Which Utensils Can Be Used on Induction? Complete Induction Cookware Guide
Switched to an induction cooktop and wondering which of your existing utensils will work? Or buying new cookware and want to make sure it is induction-compatible? This guide explains everything — including the simple magnet test you can do at home right now.
Quick Answer
- ✅ Works on induction: Cast iron, magnetic stainless steel (304/430 grade), triply cookware
- ❌ Does NOT work: Aluminium, copper, brass, kansa, glass, most non-stick (unless magnetic base)
- 🧲 Quick test: Hold a fridge magnet to the base — if it sticks firmly, it works on induction
How Does an Induction Cooktop Work?
Induction cooktops work through electromagnetic induction — a magnetic field is generated beneath the glass surface that induces an electric current directly inside the cookware base. This current produces heat within the vessel itself, not on the cooktop surface.
This is why only magnetic materials work on induction. If the cookware base cannot conduct a magnetic field, no heat is generated — the cooktop will beep or show an error.
The Magnet Test — Do This Before You Buy
Take any fridge magnet (or any magnet) and hold it firmly against the base of the cookware — not the sides.
- ✅Sticks firmly: The cookware is induction-compatible
- ⚠️Sticks weakly: May work but heating will be inefficient — not recommended
- ❌Does not stick: Will not work on induction at all
Material-by-Material Breakdown
| Material | Induction Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel (304 grade) | ✅ Yes | Most common — check magnet test as not all SS is magnetic |
| Stainless Steel (430 grade) | ✅ Yes | Fully magnetic — ideal for induction |
| Triply / Tri-ply Cookware | ✅ Yes | SS outer + aluminium core + SS inner — induction-friendly |
| Cast Iron | ✅ Yes | Excellent heat retention, works on all cooktops |
| Aluminium | ❌ No | Not magnetic — will not work unless it has a magnetic base disc |
| Copper | ❌ No | Not magnetic — pure copper does not work on induction |
| Brass (Pital) | ❌ No | Not magnetic — does not work on induction |
| Kansa (Bronze) | ❌ No | Not magnetic — not suitable for induction |
| Glass / Ceramic | ❌ No | Non-magnetic insulators — never work on induction |
| Non-stick | Sometimes ✅ | Only if it has a magnetic stainless or cast iron base — check the symbol |
| Hard Anodised Aluminium | ❌ No | Unless specifically sold as induction-compatible with a steel base |
How to Check the Induction Symbol
Most modern cookware is labelled with cooktop compatibility symbols on the base:
Induction symbol (coil icon)
Fully induction compatible
Gas flame symbol
Gas compatible only
All cooktops symbol
Works on gas, electric, and induction
Best Induction-Compatible Cookware — By Category
Can I Use My Old Aluminium Pressure Cooker on Induction?
No — plain aluminium is not magnetic and will not work on induction. If you own an aluminium pressure cooker (like older Prestige or Hawkins aluminium models), you will need to replace it with a stainless steel or triply version if you are switching to induction. The good news is that modern stainless steel pressure cookers are lighter and more durable than older aluminium models.
Buy Induction-Compatible Cookware in Ahmedabad
At Sambhavnath Steel, we stock a wide range of induction-compatible cookware — triply pressure cookers, dosa tawas, kadhais, and induction cooktops from brands like Butterfly, Prestige, Vinod, and Pigeon. Visit our Odhav store or WhatsApp us for availability and best prices.
Visit Our Store
Sambhavnath Steel & Copper Utensils
L/620, Opp. Minal Hotels, Odhav G.I.D.C., Ahmedabad — 382415
Mon–Sat: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM | Sunday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Call / WhatsApp: +91 98254 32763
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