Can induction-compatible cookware damage an induction cooktop?

6 years ago

I have used several different types of induction-compatible cookware successfully over the last several years. Recently, I was told that some cookware, although labeled as induction-compatible, could damage my cooktop. Examples included cookware that is flat on the bottom but has either embossed writing or other area of depression that does not come into contact with the cooktop (such as Farberware or Tramontina). Potential damage included causing the induction generator to fail. Has anyone here ever heard of such an occurrence?

Featured Answer

kaseki

6 years ago

I am in complete agreement with weedmeister. The originator of that tale, aiming for "old wives'" status, doesn't understand the relevant electromagnetics.

Further, the magnetically susceptible layer of the pan base does not need to be flat on the cooktop, but generally within a quarter of an inch. Thin silicone pads can be used without any degradation of power transfer, and will actually help keep the glass (Ceran) cooler and hence the coil possibly cooler.

I've even tested operation with an entire thick cloth hot pad as a pan shim, but can't say I proved that there was no loss in coupling efficiency. I can say that the susceptibility test circuit of the cooktop was satisfied that there was a suitable pan there, i.e., that there was sufficient coupling that power transfer would work well enough to not overheat the induction circuit.

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Comments (8)

weedmeister
6 years ago
I call BS on this.
Cavimum
6 years ago
The only problem I ever had was a small adhesive sticker did not get removed from the bottom of a new piece of cookware. It left a discolored mark in the cooktop. Major freak-out, nothing removed it, but with time it went away. Now I can't even remember which hob.
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repac
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for the responses. Your answers are reassuring!

All of this has prompted me to ask, what types of things could cause the generator to fail?
kevinande
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The person that told you that needs to go do some research. If their induction range/ccoktop failed I assure you it was not because of the reasons you mentioned.

The Generators themselves do not fail very often. It is the components, mostly cooling fans, then as a result of fan failure a thermal fuse. That is the most typical failure, however there are others.
rakesh8161
6 years ago
I never have faced such a problem so far.
sunfeather
5 years ago
Can cookware scratch the cooktop surface?
kevinande
5 years ago
Yes