No, you cannot cook with iron utensils directly on an induction stove. Induction stoves work based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which requires a specific type of cookware to generate heat.
Induction stoves have a coil beneath the glass-ceramic surface, and when you turn on the stove, an electric current flows through the coil, creating an oscillating magnetic field. This magnetic field induces an electrical current in the base of compatible cookware, and it's this induced current that generates heat, heating up the cookware and the food inside it.
For induction stoves to work effectively, the cookware must be made of a magnetic material. Common magnetic materials used in induction cookware include:
Cast Iron: Cast iron is an excellent choice for induction cooking. It is highly magnetic and retains heat well, making it ideal for use with induction stoves.
Magnetic Stainless Steel: Some types of stainless steel are magnetic and compatible with induction stoves. You can check if your stainless steel cookware is suitable for induction by using a magnet – if it sticks to the bottom of the pot or pan, it should work on an induction stove.
Enameled Cast Iron: Enameled cast iron cookware with a magnetic base can also be used on induction stoves.
Regular iron utensils, on the other hand, are not compatible with induction stoves because they are not magnetic and won't generate the required heat. If you want to cook with iron utensils on an induction stove, you'll need to purchase induction-compatible iron cookware, such as induction-friendly cast iron or magnetic stainless steel cookware.