How To Use Non-Induction Cookware On Induction Cooktops

Technological development has transformed our way of living. Nowadays we use numerous gadgets to save time and increase our productivity, be it a simple coffee maker or a computer. We are surrounded with technology in such a way that imagining a life without it, is impossible now. This industrial advancement can be witnessed in our kitchens also. 

For example, the traditional way of gas cooking has been replaced by induction cooking in most of the households in the world. Induction cooking is the most convenient and safest option for cooking as it doesn’t involve fire. Before 1970, cooking without fire was completely an alien subject, but today, this method of cooking is immensely popular among us. 

Induction cooking is a sophisticated way of preparing any food. It needs less energy than gas or electric cookers. Induction cooktops are very portable to carry around also. But, it requires a certain type of cookware. Because induction cooktop cooks food by electromagnetism, it needs a cookware which is ferromagnetic and magnetically conductive. The electricity passes through the cooktop and develops an electromagnetic field, which then transfers the heat to the magnetic cookware. That is why you need to buy an induction-ready cookware if you’re switching to a full-size Induction Cooktop.

But, there is an exception. If you’re thinking of buying a portable induction cooktop, you can use your regular cookware by bringing some changes. So, if you don’t want to invest in an induction-ready cookware now, here are some DIY answers to the burning question, ‘how to use non induction cookware on induction cooktops’.

Here’s How To Use Non Induction Cookware on Induction Cooktop

There are some simple changes you can do in order to make your regular pots or pans compatible with a portable induction stove. The ways to use induction portable cooktop with non-compatible induction cookware are discussed below. 

1. Use A Converter Disk

You can use normal pots on a portable induction stove by just using a converter disk. Yes, if you’ve been wondering how to make a pan work on induction, this is one of the easiest ways to do so. A converter disk, sometimes called an induction converter plate, is a flat object which is manufactured with induction-ready materials, like iron or stainless steel. A converter disk comes with a heat-resistant handle so you can hold it easily without worrying about getting hurt. 

I. How To Use A Converter Disk 

Using a converter disk is very simple. All you need to do is to place this disk just above the induction cooktop. Then you can place your normal and regular pan on top of the converter disk. As this comes with a heatproof handle, it is very safe to use while you are preparing food. 

II. How Does It Work 

A converter disk or a converter interface disk is generally made with a magnetic material, either iron or magnetic stainless steel. The induction cooktop passes magnetic waves to this converter disk and it absorbs them. Then the converter interface disk converts that magnetic energy into heat which heats up the cookware on top of it and makes any regular pan compatible with a portable induction stove. 

Portable induction stove is very convenient because you can have a safe way of cooking whenever and wherever you want. Because of its portable and compact design, it is easy to carry around. So, to eliminate another investment of buying an induction-ready cookware, you can use a converter disk which will change any normal and non-compatible pan into an induction-ready cookware. It is very thin and quite heavy so it doesn’t move or slip. Also, it is available in a very cheap price range in the market. 

III. Benefits of using a converter disk with non-induction cookware

Using non-induction pans on induction hob has been made very easy by using a converter disk. The benefits of a converter disks are –

1. A converter disk has a very flat design. This design helps to spread the heat all over the disk evenly. So, you will have evenly cooked food all the time. 
2. Converter disks are very thin, so it perfectly fits between the induction cooktop and your regular pan. 
3. As a converter disk has a heavy design, it will not move and cause any slipping or tripping. 
4. The heat-resistant and long handle of a converter disk allows you to work with them easily. It will not be hot when you touch it after the use is over. 

IV. Disadvantages of using a converter disk with non-induction 

There are some drawbacks of a converter disk also. 

1. The surface of a regular cookware is not polished. It has a texture with peaks and grits. So, the gritty surface area allows air pockets to build up when a smooth converter disk is under it. Air is not a good conductor of heat, that’s why the cooking time gets increased. 
2. Also, because all the heat is not completely transferred to the pan, the disk holds that heat much more and even passes some of it to the induction. That’s why converter disks remain hot for quite some time after you switch off the induction stovetop and you’re done with cooking. 

2. Use a Computer Thermal Paste 

There is another solution if you don’t have any induction-ready cookware and must use your  induction portable cooktop with non-compatible induction cookware, that is using a computer thermal paste. 

I. How To Use 

Using a computer thermal paste is a one-time solution or a simple trick. You just need to apply a layer of this paste on the bottom surface area of your regular cookware. After that, you have to slowly and carefully place that pan on top of the converter disk. 

II. How It Works

The computer thermal paste gives a smooth surface to the bottom of a regular pan as it evens out the textured surface. This contributes to reducing the chances of air pockets build-up which further leads to even and fast cooking. 

You need to keep in mind that this computer thermal paste is a mere trick, and not a permanent solution. So, you must apply this paste each time you are using non induction pans on the induction hob.

Tips to use Non Compatible Cookware with Portable Induction Cooktops

Some simple and quick tips are talked about below to allow you to use regular pans on the portable induction stove. These are –

1. Using Netted Steel

You can use this simple and easy tip of using a netted steel in order to make any regular cookware on an induction-ready one. Netted steel is usually found in hardware tools shops, and primarily it is used in doors or windows. However, you should be cautious while using this workaround. Netted steel on a smoothtop can produce scratches on the surface if used carelessly.

It is a very cheap tip you can do in an emergency situation. Just place the netted steel on top of your portable induction cooktop. Now you can put any type of pan or pot which is not an induction-ready one on top of the sheet. Because steel has a magnetic energy, an induction stove can easily pass the heat through it to the pan to prepare your meal.

2. Seasoning The Cookware

Seasoning any regular cookware gives a smooth finish to the bottom surface. In this seasoning process, some animal or vegetable fat is used. This fat is applied to the surface of the cookware. These tips can be applied for single and double burner portable stoves.

Seasoning your cookware reduces the gritty texture of it and smoothes out the bottom surface area. This eliminates the friction between the cookware and induction stove, so, no air pocket development is seen. Sometimes, seasoning also makes your cookware rust-proof so you can use it for a long period of time. Non-induction cookware, although can be used with such techniques; it is best if these are non-stick ceramic coated.

Winding Up

After discussing multiple ways of changing your non-compatible cookware into an induction-ready cookware, it can be said that there are certain types of cookware that work better with induction cooktops than any regular ones. If you are completely transforming your way of cooking and permanently switching to an induction stove, you should consider spending some more money on induction-ready cookware too. 

In some cases, a pan which is compatible with an induction cooktop, comes free with the induction stove. However, if you are planning for a long vacation or just a trip for some days and want to bring your portable induction cooktop, you should definitely go for the above-mentioned ways. The best option for you would be buying a converter disk. But if that doesn’t happen, consider using computer thermal paste or a netted steel to get your work done.