Households across the UK with an induction hob in their kitchen are being urged to spend 50p now to carry out an important check that can identify cooking problems and save energy.
For many homes, the kitchen is where a large bulk of time is spent, and with several meals to prepare throughout the day, the induction hob is often in frequent use. But the type of cooking pans used on induction hobs is crucial, as not all cookware is compatible, which can have a knock-on effect on energy costs.
How Induction Hobs Work
Induction hobs generate a magnetic field under the glass surface, creating an electrical current inside pots and pans that causes them to heat up. Only pans with a magnetic base, such as cast iron, carbon steel, and certain types of stainless steel, are compatible.
If you use the wrong type of pan, it won't heat up efficiently, affecting your cooking and shortening the lifespan of your cookware. There is a quick and cheap way to test whether your cooking pans are compatible with your induction hob, and it simply requires spending 50p on a fridge magnet.
The 50p Test
According to Miele kitchen appliance expert Ryan Adams, director of Ati Harrogate, a fridge magnet needs to be able to firmly stick to the bottom of your pan. If it does so, this indicates it's compatible with induction hobs. But if the magnet doesn't fully grip and slides off easily, it means the pan likely isn't compatible and won't heat up properly on your hob.
Adams said: "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."
He added: "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 the compatibility before buying."
Impact on Energy and Costs
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.
UK households are already being urged to switch from gas hobs to electric ahead of a potential sales ban to help meet net-zero targets, as induction hobs are more efficient. But if you're using an induction hob and your pans aren't compatible, it will impact your ability to cook efficiently, wasting energy, money, and time. So it's important to do this quick test as soon as possible.
You can pick up a fridge magnet for as little as 50p on Etsy, so it won't break the bank to carry out this simple check. This small investment could end up saving you both energy and money in the long run.
Expert Advice on Cookware
Adams also warned: "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 your long-term costs. Investing in durable, induction-compatible cookware allows better performance and saves you money over time."
