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Which Cookware Works (and Doesn't Work) with Induction?

Posted on July 29, 2025 By Mike M.
A young boy watches someone wipe down and cook on an induction range.

 

Induction cooking is here and it's only gotten more and more popular as the technology has gotten more accessible. However, many people still don't know the ins and outs of how this new heating technology works. One of the most important things to note is that you can't just use any old cookware on induction appliances. Read on to find out which kinds of cookware work and don't work with induction appliances.

What Makes Cookware Induction Compatible?

Cookware that is compatible with induction appliances must be made up of what's known as ferromagnetic metal. This just means that the cookware is attracted to magnets. This magnetic attraction is what allows cookware to heat up on an induction cooktop. Simply put, if a magnet sticks to the bottom of the cookware, it will work with induction. To learn more about how induction cooking works, check out our blog What is Induction Cooking?

Which Cookware Materials Work and Don't Work with Induction?

Now that we know how to determine if your cookware can work with induction appliances, we can talk about which cookware materials work and don't work with induction before you get your own.

A stainless steel pot on a white background

 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel cookware tends to be induction ready, but there are some exceptions. The stainless steel in question has to have a higher concentration of magnetic materials like iron within it to ensure that it is magnetic enough to interact with the induction appliance. If yours happens to have more non-ferromagnetic materials in it, it won't work like you want it to.

A carbon steel pot on a white background.

 

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel cookware should work very well with your induction cooktop. Most carbon steel cookware is made up of almost entirely iron, which is a great ferromagnetic material.

A cast iron skillet on a white background.

 

Cast Iron/Enameled Cast Iron

Since we've mentioned that iron is a great material to use with induction appliances, it should come as no surprise that cast iron and enameled cast iron cookware works great with them.

A ceramic pan on a white background.

 

Glass/Ceramic

Glass and ceramic cookware will typically not work with an induction appliance, but there are some exceptions to the rule. There are hybrid pots and pans that are made mostly of glass or ceramic, but feature a ferromagnetic base that is typically made of stainless steel or iron. That means they'll be induction ready on the bottom, and glass or ceramic on top.

A copper pot on a white background.

 

Copper

Copper cookware falls into the same category as glass or ceramic cookware. They are typically not induction ready, but can come with the hybrid builds mentioned above.

An aluminum pot on a white background.

 

Aluminum

Aluminum cookware is more of the same. They don't usually work with induction appliances, but there are hybrid pots and pans available.

A white, speckled, stone pot on a white background.

 

Stoneware

Finally, we have stoneware, which is also not typically usable with an induction range or cooktop. However, there are hybrid pots and pans available for this material as well.

Induction appliances are here to stay, and it's a great option if you're looking for something that offers more efficiency and safety than an electric range or a gas cooktop. You just need to make sure your cookware can work with it, or you're going to have to get your hands on pots and pans that do. We hope this blog has helped you learn the ins and outs of induction-ready cookware. Enjoy this revolutionary way of cooking!