Induction cooking offers speed and precision, but choosing the right cookware is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. This comprehensive review analyzes top brands across four material categories: stainless steel, non-stick, cast iron, and carbon steel. We put each pan through rigorous testing, evaluating heating speed, evenness, warp resistance, and noise levels to identify the best performers in each category. Our testing methodology focused on real-world scenarios, mimicking everyday cooking tasks to give you a truly accurate assessment of each product's capabilities.This review cuts through the marketing hype, providing unbiased assessments of popular brands like All-Clad, Hestan, Fissler, Demeyere, GreenPan, Lodge, Smithy, and more. We identify both the winners and losers, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision based on your budget, cooking style, and specific needs. Whether you're looking for a versatile stainless steel set, a reliable non-stick pan, a durable cast iron skillet, or a responsive carbon steel option, this review will guide you to the best induction cookware for your kitchen.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Smooth cooking surface
- Performed well on gas and electric
- Warped significantly on induction
- Center curved downward and pan wobbled on cooktop
- Heats evenly
- Doesn't warp
- Textured surface keeps oil under food and prevents sticking slightly
- Slowest stainless steel pan to reach 400° and second slowest to boil water
- One of the loudest pans with lots of buzzing and clicking
- Makes cleaning more difficult
- Extremely hard, smooth, and scratch-resistant surface
- One of the best stainless steel pans for eggs
- Heated quickly when empty
- Slowest stainless steel pan to boil water
- Bottom warped slightly
- Made loud buzzing and pulsing noises
- Heated more evenly than others
- Boiled water faster than Made In
- Didn't make any buzzing noises
- Didn't warp
- Performed well in past stress tests of non-stick coating
Read more: Nuwave PIC Titanium Induction Cooktop Review: A Mixed Bag of Features
Stainless Steel Cookware Showdown
The stainless steel category featured All-Clad D3 Everyday, Hestan Nanobond, Fissler Original Profi, and Demeyere Atlantis. All-Clad D3 Everyday, while heating quickly and evenly, showed significant warping. Hestan Nanobond, despite its high price and titanium-ion coating, was the slowest to boil water and produced considerable noise. Fissler Original Profi, with its thick base, offered even heating but was exceptionally slow. The clear winner was Demeyere Atlantis, boasting exceptional warp resistance and a remarkable absence of buzzing or clicking.
Its triple-induction base and seven bonded layers contribute to superior performance. While not the fastest to heat empty, it excelled at boiling water and remained impressively flat throughout testing. The absence of any noise during testing makes it a standout choice for those sensitive to sound.
Non-Stick Cookware Performance
The non-stick category included All-Clad HA1 Expert, GreenPan Valencia Pro, and Made In. All-Clad HA1 Expert, despite its good performance on other cooktops, proved disappointing on induction, warping significantly and causing connection issues with the burner. Made In, while sturdy and good for everyday cooking, showed slight warping and occasional noise. GreenPan Valencia Pro, with its iron and copper-infused base, stood out.
It offered even heating, fast boiling times, and no noise, along with impressive non-stick properties in previous tests. For a dedicated egg pan or for light, non-stick cooking, GreenPan Valencia Pro is a solid and reliable choice. Its overall superior performance and affordability make it a preferred option for most home cooks needing only one non-stick pan.
Cast Iron Skillet Comparison
Field Company, Lodge Classic, and Smithy cast iron skillets were evaluated. Field Company, while excellent on other cooktops, warped significantly on induction. Lodge Classic and Smithy performed similarly, heating slowly (as expected for cast iron) but without warping or noise. Both maintained their flatness, demonstrating excellent warp resistance.
The choice between Lodge and Smithy hinges on budget and aesthetic preferences. Lodge, more affordable, offers a rustic finish ideal for seasoning. Smithy, pricier, features a polished interior, better for eggs, and a more refined design. For longevity and overall performance, a cast iron skillet is a worthwhile investment, but Lodge is the better value option.
Carbon Steel Pan Analysis
The carbon steel category included Demeyere Blue Carbon Steel, Strata, and Demeyere Mineral B Pro. Demeyere Blue Carbon Steel warped considerably due to its thin construction. Strata, with its multi-layered design, heated rapidly but had uneven heat distribution and buzzing. Demeyere Mineral B Pro, though slower to heat, showed exceptional warp resistance, minimal noise, and superior heat retention.
Strata offers a lightweight option for those who don't mind occasional buzzing. For a thicker, quieter pan with better heat retention, Demeyere Mineral B Pro is the superior choice. Its heavier construction and superior heat retention make it ideal for certain cooking styles.
Conclusion: Key Considerations for Induction Cookware
Choosing induction cookware requires considering pan thickness, the cooktop's coil size, and preheating techniques. Thicker pans generally perform better, minimizing warping and uneven heating. Matching pan size to the cooktop's coil is crucial to prevent issues. Slow preheating helps prevent warping and uneven heat distribution. Demeyere Atlantis stands out for its stainless steel performance, GreenPan Valencia Pro for non-stick, and Smithy or Lodge for cast iron.
The ideal pan depends on individual needs and preferences. Prioritizing thicker pans and a proper fit for your cooktop will significantly improve the longevity and performance of your cookware. Remember to check your cooktop's coil size before purchasing any new pans to ensure optimal results.