Induction stoves use the latest technology in the industry as they work based on electromagnetic induction rather than on gas or electricity. However, for an induction stove to work properly, it needs to be used with induction-ready cookware.
An induction ready cookware is magnetically conductive, and it will get hot when it gets in contact with the electromagnetic field created by the stove. But can you use your induction stove even without induction-ready cookware?
We will tell you from the start that there are ways to use non-induction cookware with an induction stove. The secret to that lies in completing the electromagnetic field induced by the cooktop by using a metal heat conductor.
1. Use a converter disk
The converter disk is one of the most comfortable methods to go for when you need to use other cookware but induction one with your induction cooktop.
Such a disk is flat, just like the bottom of your cookware, and it can be made of iron or stainless steel. It also comes with a handle that is heat resistant, so you can move it around on your cooktop as you need. This disk will be heavy and thin, which makes it very stable. So, you will not have to worry about the disk slipping or tipping off.
Using a converter disk is very easy. All you have to do is place the disk on your stove’s hub and put the cookware you want to use on top of it. The disk will spread the heat evenly at the bottom of the cookware, and you can cook your food just as you would if you used an induction pan or pot.
It is crucial to get a converter disk that has a high-quality magnet so it will last you a long time and offer you the results you want. The disk and the cooktop will create the heat you need, and your cookware will get all this hit directly. You can think of the converter disk as induction cookware since it is stimulated by the induction stove in the same manner.
Here is a good converter disk;
Max Burton 6010 8-Inch Induction Interface Disk with Heat-Proof Handle
One downside of using a converter disk is that it will take more time to cook your food. In some cases, you can even expect to spend double the time you would spend using induction cookware. Also, the cooking temperature might not be constant with this method, since the heat is not generated inside the cookware itself.
2. The netted steel method
You can find netted steel in almost all hardware stores, and you might be surprised to know it can help you use the induction stove without induction cookware.
To use this method adds two layers of netted steel to the cooktop. You can get a large sheet and fold it in two. Then, you place your non-induction cookware on the sheet and turn the stove on. It takes significantly more time to cook your food by using this method, but it could save you when you don’t have the proper cookware.
Steel wire mesh for induction cooktops
Using netted steel, however, is not a scientific method, and it is not sure how safe it is to do so. We recommend not touching the netted steel until the heat button of the induction stove is off and you are sure there is no residual heat in it. Also, use oven gloves as you manage the netted steel during cooking.
3. Use computer thermal paste
Using computer thermal paste is a one-time type of solution, but it can also save your dinner if needed.
You will have to spread a layer of computer thermal paste on the surface of the cookware that gets in touch with your stove’s hob. Then place the cookware on the stove and don’t move it until the cooking is done.
Every time you put the cookware on the stove, you will have to apply this paste as it is not going to last for several cooking sessions. Also, make sure to scrape off the previous layer of thermal paste and apply the new one on a clean cookware surface.
Thermal paste might not be the best or most efficient method but it is a good solution when you don’t have anything else handy, and you still need to cook your next meal.
Click here to see a widely recommended computer thermal paste.
Using computer thermal paste takes the most in terms of cooking time. So, you have to be prepared to wait quite a bit to get your dish cooked compared to using induction-ready cookware.
In terms of safety, however, this method doesn’t imply any significant risks. You should however avoid touching the surface of the pan or pot where you applied the paste. For a few seconds once you are done cooking. Heat might still be present on the bottom of the cookware, and even if you can’t burn yourself, you can still harm yourself if you touch this area too soon.
Final thoughts
The best way to use your induction stove at its highest standards is by using induction-ready cookware. Such cookware will get your food ready in the shortest time and with minimum energy waste. But there are situations when the pan you need to use might not be made for an induction stove. And this is when the methods in this guide will come in very handy. Be cautious when you try any of the methods above, and keep your eyes on the heat button of the stove to know when it is completely safe to touch the surface of the hob.
