Did you know that not all pans are induction compatible? If you just made the switch to an induction cooktop, some of the old pans that you have may not work on them! Wouldn't it be a hassle if you're already set for cooking, just to find out you can't cook with your pan?
Below, you'll find a buying guide, fact-checked by Chef Terence Fereday Jr., to help you select a good quality pan, which includes an overview of materials that are induction safe. We've also compiled a list of our top picks to simplify your search for incredible induction pans online.
Quick List - Top Induction Pans
Chef Terrence has 30 years of experience working in the professional kitchen. He graduated from the Professional Culinary Institute in California, USA, and he was a former Culinary Instructor, Corporate Chef, and Executive Chef. He also won several awards in culinary competitions and is the founder and owner of Zilla Pizza.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
If you own an induction stove, you should look for cast iron, stainless steel, and stainless steel-bottomed cookware. Check the product description as well for a mention of induction compatibility, or look for the induction-ready symbol, which looks like a stretched piece of spring.
Still not convinced? Here's something you can do. Put a magnet against the bottom. If it sticks, you've got a match because most induction cookware's bottoms are magnetized.
Aside from the induction-ready symbol, a good induction pan will be a bit heavy, durable, and will be stable when placed on the induction cooktop.
Aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron are widely used to make induction pans. Check out the properties of each to see which one you like best.
Aluminum's a good conductor of heat, so pans made from this object can easily heat up. This is perfect for when you're in a hurry. However, aluminum by itself doesn't work on induction stoves. A stainless steel plate needs to be stuck to the base to make it induction compatible.
This type of pan is a less expensive option, but it will do the job just as well. Unfortunately if the metal plate on the base gets detached it will not work on induction.
This material provides equal heat allocation. Its surface is also non-reactive, so you can safely cook acidic dishes like paksiw and sinigang with no risk of dangerous chemicals transferring to the food.
Plus, it's not as heavy as cast iron, so you won't have to overexert your arms while cooking. However, it has a non-slippery surface, so it won't be good for preparing eggs and silken tofu.
It's best to cook soups and stews like sinigang and paksiw in pots rather than pans. The pot has more space for the liquid needed to cook these items.
Cast iron's known for its legendary heat retention. This gives it a reputation for beautifully seared tilapia and chicken breast. These tough pans may be heavy, but with proper care, they can last long. Since cast iron's prone to rust, it has to either be seasoned or enameled.
Porcelain enamel gives the pan a glass-like coating, which protects it from rust. This is great for cooking acidic food like spaghetti and other tomato-based dishes. Seasoning is another way of preventing cast iron from getting rusty. This can be done by applying vegetable or coconut oil to the pan and then baking in an oven over high heat. As a result, the oil solidifies into a smooth surface, which grants it non-stick properties.
Most pans have already been seasoned beforehand, so you can cook right away. Wanna keep your pan seasoned? Just keep using it! A fresh coat of seasoning forms every time you use butter or oil, so a frequently used cast iron pan's a well-seasoned pan.
For quick sautéing or stir-frying, a light enamel sauté pan will work fine while pan-frying and searing will work best on cast iron pans.
Aside from focusing on the body, you should also pick a pan with a good quality handle. Read on to know about what to look for.
Some handles are an extension of the pan's body. A lot of cast iron pans look like this. Since both parts are made from the same material, you can be sure that the handle's firmly connected to the body. The downside is the stem gets hot as well, so you need to use potholders.
A handle can also be attached by welding, which involves fusing two metals via melting. If you have a welded handle, avoid overloading the pan to prevent breakage. Meanwhile, if you have rivets attached to your pan, just make sure to clean it to avoid food residue build-up. You can remove it using a toothbrush or a sponge.
The key is not to overload the pan, whether it be riveted or welded, to avoid the handle from detaching from the pan.
While we can avoid burns by wearing oven gloves or potholders, it is still much safer to choose the best handle for your pan. Most handles are made of phenolic plastic, silicone, or stainless steel. Handles that are made of or covered with silicone are heatproof resistant and have a temperature limit of 204° C.
On the other hand, phenolic plastic, also known as Bakelite, is a synthetic resin that shouldn't be exposed to more than 175° C. Otherwise, it'll release potentially harmful fumes. As for stainless steel, its low thermal conductivity helps it stay cool even if the pan's on the stove. Due to this feature, even aluminum pans sometimes have stainless steel handles.
Never put saute pans in the oven unless the handle is made of steel or silicone. Bakelite handles are not designed for high temperatures.
As its name suggests, the frypan or skillet's great for frying. Its shallow, curved edges make it easy to flip food over to ensure that all sides are evenly cooked. On the other hand, the wok, a pan with deep sloping sides and a small base, is a staple in many Asian kitchens. It's perfect for making fried rice and stir-frying noodles or vegetables.
