Induction Cookware Compatibility Chart

Induction cooktops heat the pan itself rather than the glass surface, which makes them fast, responsive and easy to clean. The catch is that only some cookware works. This chart shows which materials are compatible, how to test a pan in five seconds, and what base size your cookware needs.

Why some pans work and others do not

An induction element creates a rapidly changing magnetic field. A pan made of a ferromagnetic metal turns that field into heat in its own base. Natural Resources Canada puts it simply: compatible pots and pans must be made of a ferromagnetic material containing iron, such as cast iron or steel, or have a magnetic layer on the bottom (NRCan, residential electric cooking products). Aluminium, copper, glass and ceramic do not respond unless a magnetic plate has been bonded to the base.

Induction compatibility chart

Cookware material Works on induction? Notes
Cast iron (bare or seasoned) Yes Excellent heat retention. Lift, do not slide, to avoid scratching the glass.
Enamelled cast iron Yes The iron body does the work; the enamel protects the glass.
Carbon steel Yes Woks need a flat bottom on a flat cooktop.
Enamelled steel (granite-ware) Usually Thin bases can warp and lose contact; check the listing.
Clad stainless with a magnetic exterior (tri-ply, 5-ply) Yes The 18/0 (430) exterior layer is what makes it work.
Single-layer 18/10 stainless Sometimes 18/10 is weakly magnetic or not at all. Use the magnet test.
Stainless with an encapsulated disc base Usually Works if the disc contains a magnetic layer; often marked "induction base".
Aluminium or hard-anodized aluminium Only with a bonded steel plate Many nonstick pans now add a stainless disc under the base.
Copper Only with a steel base Some copper lines bond a magnetic stainless exterior.
Glass, ceramic, stoneware, earthenware No Use an interface disc or move to a compatible pot.

The magnet test

Hold a fridge magnet to the centre of the pan's base. If it clings firmly, the pan will heat well. If it barely holds or slides off, the pan will heat weakly or the cooktop will not detect it. Test the centre, not the rim: some pans have a magnetic disc only under the cooking area.

Base size and flatness

  • Match the base to the zone. NRCan advises that a pot should just cover the cooking ring for best efficiency, and that cookware should be smooth and flat-bottomed so it makes full contact (NRCan, buying and operating tips for cooking appliances).
  • Minimum diameter. Many zones will not detect a pan whose magnetic base is much smaller than the marked ring. Portable units commonly state a minimum; the Duxtop 8500ST, for example, asks for magnetic-bottom cookware at least 13 cm (5 in) across.
  • Measure the flat base, not the rim. A pan sold as "28 cm" may have a flat base of only 20–22 cm.
  • Warped pans buzz and heat unevenly. If a pan rocks on the glass, it will not perform well.

Portable induction burners on a 120 V outlet

Standard Canadian kitchen outlets supply 120 V. Most portable induction burners top out at 1,800 W, which keeps them within the limit of a typical 15 A household circuit (15 A × 120 V = 1,800 W), so avoid running a kettle or toaster on the same circuit at the same time. A portable burner is a useful test before committing to a full induction range, and a practical second burner for condos, cottages and holiday cooking. Examples we stock include the Duxtop 9100MC ($194.31) and the AMZCHEF 1800 W burner ($143.47).

Induction interface discs

An interface disc such as the RUNZI 20 cm induction adapter ($56.84) is a magnetic plate that heats on the cooktop and passes the heat to a non-magnetic pot on top. It lets you keep using a favourite aluminium pan or moka pot, but it is slower and less efficient than induction-ready cookware, and the disc gets very hot.

Induction-ready cookware we stock

Type Example Material Price (CAD)
Cast iron pot VORRINGARD 3 qt Dutch oven Pre-seasoned cast iron, 2.8 L $79.44
Stainless saucepan Duxtop whole-clad tri-ply Tri-ply stainless, 2.8 L $111.85
Carbon steel wok YOSUKATA 11.8 in flat-bottom wok Carbon steel, 30 cm $149.11
Ceramic nonstick GreenPan Valencia Pro 10 in Hard-anodized with magnetic base $216.93
Stainless fry pan All-Clad D3 10 in Tri-ply stainless $312.95

Prices in Canadian dollars at time of writing, with free shipping across Canada. For more detail on clad stainless, read tri-ply vs 5-ply stainless steel, or browse induction-compatible cookware, cast iron, carbon steel pans and woks and the Duxtop range of portable induction cooktops.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my pan works on induction?

Look for an induction symbol (a coil) on the base or packaging, or hold a magnet to the centre of the base. A firm grip means it will work.

Does stainless steel work on induction?

It depends on the grade and construction. Pans with a magnetic 18/0 (430) exterior or an induction disc work well; plain 18/10 stainless often does not.

Can I use cast iron on a glass induction cooktop?

Yes. Cast iron is one of the best induction materials. Lift it rather than sliding it, keep the base clean and smooth, and heat it gradually.

Why does my induction pan make a buzzing noise?

Some humming at high power is normal, especially with multi-layer pans or a light pan with little food in it. Loud rattling usually means a warped base or a loose handle.

Can I use a non-induction pan with an adapter plate?

Yes, with an interface disc, but heating is slower and less efficient, and you lose much of induction's quick response.