What is an induction hob?
An induction hob is basically a cooktop with a magnetic field under it that is activated when you turn it on. This directly heats the pan or pot or whatever it is you are cooking with, without the presence of a hob ring. The magnetic circuit is completed when a pan or pot is placed on it.
Why do you need an induction hob to cook?
Cooking with induction hobs ultimately saves a lot of time due to its efficient heating process, as well as makes it a lot easier, gastronomically speaking.
Additional to the fact that induction hobs are very energy efficient, they also save on the consumption of heat. As there is a lot of heat wastage while using gas stovetops, working with induction hobs makes a far better option in this regard. Appliances to be used with the gas cooktops have heated rings that take a longer time not only to heat but also to cool down. Unlike those, none of the heat goes to the hob ring, but heats the surface instead, which decreases heat usage considerably.
Induction hobs are pretty responsive too. As the pans get heated directly, there is no need to sit and wait around for the hob ring to get heated in order to get the appliance heated. As the heat is targeted much more accurately, you wouldn’t have to worry about the cooktop testing your patience as gas stoves do.
And if you were environment conscious like I am, then you only ever need the exact amount of heat required to cook a dish. Saving on precious fuel that eventually minimizes its consumption too.
What do you need in order to cook with an induction hob?
Induction hobs are easy to clean and of course, are effortlessly handy. But to be able to cook with one, you need cookware sets that are compatible with induction.
Below we have made a list of the top 5 cookware sets compatible with induction hobs. You can decide which fits right in your alley and can help you have more fun in the kitchen. Some even have multiple color options that allow you to pick the right one for your kitchen aesthetics.
Table of Contents
- This cookware is a 12-piece set and each piece is proven to have high-grade tri-ply construction of exceptional quality.
- This set is very durable and tough enough to last a long time, all thanks to that indestructible brushed stainless steel build.
- The set isn’t too heavy but allows for uniform heat conductivity because of the anodized aluminum core.
- It has a heat resistance of about 550° F and is also claimed to be resistant to discoloration.
- Being dishwasher safe also allows for greater ease of cleaning.
- Heat distribution is consistent as the encapsulated aluminum core is suitable for most heat sources, especially for induction.
- The set also comes with well-fitting stainless steel lids that seal heat and moisture during cooking for better results.
- The pieces in the set do not alter food flavors by reacting with them chemically in any form.
- The stainless steel build also prevents the handle from getting too heated when placed upon the stovetop or induction hob. Although some users are said to have experienced the sides of the handles getting too hot if used for an extended duration.
- The appealing silver design of the set would add a rich aesthetic to your kitchen.
- There is no non-stick coating that comes with the pieces, but users have yet to face any issues with food sticking to the surface. Besides, it becomes fairly easy to stack them in any way you desire when you do not have to worry about scratching the non-stick coating.
- As long as you are able to use a bit of oil during cooking or use low-heat settings while cooking without oil, you should be fine.
- This extremely functional cookware set contains a 1.5 Quart saucepan with cover, 3 Quart saucepan with cover, 3.5 Quart sauté pan with helper handle and cover, 8 Quart stockpot with cover, 8″ skillet, 10″ skillet, 20cm steamer insert with cover.
- The variety of sizes proves to be useful with a large number of dishes, be it roasting and braising meat or steaming vegetables with the steamer, or preparing delicious sauces with the saucepan. There seems to be a size for almost everything.
- Cons – The set could do with a larger skillet as well as slightly longer handles on some pot lids.
- This appealing set comes with an 8-Inch Fry Pan, 10.25-Inch Fry Pan with Glass Lid, 12-Inch Fry Pan with Glass Lid, 1.5-Quart Saucepan with Glass Lid, 2.5-Quart Saucepan with Glass Lid, 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Glass Lid & 8-Quart Stock Pot with Glass Lid.
- It has a non-stick coating that won’t rapidly wear out like other cheaper pans.
- The heavy gauge 4.5mm aluminum base withstands high temperature when put in the oven, up to 500° F
- This build material helps in retaining heat as well as provides uniform heating. And even during cooking, if you happen to not use oil or butter due to health factors, you’ll still see exceptional results without any burning or sticking.
- The coating is pretty resilient and will go for a long time without chipping or flaking as the company claims to have utilized a process that heats ceramic particles up to 30,000° F to create a rigid textured surface.
- The coating is also metal utensil safe in case you need to use a spoon or a whisk. It’s always better to use silicone utensils and accessories with such cookware sets, to prevent gradual damage.
- It is safe for the dishwasher and can survive rough handling. But of course, as with any other set it is recommended to hand-wash for lasting durability.
- They are easy to clean too. They can be used to make perfect fried chicken or mashed potatoes without requiring the use of oven mitts to handle the pans.
- The handles are double riveted for good stability.
- Handles are well-rounded and are plenty comfortable to hold. They also have a hole in them making them easier to hang and stack. Although you have to be careful with the way you stack these, so as not to damage the non-stick coating.
- This set is compatible with induction hobs, electric, gas, and ceramic stoves.
- Most of these are large enough for most users but the sauce pot maybe too small for some homechefs especially if you are feeding a large family or using it for parties.
- The accompanying lids are glass with a metal rim around their side but they don’t have a steam vent. This works better for dishes that need their share of moisture to cook properly.
So during cooking, the rim may get cloudy. But you can always leave a little opening on the mouth of the pot in case you want to let out the steam, and that will work just fine.
