Only a specific type of cookware is induction compatible. Do Stainless Steel Pans Work On Induction Hobs? Well, with multiple grades and five types of stainless steel, the answer to this question is not simple.
But, here is your quick answer.
Only magnetic grade stainless steel is induction compatible. Pans with the base of 18/0 grade stainless steel work on induction hobs. 18/8 and 18/10 labelled stainless steel cookware is unsuitable for induction cooktops.
With the multiple grades and types, things can become pretty confusing. To solve this problem, this is where we came in! In this article, we will tell you whether stainless steel works on induction hobs?
Can You Use Stainless Steel Pans On An Induction Hob?
Yes, you can use magnetic grade stainless steel on an induction hob. 18/0 and stainless steel polished with magnetic material is also suitable for induction cooking.
Stainless Steel Grades And Induction Compatibility
In a nutshell, every type of stainless steel can work on an induction stovetop if it has a magnetic coating. Here’s our quick guide for a better understanding:
| Stainless Steel Grade | Type | Induction Compatibility |
| 18/8 | Stainless (8 % nickel) | No |
| 18/10 | Stainless with 18% chromium and 10% nickel | No |
| 18/0 | Stainless (pure chrome) | Yes |
| 304 | Non-Magnetic (now known as 18/8) | No |
| 316 | Contain Molybdenum | No |
| 409 | Ferritic | Yes (but not commonly used to make cookware) |
| 430 | Food Grade/ Non-stick | No |
Most commonly, 18/8, 18/0 and 18/10 grade stainless steel is considered food grade and suitable for cookware.
18/0 is the least expensive type of stainless steel with no nickel quantity. It is the most induction-friendly type of steel.
Do All Stainless Steel Pans Work On Induction Hob?
No, only magnetized stainless steel works on induction hobs. Pans and pots with five layers of exterior magnetic steel or ferrous metal coating are also induction compatible.
Types Of Stainless Steel – Determining The Induction Compatibility
Apart from grading, stainless steel broadly falls into two main categories. The only difference in both types is crystalline structure.
- Ferritic
Ferritic type of stainless steel is magnetic compatible, and cookware made of it is suitable for every type of hob.
With minimal nickel, it is essentially suitable for induction cooking.
The chemical components of stainless steel are 10.5% to 18% chromium and around 0.2% carbon.
- Austenitic
Austenitic cookware is not magnetic and is usually considered best for halogen hobs compared to induction.
It is highly suitable for high temperatures and can maintain strength for a long time.
The chemical components of austenitic stainless steel are 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
Non-Stick vs Stainless Steel Pans – Which One Is More Induction Compatible?
Non-stick pans with cast iron base can be used on induction hobs. But it is not a safe practice. The outer layer contains a high amount of carbon and fluorine. It is known as Teflon, banned across the UK and many other countries.
On the contrary, magnetic stainless steel is considered food grade with only 0.2% carbon quantity. Both cookware can be used for induction cooking. But, it is strongly advised to use 18/0 or steel pans with magnetic or metal varnish.
Can I Make My 18/8 And 18/10 Stainless Steel Pans Induction Compatible?
Yes, it is possible to convert 18/8 and 18/10 into induction compatible. Usually, most of the manufacturers clad it in heavy metal or magnetic base.
5 Layer Stainless Steel Pans – Ensuring Induction Compatibility
Even though 18/0 is the least expensive type of steel but some manufacturers prefer to make 3ply or 5ply stainless steel pots.
This multi-clad technique makes regular pans work on an induction hob. Here’s how the coating is done from interior to exterior.
- Stainless Steel Base (any grade) – 1st Layer
- Aluminium – 2nd Layer
- Copper – 3rd Layer
- Aluminium – 4th Layer
- Magnetized Steel – 5th Layer
The five-ply pans are usually known for both longevity and induction compatibility. Multiple layers also add up to the thickness of the base. The heat is equally distributed with a thick bottom.
How Do I Know My Stainless Steel Pan Is Induction Compatible?
The most authentic way is to look for the “wire loop symbols” on the bottom of your pan. Usually, pans made of steel come with grading.
To ensure that you got the right pan, you can also check it with a magnet. Induction-compatible cookware always sticks to the magnet.
Do Stainless Steel Pans Work On Induction Hobs? Wrapping It Up!
Among various types and grades, only 18/0 is suitable for induction cooking. Usually, 5ply stainless steel cookware is induction compatible.
In a nutshell, any type of steel can be converted to be suitable for induction hobs with a magnetic layer. Heat is equally distributed in pans with thick bases compared to single clad.
Most manufacturers always print a mark to confirm the induction compatibility. So, looking for the wire loop on the base of your cookware is highly recommended.
