Do Aluminium Pans work on Induction?

There’s excitement in the air because you’re upgrading to an induction hob! However, the status of your current cookware might be up in the air for the same reason. Will your aluminium pans work with your induction hob?

You’ve probably heard by now that only select metals are compatible with induction cooking.

This isn’t just a case of chefs being snobs about cookware. There’s a scientific explanation for why only some pans work on induction cookers. Do aluminium pans work on induction? Let’s find out!

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Do Aluminium Pans Work on Induction?

Aluminium pans DO NOT work on induction

The short answer is that pure aluminium pans do not work on induction unless specifically designed with a magnetic base. Induction cookers only work with ferrous metals, which are magnetic because they contain iron.

As you may know, induction cooking heats food using a magnetic field. Unfortunately, aluminum doesn’t naturally contain iron. Aluminum joins copper, lead, nickel, tin, titanium, brass, bronze, and zinc on the list of non-ferrous metals.

Can I Keep My Aluminium Pans If I Get an Induction Hob

While we just covered why aluminum pans don’t work on induction, you shouldn’t send your aluminum cookware to the rubbish bin yet. There’s a way to save the situation. You can buy ferrous discs that convert any pan into an induction-friendly pan!

induction hob convertor plate

These discs slip under your pan while cooking on your induction hob. They come with handles that make it easier to handle your pan safely. Some purists aren’t fans of converter discs for induction cooking. There’s a simple reason for this.

If your pan has more ferrous coverage, you actually get faster, stronger heat. That’s why chefs prefer pans with ferrous metal all over the sides.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t have an enjoyable experience using a converter disc. Plenty of people are perfectly happy with them.

Can You Buy Aluminium Pans for Induction Cooking?

The surprising answer is that you can. Some manufacturers combine different metals to make aluminium pans that are just as compatible with induction cooking as pure ferrous metals like steel and cast iron.

The secret is that these cookware manufacturers are simply making aluminium pans with ferrous metal magnetic bases.

It’s a best-of-both-world scenario because you can enjoy the lightweight feel, good thermal conductivity and affordable price of aluminium while still being able to use induction cooking.

How do you check if your aluminium pans work on induction?

test pan on induction hob

If you suspect that you may have a pan that contains a magnetic base, even though the body is made of aluminum, there’s a fast way to confirm your suspicion.

Place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. You’re ready for some induction cooking if the magnet sticks. If the magnet slides off, it’s time to consider either altering or replacing your pan.

Final Thoughts: Give Your Aluminium Pans a Chance Before You Toss Them

Do aluminium pans work on induction? The answer can ultimately come down to how badly you want them to! Upgrading your cooker doesn’t have to mean upgrading your cookware by default just because you have pans made from aluminium.

A non-ferrous pan made of aluminium may have a magnetized base. Suppose you would love to keep your existing cookware for any reason, from your budget to a sentimental attachment. In that case, you can also consider purchasing converter discs that allow you to cook with aluminium on an induction hob.