UK households with an induction hob are being advised to spend just 50p on a simple but vital check that could save both time and money. The kitchen is the heart of any home, where countless hours are spent preparing meals, meaning the induction hob gets a daily workout. However, many people are unaware that using incompatible cookware could be quietly draining energy and cash.
How Induction Hobs Work
Induction hobs function by producing a magnetic field beneath the glass surface, generating an electrical current within pots and pans to heat them. Only pans with a magnetic base, such as cast iron, carbon steel, and certain stainless steel varieties, work properly. Using the wrong type of pan means it won't heat efficiently, hampering cooking and potentially shortening the lifespan of the cookware.
The 50p Solution
Thankfully, there is a quick and budget-friendly solution to check whether pans are up to the job. Ryan Adams, a Miele kitchen expert and director of Ati Harrogate, explains that a fridge magnet should stick firmly to the base of the pan. If it does, the cookware is fully compatible. If the magnet slides off easily, the pan is not suitable and will struggle to heat correctly.
Adams says: "To test if your cookware is suitable, use a refrigerator magnet. If it sticks firmly to the bottom of the pan, it's likely induction-compatible. However, if the magnet slides off easily, the pan may not have strong enough magnetic properties for efficient heating."
Which Pans Work?
Pans made from cast iron, steel, or some types of stainless steel are usually compatible, but materials like aluminium, glass, or ceramic will not work. When shopping for new cookware, bring a magnet to double-check compatibility before buying.
Adams adds: "Using the wrong pans on an induction cooktop can leave you frustrated, as incompatible cookware won't heat up. Cast iron and stainless steel pans are great options, but using very high heat can damage their surfaces, wearing down non-stick coatings or causing discolouration on stainless steel."
Broader Context
British households are already being encouraged to transition from gas hobs to electric ahead of a possible sales prohibition to help achieve net-zero goals, as induction hobs deliver superior efficiency. However, if operating an induction hob with incompatible pans, it compromises cooking performance, squandering energy, money, and time. Conducting this straightforward test at the earliest opportunity is essential.
A fridge magnet can be purchased for as little as 50p on Etsy, so the assessment won't cost much, and the modest outlay could ultimately save energy and cash.
Adams concludes: "If you use pans that are too small for the cooking zone, the cooktop may not detect them at all, wasting energy and time. Cheaper cookware can warp under high heat, leading to uneven cooking, and may even need replacement sooner, increasing long-term costs. Investing in durable, induction-compatible cookware allows better performance and saves money over time."
