Can You Use Induction Cookware on a Gas Stove?

Today, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding induction-ready cookware. You might be wondering whether the cookware you have is induction-ready and if you should be using it on a gas stove. It can be confusing, figuring all that stuff out.

Chances are, the cookware you have, or are looking to buy, will be compatible with your gas stove. That includes induction cookware.

In this article, we’re going look into what kind of cookware (and gas stove) qualifies as induction-ready. And we’re going to suggest some things to watch out for when mixing the two.

Cooking with Flame

You need a gas pipeline and a rotating knob to regulate the amount of gas reaching the burners. Then there’s the flame. Human beings haven’t always used gas for cooking, but they have always used fire. It's no wonder a lot of avid cooks prefer gas stoves over anything else; it enriches the cooking experience.

It also produces maximum heat in a short amount of time. You have to watch out for flame and potential burns, but if you cook frequently, you’re probably used to that by now. Another major advantage a gas stove has over other types of cooktops – it still works during a power outage. Handy, during times of crisis.

Which Cookware is Induction-Ready?

Maybe you saw a beautiful cookware set that you want to add to your kitchen. But the label said it was induction-ready and you’re wondering if your gas stove at home will ruin it or not. It’s good to know that almost all induction cookware is compatible with gas stoves.

And not only that, but there are a lot of reasons why it's the best quality cookware available. All that matters is that it’s made out of a ferromagnetic material, because that’s the only way it can work on an induction cooktop.

Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel is a mix of different kinds of metals. Combining them brings out the best in all of the metals used. When you're buying stainless steel cookware, you're looking for anti-rusting properties and resistance to oxidation.

Also, perhaps opt for cookware that has stainless steel lids and handles, as plastic and silicone models can be highly flammable. A good stainless steel skillet won't require any pre-seasoning and will work great on any kind of cooktop, including a gas stove.

Cast Iron Cookware

It's not as shiny as stainless steel, but it's very popular and versatile. Cast iron is the quintessentially induction-ready cookware. There’s no interference of other substances, which means you never have to wonder if you can use it on your induction top.

In addition, you can also use it on your gas stove, as well as in the oven because it can sustain high temperatures. It's non-stick but requires some pre-seasoning. It's also heavier than stainless steel, so if you have a weak wrist and a gas stove, cast iron cookware is probably less than ideal.

Generally, gas stove cooking is quite dynamic, especially in a restaurant setting. It’s hard to imagine cast iron cookware being tossed around. It’s more designed for slow and easy cooking.

Carbon Steel Cookware

This kind of cookware is made out of 99% iron and 1% carbon. It's not the most popular type of cookware in the US, but it's used all over the world. The gas stove will heat up the carbon steel fast and will withstand very high temperatures. It doesn’t hold the heat too well, nor does it distribute it evenly. On the other hand, it’s rather cheap.

Graniteware

These pots and pans are made by fusing steel and porcelain at a very high temperature. They have the old-school look and are quite affordable. If you have them in your kitchen, it’s okay to use them on the gas stove. They’re very practical, easy to clean, and distribute heat evenly.

The Exceptions

Almost all induction cookware is compatible with the gas stove. But, there are two exceptions to this.

• When the steel on the cookware base is very thin
• When the base has been sprayed with a magnetic or some kind of non-stick layer

This applies to the entire exterior actually, but most importantly to the bottom of the cookware. As the flames from the gas stove can release toxic and unpleasant fumes.

It’s Mostly Okay

The only time your pots and pans can’t be used on the gas stove is when they cease being induction cookware due to magnetization. In any other case, yes, you can use induction cookware on a gas stove and make yourself a meal.

Stainless steel and cast iron cookware are the best choices but there are other options too. Cooking on a gas stove is one of the most popular ways of preparing food. And even though the induction cooktop is making a name for itself, cooking over a flame never goes out of style.