Induction stoves are the most efficient heating sources. The induction burners heat almost instantly and allow for precise temperature changes. However, only certain types of pots and pans work on these stovetops.
If you are searching for induction cookware, there are a few things that you need to pay attention to, starting with the material.
As some pots and pans work better on induction stovetops, we have compared the best options, and the following are the top recommendations for your kitchen.
| PRODUCT | RATING | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duxtop Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set | 4.4 | Check Price | Read More |
| T-fal Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Cookware Set | 4.0 | Check Price | Read More |
| Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set | 4.3 | Check Price | Read More |
| Vremi Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set | 4.3 | Check Price | Read More |
| Michelangelo Copper Cookware Set | 4.2 | Check Price | Read More |
| All-Clad Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set | 4.2 | Check Price | Read More |
| Chef’s Star Professional Grade Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set | 4.1 | Check Price | Read More |
| Cook N Home Nonstick Cookware Set | 4.5 | Check Price | Read More |
Contents
- How to Choose the Best Induction Cookware
- Which Materials Are Best for Induction Cooking?
- How Did We Choose the Top Induction Cookware Sets for 2019?
- The 8 Best Induction Cookware Sets for 2019
- Duxtop Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
- T-fal Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Cookware Set
- Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Vremi Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
- Michelangelo Copper Cookware Set
- All-Clad Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
- Chef’s Star Professional Grade Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set
- Cook N Home Nonstick Cookware Set
- Conclusion – Not All Induction Cookware Works on Induction Stovetops
How to Choose the Best Induction Cookware
Induction cookware is available in a wide variety of sizes and made from many different materials. Before searching for the right cookware set, you should know what features to look for, including
- The material
- Durability
- Heating ability
- Selection and price
Induction cookware includes pots and pans that are made specifically for induction stoves. Instead of traditional conductive heating, induction stoves rely on inductive heating.
With inductive heating, a copper coil on the stovetop produces an alternating electric current, which passes through the cookware. For pots and pans to work with this magnetic field, induction cookware needs to be made from ferrous metals, such as:
- Cast iron
- Stainless steel
- Iron
- Carbon steel
- Enameled porcelain cast iron
If you want to use induction cooking, you first need to ensure that the pot or pan is made from the right material. Ferrous metals contain iron, which contains magnetic properties.
The magnetic properties are needed to concentrate the alternating current produced by the induction stovetop. If the metal is too thin, it is less effective at heating.
Non-ferrous metals do not have the magnetic properties needed to work with induction stoves. These metals include aluminum, lead, tin, and zinc.
The material impacts the heating ability, durability, and price of the cookware set. Cast iron tends to be the most expensive and most reliable, while quality stainless steel pots and pans heat the fastest.
Which Materials Are Best for Induction Cooking?
Cast iron and stainless steel are typically considered the best choices for induction cooking. These materials are the top conductors of heat, which allows them to heat quickly when used on an induction stove.
However, not all materials are created equal. Some stainless steel does not offer the magnetism needed to conduct heat properly. 18/8 stainless steel consists 18% chromium and 8% nickel. If the nickel content is higher, the cookware will not heat as effectively.
To improve the heat conductivity of pots and pans, some stainless-steel products feature a layer of copper between layers of stainless steel. This allows for even and efficient heating.
Cast iron is the most durable material when used properly. However, it is also not very corrosion resistant. It must be treated to prevent rusting.
There are also many cookware sets made with non-ferrous metals that still work on induction cooktops. You can find induction cookware made from aluminum, copper, porcelain, and other non-magnetic materials.
When these materials are used, the pot or pan features a magnetic plate on the bottom. Some of these options are also the only induction cookware sets with nonstick surfaces.
How Did We Choose the Top Induction Cookware Sets for 2019?
When comparing these products, we looked at the main features needed in a quality induction cookware set. These features include the materials, number of pieces, cost, and customer ratings.
| PRODUCT | MATERIAL | NO. OF PIECES | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duxtop | Triple-ply (stainless steel with aluminum layer) | 17-piece set | 4.4 | $$$ |
| T-fal | Metal with stainless steel induction base | 12-piece set | 4.0 | $$ |
| Cuisinart | Triple-ply (Stainless steel with aluminum layer) | 12-piece set | 4.3 | $$ |
| Vremi | Aluminum body with ceramic interior and induction plate | 8-piece set | 4.3 | $$ |
| Michelangelo | Copper body with ceramic interior and induction plate | 12-piece set | 4.2 | $$ |
| All-Clad | Hard anodized aluminum and stainless-steel induction plate | 13-piece set | 4.2 | $$$ |
| Chef’s Star | Aluminum body with ceramic interior and induction plate | 9-piece set | 4.1 | $ |
| Cook N Home | Aluminum body with nonstick coating and induction plate | 3-piece set | 4.5 | $ |
The 8 Best Induction Cookware Sets for 2019
Besides the material, you may also want to consider the selection of pots and pans and the price. These details help determine the overall value of the set, making it easier to compare options.
To help you make the right selection, we have rounded up the eight best induction cookware sets.
