dishes;
- safety - cast iron does not enter various reactions with products during cooking.
If you opted for cast-iron utensils, then remember that it will be very heavy. In some situations, this will complicate the cooking process. Cast iron is also considered quite fragile material - when falling on the floor, a cast iron pan or pan can simply split into several parts.
Important: After prolonged or improper use of cast-iron cookware, corrosion may appear on it or the oxidation process may begin, which makes the utensil unsuitable for further cooking on an induction cooker.
Enamelware
Enamel-made enameled cookware can be the best option for cooking on an induction hob: consisting of metal and coated with enamel, it has its own advantages compared to cast iron and steel utensils:
- affordable cost for most consumers;
- long operational period;
- strength and reliability;
- practicality;
- attractive appearance;
- simplicity in leaving and cleaning.
When choosing enameled cookware for modern induction cookers, you need to pay attention to its bottom. In some models, it is convex, and also has a slight elevation to the center, which creates additional noise during cooking. This does not present any danger, but for an induction cooker it is better to choose enameled pots and pans with a flat bottom.
Enamelware
How to choose the right cookware for induction cooker?
If in doubt, whether or not cookware is suitable for modern kitchen equipment, it can always be checked with a magnet. But besides this, the properties of pots and pans for cooking should have several important parameters. Among them:
- The bottom should be at least 2 mm thick. The larger it is, the faster and more evenly the food will cook.
- Special dishes should have a maximum touch area with the hob. Some models of induction cookers do not work on objects whose diameter is less than 12 cm. In these cases, special adapters sold in special stores will come to the rescue.
Special adapters
- The material of the bottom must have ferromagnetic properties.The walls can be made of any other material. For example, glass, copper or ceramic elements may be used.
Important: It is also worth remembering that cookware for induction cookers is always marked with a special marking. In appearance, it represents 4 vertical loops. Under them may be written "Induction".
Plate marking
But this applies only to the dishes that are purchased in stores. On old cast-iron pans and pans there will be no marks. They can only be checked with a magnet.
How to care for pots and pans that are designed for induction cookers?
In order for the dishes to serve as long as possible and at the same time retain all their positive qualities, as well as a presentable appearance, it is very important to properly care for them. First of all, it concerns washing. The dishes must be cleaned in a timely manner so that dried food residues do not form on it, the elimination of which can ruin the surface. Washing is permitted by hand or with a dishwasher. No special tools are added.
Washing dishes
Cast iron pots should be wiped dry after washing. This will help prevent rust. If new enameled cookware was bought specifically for the induction cooker, then before you start cooking, you need to boil salt water in it. This will help extend its operational period.
Each person can choose for themselves the best option for cookware, which he will continue to use for his induction cooker. The main thing is to comply with all the necessary criteria, as well as to take proper care in the future.
