Best Cookware for Induction Cooktops

The keyword here is magnetic. “The most important consideration for induction is acquiring cookware that’s made of ferromagnetic metal such as cast iron or some types of stainless steel,” says Gill Stansfield, assistant dean of the College of Food Innovation & Technology at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. He recommends the old trick of using a magnet to check cookware for induction compatibility. If it’s strongly attracted to the pot or pan, you’re good to go.

You can take the magnet to the store if you’re in the market for new cookware, but start first in your own kitchen. You may be surprised to discover that almost all your existing pots and pans are compatible with induction, with the exception of a few nonstick aluminum pieces.

“Magnetic stainless steel, cast iron, and pretty much all cookware made from multiple layers of metal is magnetic. It’s really just stamped aluminum fry pans and anodized aluminum cookware that won’t work,” says Paul Hope, a trained chef who is also our in-house cooking appliance expert.

Cookware manufacturers have gotten a lot better at labeling their wares as “induction-compatible.” We note whether or not a pot or pan can be used with induction in our cookware ratings charts and on each individual model page. If you scan our ratings, you’ll see that all the cast-iron Dutch ovens, cast-iron and carbon steel frying pans, and stainless steel cookware sets and frying pans we test can be used with induction cooktops. All-copper frying pans and aluminum nonstick cookware sets and frying pans typically cannot.

It’s important to note when you’re buying new or trying old cookware on an induction cooktop that your pans should have a flat bottom that makes full contact with the heating element. That’s because—unlike electric and gas cooktops—induction models tend to make a buzzing or humming sound when they work, especially at higher settings. You’ll get used to the noise, and it’s completely normal, but heavy, flat-bottomed pots can help reduce the vibration.

If you’re considering an induction range, keep in mind that only the cooktop uses induction technology. The oven works exactly like one on any electric range, so you can use all the cookware and bakeware you have in your cabinets now.

Below, in alphabetical order by category, are some of the high-scoring pots and pans from our cookware ratings that are suitable for induction cooking.