If you have a non-induction friendly wok that is working on your induction hob, it is likely due to one of two reasons:
Induction Interface Disk: Some people use an "induction interface disk" or "induction heat diffuser" to make non-induction compatible cookware work on induction hobs. An induction interface disk is a flat, metal plate that acts as a bridge between the induction hob and the non-induction cookware. When you place the non-induction wok on top of the induction interface disk, the disk becomes heated by the induction hob's magnetic field and transfers the heat to the wok through conduction. This allows the non-induction wok to heat up and cook on the induction hob. However, it's essential to note that using an interface disk may result in slower heating and less efficient cooking compared to using proper induction-compatible cookware.
Induction-Ready Material: Although not common, some woks may have a base or construction that contains enough ferrous material (material that can be magnetized) to interact with the induction hob's magnetic field. This can allow the wok to heat up through induction even if it is not explicitly labeled as "induction-friendly." However, such woks might not perform as efficiently or evenly as induction-specific cookware designed to optimize induction cooking.
To determine if your wok is indeed induction-compatible or if it is functioning due to an induction interface disk, you can perform a simple test. Place a small, strong magnet on the bottom of the wok. If the magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of the wok, then it contains enough magnetic material to work with the induction hob directly. If the magnet doesn't stick, it's likely that the wok is not induction-compatible and is functioning because of an induction interface disk.
While using an induction interface disk can make non-induction friendly cookware work on an induction hob, it's important to remember that using induction-specific cookware is generally the best way to fully utilize the benefits of induction cooking, such as fast and efficient heating. Induction-friendly cookware is designed to maximize the magnetic field's interaction and deliver the best performance on induction hobs.