Induction cooking with cast iron frequently prompts concerns, but we have solutions.
It’s a popular misconception that cast iron cannot be used on induction burners, which is probably due to a lack of understanding of how induction cooktops operate.
Cooking utensils made of cast iron have been appreciated for many years and with good cause. There is no substitute for the flavors and sear that this kind of pan produces.
Simply take some steps to avoid having your expensive induction stove damaged by your cast-iron skillet.
If you want to use a cast-iron pan on an induction cooktop, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
How Does Induction Cooking Work?
Contents
- 1 How Does Induction Cooking Work?
- 2 Can You Use Cast Iron On An Induction Stove?
- 3 Why Does It Work?
- 4 Pros And Cons
- 5 Tips To Avoid Scratching Your Induction Stove
- 6 How To Properly Use Cast Iron On An Induction Cooktop?
- 7 Can You Use Enameled Cast Iron On An Induction Stove?
- 8 List Of Cookware You Can Use On Induction Stoves
- 9 Best Cast Iron Cookware Brand
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 10.1 Will Cast Iron Scratch My Induction Cooktop?
- 10.2 How To Know If Your Cookware Is Induction Compatible?
- 10.3 Is Cast Iron Magnetic?
- 10.4 How To Make The Bottom Of My Cast Iron Pan Smooth?
- 10.5 Can I Use Cast Iron On A Glass-Top Induction Stove?
- 10.6 Will Cast Iron Scratch The Glass On My Glass-Top Stove?
- 11 Conclusion
Only magnetic metal can be used for induction cooking, but it rapidly heats the metal without needing to warm anything underneath.
An electromagnetic field is covered by a glass covering in induction cooktops. You set your pot or pan on the stainless steel cooktop and the electromagnetic field’s energy is delivered right to the pan.
The electromagnetic field makes sure that the pan itself serves as the source of energy, rather than a middleman like an electric coil, which would typically receive heat from the cooktop.
Additionally, an induction cooktop will heat a pan more quickly than an electric or gas stovetop.
Upsides
- Exceptionally fast cooking speed.
- It’s simple to install induction stove models.
- You have a lower chance of self-burning because the coil beneath the stove doesn’t get hot.
- Surfaces of cast iron skillets with enamel are uniform during cooking.
- Precise temperature control minimizes enameled cast iron damage.
Downsides
- It only functions with a magnetic metal.
- When harmed by a cast iron skillet, repairs could be very expensive.
- Skillets made of copper, glass, or aluminum are incompatible.
Can You Use Cast Iron On An Induction Stove?
Ferrous metals are needed to transfer optimum heat for cooking. Thus, cast iron could be considered an adequate way of cooking food.
Cast iron cookware is extremely magnetic because of its solid construction of iron, which enables it to function on induction cooktops.
Additionally, cast iron is among the healthiest materials for cookware. Additionally, it may create some of the tastiest dishes.
Why Does It Work?
It can carry an electric current since only magnetic metals that can also conduct an electric current can be used for induction cooking.
Magnetic iron can conduct electrical electricity. Thus, it operates on these ultra-modern stoves.
Pros And Cons
There are some pros and cons of using cast iron on an induction stove-
Pros
- On a conduction stove, it heats up more quickly than cast-iron cooking, which takes a lengthy time.
- Cast iron has a lower propensity to stick.
- Your intake of iron may rise if you use it when cooking.
- On cast iron skillet models, a comfortable and secure heat level.
- Excellent temperature control is available from induction stoves.
- Compared to conventional “conduction” cooking, induction stoves use far less energy.
- When using an induction stove, food is heated with 85–90% of the energy used, as opposed to only 6–70% on a gas or electric stove.
Cons
- You cannot use an induction burner to scorch food cooked in an iron skillet.
- It’s weighty. This makes it more difficult to use without causing a glass induction stovetop to scratch or break.
- The skillet shouldn’t be moved around on the glass; instead, you should pick it up and shake it while it sears or move objects with kitchenware while it cooks.
- In general, cast iron is more uneven. As a result, your induction stove’s glass is more likely to be scratched.
- The glass stovetop may become stained. This is because cast iron often holds food particles, which when used can burn and leave stains.
Tips To Avoid Scratching Your Induction Stove
Before using cast iron skillets on an induction burner, you should be aware of how they can scratch the cooktop’s surface due to the pan’s gritty, rough bottom.
The following are some precautionary actions you can take-
Tip 1-
Lift, don’t slide
Cast iron pots should always be placed carefully and softly on induction stoves.
Don’t let it slide because if it did, the hefty cast iron pan’s uneven bottom might cause a lot of potential harm. Therefore, lift. Avoid sliding.
