Can Induction Cooking Pans Be Used on Gas Stoves?

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or planning a feast for the holidays, the quality of the food you prepare ultimately comes down to the type of cookware you use.

Even if you are a skilled chef, your favorite recipe may not turn out how you had imagined it if you use the wrong cookware.

Induction pans happen to be one of the most versatile cookware out there.

Here, we’ll take a look at how to use this type of cookware and whether you can use induction pans on a gas stove or not.

Table of Contents

Should You Use Induction Pans on Gas Stoves?

Contrary to popular belief, induction pots and pans can be used on electric cooktops and gas stoves, not just on an induction cooktop.

It comes with a ferromagnetic unit that’s installed on the base, and the rest of it is built the same way as your traditional cookware, which makes it perfect for any stove.

The reason why most people choose induction cookware is that it’s incredibly versatile.

Needless to say, preparing food on a gas stove isn’t the same as preparing it on an electric stove because gas stoves tend to heat up a lot more quickly.

Moreover, the heat doesn’t usually spread evenly on the surface of the cooking pans that you use.

Even though almost all types of cookware can work perfectly fine on a gas range, there are some pans that just work better.

Induction cookware is the ultimate choice for professional and amateur cooks who are in search of functional, durable, and highly efficient cookware that will take their culinary experience to a whole new level.

Even if you don’t particularly own an induction cooktop, you can still switch to induction cookware and get the most out of these pots and pans to bring delectable recipes to life.

It’s important to note that not all types of cookware are induction cooktop compatible, but all types of induction cookware can be used on any kind of cooking surface without damaging the magnetization.

If you’re on a budget, it’s advisable that you get induction cookware instead of getting an induction cooktop.

This is because you can only use induction pans on an induction cooktop, and you shouldn’t spend money on something that limits your options.

When Should You Avoid Using Induction Pans on Gas Stoves?

Even though induction pans are quite easy to use and don’t require much effort, there are two exceptions that you should keep in mind before using induction cookware on a gas or electric stove:

If the outside of the induction pan looks like it has been sprayed on with a magnetic or non-stick layer, you should avoid using it on the stove and only use it on an induction cooktop.
Similarly, induction pans with bases made out of very thin steel should also be kept away from a gas or electric stove.

Here’s the science behind these exceptions and why it’s recommended that you avoid using your induction cookware on gas stoves in both cases:

When the exterior part of your induction pan is covered in a non-stick layer or it’s too thin at the base, there’s a high possibility that it will generate dangerous fumes upon exposure to direct flame.

This is mostly due to the fact that the non-stick or magnetic layer is often composed of toxic chemicals that can seep into the food that you’re cooking and contaminate it.

These fumes are also particularly harmful to you if you end up accidentally inhaling them.

Another reason you should avoid using these pans on a gas stove is to prevent the buzzing sounds.

They can become quite annoying with time and keep you from using these pans frequently and getting the most out of them.

Induction Cookware vs. Traditional Cookware

It goes without saying that no one would want to spend money on expensive cookware that’s only compatible with an induction cooktop or doesn’t offer amazing benefits that will help make the cooking experience even better.

Before deciding whether you should invest in induction cookware, you need to understand how it’s different from the traditional pots and pans that you use regularly.

As we’ve established previously, induction cookware is built with a ferromagnetic unit in the base while the rest of the structure is pretty similar to your conventional cookware.

The great thing about having a ferromagnetic unit is that it allows your food to cook evenly.

You won’t have to worry about any particular hot spots in your pots and pans that could cause some parts of your dish to get burnt and hard to scrape off.

Moreover, these pans are designed to make sure the heat is distributed evenly across the surface and your food is cooked to perfection.

How to Use Induction Cookware on Gas Stoves

Let’s take a look at some helpful tips that you should follow if you plan to use your induction cookware regularly.

Even though these tips apply to all types of cookware, you should still take note of a few special instructions that only target these pots and pans.

Make sure you’re always using a low or medium-heat setting. With induction cookware, you’ll rarely need to cook anything on a high-heat setting.
Before you use the pan, wash it with hot and soapy water very gently and then rinse it off. Wait for it to dry completely before using it.
Avoid leaving empty cookware on a heating surface. If you haven’t added anything to the pan and it’s exposed to direct flame, there’s a high possibility of damage.
Before cleaning a dirty pan, try not to immerse an extremely hot pan in cold water because the temperature difference can warp the pan material. Let it cool down first or use lukewarm water to clean the residue.

How to Clean Your Induction Cooking Pans?

If you wish to extend the lifespan of your induction cooking pans, you should clean it properly.

Since induction pots and pans are made with different materials, you can’t wash them the same way you would wash your regular cookware.

You need to keep some tips in mind that will help ensure that your cookware remains high-performing and durable for a long time.

If you’re using cast iron or stainless-steel induction cookware, you can follow the same instructions to clean the interior:

Avoid using steel wool or an abrasive rag or sponge to scrub the inside of your pan as that can easily damage the coating and make it unsafe to use.
Make sure you’re handwashing the interior of the pan. Never place your induction cookware in the dishwasher and only use a soft sponge or cloth with soapy water to clean it.
If notice that your pan is quite charred or greasy, consider using a non-abrasive scouring pan to clean it. Try soaking the pan in hot water for a bit and any stubborn food or grease stains will easily come off with a soft sponge or rag.

When you’re cleaning the exterior of your induction cookware, the method varies depending on the materials your pan is made out of.

Let’s take a look at how you can clean the outside of your cast iron and stainless-steel induction pans:

Cast-Iron Induction Pans

Here are the items you’ll require:

Cooking oil
Sponge
Salt or wire grill brush
Any chemical cleaner (preferably Barkeeper’s Friend or Ajax)

Steps

Take another pot and boil some water in it and then take your dirty induction pan and place it upside down in the sink.
Pour the boiling water carefully over the exterior of the pan. Try not to burn yourself during this step.
Get a sponge with salt or a wire grill brush and use it to scrub off any food bits or greasy spots on the outside of the pan.
Once the stubborn bits have come off, pour a little bit of salt on the surface, and scrub it gently with a sponge.
Rinse the pan one last time with warm soapy water and use a clean towel to dry it off completely.
Take some cooking oil and wipe it on the exterior before storing it in your kitchen. This step is important because it will keep a nice coating on the surface.

Stainless Steel Induction Pans

Stainless steel pans are quite durable and can withstand a lot of heat and abrasive scrubbing.

Here are the steps you need to follow to clean the outside of these pans:

Steps

Coat the exterior with baking soda and use the rough side of your sponge to scrub it all over.
If you don’t feel like using baking soda, you may use Barkeeper’s Friend to get rid of the most stubborn spots and stains.
Once all the spots have come off, rinse thoroughly in soapy water and let it dry before storing it.

Bottom Line

If you’ve had your experience with cooking, then you know that the quality of your cookware matters if you don’t want your food to cook unevenly or get burnt.

Induction cookware is not only a safe option but it’s also quite easy to maintain.

If you wish to improve your culinary experience, investing in this type of cookware is your safest bet.

It’s extremely versatile and works on almost every cooking surface. So, what are you waiting for? Get your cookware set now and see the difference yourself!

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