Our top picks are versatile, functional, and durable.
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Better Homes & Gardens / David Hattan
One of the biggest benefits of using an induction range is the incredible efficiency it offers. Instead of a burner heating up, the heat is transferred directly to the cooking surface to save as much energy as possible. In order to take full advantage of the benefits of an induction range, you need high-quality induction-compatible cookware.
The best induction cookware should be durable, versatile, and easy to care for. Most importantly, induction cookware must be made of or at least contain ferrous metals. Jeff Sweet, corporate manager of product marketing at Sub-Zero Group Inc., adds that ferrous metals contain iron, so options like cast iron, enameled cast iron, carbon steel, and most types of stainless-steel are induction compatible.
The best induction cookware should come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it should make cooking on an induction range easier and more efficient. We spoke to culinary experts to find the best options available from some of our favorite brands.
What We Researched
Alongside induction compatibility, we considered the cookware’s material, care requirements, set variety, temperature limits, and price.
Best Overall: All Clad D3 Stainless 3 Ply Bonded Cookware Set
Why You Should Get It
These covered pots and pans are made from durable stainless steel that makes them safe to use in the oven and dishwasher.
Keep in Mind
The handles can get hot when cooking with high heat.
Stainless-steel pans have long been used by professional chefs and home cooks alike because the metal construction heats up quickly and maintains heat thoroughly. We love this option from All-Clad because it’s perfectly versatile; the variety of pots and pans are oven and broiler-safe, and while they’re perfect for induction cooking, you can also use them on gas and electric stoves.
The aluminum core heats up quickly, and thanks to the efficiency of cooking on an induction stove, these pans get just as hot in the corners as they do in the center. Ideal for cooking things like chicken, fish, beef, or pasta, it’s a multifunctional set that will suit any home cook, regardless of skill level.
This simple, functional collection of cookware is safe to use in the oven or broiler up to 600°F. We love that the sloped sides mean you can sear, fry, or braise in this pan, too. While the handles are ergonomic and easy to hold, keep in mind that it’s made completely of stainless steel, too. While the end stays cool, the handle piece closest to the pan can get hot when you’re cooking with high heat.
Product Details: Included: 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 2-quart and 3-quart covered saucepans, 3-quart covered sauté pan, and 8-quart covered stockpot | Oven Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Material: Stainless steel
Best Budget: GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Cookware Set
Why You Should Get it
This affordable set is made with nontoxic ceramic that’s reinforced with a magnetic bottom for optimal efficiency on induction stoves.
Keep in Mind
Although the brand says they’re dishwasher safe, extended dishwasher use could damage the nonstick surface over time.
GreenPan has been making nontoxic ceramic cookware since 2007, and each piece of the brand’s cookware is efficient and affordable. This set from the brand’s Valencia line is exceptionally nonstick; the surface is even slick and durable enough to use with minimal oil.
Equipped with three frying pans, a sauté pan, two saucepans and a stockpot, this comprehensive set of cookware is a versatile option that makes cooking up sticky foods much easier. Though they’re made from ceramic—which isn’t typically compatible with induction ranges—the base of the pans are reinforced with magnetic technology to make them compatible with all stovetops, even induction.
The best part? The hard-anodized pans are pre-treated to make them extra durable and safe to use with metal utensils. Unlike most nonstick pans, this option is even safe to use in the dishwasher.
Product Details: Included: 8-inch, 9.5-inch, 11-inch fry pans, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 5-quart stockpot with lid, and three pan protectors | Oven Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Material: Ceramic
Best Splurge: Smithey the Founder’s 3-Piece Carbon Steel Set
Why You Should Get It
Each piece is hand-forged and comes pre-seasoned.
Keep in Mind
Though these pans aren’t completely nonstick, they get slicker the more often you use it.
Smithey has been making hand-forged cookware in their Charleston-based factory since 2015, and they employ a vintage-inspired style to create unique and breathtaking pieces. Each piece is handmade, which makes everything in the collection special and unique.
This set of carbon steel pans is perfect for induction cooking because it’s compatible with the glass stovetop, but it works on gas and electric, too. In fact, it’s also safe to use in the oven, and the 2-inch walls mean you can sear, sauté, or braise. The heavy-duty pans feature a helper handle that makes them easier to carry from stovetop to tabletop.
We love that these pans come pre-seasoned, but it’s important to care for them properly to make sure the surface stays in good shape. Be sure to wash and dry your pans thoroughly each time you use them to avoid rusting. Once dry, season them with grapeseed oil to achieve a surface that gets more and more slick over time.
Product Details: Included: 8-inch pan, 10-inch pan, and 12-inch pan | Oven Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Material: Carbon steel
Best Nonstick: Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
Why You Should Get It
These super-slick pans are spacious, versatile and made from nontoxic materials.
Keep in Mind
It can feel a little heavy when filled with food, so be sure to use two hands when transferring the larger pan from the stovetop to the tabletop.
