What cookware works with induction cooktops?

Induction cooktops generate electromagnetic energy, so you have to use ferromagnetic cookware (like enameled steel, cast iron or stainless steel designed for induction cooking) to cook on an induction cooktop. Read on to learn more about how finding the right induction pots and pans for your induction cooktop can help you get the most out of your appliance.

Chocolate melting in a pan and solid on an induction cooktop surface

What makes induction cooking different from other methods?

Induction cooking heats compatible cookware through interaction with electromagnetic energy, which is created by a copper coil located under the cooktop. Consequently, heat is generated directly in the pan and not under the glass, allowing for quick cool-down of the cooktop surface after the pan is removed. Learn more about how induction cooking works.

What cookware should you use with induction cooktops?

It’s essential to use only ferromagnetic pots and pans for induction cooking. Ferromagnetic cookware is made entirely of (or contains) a layer of magnetic materials that make it attracted to magnets. If non-ferromagnetic cookware is used on an induction cooktop it will fail to be detected by the burner and won’t interact with the electromagnetic energy generated.

Compatible induction cookware materials

Enameled steel
Cast iron
Stainless steel designed for induction cooking

What cookware does not work on induction stovetops?

Non-compatible cookware won’t hurt your induction cooktop, but it also won’t heat up. Ultimately, non-magnetic cookware like ceramic, glass, non-magnetic copper, aluminum and non-magnetic stainless steel cookware won’t work. Some induction cooktops will flash an error code or indicator light when the cookware you’re trying to use isn’t compatible.

Non-compatible induction cookware materials

Glass
Ceramic
Some copper or aluminum pans
Non-magnetic stainless steel

Induction cookware tip:

For the best heat conduction, choose cookware with a flat bottom that is about the same size as the surface area of the burner you are using. This allows for direct contact with the cooktop. If the pan is too small for the element, the burner may not be able to sense the pan and won’t activate to generate heat or cook your food. If the pan is too large, it may result in uneven heating, as heat only generates where the burner makes direct contact with the pan.

Person frying french fries in a frying pan on top of an induction cooktop

Can nonstick pans be used on induction stovetops?

You can use some nonstick pans on induction stovetops, but it ultimately depends on the pan’s magnetism. Some non-stick pans have a cast iron, enameled steel or magnetic stainless steel base that can react with the cooktop to create heat, but those with non-magnetic bases won’t work.

A magnet stuck to the bottom of induction compatible cookware

How to tell if cookware is induction ready

All you need to test your pots and pans is a magnet. Flip the pan over, hold a magnet to the bottom, and see whether it sticks. If the magnet sticks to the bottom, the pan is ferromagnetic and can be used for induction cooking. You can also use this method to test if stainless steel appliances are magnetic.

Look for the induction cookware symbol

You can also check the bottom of your cookware for a stamped coiled spring symbol that indicates induction compatibility. Learn about other common cookware symbols.

Shop Whirlpool^® Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops from Whirlpool brand offer features that help you keep tabs on your cooking progress. Select models feature Assisted Boil, which notifies you when boiling water reaches the right temperature,¹ or Assisted Pan Frying, which alerts you when oil reaches the optimal temperature to add food.² Plus, induction technology keeps the surrounding cooktop and elements cool to help you reduce baked-on messes for quick cleanup.