How to Choose Induction Cookware: Check with a Magnet!

Can You Use Just Any Pot on an Induction Cooktop? Induction cooktops heat cookware directly through electromagnetic induction, which means not all pots are compatible . Only pots that respond to magnetic fields will work. Luckily, there’s a simple trick anyone can do: the magnet test . 1. Why Does Cookware Material Matter? Induction cooktops use the principle of electromagnetic induction . A coil underneath the surface generates a magnetic field that creates eddy currents in the cookware, which are then converted to heat through resistance. This means the cookware must be made of magnetic material to generate heat. 2. The Magnet Test: Easiest Way to Check Compatibility Place a magnet on the bottom of the pot. - If it sticks firmly → Compatible with induction - If it doesn’t stick → Not compatible Even stainless steel may not work depending on the type. Aluminum, copper, glass, and ceramic cookware are generally not compatible unless they have a special...