Cookware
Induction Cookware Compatibility Guide (2026)
Last updated: May 2026
Induction cooktops work by creating an electromagnetic field that directly heats the metal of the pan. This means cookware must be ferrous (magnetically responsive) to work.
What works on induction
| Material | Induction Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cast iron | Yes | Works excellently; heavy |
| Carbon steel | Yes | Works excellently; lighter than cast iron |
| Stainless steel (magnetic) | Yes | Most fully-clad stainless works; verify with magnet test |
| Enameled cast iron | Yes | Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge all work |
| Aluminum | No | Not magnetic |
| Copper | No | Not magnetic |
| Glass / ceramic | No | Not magnetic |
The magnet test
Hold a magnet to the base of any pan. If it sticks firmly, the pan is induction-compatible. If it doesn't stick or sticks weakly, it won't work reliably on induction.
Recommended induction cookware by category
Best stainless set for induction: Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad (NSF certified, verified induction-compatible) or All-Clad D3. Both are fully-clad tri-ply with magnetic stainless exteriors.
Best cast iron for induction: Lodge 10.25-inch cast iron skillet. Works perfectly on induction with excellent heat retention.
Best carbon steel for induction: de Buyer Mineral B. All carbon steel is induction-compatible.
Induction-specific buying tips
- Flat bottoms matter: Warped or bowed pans lose induction efficiency.
- No disc-bottom cookware: The disc usually includes a thin magnetic layer: it works but heats unevenly.
- Size matters: Match pan size to zone size for full efficiency.