Duxtop Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
Features:
- 18/10 commercial-grade stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
At the top of the list is the Duxtop 17-Piece Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set. It features 18/10 commercial-grade stainless steel bonded with an aluminum disc.
This cookware set is a great example of the bonding process that allows non-ferrous metals to be used. The aluminum, which is not magnetic, is sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel.
The stainless steel provides the necessary surface for induction cooking, while the aluminum layer helps create even heating. The combination of materials makes this one of the most efficient induction cookware sets.
The features offered are also important when searching for the best cookware for an electric glass top stove. The stainless-steel material heats quickly on these cooking surfaces.
Pros
- The aluminum disc helps create better heat distribution for even heating.
- The stainless-steel material conducts heat well on induction stoves, helping the pots and pans heat up quicker.
- Includes 17 pieces, including 6 pots and 2 frying pans.
- All pieces are dishwasher-safe, making it easier to keep the cookware clean.
- Works on all types of cooking sources, including induction stoves, infrared, and glass.
- The pots and pans are rated oven-safe up to 550-degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons
- The price of the set may not fit every budget, but you get what you pay for.
- Food can stick to the cookware and potentially damage the surface if burnt.
T-fal Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Cookware Set
Features:
- Prometal Pro nonstick interior
- T-fal Thermo-spot heat indicator
- 12-piece set
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- Limited lifetime warranty
With a nonstick surface, oils and butter are less likely to get burnt to the surface of the pots and pans. This T-fal cookware set features a high-quality nonstick surface, which can be wiped clean with a paper towel after cooking.
Besides offering an easy-to-clean surface, this set includes several useful features that help make it one of the best nonstick induction cookware sets. The bottom plate is made from thick stainless steel with a low nickel content, which allows the pots and pans to heat faster.
The frying pans included in this set also have a heat indicator. The indicator changes as the pan heat up, letting you know when the pan is preheated and ready for cooking.
Pros
- The 12-piece cookware set includes a good selection of essential pots and pans, including a large 5-quart stock pot.
- The nonstick surfaces are incredibly easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Suitable for all types of cooking surfaces, including radiant glass, infrared, and induction cooking.
- The pots and pans feature silicone handles that stay cool to the touch when cooking.
- The durable metal exterior should hold up for many years without warping or bending.
- Considering the quality of the pots and pans, this is an affordable set, providing you with the best overall value.
Cons
- These pots and pans are only oven safe up to 400-degrees Fahrenheit.
- The nonstick material can get scratched with metal utensils.
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- 18/10 stainless-steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- 12-piece set
With the Cuisinart 12-Piece Cookware Set, you get quality pots and pans that are suitable for induction cooking. The set includes 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans, 2 skillets, a 3.5-quart sauté pan and a large 8-quart stockpot. You also get lids and a pasta basket.
The pots and pans feature a multi-clad design, which combines multiple layers, like the Duxtop Stainless Steel set. The stainless-steel exterior provides the necessary magnetic surface for induction heating, while an aluminum layer allows for even heat distribution.
Cuisinart used 18/10 stainless-steel for this set, which offers just the right nickel content to ensure that you get fast heating on the induction stovetop.
Pros
- Durable stainless-steel material can last for many years with proper maintenance and care.
- The pots and pans are rated oven safe for up to 550-degrees Fahrenheit.
- The rims of the pots and pans are tapered, allowing you to pour without spilling.
- The lids fit securely over the pots and pans, helping to lock in the natural juices in the food that you cook.
- The quality triple-ply design with stainless steel and aluminum layers offers fast and even heating.
Cons
- Burnt foods and oils may damage the interior stainless-steel surface, as this is not a nonstick material.
- The thin handles can get hot very quickly and require oven mitts when handling.
Vremi Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
Features:
- Nonstick ceramic coating
- 8-piece set
- Dishwasher safe
- Ergonomic wood handle
With the Vremi 8-Piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set, you get a smooth cooking surface that is easy to clean and heats quickly. You get two Dutch oven pots, one casserole pot, and two frying pans, along with lids.
The pots and pans are made from an aluminum body and then coated with nonstick ceramic. Induction ceramic cookware provides a great cooking surface, as it is naturally nonstick and does not trap any of the flavors or juices from the food. It also helps keep food from burning inside the cookware.
While this is a top-recommendation, there are a couple of issues to consider. Ceramic can crack or chip when dropped, while aluminum dents easily. Without proper care, these pots and pans may eventually warp or become damaged. However, if you take care of this set, it may last a lifetime.
Pros
- The ceramic surface looks great and is easy to wipe clean.
- The wood handles remain cool to the touch and add to the style of this attractive cookware set.
- Available in three different exterior colors – blue, green, and yellow.
- The frying pans feature curved designs that make it easier to flip foods.
Cons
- These pots and pans are not oven safe and are only intended for use on the stovetop.
- The ceramic coating and aluminum body are not the most durable materials.
