PanMatch

Induction Cookware Calculator

Will this pan work on your induction cooktop? Check material, magnet test and size fit, then compare what two cookware sets really cost per use.

Pan compatibility & size fit Tool 1

Common zones: 14.5, 18, 21 and 28 cm (5.7, 7, 8.3 and 11 in).

fit
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Pan covers the zone–
Heating match score–

Cost per use: compare two options Tool 2

Option A

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Cost per use–

Option B

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Tip: durability, warranty and replacement cost matter as much as the sticker price. Enter a realistic lifespan for each option.

Everything to know about induction cookware

An induction cooktop heats pans through a magnetic field, so the base of the pan has to react to magnetism. That is why the same pot can work perfectly on gas and not at all on induction. Use the tools above to check your pans before you buy a new cooktop – or before you buy new pans for the one you own.

The magnet test

Hold a small fridge magnet against the outside of the pan base. If it sticks firmly, the pan is almost certainly compatible. If it sticks weakly, the pan may heat slowly, buzz or be rejected by the cooktop. If it does not stick at all, it will not work. Always test the base, not the sides, because some pans have magnetic walls but a non-magnetic base.

Materials at a glance

MaterialInduction?Notes
Cast iron / enameled cast ironYesExcellent heat retention; heavy. Lift rather than slide to protect glass.
Carbon steelYesResponsive and light; needs seasoning.
Magnetic stainless (18/0)YesDurable and easy to clean; can heat unevenly if single layer.
Multi-ply stainlessUsuallyLook for the induction symbol and test with a magnet.
Aluminum, copperNo**Only with a bonded magnetic base plate.
Glass, ceramicNoUse an interface disc only if the manufacturer allows it.

Choosing the right size

Induction coils sit under marked circles on the glass. A pan whose base is close to the circle's diameter heats most evenly and efficiently. A base smaller than about half the zone may not be detected at all, while a base much larger than the zone heats mainly in the centre and cooks more slowly at the edges. The checker above rates the match from 0 to 100 and draws it so you can see the overlap.

Flat base, quiet cooking

Warped pans rock, lose contact with the glass and heat unevenly. A slight outward curve when cold is normal for some heavy pans because they flatten as they heat, but a base that spins or rattles when cold is a warning sign. Buzzing noise usually comes from layered metals vibrating at high power; lowering the power often removes it.

Buying tips

  • Choose a set with the sizes you use most: 18 cm saucepan, 24 cm frying pan, 28 cm sauté pan.
  • Check the weight – you will lift it every day.
  • Look for oven-safe handles if you finish dishes in the oven.
  • Prefer thick, flat, well-bonded bases from a brand that publishes warranty terms.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an induction disc for non-magnetic pans?

Yes, an interface disc heats and passes heat to the pan, but efficiency and control are lower. Follow the cooktop manufacturer's guidance.

Do I need to replace all my pots?

Not necessarily. Test each one with a magnet; many stainless and cast-iron pieces already work.

Will cast iron scratch the glass?

Rough or unfinished bases can. Lift the pan instead of sliding and keep the base clean.

Why does my pan hum?

Layered bases and high power can cause vibration. Lower the power setting or use a pan with a thicker base.