The induction stove is a modern electric appliance that cooks food through electromagnetism. Not only is the steel finish classy, but it also cooks faster; it saves on energy and is safe for your family. They are indeed better than the standard gas and electric cooking ovens.
There are instances where the induction stove will experience issues while using it. An example is when it fails to detect a pan when preparing a meal.
So, why does an induction hob fail to recognize a pan, and what can you do to fix it?
How does an induction cooker detect a pan?
An induction cooktop heats a pan or cooking vessel by magnetic induction. It uses a radio frequency current to a heating coil that generates a strong radio frequency magnetic field.
When you place a pan on the heating coil, the magnetic field emitted from the heating coil creates eddy currents on the pan and hence heats it.
READ: What does error code F31 on a Frigidaire gas range mean?
Will any pan work on an induction hob?
A pan or cooking vessel to work on an induction cooktop should be made of a magnetic material such as iron or steel.
Since an induction hob cooks through magnetic induction, it excites the iron atoms in the cooking vessel. That’s why your pan or pot should be made with enough iron for them to heat.
How do you know if a pan is an induction pan?
You can tell if your pan is an induction pan by placing a magnet at the bottom of the pan and checking whether it is attracted to it. Alternatively, you can check under the pan for an induction logo that looks like a coil.
It is best to know that just because your pan or pot is magnetic, it does not mean that it can be used on a new glass-ceramic induction hob. Some stainless-steel pans have too much nickel that reacts magnetically but does not work on an induction stove.
How to make a pan work on an induction hob
A pan will work on induction if it is flat, smooth, and magnetic. The best pans to use are those made of stainless steel or iron. If your cookware is not magnetic, don’t worry, the induction converter disk is there to help you.
Induction converter disks are discs made from magnetic materials and placed on the induction stove. Since they gain heat through magnetism, they, in turn, heat the non-induction pans placed on top of them. It is important to note that for the pan to heat evenly, it should have a flat and smooth bottom.
READ: How do I reset my Kitchenaid induction cooktop?
Can you trick an induction cooker?
Yes, you can use an induction adapter plate or induction converter disks for non-induction pans. However, they are recommended if you love and cannot part with the non-induction pan. You should, however, beware of the poor-quality adapter plates that do not work on an induction stove.
Others say they do not emit enough heat and have low-quality performance. Therefore, you must choose the right converter disk made of high-quality iron or stainless steel.
Another option is using netted steel sheets to heat non-induction pans available in all hardware tool shops. You must double fold the netted steel sheet and place it on the induction cooktop.
Next, place the non-induction cooking vessel on the sheet and switch on the cooktop. It takes longer when you cook with a larger vessel. Take precautions while using this method since you are dealing with hot netted steel.
Do not touch the netted steel when cooking; remove the pan and nested steel after switching off the induction stove.
Cooking with an induction cooktop
The induction cooktop has changed how most people cook in their kitchen households. This is because it uses magnetic induction to heat the cookware. if your induction hob doesn’t recognize a pan, ensure that your pan and pot are made of magnetic materials such as iron or stainless steel.
If your cookware is non-induction, you can use an induction converter disk or netted steel. However, you must note that you purchase a good quality disk so that it heats your pots properly. You should also take precautions when using the netted steel when cooking because it can scald you.