Q: In a few weeks I will be moving to a new apartment. Sadly, this apartment doesn't have the option to install a gas stove and I am forced to choose induction. I also need to buy new pans. I had been ogling Mauviel copper pans. Is there a way to make copper pans work on induction? And what are the other options you would recommend? I have looked at stainless steel, but it just lacks the personality (and in a lot of cases the quality) of copper pans.
Also, when buying pans, which do you recommend to start with? I was figuring I should buy a large skillet, a small and medium saucepan and a large stockpot. Would you add any other necessary pots or pans to that?
Sent by Bart
Editor: Bart, we do not know of any copper cookware that is suitable for induction cooking. This may depend a bit on the induction cooktop, though, as it is technically possible to make an induction stove that works with copper. This hasn't been really common, though; most are calibrated to work best with iron. Here's an excellent explanation of induction and cookware needs:
• Induction Cookware at The Induction Site
If you just want handsome pots and pans though (and we like your starter list, by the way) what about a few good All-Clad pans? They will last a lifetime. If you have some extra cash, the Demeyere line at Sur La Table is also very, very good looking.
Readers, any tips or advice for Bart?
Related: Good Question: What Is Induction Cooking?
(Image: Sur La Table)
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I would suggest bringing a magnet to the store when shopping for cookware for induction. If the magnet sticks to it, it will work.
Some brands of induction cooktops sell an adapter plate that lets you cook with incompatible pans. It's basically just a metal disk that is placed between the pan and burner. it's less efficient and a slower response to temperature changes with the adapter.
Have you tried All-Clad's Copper Core line? I love it because it looks similar to the stainless steel line (which may not be your style), but performs like Mauviel copper cookware. It's sort of a hybrid between stainless steel and Mauviel - and it works on induction! Plus, there is a cut out in the pans so you can actually see the copper layer.
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/cookware/cookware-all-clad/ckwallcpr/?cm_type=lnav
If you're that in love with copper, why not choose standard electric instead of induction?
Are you perhaps confusing an induction cooker with a glass-top electric range? I have the latter - and much inferior - in my apartment. I didn't know the difference until I went to buy new cookware.
You're sad because you have an induction cooktop.....?
I've heard that more recent pieces of all-clad's copper core cookware are induction compatible (not the horribly named cop-r-chef line); They don't have the visual impact of a full exposed copper exterior, but they are very good, easy to care for pieces.
If you have never used it before, exposed copper surfaces are fairly obnoxious to keep tarnish free. (assuming you actually cook with them, they stay pretty when you don't)
When buying cookware for induction cooktops you generally want to avoid cookware with rough or oddly-shaped bottoms. Rough bottoms can scratch the glass covering your burner(though this is not as big of a deal as it is for normal glass top electric ranges); oddly shaped bottoms may cause your stovetop's sensor to fail to detect the cookware.
Those adapter plates are only worth it if you have a beloved old pot or pan that's not induction-friendly. If there's not already a cooktop installed in your new place, and you have a bunch of non-induction-friendly cookware, you might try getting a mixed cooktop of "regular" electric (coil, glass top, etc.) and induction... but after you get used to induction, you'll probably be hooked; it certainly beats the pants off "regular" electric.
I used to have an electric cook-top in Austria and I loved it! It was one of those flat-glass things and it heated up rather quickly and it as a snap to clean! I have my dream gas cooker now but it is not easy to clean at all!
In terms of pots: get a large, tall pot for pasta! All the other shapes and sizes you mentioned seem perfect for a starter set. Good luck!
http://lapsushumanus.blogspot.com/
There's no point in using copper cookware with induction, as the benefit from copper is it's such a good conductor of heat, it transfers heat from the flame (or coil) to the food better.
Since Induction heats the metal of the pan itself, there's no need for a good conductor on the outside of the pan.
Seeing as most copper cookware is stainless steel lined, if the stainless is magnetic, the pans should work. In that case get the cheapest copper clad pans you can find, as the thinner copper will only be for show.
Does anyone know anything about de Buyer Inocuivre Induction Copper?
http://www.kitchen-universe.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=++de+Buyer+Inocuivre+Induction+&Submit=GO
This seems to be the only store in the Untied States selling it. It's on the de Buyer website as well but I am not sure how "new" it really is even though I saw a press release dated 11/07/10.
Bart, you have four choices of which I am aware:
(1) The newer All-Clad Copper Core, those made after 2009 or so. Older stock may still be incompatible, so take a magnet or make sure you can return incompatible items.
(2) De Buyer's new Inocuiver Prima Materia line. We just got their 3.2 quart casserole pan with lid, and it is wonderful! Nice and heavy, mostly copper (about 90% copper versus about 60% for Copper Core) but enough magnetic stainless on the bottom to work with induction, and a thin later of stainless inside as lining. Cooks like a dream, looks like a work of art, and so far easy to clean for copper. Lid is all stainless.
http://www.kitchen-universe.com/de-Buyer-Inocuivre-Induction-Casserole-Pan- p/6241.24.htm
For others in the line, go to
www.kitchen-universe.com
and search " inocuivre induction ".
(3) There's also an induction-compatible line from Germany. Unfortunately we have yet to try theirs, but it looks nice on the 'net. It's made by Kupfermanufaktur Weyersberg, and sold by www.kochform.de
Search " weyersberg induktion "
(4) Demeyere also uses an encapsulated silver-plated copper core on some of their high-end models, but the copper is not visible.