Yes, you need specific pots and pans to cook on an induction burner. Induction cooking requires cookware made from ferromagnetic materials, such as cast iron or certain types of stainless steel. The reason for this is that induction cooktops use magnetic fields to directly heat the cookware, rather than relying on traditional heat transfer methods like gas flames or electric coils.
When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on the induction burner, an alternating current passes through the magnetic material of the cookware, creating a magnetic field. This magnetic field generates heat directly within the pot or pan, rapidly heating the contents inside.
Cookware that is not compatible with induction cooktops includes materials like aluminum, copper, and non-magnetic stainless steel. These materials do not respond to the magnetic fields, and thus, the cookware will not heat up on an induction burner.
To check if your current cookware is compatible with an induction cooktop, try holding a magnet to the bottom of the pot or pan. If the magnet sticks firmly, it should work with an induction burner. If it doesn't stick, your cookware is not suitable for induction cooking.
If you plan to use an induction cooktop, consider investing in induction-compatible pots and pans. Some manufacturers label their cookware as "induction-ready" or "induction-compatible" to make it easy for consumers to identify the right options. Induction cooking offers several advantages, including faster heating, precise temperature control, and energy efficiency, making it a popular choice in many modern kitchens.