Moving to induction? Check which pans you can keep

Go through the cupboard one pan at a time

1. Turn over the clean, cold pan. Look for the coil-shaped induction symbol or check its instructions.
2. Try a magnet underneath the base, not against the side. The name of the body material does not settle compatibility.
3. Check the minimum base diameter accepted by the hob. A large zone may not detect a small pan.
4. Set aside damaged or rocking cookware. Arrange the remaining pieces as you would for a familiar dinner.

An aluminium pan can be compatible

The body and the induction-compatible part of the base can be made from different materials. Do not decide from the words aluminium or stainless steel alone. Coating is another separate feature: a non-stick cooking surface does not tell you which hob the pan works on.

Your first meal on the new hob

Clean the hob surface and the underside of the pan, then centre it on a suitable zone. Follow the cookware and hob instructions when heating; do not leave an empty coated pan on a high setting. If the hob cannot detect it, check its position, dimensions and compatibility marking first.