Is granite stone cookware induction compatible? This question was the reason for my stress a few months ago.
I love using Granite stone cookware sets; they’re solid, durable, healthy, and rust-resistant. The problem started when I purchased an induction hob for my kitchen to cook food faster without over or undercooking.
The panic started when I got to know that I couldn’t use any type of cookware I wanted on an induction hob unless they were compatible. Luckily, I got the solution that I’ll share here.
In this guide, I’ll discuss whether granite stone cookware induction is compatible. What you should do if you don’t have an induction compatible granite cookware set. Also, how can you pick Granite stone cookware for an induction hob?
Is Granite Stone Cookware Induction Compatible?
Quick Answer:
No, most of the granite stone cookware sets aren’t induction compatible as they’re made of aluminum (non-induction-compatible material). However, you can easily find a granite stone cookware set that has an encapsulated base.
Encapsulated base refers to cookware whose base has a layer of stainless steel which is an induction-compatible material. Thanks to the layer, the granite cookware will react to the electromagnetic field and generate heat to cook the food.
How Induction Cooktops Work? An Overview
First, let’s understand what induction cooktops are and how it works. Induction cooktops aren’t like gas stoves or electric stoves. They work completely differently; that’s the reason why they need a specific type of cookware set.
So what happens is when you turn on the induction cooktop, the electromagnetic coil beneath the ceramic surface produces current. Later on, the current creates an electromagnetic field in the induction hob.
Now the catch here is the electromagnetic field only works with magnetic-grade cookware. This means pots and pans that are made from stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel.
Magnetic grade cookware induces the current generated by electromagnetic field into the cookware. Then the cookware produces heat and cooks the food.
Other types of cookware, like aluminum, glass, ceramics, or even granite, aren’t responsive to the electromagnetic field. Also, they’ll not induce current or generate heat even if you put them on the induction hob.
So does that mean your granite cookware set is useless now? No, don’t jump to a conclusion now. Yes, granite cookware doesn’t come in the category of induction-compatible cookware, but it doesn’t mean we can’t use them.
Induction Compatibility of Granite Stone Cookware
As stated, granite stone cookware isn’t induction compatible. The reason behind it is that they aren’t made with material that’s considered induction-compatible, like stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel.
The material that’s used to make granite stone cookware is aluminum. Yes, you’ve read it right, granite stone cookware isn’t actually made of granite stone. Apart from aluminum, all granite stone cookware has a non-stick coating mixed with the particles of granite stone that assure its durability.
You must be thinking of why I said you could use granite cookware on an induction hob despite containing all features that make it non-compatible for induction. Well, it’s because nowadays, many manufacturers are making encapsulated cookware.
Encapsulated cookware is a type of pot and pan whose base has a strong layer of stainless steel which is compatible with induction material. A simple example is there will be a strong layer on all sides of the granite cookware bottom.
Due to the extra layer of stainless steel, the cookware becomes induction compatible, no matter whether it’s granite stone cookware or any other.
Does Granite Stone Cookware Work with Induction?
In general, NO! Granite stone cookware doesn’t work with induction hobs. However, the situation will be different if they feature an encapsulated base covered with a layer of induction-compatible material stainless steel.
In the case of having an encapsulated base, the cookware will respond to the electromagnetic field. When it responds, the current will pass, which generates heat in the skillet, and that’s how the food will be made.
I also have another solution; it’s for those who already have granite cookware set at home, like me. What I did was I purchased a few induction diffuser plates according to the size of the pots.
With these induction diffuser plates, anyone can use non-induction-compatible cookware on an induction hob. You only need to put this plate beneath the pot, and it will transfer the current to the cookware.
Note: Induction diffuser plates aren’t suitable for daily use.
Is Granite Stone Blue Cookware Induction Compatible?
Bear in mind granite stone blue cookware isn’t a different type of granite stone cookware. Instead, it’s a collection of granite cookware in blue color by the brand GraniteStone.
In this collection, the brand has launched various cookware sets, and you can also purchase the items separately. Whether they’re induction compatible or not depends on the one you’re selecting for your kitchen.
For example, the 20 piece cookware set isn’t induction compatible as it’s made with aluminum only. While the 10 pieces set is induction compatible because it comes in the category of encapsulated cookware.
The base of the 10 pieces set has a layer of stainless steel over aluminum that makes the cookware responsive to the electromagnetic field. My suggestion will be to check the description carefully; if the base is encapsulated, then select the cookware; otherwise, not.
How to Pick Granite Stone Cookware for an Induction Hob?
Here are a few points that you should consider while picking granite stone cookware for an induction hob.
- Verify Induction Compatibility: Check if the granite stone cookware you’re considering is specifically designed for use with induction hobs or not. If the cookware set doesn’t incorporate an encapsulated base, it means it’s not for you.
- Flat Bottom: If you’re selecting skillets separately, check what type of bottom they have. Always remember you can’t use round base cookware on an induction hob; a flat base is a necessary requirement.
- Check the Diameter: The bottom diameter of the cookware should match or slightly exceed the size of the induction hob’s heating element. Selecting too big or smaller will result in uneven cooking.
- Assess the Quality: Don’t forget to consider some necessary features like the overall quality, how durable the cookware is, and how well it works. You can get all information from the review section of the product.
Final Words
In summary, the answer is granite stone cookware induction compatibility is “NO” unless they have a special base covered with a layer of stainless steel.
Without the encapsulated base, granite stone cookware won’t react to the induction hob as they’re not designed for it. Nevertheless, the situation will be completely different if the base is encapsulated.
Not only then the granite stone cookware will react to the electromagnetic field, but it also generates heat faster for the food.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pan is induction compatible?
There’s a simple test that you do at your home to know whether your cookware is induction compatible. Get a magnet and check whether it sticks to the bottom of the cookware. If it does, it’s induction compatible; otherwise, it’s not.
Is granite cookware induction safe?
Generally, granite cookware isn’t induction safe unless they have a special base that has a stainless steel layer. Without the layer, the granite cookware won’t generate heat for the food.
What cookware cannot be used on induction?
Any type of cookware that’s not magnetic grade, like aluminum, copper, or ceramic, isn’t induction compatible, like stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel.