How To Use Non-Induction Cookware On Induction Cooktop

Induction cooktops have gained popularity over the years because they provide faster cooking. These stoves are also energy-efficient, safe to use, and adjust well to temperature changes. If you have an induction cooktop, you need to buy induction cookware.

Induction-compatible cookware is designed with a ferromagnetic base to work on induction stoves. They generate heat through electromagnetism, and this creates a magnetic field above the cooking surface. 

While induction cookware can be used on other stovetops, non-induction cookware cannot work on induction cooktops. However, there are some tricks you can use to make non-induction cookware induction ready. Read on to find out how to use non-induction cookware on induction cooktops.

Three Methods Of Using Non-Induction Cookware In Induction

1. Use A Converter Disk

If your regular cookware does not have a magnetic bottom, you still have the chance of using it on an induction stove with a converter disk. Converter disks are flat and mostly made of iron or stainless steel material. The disks provide an even distribution of heat and their handles are heatproof.

Converter disks allow you to use glass, aluminum, porcelain, copper, and non-magnetic stainless steel cookware on induction cooktops. Since the market is full of many disks, not all are strong and sturdy. The following are two top-quality converter disks we recommend:

A) 9.45inch Stainless Steel Coffee Milk Cookware Simmer Ring Induction Hob Plate

Make your regular cookware induction compatible with this stainless steel converter plate. The heat diffuser comes in handy when cooking rice, oats, caramel, and other heat-sensitive foods since you can keep the temperature lower. The disk will save you from the high cost of buying induction-ready cookware.

The converter provides even heat distribution with its three layers. The upper and lower part are made of stainless steel. The middle part is made of aluminum to provide superb heat distribution. The handle is heat-proof, so you can hold it without burning your hands.

B) Max Burton 6010 8-Inch Induction Interface Disk

This is another quality disk that makes your regular cookware usable on induction cooktops. The stainless steel disk works great on built-in or portable induction cooktops. The stainless steel construction provides even heat distribution on the entire surface.

The handle is heatproof to provide a comfortable and secure grip. Using this disk reduces heat transfer when using non-induction cookware with thicker bases and large diameters to provide efficient cooking.

Are There Downsides Of Using A Converter Disk? 

The downside of using a converter disk is that the cookware metal does not have a smooth surface. Therefore, there are many uneven surfaces, and when you place your regular cookware on the converter disc, the jagged peaks trap air between them. these pockets slow down heat transfer to the cookware because air is a poor conductor.

As a result, the heat gets hotter than the cookware because of heat buildup. Some of the heat is transferred to the cookware while the rest goes to the kitchen air.

2. Computer Thermal Paste:

If you want another solution to make your regular cookware induction-ready, computer thermal paste is the right solution. The computer thermal paste is applied to the bottom of the pans and pots and then put the cookware on the converter disk. The paste spreads like a thin paper layer and fills the nooks on the metal surfaces.

This method provides better conduction compared to air. After some time, the thermal paste can break because of high temperatures. Therefore, you need to scrape it off and apply it again before cooking.

3. Netted Steel Sheet:

You can get the netted steel which is used on doors and windows at any hardware shop near you. Double fold the netted steel sheet and place it on your induction cooktop. You can avoid the clipping part but this can be dangerous if you touch the tangle accidentally when cooking.

Always take care and ensure you remove it from the induction cooktop with gloves after switching off the cooktop.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Can You Use Regular Cookware On An Induction Cooktop?

Regular pots and pans can only work on induction cooktops if they have a magnetic material at the bottom. It could be steel or iron-based material. If your regular cookware is not induction compatible, use the above methods we have covered to make it induction ready.

Can Nonstick Cookware Be Used On An Induction Stove?

Most nonstick cookware is not compatible with induction cooktops. Induction cooktops require a magnetic base and nonstick cookware is made with non-magnetic materials. This makes them unsuitable for induction stoves.

Conclusion

Induction cooktops have taken cooking to another level. For you to use an induction cooktop successfully, you need induction-ready cookware. If you want to keep your budget low, you can use some techniques and spare yourself from buying induction cookware.

A converter disk is an efficient and cheaper method of making non-induction cookware usable on induction cooktops. Pick any of the two converter discs we have recommended above and enjoy efficiency while saving more.