Modern housewives increasingly prefer induction cookers, as they are more convenient, economical and practical. Having become the lucky owner of such a stove, many are wondering whether it is possible to cook on it using cast iron cookware. Is a cast-iron frying pan suitable for such a stove? What to look for when choosing it? All answers are waiting for you in this material.
Features and requirements
Those who know how and love to cook, increasingly prefer cast iron pans. Products made of this metal during cooking evenly distribute heat over the entire surface, making the dish especially tasty. In addition, it is a completely safe and environmentally friendly material that does not emit any harmful substances during cooking and does not affect the taste of the products.
If the cast-iron skillet is provided with proper care, then it will last for many years without losing its qualities and its presentable appearance.
Given all these positive qualities, many prefer cast iron cookware.
Holders of induction cookers have probably heard the opinion that cast-iron cookware is absolutely not suitable for cooking on such a stove and that special frying pans are needed for induction, otherwise the appliance will not work.
Actually this is not true. On a stove of this type it is quite possible to cook in a cast-iron frying pan. The only thing you need to choose the right product that will meet all the requirements. Today, many manufacturers produce special cast iron cookware, which is great for induction cookers.
The bottom of such dishes must be thick.On average, the bottom thickness of such a pan for induction should be from 0.5 to 1 cm. As a rule, the bottom of such a pan consists of several layers, so that it will evenly heat up on the induction stove. If you choose a pan without a special layer, then cooking on it will be impossible.
Cast iron product for induction must meet other requirements. The diameter of such a pan should be at least 12-14 cm. This will ensure uniform heating and high-quality cooking.
Remember that cookware for such a stove should occupy more than 70% of the total area of the burner. Everyone knows that cookware that is suitable for cooking on such a stove should magnetize well. That is why many consumers take a magnet with them to check the pan in place. They need to check the bottom of the product. The walls of the pan should not be magnetized.
What to look for when choosing?
If you want to pick up various pans for cooking on a modern induction cooker, then note that the selected product must necessarily meet all of the above requirements. If you want to choose a quality product made of cast iron, on which you can safely cook, then pay attention to models with non-stick coating.
Due to quality coating Food will not stick and burn during cooking. In addition, this coating allows the use of a minimum amount of oil.
Cast iron pans can have a very different non-stick coating. The most popular option is Teflon and enamel. There are also models that are equipped with ceramic or titanium coating. It is worth noting that the most durable and durable coating is titanium. Also, when choosing a pan, you should pay attention to the wall thickness. The thicker the walls of the product, the greater the heat transfer and the higher the quality of the prepared dishes.
It is important to remember that such a stove may not “see” the pan if its bottom is not even. Therefore, choosing a product, carefully inspect it from all sides, so that there are no signs of deformation.
On the selected product must be markingwhere the manufacturer must indicate that model suitable for induction cooker. In order for the pan to serve for a long time, you need to provide it with proper care and be sure to consider all the manufacturer's recommendations for use. Today, you can easily pick up a quality frying pan for induction from cast iron. It can be a classic model, a grill pan or even a pancake pan.
Popular models
Today, many popular manufacturers produce a variety of cast iron cookware, which is great for modern stoves such as induction. We made a small rating of those brands that receive the most positive reviews from modern consumers. Famous company Bergoff produces a variety of models, including cast-iron.
pay attention to Ron frying panswhich are great not only for induction cookers, but also for gas and electric. Products in this series are equipped with convenient and practical ash handles that do not heat up during cooking. The models in this series are great for preparing a wide variety of dishes. Pans heat up quickly and keep the finished dish warm for a long time.
Popular company Lodge produces various cast iron pans, which are of high quality, practicality and durability. Everyone will be able to find a product that would meet all its requirements. The brand produces classic cast iron frying pans with high sides, models with low sides and grill pans. All models are equipped with convenient handles, which makes the cooking process more comfortable.
Quality and practical brand pans Fissman are also very popular among modern consumers. The company produces round pans and grill pans that are great for induction. In addition, the products are also suitable for cooking in the oven, which is very convenient. There are models with comfortable wooden handles, and there are options with double handles made of cast iron and a grooved bottom.
Company Seaton produces a variety of cast iron pans. These are pancake and classic models that are equipped with a non-stick coating. A wide range will pleasantly surprise everyone who likes to cook often and varied. There are pans with lids and removable handles, which is very practical and convenient. Products are ideal for induction cookers, and some models for cooking in the oven.
Brand Lava produces a wide variety of high-quality cast iron pans. All products are equipped with convenient wooden handles that provide a comfortable and safe preparation of any dish. Products are great for induction and have a protective coating, so It is convenient not only to cook, but also to wash these products.
Care Rules
As mentioned above, cast iron cookware can last a long time, if you follow the rules of its operation. Providing her with proper care, you can significantly extend the life of the selected model.
- After each preparation of a dish, be sure to clean the surface of the pan from the remnants of food. After it needs to be washed and dried. It is important to remember that cast iron is not a simple material, but porous. Accordingly, the pan can quickly absorb odors if left in it or not cleaned on time. This is especially true for models that do not have a special protective coating.
- It is advisable to wash such dishes manually, preferably with hot water. The detergent should be completely safe, without chemicals in the composition. Many housewives prefer to wash these pans simply with mustard or baking soda. Not all products can be washed in a dishwasher, so be sure to read the operating instructions from the manufacturer so as not to spoil the dishes.
- Be sure to dry the product, otherwise the likelihood that rust will soon appear on the surface of the pan will increase significantly. After drying, you can lubricate the bottom and inner walls of the product with vegetable oil, which will serve as a kind of non-stick coating. This tip applies to uncoated products.
For how to choose a cast-iron pan for induction cookers, see the next video.