Induction hobs are the new frontier in home cooking. Their features have proven to be far more competitive than traditional gas or electric hobs, offering numerous advantages:
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Minimal heat loss, which means less energy is wasted, resulting in lower energy bills
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Instant and uniform heat transfer to the cookware
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No wasted energy - you only pay for what you actually use
That said, you may not be able to continue using all of your pots and pans in your kitchen. An induction hob relies on electromagnetic energy, which is not compatible with many of the materials found in everyday cookware. An induction adapter plate can be a smart solution, provided you pick a model that won’t damage your induction hob and still lets you cook at your best.
The first thing to do is to check whether your cookware is already induction-compatible.
Induction hobs: what cookware works
The best cookware to use on an induction hob is made from iron, cast iron, or stainless steel (or at least have a base made from one of these materials). Why? Because an induction hob relies on an electromagnetic field to generate heat. Only some materials interact properly with this magnetic field, allowing cookware to instantly absorb all the heat.
Induction hobs: what cookware does not work
Many materials will not conduct heat from the hob to the cookware, including: ceramic, porcelain, aluminium, copper, brass, glass, and stoneware. This means you’ll no longer be able to make coffee in a moka pot, or cook special dishes in your copper-bottom pot.
Adapter plates for induction hobs
If you’d rather not replace your entire set of pans, you can use an adapter plate specially designed for induction hobs.
This is a metal plate or disc that you place between the pan and the hob. The induction adapter plate absorbs the heat from the hob and transmits the heat to your cookware through conduction. It allows you to use cookware that would not otherwise be compatible with an induction hob.
Adapter plates for induction hobs: how they’re made
Induction adapter plates are easy to find in homeware shops and on major online shopping websites. There are a number of models available, all fairly inexpensive, with some common features:
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a triple-layer base made of stainless steel and aluminium for even heat distribution
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a heat-resistant, detachable handle
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different sizes to suit larger or smaller cookware
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excellent contact with the hob surface to prevent heat loss
Thanks to this simple device, you can use just about any pot, pan, griddle, casserole, or moka pot on an induction hob.
Can an adapter plate damage an induction hob?
Used properly, an induction adapter plate shouldn’t cause any issues. The best models are specially finished on the side that rests on the hob, to prevent scratches or marks on the glass surface. The side that makes contact with the cookware has a non-slip surface.
Induction adapter plates: opinions and conclusions
Deciding whether to use an induction adapter plate really comes down to personal preference. Opinions vary: some prefer to invest in a new set of induction-ready cookware, replacing their old pots and pans, while others choose to use an induction adapter plate instead. The first option is more expensive but guarantees the best performance from an induction hob; the second is a more affordable solution that still delivers solid results.
