Whether it is a home or restaurant, having proper cookware is a key essential for any kitchen.
And induction cookware has become quite popular among Indian consumers – because of its versatility.
However, one main question persists – whether we can use induction cookware on gas stove or not.
Coming to this question, the answer is – YES! Though traditional cookware cannot be used on a gas stove, you can use induction cookware on the gas stoves. But there are a couple of exceptions.
If you are looking to invest in induction cookware, then this blog post has you covered.
In this article, we are going to explore the information in detail about the same. Read the data thoroughly to know if the induction cookware is worth the investment.
Does Induction Cookware Work on Regular Stoves?
Yes, induction cookware can be utilized on gas range as well. But as the gas stoves heat up pretty quickly compared to induction stoves, the experience of food preparation will be different.
Induction based cooking utensils have ferromagnetic unit installed at the base or bottom. And the rest is similar to any other conventional cookware.
This makes it possible to use on different stoves or cooktops as you need. This versatility is the main reasons why investing them is not a bad choice, even if you don’t own an induction stove.
Many people have induction stove and any other conventional stoves at home. So, people are interested more in versatile cookware options.
And another point that help with the confusion is that – not all forms of cookware are compatible with induction but cookware designed for induction cooktops can be used on electric and gas stoves.
To summarize, the only difference between the normal cookware and induction cookware is the additional magnetic unit present at the bottom of the utensil. Nothing else! This makes it compatible with all forms of cooktops.
Will Using the Induction Cookware on Conventional Cooktops Damage Them?
Generally, using induction-based cooking utensils on electric or gas stove will cause any damage. The ferromagnetic unit and rest of the body in induction cookware are fused together through several different techniques.
Mostly, the magnetic core is fixed into the base. Over the time, the cooking utensil will be heated and cooler repeatedly. Since the expansion and contraction of the magnetic core and metal body are different, they begin to separate.
Once the magnetic core is exposed or separated, it will vibrate when exposed to direct heat which results in an annoying buzzing sound.
Though this exposure doesn’t hurt the cooking utensil, it may impact the cooking performance in the longer run.
This may not be the case with induction-based cooking utensils where the whole utensil is coated with a magnetic layer. Such cookware is usually much expensive but it doesn’t generate any buzzing sound when exposed to flames on a daily basis.
When to Avoid Using Induction Cookware on Gas Stoves?
Though induction cookware is versatile enough to be used on traditional stoves, there are some exceptions to it. They are…
- If the base of the cookware is quite thin
- If the sides and bottom of the cookware has non-stick coating or any magnetic layer.
If the cookware base is too thin or has non-stick coating, then it may cause a reaction with the flame and lead to fumes. In addition to that, toxic chemicals from the non-stick layer can contaminate the food.
Otherwise, the flame from the gas stove can melt the outer coating which makes them incompatible with induction cookware in the future. You can get the information for the same in the manual instructional manual provided with the cookware. So, check it before making the purchase.
However, if the surface is coated with metal or enamel, then you can use it safely on the gas stove. As already mentioned, induction cookware comes with a ferromagnetic base which makes it ideal for gas stove use as well. Most of the people prefer to invest in induction cookware because of their multifunctionality, attractive design and versatility.
Tips to Consider While Using Induction Cookware on Electric Stoves
Below are some of the quick suggestions for people who are stuck with induction cooking utensils and electric stove.
- When placed on the electric stove, the coil will touch the stainless metal body. In those places, there can be a hot spot. Hence, the heat may not be equally distributed throughout the cooking utensil.
- It is better to use induction utensils with stainless steel body and copper or aluminium coated as they make excellent durable choice in terms of heat conduction and distribution.
- Copper utensils are also an excellent choice but they leave residues and scratches on the surface. One thing you have to consider is that you should never let the copper utensil boil dry completely.
What is the Difference Between Normal Pans and Induction Pans?
In conventional stovetops, pans and pots come in direct contact with the fire or flames. Whereas in the induction cooktops, they generate no heat.
Though induction stoves have been in the market for the past few years, some people are still frightened to use them. Investing in an induction cooktop can be intimidating especially if you are unaware of how it works or if your current pots are compatible with the latest technology.
