Induction cooking has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among serious cooks. Beloved for its ease of use and energy efficiency, induction compatible cookware is ideal for simplifying daily meal preparation, helping home cooks and professional chefs alike experiment with a range of cooking techniques and recipes.
But what exactly does cooking with induction mean? What are its benefits, and what questions should you be asking yourself before making the switch to induction cookware sets?
Whether you're a home chef seeking to upgrade your cookware arsenal or a professional looking to optimize your kitchen setup, Le Creuset has the perfect induction cookware for you.
What is Induction Cookware?
When shopping for cookware, you may have noticed more and more cookware with the "induction cookware" label, but what does that mean? Induction cooking refers to a type of electric cooking appliance that uses electromagnets to generate heat. Induction compatible cookware, therefore, is made from magnetic materials like stainless steel, cast iron, hard anodized aluminum, and enamelled cast iron. Certain types of induction cookware sets can also be constructed with cladding or a metal disk embedded in the base made from magnetic metal.
Another hallmark of induction cookware is a wide and flat bottom. Induction cooking heats cookware directly, rather than heating the surface first. This means that the larger surface area in contact with the induction cooktop will allow for more efficient transfer of heat.
There are a couple ways to tell if your cookware is induction compatible. Most manufacturers will stamp a coil symbol on the base of induction compatible cookware. If you don’t find that symbol, the surest way to know if you have induction cookware is to see if a magnet will stick securely to the bottom of your cookware.
The Benefits of Induction Cookware
The benefits of induction cookware sets can’t be overstated. Induction cooking allows for more efficient heat transfer, which also provides more precise temperature control and reduces cooking time. Not to mention that induction cookware is typically made from materials that are easier to clean and care for.
While conventional cooking appliances rely on heating the cooking surface which then transfers heat to your cookware, induction cooking directly heats cookware. This means that your induction compatible cookware heats up quickly, and cools down just as quickly once removed from heat. This allows you to much more precisely control cooking temperatures to ensure the most consistent results every time.
With the exception of non-enamelled cast iron, induction cookware sets tend to be constructed from non-porous materials like stainless steel. Non-porous materials are much easier to clean and care for because they are quite durable and don’t need to be seasoned. In addition, most induction cookware is dishwasher safe, even Le Creuset’s Toughened Nonstick Pro cookware.
As we’ve mentioned, induction cookware sets boast much more efficient heat transfer. This means that your cookware will reach the desired temperature much more quickly, and be more responsive to adjusting temperature as you cook. This will therefore shorten the amount of time needed to cook meals.
If you’re familiar with traditional electric cooking appliances, then you’ve probably dealt with hot and cold spots on your burners. With induction cooking, this is not a concern. Cookware with wide, flat bottoms will produce even heating across the whole pan, leading to more consistent results with every meal.
Induction cooking has grown in popularity as more people look for ways to reduce energy consumption. Unlike with conventional gas or electric cooking appliances that heat the cooking surface, induction cooking instead generates a magnetic field between the cooktop and your cookware. It requires much less energy to create a magnetic field than to produce heat, which will make your electric bill a lot lighter at the end of the month.
Questions to Ask Yourself when Buying Induction Cookware
When shopping for new cookware, it’s important to remember that not all cookware is going to be compatible with your induction cooktop. There are a few things to take into consideration when selecting the right cookware for your needs. The following are some questions that will help you assess your cookware needs, and in turn choose the right induction cookware for your kitchen.
It’s very important that the diameter of the base of your cookware matches the size of the induction stovetop. With induction cooking, heat is only transferred at the point of contact. So, if your cookware is larger than the induction stovetop, you will lose many of the benefits of induction cooking, like efficient heat transfer and precision temperature control. You’ll also find that your food will take much longer to cook.
The only downside to induction cooking is that not all cookware is induction compatible. You can check the compatibility of your cookware by looking for a coil symbol stamped on the base of your cookware. Additionally, you can test your cookware with a magnet. If the magnet sticks securely to the bottom of your cookware, then it is induction compatible cookware. Keep in mind that all of Le Creuset cookware is induction compatible.
Induction cookware is made from magnetic metals, sometimes referred to as ferrous materials. The most common materials are stainless steel, cast iron, and enamelled cast iron. Some induction cookware sets will be made from aluminum with stainless steel cladding, or have a magnetic disc embedded in the base of the cookware.