Michelangelo Copper Cookware Set
Features:
- Ceramic & Titanium interior
- 12-piece set
- Flavor lock lid
- Cool grip handle
- PTFA, PFOA, lead and cadmium free
- Oven safe
Copper is a great heat conductor. Unfortunately, it is non-ferrous and does not work well with induction stovetops. The Michelangelo Copper 12-Piece Cookware Set solves this issue by adding heat conduction magnets to the bottoms of the pots and pans.
The bottom includes three layers below the copper body. It has a thickening base, a heat accumulation base, and then the heat conduction magnet. This allows the pots and pans to work on induction stovetops and increases the heat distribution.
The interiors of the pots and pans feature ceramic coating, which is scratch resistant and nonstick. Food slides right off the surface. These pieces are also dishwasher safe.
Pros
- The ceramic coating does not scratch easily or allow food to stick to the surface.
- The bottom induction plate allows this set to work on induction stovetops.
- You get a good selection of standard pots and pans for cooking almost any dish.
- The set is reasonably priced and provides the best overall value.
- The aluminum body allows the pots and pans to heat up quickly and evenly.
- Includes cool grip handles that remain cool to the touch during heating.
Cons
- The aluminum body can warp or get dented.
- The ceramic coating may crack if the pot or pan is dropped.
All-Clad Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
Features:
- Hard anodized aluminum
- 13-piece set
- PFOA-free
- Scratch-resistant nonstick coating
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- Limited Lifetime warranty
The All-Clad 13-Piece Set comes equipped with 3 frying pans, 2 saucepans, a sauté pan, and a 4-quart soup pot. You also get an 8-quart stockpot and lids.
The pots and pans are made of hard-anodized aluminum with stainless-steel induction plates. They also have a nonstick coating made from PFOA-free material. It is scratch resistant and does not tend to slowly fade or peel over time.
The handles are stainless steel and contoured for better comfort. They are also oven safe up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- The pots and pans are backed with a limited lifetime warranty.
- The multi-clad design heats food quickly and offers superior heat distribution.
- The pots feature curved sides that help retain heat.
- The stainless-steel handles heat quickly, but also cool down quickly, making them cool to the touch in most situations.
- The scratch resistant nonstick surface is one of the most durable nonstick materials available.
- The pots and pans are suitable for use on all types of cooking surfaces, including electric gas, induction, ceramic, and halogen.
Cons
- This is the most expensive set in the list, putting it out of reach for some customers.
Chef’s Star Professional Grade Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set
Features:
- Fire Resistant Aluminium
- 9-piece set
- PFOA & BPA Free
- Dishwasher and freezer safe
- Oven safe
- 1-Year No Questions Asked Warranty
The Chef’s Star is one of the best budget options if you simply want a decent set of pots and pans for use on your induction stovetop. These are not the most durable or efficient pots and pans, but they are affordable.
You get 9 pieces, including 4 pots and a frying pan. The cookware is made from aluminum. They also feature ceramic coating and induction plates on the bottom. The nonstick coating is PFOA-free and BPA-free.
Pros
- The biggest advantage is the low-cost of this cookware set, as it is one of the most affordable options for induction cooking.
- Available in three different colors – red, purple, and pink.
- The pots and pans are easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Cons
- The ceramic material may eventually crack, as it is not very thick.
- Does not heat as quickly or evenly compared to the high-end options.
Cook N Home Nonstick Cookware Set
Features:
- Thick gauge aluminum
- Oven safe
- 3-piece fry pan set
This small three-piece nonstick induction cookware set includes three frying pans. You get an 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch pan. They work on most cooking surfaces, including induction, gas, electric, ceramic, glass, and halogen.
These are dishwasher-safe frying pans made from aluminum. They have a nonstick coating and metal induction plates. The handles are made from synthetic material and remain mostly cool when cooking. However, these are not oven safe.
Pros
- This is one of the most affordable options if you simply need a few frying pans for your induction stovetop.
- The nonstick material wipes clean easily and keeps food from burning to the surface.
- The handles are comfortable and feature a non-slip texture.
Cons
- Due to the synthetic handles and exterior coating, these frying pans are not oven safe.
Conclusion – Not All Induction Cookware Works on Induction Stovetops
Finding a quality induction cookware set is not easy. Many manufacturers claim that their pots and pans are compatible with induction stoves, yet the materials are not conductive enough for proper heating.
The options discussed are all suitable for induction cooking. They are either made from magnetic materials or feature induction plates at the bottom.
Overall, we ranked the Duxtop 17-Piece Set as the best induction cookware. The pots and pans feature a triple-ply design, which is commonly used for offering superior heat conductivity and distribution. You get fast, even heating.
For the best value, consider getting the Michelangelo 12-Piece Set. It is a little more affordable compared to the top choice and still includes a great selection of standard pots and pans. Instead of stainless steel, this set uses a copper body with a ceramic coating and a magnetic induction base.
Keep in mind that all of the pots and pans discussed are also suitable for use on standard gas and electric stovetops. These are versatile, durable, and efficient cookware sets for all types of cooking surfaces.
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