Other Induction Cookware Sets We Tested

How We Tested Induction Cookware Sets

The Tester

Hi, I’m Lindsay Mattison, a trained professional chef and dinner party enthusiast. I’m the type of person that uses every single pot and pan in the house when I’m cooking dinner (and, I’ll probably dirty up all the tasting spoons and mise en place bowls, too). So I definitely understand the importance of having the right set of pots and pans to get the job done.

The Tests

After researching and selecting top-rated sets for testing, we cooked a multi-component meal using each set. To function for everyday life, the pots and pans had to be sized appropriately to cook dinner for one, but we also wanted to know if you could easily cook a larger dinner using the set. To earn our seal of approval, at least two saucepans, one sauté pan, and a stockpot had to fit on a standard cooktop range at the same time.

Keeping that in mind, we designed the tests to evaluate performance, ease of use, and value. We seared chicken thighs in the sauté pan, tossed vegetables in the skillets, simmered sauces and cooked rice in the saucepots, and blanched vegetables in the stockpot. If the set came with nonstick pans, we fried a few eggs without oil to see how well the coating worked.

Finally, we measured any noticeable hotspots and did a little taste testing to see if one set made a tastier meal than the others. In the end, none of the sets outright failed, but we did have a few favorites.

What You Should Know About Induction Cookware Sets

What Kind of Cookware is Best for Induction Cooktops?

Anything with a magnetic field works for induction. That means stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, and anything with a magnetic layer on the bottom. Ceramics and aluminum don’t work as a general rule, but you can find cookware made of those materials with a magnetic bottom for induction.

How Do I Know If My Pans Are Induction Compatible?

Holding a magnet to the bottom of your pan to see if it sticks is a quick, easy way to determine if the pan can be used with induction cooktops. Some induction-ready pans have an “induction symbol” on them, an image of a magnetic coil. Of course, magnetic cookware has existed way longer than induction cooktops, so the symbol isn’t a guarantee. It’s easier to just use a magnet.

Is an Induction Cooktop Worth It?

Induction ranges can cost a little extra. However, they offer unparalleled temperature control, they adjust to temperature changes quickly, and they cool down to safe temperatures in a flash. They also save you from gas bills or worrying about gas leaks in your kitchen.

For most people, an induction cooktop isn’t something you’d buy on a whim. But if you’re upgrading your stove or range anyway, it’s worth looking into.

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