These super-slick pans from Caraway are a true workhorse in the kitchen. No matter which size pan you use, each option in the set has tall sides and a large cooking surface that can tackle a variety of tasks like searing, braising, or frying, and can be used in the oven up to 500°F.
The sleek design makes them easy to use, and although they’re made from ceramic, the base of the pans are reinforced with induction-compatible material. Available in a wide variety of stylish colors—like sage, navy, and terracotta—Caraway’s elegant line of cookware comes in different sizes and shapes, so you can build a collection depending on what our needs are.
These heavy-duty pans are super durable, but keep in mind that they can feel a bit heavy when filled with food. Don’t worry—the helper handle and handle on the side helps make it easier to carry.
Product Details: Included: 10.5-inch fry pan, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, four magnetic pan racks, canvas lid holder | Oven Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Material: Ceramic
Best Copper: Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set
Why You Should Get It
These pans combine the functionality of copper with the durability of stainless steel for optimal heat retention and induction compatibility.
Keep in Mind
This set is on the pricier side.
Copper cookware provides exceptional heating capabilities, but the metal isn’t typically compatible with induction ranges. That’s why we love this option from Hestan Culinary. It offers the traditional benefits of copper cooking with the induction compatibility of stainless steel.
A copper core helps achieve quick, even heat conduction while a stainless-steel coating offers extra durability and enables the cookware to be used on all types of stovetops. Tall sides and an ergonomic handle make it easy to cook all types of food, whether you’re searing a piece of fish or braising a batch of short ribs.
These pieces are also safe to use in the oven, which adds to their overall versatility. We love that the stainless-steel coating means it’s safe to use with metal utensils, so you can easily flip a piece of fish or grasp a piece of steak with metal tongs. Tight-fitting lids makes it easy to steam or roast vegetables, and flush rivets make cleaning up the pans much easier. Keep in mind that this cookware should not be placed in the dishwasher, and it’s important to clean and dry each piece thoroughly after each use to preserve the copper.
Product Details: Included: 8.5-inch skillet, 11-inch skillet, 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 6-quart stockpot with lid | Oven Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Material: Copper and stainless steel
Best Cast-Iron Skillet: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Why You Should Get It
When cared for properly, this durable and versatile pan can last for generations.
Keep in Mind
It must be washed by hand.
When it comes to induction-compatible cookware, cast iron is always a safe bet. Lodge makes some of the best cast-iron cookware available, and when cared for properly, these super-durable pans can become a family heirloom that lasts for generations.
The heavy-duty pan features exceptional heat retention and conduction capabilities; whether you use this pan in the oven or on the stovetop it heats up quickly and holds heat evenly from the corners to the center. Made from one solid piece of cast iron, the handle can heat just as quickly as the pan itself, so we love that it comes with an included silicone handle protector.
The cast-iron pan must be washed by hand, and you’ll want to restore the seasoning once you notice the surface dulling or food getting stuck.
Product Details: Included: 8-inch skillet and silicone handle holder | Oven Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Material: Cast iron | Care: Hand-wash and dry thoroughly, reseason when needed
Best Dutch Oven: Great Jones The Dutchess
Why You Should Get It
This versatile piece of cookware comes in six matte colors and the oval shape makes it ideal for roasting a full chicken.
Keep in Mind
At 15 pounds, it can be heavy to maneuver.
A high-quality Dutch oven can last for generations, and this is one that everyone in your family will be fighting over. Available in six matte colors, the elegant piece of cookware from Great Jones is oval-shaped to fit larger cuts of meat—like a batch of short ribs or a whole chicken.
Best of all, the enameled cast iron heats quickly and retains heat thoroughly throughout the cooking process. The enameled surface makes it a little bit more slick than a standard cast-iron pan, so sticky foods will slide off easier, and the surface will get more nonstick every time you use it. Unlike standard cast iron, the enameled bottom on this pan is smoother, so you can be certain it won’t leave scratches on the glass top of your induction range.
We love that this Dutch oven is oven-safe up to 500°F, so it can go straight from the oven to your tabletop. It even looks gorgeous enough to act as a centerpiece. While the brand notes that this piece is “dishwasher-friendly,” hand-washing is recommended for best results.
Product Details: Included: 6.75-quart Dutch oven and lid | Oven Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but hand-washing is recommended | Material: Enameled cast iron
Best Wok: Made In Blue Carbon Steel Wok
Why You Should Get It
Made from durable cast iron, this surprisingly lightweight pan can be used in an oven, on a stovetop, or even over a campfire.
Keep in Mind
It must be seasoned before use.
Carbon steel is a wonderful combination of the durability of cast iron with the lightweight functionality of stainless steel. Perfect for use over an induction stove, this Made In carbon steel wok is significantly lighter and easier to maneuver than a cast-iron pan, and the slick surface and base help prevent scratches on the glass cooktop.
