Are you thinking about can you use induction cookware on the electric stove? I’ve got you covered! The confusion around this question is understandable.
Like you, I am one of those people who always wanted to make the best use of all my utensils. I didn’t like that I spent so much money on induction cookware that stayed in the cabinet 24/7 because I had an electric stove.
So I decided to find out whether I can use induction cookware for my daily use on an electric stove or not, and this blog is all about it. So let’s get into the details!
Can You Use Induction Cookware on Electric Stoves?
Yes, you can use induction cookware on an electric stove, and the process is completely safe. Induction cookware means flat-bottom pots and pans that are made with stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel or any other material that has a magnetized base.
All of these materials are compatible with electric stoves as they can easily withstand high-temperature and work on them as well. Additionally, induction cookware has a flat bottom, so the cooking process on an electric stove will be easy and safe.
What’s Induction Cookware? – An Overview
Induction cookware is a type of cookware that is magnetic. It’s important because only magnetic-grade cookware (e.g., stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel) can work effectively with the magnetic field generated by the induction cooktop.
At its core, an induction cooktop comprises a sleek ceramic plate with an electromagnetic coil. This coil plays an important role in the induction cooking method as it generates current.
The current in the coil generates a fluctuating magnetic field. When (magnetic-grade) induction cookware touches the surface of the induction cooktop, it induces current to the cookware. Later on, the current generates heat within the skillet.
In this entire process, the induction cookware plays an essential role. Other cookware like aluminum and copper can’t work effectively unless they feature a magnetized base.
Induction Cookware Compatibility With Electric Stoves
You’ve got the idea of induction cookware; now you must be thinking about whether they’ll work on electric stoves. After all, the heating mechanisms of electric stoves and induction hobs are different.
Electric stoves feature a ceramic surface and a metal coil underneath the surface. When you turn on the electric stove, the coil generates a current that produces heat.
The main difference is the heating element that heats up the cookware rather than the skillet producing heat with the help of an electromagnetic field.
So is it safe to use induction cookware that is made to work with electromagnetic fields? YES! This is because induction cookware meets the requirements of an electric stove, even though they’re not made for it.
Remember, the electric stove heats up faster, and only a tiny burner can easily reach a maximum temperature of 1112°F (600°C), and a larger one up to 1652°F (900°C). You must use cookware that can withstand high temperatures without getting damaged or causing any issues; that’s the main requirement.
Luckily, induction hob-compatible materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel can withstand high temperatures without shattering like glass pots.
Note: In the market, you can find numerous cookware sets crafted from aluminum or copper that feature a magnetized base. This makes them compatible with induction hobs. These cookware material are also compatible with electric stoves.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Induction Cookware on Electric Stoves
For your ease, I’ve spent some extra time on research to share what are the advantages and disadvantages of using induction cookware on an electric stove. Read them below and decide what is best for yourself.
Advantages:
- Efficient Heating: Induction cookware provides precise temperature control, allowing for faster and more efficient cooking.
- Safety: Induction cookware comes with a flat bottom. It’s a great feature because a flat bottom means the heat will spread evenly, and there won’t be any mishaps like cookware slipping off the electric stove.
- Easy to Clean: All three materials that are used to make induction cookware, carbon steel, cast iron, and stainless steel, are easy to clean.
- Heats up Faster: Induction cookware responds to the high temperature of an electric stove well and heats up faster, making the cooking process easier.
Disadvantages:
- Pricey: Despite doing hours of research, I’ve failed to find one drawback that can stop you from using the old induction cookware on an electric stove. However, if you’re considering buying a new set, know that induction cookware is expensive compared to the regular cookware we use at home.
Best Induction Cookware for Electric Stoves
Here are the top 3 sets of induction cookware that can be used for electric stoves.
Cookware | Material | Best Features |
Bruntmor 2 in 1 set | Cast iron | Affordable setSafe for the ovenSafe for electric stoveFeatures a big pot 5 quarts capacity |
Stainless Steel 6-in-1 set | Stainless steel | Three pots in different sizes (3.7 qt, 2.6 qt, and 2 qt pots)Suitable for electric stoves. Dishwasher safeAffordable. |
Duxtop 18-in-1 set | Stainless steel | Include 2 saucepans, a casserole, a stockpot, saute pan, 2 fry pans, a broiler and baskets, a trivet, a spoon, and a spatula. Versalite cookware setSuitable for electric stove |
Types of Cookware Suitable for Electric Stoves (Other than Induction Cookware)
Most of the cookware, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, carbon steel, etc., works well on an electric stove, but some exceptions exist, like glass and ceramic pots. Here’s the reason why:
The reason behind it is that an electric stove needs cookware that can withstand high temperatures and are responsive to them well. If you use cookware like a glass pot, the consequences might be dangerous. Most glass cookware can’t conduct heat; as a result, the pot may shatter.
The same case is for ceramic cookware, so it’s better to avoid them unless the manufacturer suggests that the cookware is electric stove compatible.
Final Words
In short, the answer to Can you use induction cookware on an electric stove? “YES.”
Induction cookware comprises one of these three materials: stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel. These cookwares have a flat and strong bottom. The surprising part is that all of these characteristics make cookware suitable for electric stoves.
This means using induction cookware on an electric stove is a safe and money-efficient process. By doing this, you’ll be able to use your old induction cookware on a daily basis. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the electric cooktop the same as induction?
No, despite many similarities, electric cooktops and induction cooktops aren’t the same. They work differently; in electric cooktops, the coil generates a current that makes it hot, and this heat transfer to the cookware with the help of a heating element means burner.
At the same time, the coil in the induction cooktop generates an electromagnetic field that induces the current in the cookware. This current produces heat in the cookware rather than a burner.
Can we use normal cookware on an electric stove?
The answer depends on what type of cookware you have. If you’re considering stainless steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum, etc., yes, you can use them. However, using glass or ceramics isn’t recommended unless the manufacturer has rated them safe for electric stoves.
Can I use round cookware on an electric stove?
Technically yes, you can use round cookware on an electric stove, but I personally don’t recommend it. My reason is almost all electric stoves have a flat surface, and although round bottom cookware works, the high chance is they won’t sit perfectly on the stove, leading them to fall, which is a dangerous scenario.
Can you use induction cookware on a regular stove?
Induction cookware can be used on a regular stove as long as the cookware is compatible with the heat source, such as gas or electric. However, induction cookware won’t utilize the induction technology on a regular stove, as it requires an induction-specific cooktop to function optimally.
Can i use induction cookware on a gas stove?
Yes, you can use induction cookware on a gas stove. Induction cookware is typically made of a magnetic material that allows it to work on induction stovetops, but it can also be used on gas stoves without any issues.
Can you use induction cookware on a glass top stove?
Yes, you can use induction cookware on a glass top stove. Induction cookware is compatible with glass top stoves as long as the cookware has a flat and smooth bottom.