Induction cookware questions

17 years ago

So I know I need pans with a flat magnetic bottom for my induction cooktop. I'm just a little confused, though because the pan that came with my range and that is marked as induction-compatible has an aluminum core. The outside part is stainless, though. My question is, will my copper-core stainless pans work then? Or is it just that these will work OK but they are not as good as having an all magnetic material bottom?

Second question:

I want a wok and I have Christmas money. Someone either here or in appliances mentioned that there was a wok made for induction units that had a flat base and looked flat / with straight sides on the outside but was curved properly inside. I've done some googling and no luck finding such a thing. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

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Comments (9)

lightlystarched
17 years ago
My experience is that anything that is magnetic will work. I have nice stuff (all-clad) and cheap stuff (my $7 steel tortilla pan) and all work well.
kitchen1921
17 years ago
I saw a carbon steel wok at Target just this afternoon that was magnetic -- I tested it because we're having induction installed with our remodel. It looks like a nice pan, is flat on the bottom but round inside, and it costs about $25.
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homepro01
17 years ago
Try the Wok Shop for a real authentic wok in carbon steel or cast iron. Great service.

If the copper core stainless is the All Clad version, it will not work on induction. I tried it on my small induction cooktop and it did not work.

Good luck!
shakleemom
17 years ago
My copper-bottom tea kettle wouldn't work...
pbrisjar
Original Author
17 years ago
kitchen1921: Thanks. I'll have to check that out.

homepro01: I looked at Wok Shop but it's hard to tell if the inside is truly rounded or not from their pictures.

BTW, The cookware is the Kirkland (Costco) set. I used a few pieces of it today and it worked OK but I suspect I'm losing some of the "power" because of the copper. I'll have to do some more experimenting. I really like this cookware but if it's not the best type for my stove I'll replace it. After all, I can get a full refund.
User
17 years ago
The copper core will not cause you to lose power - it will actually help to more evenly distribute the heat, just as it would with any other heat source. As long as the part of the pan that touches the cooktop is magnetic, you are good to go. I carry a magnet in my purse so any time I see a pot I can't live without, I can test it first.
pbrisjar
Original Author
17 years ago
aliceinwonderland_id: My only problem with that is that my new induction cooktop is supposed to be more powerful than my old smooth top electric. Yet with the smooth top, I'd rarely go above a 3 (out of 10) when cooking with this same cookware set. Today, I was in the 5-6 range (out of 10). I'll have to see what a saute looks/feels like.
mitchdesj
17 years ago
I was told the all clad copper core was not induction suitable, only their stainless line is.
homepro01
17 years ago
The one linked below is flat bottomed and there is a carbon steel one that is also flat bottomed. I don't know if the carbon steel one works on an induction range.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Flat bottomed cast iron