Meanwhile, the saucepan has high edges and often comes with a lid. This small kitchenware's handy when you're making soup, gravy, or simply boiling water. Lastly, the grill pan's ribbed surface helps you achieve grill marks when you're cooking steak or burger patties for family dinner.
You can get the grill marks from the pan, but not the smoky flavor you get when you actually are grilling. A skillet is good for shallow frying, while a wok is for stir-frying, and if you plan to cook soups or stews, get a pot with higher edges that come with a cover.
A non-stick pan lets you cook soft and sticky food with ease. It's easy to clean as well because less time's spent on scrubbing away food residue.
Unfortunately, not all induction pans possess this feature. If you want an induction-friendly non-stick pan, go for aluminum or stainless steel pans with ceramic, Teflon, or stone coating. If you prefer cast iron, choose a seasoned or bare pan, then season it yourself.
A non-stick pan is ideal if you'd like to create a pan sauce after searing the meat. If you plan to do a lot of pan frying, a cast iron pan is the way to go because of its heat retention qualities. For a quick saute or stir-fry, Teflon pans work well.
A non-stick surface requires less oil for your sautéing, but you need to be careful not to scratch the coating. Use wooden or silicone-coated utensils when cooking on this type of surface.
Size matters when it comes to cookware. Aside from allowing you to cook as much or as little as you want, the right sized pan will also comfortably sit on top of the cooktop. Since burners come in different sizes, measure your induction stove's cooktop first before buying a pan. Doing this will ensure a smooth online shopping experience.
As for the amount of food, big capacity pans work best for large households or people who like cooking in bulk. This allows you to stock food in the ref, so there'll be no need to cook for a while. Meanwhile, small pans are good for single-serving meals and will, thus, be perfect for those who want to eat freshly cooked meals all the time.
A 10- to 12-inch saute pan is a good starting size for this type of cookware.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Eurochef Forged Aluminum Nonstick Frying Pan | ![]() | Non-Stick Frying Pan With Energy-Saving Aluminum Base | |
2 | Carote Aluminum Nonstick Grill Pan|ZCG001 | ![]() | A Multifunctional Aluminum Nonstick Grill Pan | |
3 | Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet|L10SK3 | ![]() | A Cast Iron That You Can Use Anywhere | |
4 | Tefal 5-Piece Stainless Induction Pan Set | ![]() | An Induction Pan Set With Patented Detachable Handles | |
5 | Ecowin Ceramic Nonstick Wok Pan | ![]() | A Ceramic Nonstick Wok Pan Suitable for All Stoves | |
6 | Chef's Gallery 3-Ply Stainless Steel Nonstick Fry Pan | ![]() | Extra Resistant Nonstick Pan With Honeycomb Structure | |
7 | Ecowin Nonstick Aluminum 3-in-1 Pan | ![]() | A Wok Pan That Is As Sturdy as Diamonds | |
8 | JEETEE Lightweight and Nonstick Crepe Pan | ![]() | A Pan That Is Perfect for Omelettes, Crepes, and Pancakes | |
9 | Metro Cookwares Aluminum Nonstick Wok Pan|MWO 4812 | ![]() | An Affordable Large Pan With Side Handle | |
10 | Chef's Gallery Square Grill Pan | ![]() | A Grilling Pan Best for Samgyeopsal |
Designed for efficiency, this pan by Eurochef features an aluminum base that ensures quick and even heat distribution, helping you cook faster while conserving energy. Its interior also has a non-stick marble coating for easy cooking and cleaning, while the heat-resistant marble-painted exterior keeps harmful chemicals at bay.
Moreover, the built-in aluminum pour spout makes draining sauces or liquids effortless, eliminating the need for a separate strainer. Plus, the ergonomically designed handle provides a secure, comfortable grip to enhance your overall cooking experience.
Want to save time in cooking? Use this grill pan where you can easily cook eggs, barbeque, or even your favorite fried steak at the same time! This pan has a partition so the food will not affect each other. Not only does it help you save time in cooking, but it also keeps you healthy since this pan requires less oil than others.
It is coated with a high-quality granite coating which warms up quickly and holds in heat well. Cleanup would be easier as well because of its exclusive nonstick surface. Aside from that, this pan is wear-resistant and scratch-resistant so expect that it will be a long-term investment in your kitchen.
You can also use this skillet anywhere, from the comforts of your kitchen to even the great outdoors. Not only that, but it is also great to use for cooks of any level because it's user-friendly. Lastly, it is already seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, so it is ready to use in the kitchen!
