Most modern kitchens have induction hobs. The principle of their operation is very different from traditional electric and gas analogues. Therefore, housewives who decide to acquire such a miracle of technology should be prepared for the fact that they will also have to replace the dishes. After reading this article, you will learn which pots for induction cookers can be purchased in modern stores and how to choose them correctly.
What determines the need to buy special dishes?
The basis of the operation of such plates is the principle of electromagnetic induction. This means that when magnetic waves act on a closed circuit, an electric current appears in it. Putting your hand on the induction hob, you will not feel the heat, since the stove itself plays the role of a source of magnetic waves. The cooking process takes place directly in the dishes. That is why it is so important to choose the right set of pots for the induction cooker. Conventional cookware does not have the necessary ferromagnetic properties, and therefore is completely useless for such hobs. By putting a simple ceramic pot on the stove, you cannot cook anything in it.
Ferromagnetic properties
The material used to produce the bottom of the pan for the induction cooker should respond well to the magnetic waves emitted by the coil. In other words, it must have ferromagnetic properties. On dishes designed for use on such hobs, a spiral icon must be present. The presence of such markings indicates that the product is suitable for induction cookers. Cookware made of stainless metal or cast iron alloys is best suited for use on such hobs. However, most modern manufacturers produce copper, ceramic, aluminum and enamel pots for induction cookers. The composition of such dishes are added special metals that give it the desired properties.
The structure and thickness of the bottom
Changing the dishes often becomes one of the primary problems after the induction cooker has appeared in the kitchen. A large pot suitable for use on a new hob should have a very thick bottom. The uniformity of heating the dishes depends on this. The thicker its bottom, the smaller the temperature differences that occur due to changes in the heating mode. Of course, no one will forbid you to use pots whose bottom thickness is no more than two millimeters. But such dishes can be deformed and emit unpleasant noises in the cooking process. Ideally, pots for induction cookers should have a five millimeter bottom. Moreover, it can be not only all-metal, but also consisting of several different materials. It is desirable that a special cast disk is mounted in the bottom of the dishes, which ensures the most tight fit to the hob and protects from deformation.
What should be the diameter of the dishes?
When choosing pots for an induction cooker, it is necessary to pay special attention to the diameter of the part that will be in direct contact with the electromagnetic coil. Most modern manufacturers in the bottom of the large dishes make inserts of magnetic materials. Quite often, its dimensions turn out to be much smaller than necessary, so individual models of cooking surfaces do not respond to such pots and pans.
The diameter of the bottom of the cookware, for the manufacture of which exclusively magnetic alloy was used, must be at least 12 cm. This is necessary so that the induction cooker coil works on such pans.
If you are used to cooking in a small bowl, then it is advisable to purchase the so-called induction disk in the store. It is a kind of adapter installed on the surface of the plate. Having bought such a disc, you can even use ordinary pans.
Advantages and disadvantages of the basic materials used for the production of such dishes
Today, cast iron and steel are used to make pots designed for induction cookers. Each of the above materials has its own advantages and disadvantages.
So, pots for induction cookers made of stainless steel are resistant to oxidation. Any food cooked in them retains almost all the beneficial properties. Due to the neutral environment, such dishes can be used instead of storage containers. In other words, the dish prepared in it can be sent to the refrigerator without shifting it to another container.
Heavy cast iron dishes are still relevant. Such pans are quite durable. They retain heat for a long time and are able to ensure uniform heating of the food prepared in them. One of the most valuable characteristics of cast iron utensils can be considered its chemical inertness, which makes it indispensable in organizing a healthy diet.
For use on induction panels, iron enameled pans are also suitable for the production of which various steel alloys are used. Choosing such dishes, you need to carefully examine the shape of its bottom. Any recesses in the bottom contribute to the amplification of wave oscillations.
Consumers using such utensils respond positively to it. According to them, food cooked in such pots does not stick and does not stick to the bottom. The only thing that most consumers recommend is to opt for pots of famous brands.
How to care for cookware for induction cookers?
Such products do not need special care. They can be washed in a dishwasher using mild detergents. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive pastes and powders. To clean cast iron dishes, it is recommended to use a sponge and hot water. So that it does not begin to rust, it should be thoroughly dried after each washing. Plaque formed on aluminum pans can be easily removed with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar.
To extend the life of enameled dishes before use, boil in salted water. In order to avoid violating the integrity of the coating during cooking using such pans, you cannot switch on the intensive heating mode too often.