Written by Iris
Edited on
3 April 2023
·
07:52
Which pans are suitable for your heat source?
Not every pan is suitable for every heat source. In this article, we'll explain the differences between the types of heat sources and what to keep in mind when you buy a new pan.
In short
| Cooking technology | Which pans are suitable? | |
|---|---|---|
| Induction | Magnetic radiation | A pan with a magnetic bottom is suitable. |
| Ceramic | Infrared radiation | Every pan is suitable. With used pans, make sure that the bottom is not warped. |
| Electric | Electricity | Every pan is suitable. |
| Gas | Open fire | Every pan is suitable. |
| Oven | Hot air | This depends on the material of the pan. |
Induction and ceramic
Induction
Induction works with magnetic radiation. When you place a pan on an induction cooktop, it activates a magnetic field that causes the induction cooktop to heat up. The cooking zones don't change color when you turn them on. It's important that the bottom of the pan is magnetic, or the cooktop won't work. You should check the diameter of the pan as well. If the pan is too large for the cooking surface, it won't distribute heat properly over the bottom of the pan.
Ceramic
A ceramic cooktop uses infrared radiation. The cooking zones turn red when the cooktop is switched on. The bottom of the pan needs to have the right thickness and should be flat, so the pan makes contact with the cooktop properly. Generally, every pan meets this requirement. But if you switch from a gas cooktop to a ceramic cooktop, it could be that your current pans have been slightly warped due to cooking on gas.
Gas and electric
Gas
Cooking on a gas stove is the most old-fashioned form of cooking. Here you put the pan on an open fire. Every pan is suitable for a gas stove.
Electric
As the name suggests, an electric cooktop works on electricity. The burners heat up slowly when you switch them on. You can use every type of pan on an electric cooktop.
Oven-proof pans
You put a pan in the oven if you want to keep your dish hot for longer, for example. In addition, you can use the pan as an oven dish. Pans with a plastic handle often aren't suitable for the oven, or up to a specific temperature. Is the temperature too high? The handle will melt. Some models allow you to detach the handle from the pan. That way, you can place the pan in a smaller oven. Keep in mind that a pan gets very hot in the oven, so always use oven mitts when you want to move the pan.
