Immediate Pan Compatibility Verification Advisor: Spend Two Dollars Today for Expert Induction Hob Assessments
Here's a fresh take on how to check if your pans work with an induction hob using a simple magnet trick:
Save yourself from costly mistakes when buying new pans for your fancy-schmancy induction hob. This smart hack uses an inexpensive item you probably already have at home - a gosh-darned refrigerator magnet. You heard that right! Our resident kitchen appliances guru, Lydia Hayman, explains how this quick and easy trick helps you dodge any annoying induction hob screw-ups.
Let's get magnet-ical
You may be curious if that slick new induction cooktop will work with your cast iron pans. Well, pardner, no need to fret! Lydia's got your back with this simple trick. Just head on over to your refrigerator door, snag a magnet (preferably these budget-friendly Pen+Gear Multicolored Magnets available at Walmart), and stick it to the bottom of your pan. If it securely clings to the base, congrats! Your pan is induction compatible.
However, if the magnet slides or struggles to grip, it's a red flag that the cookware may not be induction-friendly. In that case, consider cast iron pans as an excellent option, like the Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Frying Pan on Amazon.
Induction hobs employ magnetic energy to heat the cookware directly, while keeping the cooking surface cool. The catch is, only certain pans are compatible, and they typically have a high ferrous metal content.
Remember, not all materials work with induction hobs. Watch out for aluminum, all-copper, and glass pots and pans, as they are typically incompatible, unless they have a magnetic layer on the base. If your magnet doesn't stick to them, they're a no-go.
Safety first, folks!
Be cautious when using magnets, especially around children and pets. If multiple magnets are ingested, they can migrate towards each other and cause internal injuries[1]. So, keep 'em out of reach, will ya?
Lydia's top picks
Lydia, our in-house kitchen queen, recently tested the Hexclad cookware and gives it a thumbs up for induction hobs. Other recommendations include the non-toxic pan without the typical toxic non-stick coating, and the spatula-included pans made of non-toxic titanium.
Now that you know how to test if your pans are induction hob-friendly, make sure to also learn how to clean your induction hob without damaging it. Happy cooking!
Sources:
- HowStuffWorks
- Consumer Reports
- Oster Sports
- Mayo Clinic
- Kitchn
Enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle with a smart, cost-effective method for determining if your pans are compatible with an induction hob, using a simple magnet trick. This test, explained by Lydia Hayman, involves using a refrigerator magnet to check the base of your pan. If it securely clings, your pan is induction compatible; if it slides or struggles to grip, consider a cast iron alternative like the Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Frying Pan on Amazon.
Additionally, when using magnets for this test, keep safety in mind by securing them out of reach of children and pets, as ingestion of multiple magnets can potentially cause internal injuries.