Tip 2-
Wash Frequently
You should also know how to clean cast iron pans and your glass induction stove. You should keep surfaces clear and clean since leftover food or cooking residue that adheres to the glass top or pan’s bottom will scratch the cast iron the next time you try to cook with it. Therefore, once you’re done cooking, you should simply wipe off any dirt or leftover food.
Tip 3-
Sand the bottom
Unfortunately, cast iron never has a perfectly smooth surface. Cast iron cookware typically has sharp bumps or scrapes.
If they are located on the bottom of the cookware, these can easily damage a glass induction cooktop, interfering with the induction process.
So, the problem can be solved by using sandpaper to smooth the surface.
Tip 4
Use parchment paper
Putting anything between the cast iron skillet and the cooktop to prevent scratching may sound strange, but you can do it.
Although a paper towel won’t stop the magnetic field from attracting cast iron to it, it will create a wall between the conducting metal and the glass, shielding it from any inadvertent scratches.
To be safe, simply watch what is cooking on the cooktop!
Tip 5-
Use induction to heat the pan, then transfer it off the stove
The fix is to put the pan in the oven, then remove it, place it on a hot pad, and sear if there isn’t a stovetop option available.
Cast iron is capable of retaining a lot of heat. Naturally, 4-pound steaks will not work with this; only smaller portions of meat will.
How To Properly Use Cast Iron On An Induction Cooktop?
Heavy is cast iron. Most likely, you don’t want to lift it. However, that is crucial. Do not put your cast-iron pan over your glass-top stove.
The basic rule of thumb is to keep your cast iron pan in place, avoid tossing food with it, and stir as gently as possible to prevent it from moving all over the glass-ceramic surface of your stove.
Can You Use Enameled Cast Iron On An Induction Stove?
The enameled cast iron functions just as well on induction burners. Anything with a strong magnetic pull will function well with induction burners because they operate through magnetic currents.
Any ferrous metal that carries magnetism will function properly with induction burners since ferromagnetic material is necessary to create an electromagnetic field.
Better To Avoid Scratching: Cast iron with an enamel coating may even be desirable because it will keep your stovetop from being scraped by the rough iron.
Remember: You should still exercise caution when handling enameled cast iron, which is just as hefty as cast iron, to avoid breaking the glass on your stovetop.
List Of Cookware You Can Use On Induction Stoves
It is necessary to use magnetic-based pots and pans while cooking on an induction stove.
Don’t Use
- Glass
- Copper or aluminum objects without a magnetic bottom
- Earthenware-based cooking
Use
- Stainless steel
- Cast iron
- Enameled cast iron
Also, when purchasing stainless steel, do check the box to determine if it is suitable for induction.
Best Cast Iron Cookware Brand
When I looked for cookware brands I discovered a lot of brands that claim to provide a premium level of cooking experience.
From this experience, I could say that choosing a brand for your cast iron cookware, Lodge might be the undisputed leader.
They mention being around for more than a century and also claim to be reasonably priced than other brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will Cast Iron Scratch My Induction Cooktop?
Yes, a pan’s base can scratch a cooktop if it is not smooth. The cooktop surface may also be scratched if you slide the pan across it.
Scratches may also happen if the cast iron is not seasoned correctly.
How To Know If Your Cookware Is Induction Compatible?
A pan must be magnetic to be compatible with induction. The best way to determine this is to place a magnet on the pan’s base and observe whether it sticks. Unless they contain a magnetic substance, glass, aluminum, and copper pans typically won’t operate on an induction stove.
Is Cast Iron Magnetic?
Yes. Any sort of iron is magnetic. As a result, it works on induction stoves.
How To Make The Bottom Of My Cast Iron Pan Smooth?
To make the bottom of your cast iron skillet smoother, you can sand it. Sand in a circular motion with sandpaper that is between 40 and 60 grit and also does oil well.
When seasoning your cast iron cookware, be sure to season both the interior and exterior.Can I Use Cast Iron On A Glass-Top Induction Stove?
You can, indeed! One of the best types of cooking equipment is cast iron. It cooks well, holds heat effectively, and will make your food feel more cooked than stainless steel.
Your stovetop won’t be able to tell the difference if you are careful when placing it down and picking it up and don’t slide it down the glass.
Will Cast Iron Scratch The Glass On My Glass-Top Stove?
When adequately used, it would not scratch the glass of the glass-top stove. Most induction stovetops have robust glass and could be used without any scratches when used wisely and with care.
Conclusion
Thus, it might be concluded that maintaining your cast iron cookware in good condition through regular cleaning is necessary to increase the lifespan of your induction cooktop’s glass surface.
Every time you cook with cast iron, you should give it a thorough cleaning to remove any residue or burnt bits of the dish you just cooked on it.
Cast iron cooking is a great way to prepare delectable foods in the comfort of your own home, but cleaning and maintenance should also receive equal consideration.