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Induction cookers are maybe the fastest cookers out there but not compatible with everything, and therefore does cast iron work on induction cooktops?
With our electrical appliances getting more and more advanced, the safety of our cooking gear is becoming a question worth asking. One of the most popular questions asked is whether cast iron is safe when used on induction cooktops. The answer to the question is a big yes. In fact, cast iron cookware can be used as good as any other cooking gear on an induction cooktop.
It is a common misconception that all metals can be used on an induction cooktop. While several metals have been found safe for induction use, others are not suitable for this kind of cooking. Cast iron, for example, is not safe for either gas or electric cooking based on the fact that it contains iron. However, cast iron is the only material that can be heated or cooled using induction method. To understand why cast iron can be used on an induction cooktop, let’s first take a closer look at what induction is all about.
What is Induction Cooking?
Induction cooking uses an electromagnetic field to heat cookware. The induction cooktop is used to produce a magnetic field of about 40,000 volts that the cookware has to be placed on and exposed to. The metal in the cookware reacts with the field and heat generated by it heats up without producing any smoke or poisonous toxins during cooking. The same magnetic field that is used for cooking also helps in balancing energy consumption and saving power when not in use.
How does an induction cooktop work?
The induction cooktop employs magnetic induction to generate heat. It has a number of coils, an electronic control panel and a glass cooktop for observing heat patterns. The surface of the cooktop is made up of two parts, namely the control area in the center and a wide area surrounding it. This wide area holds the heating element and is usually hidden underneath when not in use.
Why do you need cast iron on an induction cooktop?
Cast iron doesn’t oxidize when exposed to heat. This means that it can be used on gas or electric induction cooktops as well as electric and gas induction. Therefore, cast iron cookware is a perfect choice for induction cooking, where magnetic fields are employed to heat up the pans. The use of cast iron also improves your overall energy efficiency.
That being said, I hope you’ve grasped how the induction cooktops work and that cast iron is the safest option you can go for. The only other material of cookware that you can use and achieve almost same results in terms of safety and toxin free food is enameled cast iron. So, next time you are designing your kitchen for induction cooking, have a look at your frying pans and see if they are made of steel or cast iron. If you don’t have any, then go for a set of cast iron cookware to use on an induction cooktop. You are guaranteed of toxin free food.
If you want to know what the best cast iron cookware is, we compiled a list of our favorites.
It consists of sturdy and durable cookware that’s made to last. Its finish is resistant against rust, chips, scratches and burns. The handles are oven proof and heat resistant up to 450 degrees F. This Cuisinart cast iron cookware is easy to clean as it comes with a glass lid that can be removed for easy monitoring the food cooks.
2.Lodge Pre seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven
This set of enameled cast iron cookware is perfect for potluck cookouts and parties. It’s dishwasher safe and easy to clean. The cooking surface has a non-stick coating that protects your food from sticking. It has a double lining to keep your food hot even when you’re not cooking. Quite revolutionary. The best thing about enameled cast iron cookware is that it’s able to withstand even the harshest temperatures. It’s also one of the cheapest sets you can go for.
This cast iron cookware is ideal for you if you like to use your Dutch oven on induction or gas induction cooktops. It’s made of non-stick and sturdy cast iron which means it can withstand the heat of the stove, it’s dishwasher safe and easy to clean. The pan has a heat resistant enamel finish and is oven proof up to 450 degrees F. The set includes a lid for use as a baking sheet too, which comes in handy.
This cast iron skillet set consists of 3 different sized skillets. It’s made of cast iron which means it’s sturdy and resistant to rust and corrosion. The pans are oven friendly up to 500 degrees F, you can even put them directly on the grill or in the oven. The pans have a non-stick surface that protects the food from sticking. They’re heat proof up to 450 degrees F and also have handles that can withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
This set includes an 8-inch, 10-inch and a 12-inch Dutch oven. The lids are made of stainless steel. This EuroCAST by BergHOFF cast iron Dutch oven is oven proof up to 400 degrees F and can also be used for induction cooking. It has a heavy duty lid that’s durable and lightweight at the same time. It doesn’t warp or bend even when you’re using it on an induction stove. The lids are designed in a way that it’s easy to open and close.
This cast iron cookware is made entirely of cast iron. The surface is not non-sticky. Instead it’s coated with a rust and corrosion resistant finish. Its oven proofs up to 500 degrees F so you can safely use it on the induction cooktop. The lids are sold separately so you can choose whichever one feels safer for you.
The cast iron is double riveted for extra strength and durability. The handles are oven proof and heat resistant up to 450 degrees F. The set also includes a 3-piece set of skillets, a lid and a baking sheet.
7. Uno Casa Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven and Cast Iron Skillet Set
This set includes a Dutch oven, a skillet and a baking sheet which makes it ideal for you if you’re looking for cast iron cookware that’s versatile. They are coated with an enameled finish that’s non-sticky and easy to clean. The lids are made of tempered glass and the handles are oven proof and heat resistant up to 450 degrees F. The set also includes a recipe book with various recipes that you could make using the enameled cast iron cookware. 8. Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Hard-Anodized Aluminum 12-Inch Covered Fry Pan
This is a cast iron fry pan and it’s made from a combination of aluminum and hard anodized enameled cast iron for better heat retention. The enameled cast iron part is the inner nonstick surface of the pan, which protects your food from sticking and makes it easy to clean too. It has an aluminum layer on the outer side for better heat distribution.
This set includes an 8 inch, 10.25 inch and a 12-inch fry pan that comes with tempered glass lids. The skillets have a layer of enameled cast iron on the inside which makes them non-stick and easy to clean. They’re also oven proof up to 500 degrees F so you can safely use them on your induction cooktop. The handles are oven proof and heat resistant up to 450 degrees F. The cookware is pre seasoned to make your cooking even better.
Each high quality skillet is pre seasoned with vegetable oil guaranteeing you great taste and food free from toxins as well. The pre-season coating also ensures your skillets are nonstick and therefore no more stress when cleaning. The cast iron skillets can be used for all your kitchen needs from cooking, frying, sautéing and baking. Anything you think can be done in the kitchen can be done with this cookware set. Their most admirable feature is that they work well on all kinds of cooktops, yes! Including induction cooktops.
This cast iron cookware set is perfect for you if you’re looking for a set of cast iron that’s versatile and can be used on all types of cooktops. It’s made up of two skillets, a Dutch oven and a square grill pan. The skillets have enameled cast iron on the inside which makes them non-stick and easy to clean. Everything that comes included in the set is packed in one box so you don’t have to search for it in separate boxes after unpacking. The skillets are oven proof up to 500 degrees F.
Conclusion
We hope that this article will be of help to you as you look to add induction cooktop friendly cookware. The right cookware can take your cooking to a whole new level. It’s important that you choose it carefully. Do share your experience with us in the comments section below. And if you find this article useful, do share it with others so that they too can benefit from it.