Tefal's 5-piece Ingenio induction set lets you cook and even bake your food easily because of its detachable handles. This allows you to conveniently have pans, oven dishes, saucepans, and baking tins all at once! When you are finished, you can easily stack the pans into one another, which lets you save space when storing them.
Not only is it compatible with all hobs, but it is also safe to put in the fridge and dishwasher, so it really brings a whole new take on convenience. Plus, it features Tefal's durable non-stick coating, making it easy to wash. This set is definitely worth the splurge!
For those living in condos, an induction cooker may be the only stove allowed, and looking for compatible pans is not the easiest. This ceramic nonstick wok pan is an exception; it works with all stove types, including an induction cooker. It even has a thickened composite bottom giving food a uniform heat distribution.
It features a hard-anodized, which means that you do not have to worry about your pan getting scratched even when you use it daily. Plus, the handle is lengthened and is made up of imitation wood grain to protect you from heat, making it great for beginner cooks. You can also save time with this pan's large capacity, as it lets you cook for 3 to 4 people.
If you want hassle-free cooking, you might want to try this one from Chef’s Gallery. This is made out of high-grade stainless steel for an extra resistant non-stick surface, which makes for more convenience when cooking. This will ensure that the food won't stick to your pan. Now, that will make cleaning it up much easier as well!
Its non-stick surface also helps maintain the natural nutrition of the food. Plus, it has a honeycomb structure that protects the nonstick surface from abrasion and has a high-efficient aluminum core that ensures uniform heat distribution. With this, you will be having a good quality frying pan without breaking the bank!
Wok, fry pan, and micro-pressure cooker squeezed in one pan? This is absolutely a win-win for you! A unique feature of this pan is that it has a glass lid that can release pressure which protects you from getting heat burns. It also has a stand-up lid which means it saves space when you are cooking.
The handle is lightweight and anti-scalding, which helps you lift the pan with both hands comfortably. This cookware is durable because of its diamond composition, making it wear-resistant and scratch resistant. It also has an anti-corrosion feature that makes it resistant to acidic and alkaline food, keeping your pan rust-free.
Add this to your collection of cookware if you love breakfast food and want to make it extra. This flat rounded nonstick pan is made for you to achieve those perfect-looking omelettes, pancakes, and crepes. It also requires less oil, so you can enjoy your first meal of the day without it being too greasy.
You do not have to worry about your food burning because this pan has a widened induction bottom that heats up evenly and rapidly. This pan meets all the toughest European food safety standards, so you can rest assured that this is non-toxic. It will not allow any chemicals to potentially harm your food.
If you're looking for budget-friendly large pans, then look no further! This pan from Metro Cookwares is perfect when you plan to cook for a wide range of recipes, including whole fish, sautéed vegetables, soups, t-bone steak, and porkchops. This pan lets you serve for 4 to 7 people, so it can accommodate family gatherings and get-togethers.
It comes with a clear tempered glass lid to ensure that you cook food thoroughly and allows you to see exactly what is happening in the pan. Plus, it has a long riveted stainless steel handle and a side handle that helps you lift up the pan from the cooker.
Nowadays, it's safer and more intimate to enjoy dinner at home with friends and family. If you enjoy samgyeopsal, then you may want to consider investing in this pan for long-term use. You. can also save a lot of money when you decide to start turning those dinners out into cookouts at home.
This pan has a ribbed nonstick surface which is best when you put a variety of meat cuts. It also directs fats and oils away from the food and has two pour spouts to strain liquids and oil conveniently. To top it off, it has a foldable handle which helps you save space when storing it.
It is best to invest in pots that can work on all types of cooktops (electric, gas, and induction), so if you decide to change your mode of cooking anytime, you're set up already.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by professional chef Terence Fereday.
This is usually the case, but you still have to look at the fine print. Most manufacturers specify in their packaging if their pans are compatible with gas stoves as well, so make sure to read carefully.
Induction cooking has faster heat transfer and more precise temperature control compared to gas and electric.
You need pots made of steel or cast iron, or pots with metal plates at the bottom. Regular pans do not work on induction cooktops because they do not have a flat bottom and a magnetic iron or steel base. Induction cooktops use copper coils to generate heat from electric currents directly to your pan. If you place a regular pan on your induction cooktop, it won't heat up since there is no electric current in your pan.
The holiday season is just a month away. Prepare your kitchen for Noche Buena and Media Noche with this equipment.
Re-editor: Tm Yuquimpo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Eurochef|Forged Aluminum Nonstick Frying Pan
No. 2: Carote|Aluminum Nonstick Grill Pan|ZCG001
No. 3: Lodge |Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet|L10SK3
No. 4: Tefal|5-Piece Stainless Induction Pan Set
No. 5: Ecowin|Ceramic Nonstick Wok Pan
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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