With the same heat retention properties as cast iron, this wok heats up quickly and retains heat evenly and consistently through all parts of the pan. However, it’s considerably lighter and easier to maneuver, and the surface gets naturally more nonstick the more often you use it. The wok features a flat bottom that’s ideal for standard cooktops, and the long handle stays cool and is ergonomically designed for easy flipping.
Product Details: Included: 5-quart wok | Oven Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Material: Carbon steel | Care: Hand-wash and dry thoroughly, season after each use.
Best Griddle: Caraway Double Burner Griddle
Why You Should Get It
The nonstick surface is super slick, and it’s made from completely nontoxic materials.
Keep in Mind
It should be washed by hand.
Induction stoves are perfect for cooking across two burners because the surface of the stovetop is completely flat, which allows a double burner griddle to sit securely. A double burner griddle can make certain tasks—like making pancakes or searing steaks—much easier because it offers more space to work with.
This option from Caraway is made from nontoxic materials and is completely nonstick. Though ceramic isn’t typically induction compatible, this super-versatile piece is reinforced to make it compatible with induction stovetops. Keep in mind that this piece should be washed by hand. Though it’s not dishwasher-safe, the slick surface makes it very easy to wipe clean.
Product Details: Included: One double burner griddle | Oven Safe: No | Dishwasher Safe: No | Material: Ceramic
The Bottom Line
All-Clad makes some of the best quality induction cookware available, and the All-Clad 10-inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan is no different. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this pan is durable and lightweight, and it’s versatile enough to be used in the oven or across any type of stovetop.
What to Know About Induction Cookware Before Shopping
Compatibility
For induction cookware to work properly, it must be compatible with your induction range. The best induction cookware should be made of a metal that includes iron. Cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, and enameled cast iron are all good choices.
If you’re not sure whether or not your cookware is induction compatible, Hunt says to hold a magnet to the bottom. If the magnet clings to the pan, you can be certain that it’s induction compatible. In fact, some types of pans—like copper—are not induction compatible on their own, but they can be reinforced with a magnetic bottom to be used on an induction range, like the Hestan Culinary Copper Induction Sauté Pan.
Material
Material is a huge factor to consider when shopping for induction cookware. Not all types of cookware can be used on an induction stovetop, and the material of the pan is what allows heat to transfer from the heat source to the cooking surface.
When shopping for induction cookware, it’s important to look for pans that include ferrous metals—which is any type of metal that includes iron. Non-ferrous metals, like aluminum, copper, or glass will not work on an induction stove. The best materials to look for are cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel.
Care
As is the case with any type of cookware, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your induction cookware. While some types of stainless-steel pans are dishwasher-safe, most cast-iron and carbon-steel cookware must be washed and dried thoroughly by hand. Make sure to assess the brand’s cleaning instructions before using your induction cookware.
Your Questions, Answered
How does induction cooking work?
Induction cooking is one of the most efficient ways to heat a pot or pan. Rather than turning on a burner like you would on gas or electric stoves, when cooking on an induction range, the energy source recognizes the cooking surface on top of it (like a pot or a pan) and transfers heat directly to the cooking surface.
“Induction cooking uses magnetic fields to heat the cookware directly versus the conventional heating methods that physically transfer heat to the cookware,” says Jonathan Hunt, senior culinary product developer at Amazon Fresh. That means no heat or energy is wasted, and it’s possible to achieve a specific, consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Can induction cookware be used on other stoves?
While some types of induction cookware are created solely for use on electric stoves, other types are versatile enough to use on different surfaces like gas or electric. “You can use your cookware interchangeably on gas or electric stoves, just not the reverse for any cookware that is not rated induction compatible,” Hunt says.
If your induction cookware is made from cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel, it can certainly be used as normal on electric or gas stovetops.
Will cast iron scratch an induction cooktop?
Induction cooktops have sleek glass surfaces, and yes, they can certainly get scratched by rough materials. “Cast iron is inherently heavy and therefore a risk to scratching the surface of your induction cooktop,” Hunt says. “The best way to avoid or minimize the impact is to avoid shaking your pan on the stove.”
Enameled cast iron is a great option if you want to steer clear of scratches—the pan will still react with the induction heating element, but the silky, sleek feel of the enamel can help protect the surface from scratches. If you are using standard cast iron, Hunt recommends seasoning both the inside and the outside of your pan, so the bottom is a bit more slick and soft.
Who We Are
Laura Denby is a food and beverage writer who specializes in writing thorough, thoughtful product recommendations. With a degree in culinary arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of professional cooking experience, Laura is a skilled chef who uses her culinary experience to find home and kitchen products that help her readers become more efficient and confident in the kitchen.
To learn more about the best induction cookware, Denby spoke to Jeff Sweet, corporate manager of product marketing at Sub-Zero Group Inc., and Jonathan Hunt, senior culinary product developer at Amazon Fresh.
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