- The T-Fal cookware set is a budget option that makes cooking and cleaning effortless and there is also an option for every size.
- The set comes with an 8″ fry pan, 10.25″ fry pan, 11.5″ fry pan with lid, 10.25″ square griddle, 1 quarts Saucepan with lid, 2 quarts Saucepan with lid, 3 quarts Saucepan with lid, 3.5 quarts deep sauté, 5 quarts Dutch oven with lid, 3 quarts steamer insert with 2 side handles, and a 1 egg wonder fry pan, which will be in the 5qt Dutch Oven
- The pieces are made up of a layer of hard anodized aluminum surrounded by two layers of stainless steel.
- The build is titanium reinforced, and that makes it extremely easy to work with. Specifically for those who do not want to spend too much time taking care of cookware maintenance.
- The build material is also PFOA, lead and cadmium free so it will be free from harmful substances.
- This set is oven safe up to 400° F and the lids go up to 350° F.
- The company claims this set to be dishwasher safe but some users did not have a good experience putting them in the washer too many times. Although the interiors remain perfectly safe either way. So again, recommended to wash by hand, but especially so for this one.
- Handles are riveted and are able to keep themselves from getting too heated. Additionally, the handle on the steamer insert is covered with silicon.
- It also features thermo spot heat indicators to alert the cook when the pan finishes preheating. Some users have experienced some difficulty with uniform heating but this is a non-recurring issue so far.
- The set also comes with vented tempered glass lids that trap heat and moisture and unlike the previous options, you won’t have a difficult time cooking something that needs steaming.
- Whether you are making breakfast are having a light lunch that involves boiling pasta or making stock, this cookware set can be a great option for any recipe you fancy.
- All in all, it is a pocket friendly and sturdy cooking option that is easy to maintain and value for money.
- This premier cookware set includes 1 Quart Covered Straining Saucepan, 2 Quart Covered Straining Saucepan, 3 Quart Covered Straining Saucepan, 8 Quart Covered Stockpot, 5 Quart Covered Saute, 8.5-Inch French Skillet, 10-Inch French Skillet, 12-Inch French Skillet.
- These are made from bronze hard anodized aluminum which is induction compatible. And is also compatible with everything else, be it gas, electric, or stovetops.
- These are also PFOA-free, which means you get a non-stick surface without all the harmful chemicals.
- It is oven safe up to 400° F and is also dishwasher safe. It comes with shatter-resistant glass lids that do not have a steam vent option but is perfect for dishes that taste better when moist because these lids will help you trap all moisture and heat while cooking.
- Its handles are dual riveted and do not get hot while cooking as it is overcast with silicone.
- Heat distribution is uniform, and the pans go well with pretty much every dish – from stir-frying veggies to everyone’s favorite comfort food Mac and cheese
- The set comes in a variety of sizes that will suit your every need. And they are sturdy and tough enough to last for a long time.
- There is the ease of use while handling and stacking, so there’s that.
- This heavy gauge anodized set is not only safe to use but the design of the set itself is intended to decrease scraping of the steel and flaking of the coating.
- The bronze color is exceptionally pleasant and will go along with your kitchen aesthetics if you are into minimalism.
- Firstly this attractive cookware set comes with a variety of colours that is not only pleasant to the eyes but also expands your choices as to which set pairs along nicely with your kitchen accessories.
- It comes with a 10.5″ frying pan, 3 qt. saucepan with lid, 6.5 qt. dutch oven with lid, 4.5 qt. sauté pan with lid, 4 modular magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder with hooks.
- The slick build is quite sturdy and is also free from toxic materials. Being PFOA, PTFE, PFAS, lead and cadmium free, this goes into our list of cookware sets that are both safe for your family and the environment.
- The cookware set is made with heavy gauge aluminum, free of toxic metals.
- Both its interior and exterior are coated with ceramic that works great with induction hobs
- These have a non-stick coating, which will prevent your food from sticking or burning. Makes it much easier to clean with minimal scrubbing. Obviously recommended to use sponges to clean by hand rather than loading them in the dishwasher.
- Cleaning is a breeze with just soapy water and a soft sponge or a wet cloth.
- Oven safe up to 550° F and is gas electric stove top and induction compatible.
- What special in the set is that it comes with magnetic pan racks and a washable canvas lid holder for you to store your pans and their lids more conveniently. They will also allow you to save space in your kitchen while still managing to look pretty. This can be stored both horizontally and vertically.
- The handles are made with mirrored stainless steel and are dual riveted. While these do not get hot during cooking but over time the portion near the pan base gets heated. It also has a hole in the handle to disperse the heat.
- Heat retention is good so it would be a perfect choice for making eggs for breakfast or pasta for lunch.
- It is a worthwhile investment since the entire cookware set is made of ceramic and works well with just about any cooktop, including induction hobs.
- Just in case, you want to look into more cost-friendly cookware sets, you can check out my picks for the best cookware sets under $100.
To Sum Up...
- Tri-ply stainless steel build
- Heat resistance till 550°F
- Dishwasher-safe
- Heavy gauge 4.5mm aluminum base
- Durable non-stick coating
- Gives uniform heating and easy to clean
- Titanium reinforced build
- Pocket-friendly option
- Thermo-spot indicators
- Hard anodized aluminum build
- Shatter-resistant glass lids
- Environment-friendly option and free of toxic metals
- Comes in a variety of aesthetic colors
- Ceramic coated rigid build
- Dual-riveted handles made of mirrored stainless steel