On regular stove, the heat is transported from the burner to bottom of the utensil through thermal conduction. Whereas in induction burners, they have coiled wire that generates oscillating magnetic field below the ceramic surface.
So, the pots, pans other cooking utensils have to be magnetic in order to perform properly. The current produced by the moving electrons in magnetic substance will generate the heat. Thus, the induction burner will not cause hand burns or glass surface as they don’t get affected by the alternating magnetic field.
One of the best ways to find out whether the pans are magnetic or not is to use magnets. For instance, magnetic pot functions over an induction cooktop if the magnet sticks to the pan’s bottom.
Click Here To Know How to Clean a Gas Burner the Right Way
Things to Avoid While Using Induction Cookware on Gas Stove
It is completely useless to invest in compatible cookware if you don’t know how to properly take of them. To extend the lifespan of induction cookware, we recommend following the below instruction, especially if you use them over a gas stove regularly.
- Never use a dishwasher for cleaning induction cookware. The magnetic coating is actually hard enough to withstand harsh maintenance and heating. However, careless washing can affect the durability and leave scratches.
- Never use curvy ladles or steel wipes while cooking with induction cookware.
- Avoid using bleach for cleaning cookware as it is the worst enemy. Though it has exclusive cleaning action, the chemicals released from bleach can ruin cookware and also quite harmful to human health. So, we recommend getting good quality cleaners than spending money on inferior products like bleach.
- To improve the lifespan of the induction cooking utensils, we recommend cleaning and drying them completely after cooking. This protects them from any scratches and burn stains.
- It is recommended to avoid placing the cookware directly over the flame. And also turn off the flame after every use.
Click Here To Know Induction Stove vs Gas Stove
Advantages of Using Induction Cookware on Gas Stove
There are several reasons for using induction cookware on a gas stove. We have included some of the common ones below for your reference.
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Versatility
The first and foremost reason to invest in this cookware is the versatility. In addition to using them on an induction cooktop, you can also use them over traditional gas stoves and electric stoves. On the other hand, you use traditional cookware on gas stoves but you cannot use them on induction cooktop as well.
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Even and Quick Heat Distribution
While cooking food, it is important to ensure there is even heat distribution through the pan so that the ingredients get proper heat to cook. Only some of the cookware have this quality. Compared to other cookware, induction cookware has is more capable in this feature.
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Ease of Cleaning
Induction cookware is pretty easy to clean up and the process is similar to any other ones. And moreover, most of this cookware is dishwasher-friendly.
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Efficient Results
Another important benefit of using this cookware is the quality of results in less amount of time. It is the perfect investment for large families or while preparing food for a group of people.
Is it ok to use induction cookware regular on gas stove?
The answer to this question is quite simple ‘yes’. You can use the cookware regularly as they are harmful or hazardous to health in any manner. It can only become toxic when the magnetic coating chips off or when the interior is not of superior quality
Actually, any cookware with coating needs special attention. When the coating comes off, chemicals will start leeching from the surface into the food. Even the coating present outside the pan can react to the flames and generate hazardous fumes that mix up with the food or enter into your body when inhaled.
So, maintaining the coating intact and also making sure the steel interior is thick enough to withstand the flames and fluctuations is very important.
Can I use induction base pressure cooker on a gas stove?
Yes, similar to other induction-based cooking utensils, you can use pressure cooker as well. However, you may have to adjust the gas burner setting based to it. For example, you have to use low flame setting.
Final Takeaway
Induction cookware has been a worthy invention in the cooking industry. It is quite different from other cooking utensils and possess great quality.
One of the main aspects of investing this cookware is the versatility. You can in fact use the cookware on gas and electric stoves as well.
In this article, we have explored every aspect of induction cookware compatibility with gas stoves. With a single cooking utensil, you can use it on multiple cook tops. So, even if they are a little bit expensive than traditional ones, the value you pay is completely worth it.
We hope the information in this article has provided answers for your questions. If you still have any doubts, we recommend writing to us in the comment section below. We will reply to them as early as possible.
