The confusion regarding 18/10 stainless steel compatibility with induction cooktops arises due to the misunderstanding of the term "18/10" and how induction cooktops work. Let's clarify these points:
What does 18/10 stainless steel mean? The numbers 18/10 refer to the composition of the stainless steel. Specifically, it indicates the percentages of two key elements in the alloy: 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Chromium enhances the steel's corrosion resistance, while nickel adds to its durability and luster. 18/10 stainless steel is a high-quality and commonly used grade in cookware manufacturing.
How do induction cooktops work? Induction cooktops generate an electromagnetic field, which induces electrical currents in compatible magnetic cookware. These electrical currents create resistance, leading to heat generation and cooking of the food. To work efficiently on induction cooktops, cookware needs to have a magnetic base or be made from a magnetic material.
Now, the reason some 18/10 stainless steel cookware works with induction while others don't lies in the base construction:
Fully Clad or Tri-Ply Construction: Some 18/10 stainless steel cookware comes with a fully clad or tri-ply construction, meaning it has multiple layers of metal, often including a magnetic layer (e.g., stainless steel with a layer of magnetic steel). This magnetic layer allows the cookware to work efficiently on induction cooktops.
Bottom Layer: In other cases, the 18/10 stainless steel cookware may have a magnetic layer bonded to the bottom of the pot or pan. This added magnetic layer enables the cookware to be compatible with induction cooktops.
Encapsulated Base: On the other hand, some 18/10 stainless steel cookware might have a less effective encapsulated base, where a thin layer of magnetic material is sandwiched between layers of stainless steel. This construction might not provide enough magnetic responsiveness, resulting in inefficient induction heating.
To summarize, if 18/10 stainless steel cookware works with an induction cooktop, it doesn't necessarily mean it's of low quality or not genuine 18/10 stainless steel. It merely suggests that the cookware is designed with an appropriate magnetic base or construction to be compatible with induction cooking. When purchasing stainless steel cookware for induction, look for specifications indicating its compatibility with induction cooktops or check for any magnetic properties in the base or construction.