No, stainless steel bearings cannot be used as a substitute for induction-compatible cookware on an induction burner. While stainless steel is a common material used in induction-compatible cookware, it does not mean that any stainless steel item, such as bearings, can be used on an induction cooktop.
For induction cooking to work, the cookware needs to have a magnetic property that can interact with the magnetic field generated by the induction cooktop. This allows the cookware to heat up through induction.
Most stainless steel cookware is made with a layer of magnetic material at the bottom to make it compatible with induction cooktops. This layer helps to create a magnetic field and enables the transfer of heat.
Stainless steel bearings, on the other hand, are not designed or manufactured to be used as cookware. They may not have the necessary magnetic properties or the proper construction to ensure safe and efficient cooking on an induction cooktop.
To use an existing pot on an induction burner, it is important to check if the pot is labeled or specified as induction-compatible. Manufacturers usually indicate whether their cookware is suitable for induction cooking. If your pot is not explicitly labeled for induction, it is best not to use it on an induction cooktop to avoid potential safety hazards or damage to the cooktop.
If you're looking to use an existing pot on an induction burner, consider using a magnet to test whether it is compatible. If the magnet strongly sticks to the bottom of the pot, it is likely to work well on an induction cooktop. If there is little to no magnetic attraction, it is not suitable for induction cooking.