Cooking with Induction Pans

Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction in the 1830s, but it remained only of academic interest until the 1930's when the British steel industry needed a fast way of heating steel. With advances in electronics, by the 1990's the first induction hobs were being produced, but these were very expensive. Today they are much less expensive than before and much more readily available - see below for a portable induction hob - and pans compatible with induction hobs are commonplace too.

Induction is probably the cleanest and fastest way of cooking. Under the ceramic top heat is generated from an electric current induced by an electric coil. Induction cookware with a magnetised base reacts with this energy and the pan becomes hot - unlike other forms of heat, with induction cookware the heat is generated directly in the pan. As soon as you remove the pan from the hob it stops reacting and immediately starts to cool. This gives the cook as much control as if cooking with gas but without emissions. With no open flames, an induction cooker is safer than a conventional hob - the ceramic top reaches the temperature of the cooking vessel - only the pan becomes hot. We have tested this ourselves by placing a bank note between the base of a pan and the top of a portable induction hob - although the note heated up, it was not scorched, even though the pan of water above it was boiling! This safety aspect also makes for easier cleaning, as the cooking surface is not usually hot enough to burn on spilt food to the same extent as with a halogen ceramic hob.

Induction Compatible Cookware Ranges

Range	Description/Features
Le Creuset Cast Iron	A kitchen icon! Enamelled cast iron, traditional French style cookware with phenolic heat resistant handles. Available in various colours and a large range of sizes. A diverse cookware range suitable with all hob types Hand finished, unique pieces Oven safe to 400ºF/200ºC, Gas Mark 6 Dishwasher Safe
Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel	High grade stainless steel and a dash of aluminium are the ingredients - the technically advanced 3-ply metal sandwich uses an aluminium core to spread the heat evenly, so there are no hotspots. Tri-ply construction Continuous pouring rim to prevent drips Capacity markings on saucepans and casseroles Non-stick options Oven and dishwasher safe
Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick	Heavy gauge forged aluminium pan range with an, developed in conjunction with consumers. Features a hard wearing 'metal utensil safe' non stick coating. Forged aluminium construction Metal utensil safe non-stick coating Wide range of size options Oven and dishwasher safe
Jamie Oliver Professional Stainless Steel	Endorsed by Jamie Oliver, this range by Tefal features high quality stainless steel, a heavy gauge aluminium core base and riveted soft touch handles. Suitable for all hob types. 18/10 stainless steel Oven safe to 500ºF/260ºC, Gas Mark 10 Prometal Pro non-stick with Thermo-Spot indicator Stay cool riveted handles Lifetime guarantee
Jamie Oliver Hard Anodized	Hard Anodised pans are considered to be the most hard wearing of non-stick pans and are twice as strong as stainless steel - this range by Tefal is one of the best. Oven safe to 500ºF/260ºC, Gas Mark 10 Prometal Pro non-stick with Thermo-Spot indicator Stay cool riveted handles Lifetime guarantee
Anolon Anodized Clad	Raymond Blanc endorsed tri-ply cookware with an aluminium core sandwiched by a stainless steel interior and a hard anodized exterior. Heat toughened glass lid Stainless steel pan interiors and fittings Oven safe to 350ºF/180ºC, Gas Mark 4 without lids Lifetime guarantee
Anolon Stainless Steel	Raymond Blanc endorsed stainless steel cookware range with an integral copper base that improves heat distribution. Frying pans feature the most advanced durable Autograph non-stick interior by DuPont. Stainless steel riveted handles and lids Oven safe to 475ºF/240ºC, Gas Mark 9 DuPont Autograph non-stick Lifetime guarantee
Infinite Circulon	Hard anodized pans with encapsulated, stainless steel and aluminium bases for use on all hob types. Also incorporate the leading Total hi-low non-stick system. Patented base design for use with ALL hob types Stylish cast stainless steel riveted handles Patented Total Hi-Low non-stick Oven safe to 475ºF/240ºC, Gas Mark 9
Circulon Steel Elite	Each piece is finished in high quality stainless steel with impact-bonded base for even heat distribution. It ensures even heat distribution whilst eliminating 'hot spots' and trouble free cleaning with ease. Close fitting stainless steel and glass lids Stainless steel and silicone handles Oven safe up to 180ºC/350ºF Gas Mark 4 Patented Total Hi-Low non-stick
James Martin Lamina	Made by Stellar to James Martin's specifications, the range is constructed from a tri-metal stainless steel and aluminium sandwich for excellent heat conduction. Ovenproof stainless steel fittings Tri-metal sandwich for outstanding performance Extra deep saucepans available Dishwasher Safe
Stellar 1000	A comprehensive range of all steel pans produced from 18/10 stainless steel which has been perfectly mirror polished. Attractive 'Domus' design. Ovenproof stainless steel fittings All round pouring lip on saucepans Extra deep saucepans available 6.7mm fully encapsulated base Dishwasher Safe
Stellar 3000 Black	Heavy gauge hard anodised pans with a specially designed induction suitable base for all hob types. Available in matt dark grey anodised finish or glossy black enamel finish. Teflon Platinum Pro non-stick Stainless steel handles with anti-slip inserts Induction compatible base Oven safe to 350ºF/180ºC, Gas Mark 4 Hard anodised aluminium with black enamel finish Lifetime guarantee
Stellar 6000 Hard Anodised	More durable than stainless steel, this extremely durable heavy gauge hard anodised range is further enhanced by riveted handles. Stellar's original hard anodised cookware updated with an induction base. Teflon Platinum Pro non-stick Stainless steel lids and riveted handles Matt grey hard anodised finish Oven and dishwasher safe Lifetime guarantee
Stellar 7000	This Stellar range has been produced to their usual high standard and has a modern design, finished in gleaming stainless steel with sculptured cast handles. 18/10 mirror polished stainless steel Elegant straight sided design Thermic base for even heating Suitable for all hobs Oven and dishwasher safe
Tefal Preference	A multi layer non-stick coating reinforced with ultra hard minerals assures the most resistant non-stick, plus induction base suitable for all hobs. Lightweight construction Thermo-spot heat indicator Pro metal reinforced non-stick Oven safe 180ºC/ 350ºF, Gas Mark 4
Chasseur Cast Iron	Traditional French style cast iron cookware with wooden handles. The enamel finish is available in five colours. Cast iron with two enamel coats for protection Wooden or cast pan handles Casseroles oven safe to 400ºF/200ºC, Gas Mark 6
Judge Vista	An ever popular range, 18/10 stainless steel with phenolic heat resistant handles and clear glass lids. A large range of quality pans at very low prices. 6.1mm encapsulated base for even heating Excalibur non-stick items available Deep and draining lid versions available Vented glass lids
Judge Induction	A range of budget pans available in two colours of enamel finish: vanilla and black. Ideal for student flats, caravans, offices, etc. Enamelled steel construction with an induction base. Teflon non-stick Heat resistant phenolic handles

We also stock a portable induction hob...

Stellar Portable Induction Hob

Designed for table-top use - the slim and compact design (34cm x 42cm) is perfect for small flats/bedsits, caravans, boats and offices. Fitted with standard 3 pin UK plug. Mains Supply: 220V/50Hz Power: 150-1600W Temperature Range: 120-240C Space and energy efficient