What Happens If You Use a Normal Pan On an Induction Hob ?

The magnetic field generated by induction cooktops heats pots and pans through interaction between the cooktop’s magnetic field and the iron (steel) in the Pans. The Pan that you heat on induction cooktops must be made of some type of ferromagnetic metal, which is defined as any material that will show a strong visible response to a magnetic field.

When you use non-magnetic pans, the normal induction hob will not be able to generate a magnetic field. In turn, the heat coming from the normal induction cooktop won’t come from magnetic. The heat will be from thermal radiation that is transferred from the burner itself.

For cooking over an induction hob, It is necessary to have induction compatible pans. You will always need to be careful about induction cookers because if you use non-magnetic cookware on them, chances are that the pan will not heat up at all. This is because the induction cooktop transforms ordinary coils into magnetic fields. Through this, it can then increase the temperature of any ferrous (i.e., magnetic) components in the cookware which, in turn, induces an electric current.

How Induction Stovetops Work

Induction stovetops work by creating a magnetic field directly under the vessel. This creates an induced current in the metal, which in turn creates its own magnetic flux. The induced current interacts with the cookware, causing its molecules to move. This is what generates heat.

Because the magnetic flux only exists within an induction cooker, you cannot feel it with your bare hands. However, if you touch the outside of the vessel itself, you will still be able to feel its warmth because this part of the cookware is not part of the induction process.

A lot of cookware can be used on an induction hob, including steel, copper, and cast iron. You only need to make sure that the base has a compatible layer. If you have an induction stove in your home,  you might have a need for induction cookware made up of stainless steel.

Why Normal Pans Won’t Work On Induction Cooktop – Reasons

There are various reasons why normal pans don’t work on induction cooktops. These reasons include:

1. Non-Directional Heat Energy

Induction cooktops produce non-directional heat energy, which means that they will transfer high temperatures to the magnetic field. However, this kind of source is not able to provide the directional heat energy or thermal radiation that the induction cooktop needs to work optimally.

2. Induced Current Of Electricity

In induction cooking, the magnetic field of the pan becomes a source of induced current. This, in turn, creates a large amount of heat energy. Therefore, to transfer this thermal energy to the food being cooked on it, the cookware must have a magnetized bottom.

3. Temperature Gradient Required

The pan must be at least room temperature for you to be able to cook with it on an induction cooker. In other words, the temperature of the pan needs to be at least 80 degrees Celsius or 176 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because a temperature gradient must exist between the bottom of the pan and its contents in order for it to work properly. Non-ferrous materials have poor thermal conductivity. Consequently, they are not the best for use with induction cooktops because there will be no gradient to generate heat.

4. Iron Or Copper Core Layer

For the pan to conduct heat onto its base, it must have an iron or copper core layer. A non-ferrous pan that has a magnetic field will generate an induced current. This, in turn, will create a magnetic flux that is directed back into the pan itself.

5. Magnetic Interaction Between Two Fields

When you use a normal pan on an induction cooker, there is no magnetic interaction between two fields (i.e., between the pan and the cooker). Therefore, you will not be able to create a temperature gradient. Without a temperature gradient, there will be no heat transfer from the base of the cookware to its contents.

How to Make a Normal Pan Work on an Induction Hob

You should buy an induction-ready pan if you want to use it on an induction cooker. Induction cooking provides better efficiency, lower costs, and less pollution than gas, oil, or electric cooking appliances.

There are many ways that you can make a non-magnetic pan compatible with an induction hob:

1. Add A Magnetic Core Layer

Some manufacturers sell induction-compatible pans with an iron or copper core layer that you can add to the base of your pan at home. However, this usually needs professional installation because of the high heat and chemicals involved in the process.

2. Make A Ceramic Coating

Induction-compatible cookware can have a ceramic coating that will boost its magnetic strength. This is because the crystalline structure of the material easily magnetizes when it comes in contact with an external magnetic field, which is exactly what happens when you use it on an induction cooker.

3. Enclose The Pan In A Magnetic Shell

You can buy a magnetic shell to enclose the normal pan and make it induction compatible. This shell will have an iron or copper core layer for you to use on an induction cooker. High-end cookware, such as All-Clad, also comes with a magnetic enclosure that is compatible with induction cooking.

4. Install A Stovetop Topper

Another way to make your pan compatible with an induction cooker is to install a stovetop topper. However, you should know that this approach does not work for all kinds of cookware. It only works well for vessels that are made from lightweight metals such as aluminum and copper.

5. Use A Magnetic Induction Cooker

You can also buy an induction cooker that is made specifically for non-magnetic cookware. This kind of induction cooker works more like a traditional stove than the other more powerful induction cooking appliances.

6. Put Aluminum Foil On The Pan Base

If you already own an induction cooker, you can use aluminum foil to create a magnetic field around your non-magnetic pan’s base. This will transfer heat from the cooker onto the cookware and enable you to cook with it.

7. Use A Magnetic Induction Cookware Set

Alternatively, you can use a more expensive set of cookware that comes with a magnetic bottom. This kind of cookware is usually made from cast iron or steel.

Can you use stainless steel pans on induction cooktop?

Stainless steel pans will work on an induction cooking surface as long as the base of the pot or skillet is a magnetic grade of stainless steel.

Why Steel Pans are perfect for induction cooking?

If you are familiar with induction hobs you should know that it is not possible to cook any type of food using only the induction hob. The induction hob will not work even if you place a pot on it unless it contains some type of ferrous material. For this reason, the most common material used is steel. This is because it makes for an excellent conductor and allows for maximum heat transfer that in turn enables the user to cook fish and meat to perfection.

Can I use a normal pan on an induction hob?

Induction hobs work by creating an electromagnetic field. If you try to use a nonmagnetic pan on an induction hob, the pan won’t be able to conduct electricity and it won’t heat up. You need to use magnetic pots and pans, which are made of ferrous metals, for example, stainless steel.

Final Thoughts

The conclusion about what happens if you use a normal pan on an induction hob is that The normal pan will not be able to work on an induction cooker. An induction hob is designed to heat up ferromagnetic materials, which are typically made from iron. When you use the pan on your hob, it will not heat up and cook meals as it should. You may need to look for new pans or buy a new induction hob.

Always make sure to check the bottom of your pans for magnetic properties before you use them on an induction cooktop. If you don’t, it’s likely that the food will not be cooked properly or burn because there was no heat transfer. You can buy new pots and pans specifically for use with your induction cooker or place a magnet in your pot or pan to see if it will work.

Read More:

What Pans Can I Use On The Induction Cooktop?

Do Induction Pans Work on Electric Stoves?

Can You Use Aluminium Pans On Induction Cooktop?