All of Le Creuset’s induction cookware is oven-safe. Whether you opt for stainless steel or toughened nonstick pro, the materials used in induction cookware have high temperature tolerance, making them incredibly versatile and convenient additions to any cookware collection.
The answer to this question depends on the material your cookware is made of. Cast iron and enamelled cast iron cookware will typically be induction compatible. Aluminum cookware will not be compatible unless it has some magnetic metal incorporated into its construction. It is also possible that some stainless steel cookware won’t be compatible if the alloy used is not magnetic. Cookware that is induction compatible will have a coil symbol stamped on the base.
All of Le Creuset’s stainless steel, enamelled cast iron, and Toughened Nonstick Pro cookware are induction compatible.
Induction Cookware vs. Nonstick Cookware
Induction cookware and nonstick cookware are not mutually exclusive. While nonstick cookware is often made from aluminum, which isn’t compatible with induction cooking, hard anodized aluminum cookware like Le Creuset’s Toughened Nonstick Pro cookware is compatible.
Le Creuset's Induction Compatible Cookware
Le Creuset boasts a wide range of induction compatible cookware that will fit all of your cooking needs. It has always been our mission to create cookware made from the highest quality materials and manufacturing techniques available. This makes all of our cookware built to last a lifetime.
Dutch Ovens
A staple in both professional and home kitchens, Dutch Ovens are incredibly versatile and durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. Made from enamelled cast iron, Le Creuset’s Dutch Ovens are induction compatible, as well as oven safe. Ideal for searing, slow-cooking, browning, and even baking, the Dutch Oven offers home cooks some much-needed flexibility where it matters most, opening up the culinary possibilities.
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Iron Handle Skillet
Le Creuset’s Iron Handle Skillet is a kitchen workhorse that’s particularly well suited to stovetop cooking and oven baking. Made from enamelled cast iron, this piece of cookware is induction compatible, oven-safe, and dishwasher-safe. Chefs from all over the world attest to the cast iron skillet’s unique ability to produce the desired balance of a crispy golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior when using this skillet for baking cornbread, cookies, and other desserts, making it an indispensable addition to any kitchen.
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Braiser
The braiser is crafted to create the perfect environment for tenderized dishes thanks to its shallow base and domed lid. Available in enamelled cast iron, stainless steel, and toughened nonstick, Le Creuset’s braisers are ideal for braising and slow-cooking as they are exceptional for locking in moisture to produce delicious final dishes.
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Stainless Steel Frypan
The Stainless Steel Fry Pan highlights Le Creuset’s commitment to European craftsmanship and premium materials, featuring a proprietary blend of professional-grade metals. This is a staple in any kitchen and is ideal for pan-frying and searing ingredients to perfection. As with all of Le Creuset’s stainless steel cookware, this piece is oven-safe and induction compatible.
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Toughened Nonstick Pro Saucepan
Whether you’re warming up soups, reducing sauces, or preparing side dishes, Le Creuset’s Toughened Nonstick Pro Saucepan is a versatile choice. The nonstick surface minimizes the need to cook with oil or other fats, offering a healthier alternative to meal preparation. Made from hard anodized aluminum, Le Creuset’s Toughened Nonstick Pro Saucepan is a great fit for induction cooking.
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Stockpots
Featuring tall straight sides, a tight-fitting lid, and a large capacity, our Stockpots are ideal for meal prepping and feeding the entire family. Available in Enamel on Steel, stainless steel, and Toughened Nonstick Pro, this kitchen staple is perfect for induction cooking.
Buy nowWhy Choose Le Creuset Induction Compatible Cookware?
When you buy Le Creuset, you’re buying quality. Every piece of cookware reflects Le Creuset’s commitment to European craftsmanship and premium materials. All of our cookware is crafted to best take advantage of the benefits of induction cooking.
Whether you’re looking for a Dutch Oven, Braiser, Fry Pan, or Stockpot, you’ll find Le Creuset cookware is versatile enough to fit all your cooking needs, and durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. For more inspiration, be sure to visit our blog for cooking tips, care and use, and creative ways to get the most out of your Le Creuset induction compatible cookware!
