5

I've just installed a convection cook top, I've researched it and am confident in my purchase. My question has to do with cookware. I've read reviews and bought a Cuisinart set that is "induction ready". I've cooked a few things with them and they work. I noticed that the bottom isn't truly flat though.

On a 12-inch skillet, the centre of the pan is 1/8 inch concave. I understand how an induction burner works (thanks to your site), and I want to take advantage of the efficiency of it. Is this a "flat bottom" or would a truly flat bottom pan be more efficient? Thanks for any insight to this, maybe I'm being picky, just want the best, thanks.

Improve this question
2
  • 1
    Welcome, Gerry! We are so glad that you're finding our site helpful and we're more than happy to address any questions you can't find answers for! Because we're a pretty strict question/answer site, we like to get right to the point with the content, so I've removed your very kind comments, though they will stay in the edit history forever. :) Welcome and enjoy!
    – Catija
    Commented Feb 4, 2017 at 23:34
  • Possible duplicate of Does an induction stove require flat bottomed vessels?
    – verbose
    Commented Feb 6, 2017 at 5:02

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

I don't think this should be an issue. The concave design is probably to reduce the amount of contact area between the cookware and the cook-top.

Having less contact area between the (hot) cookware and the cook-top keeps heat from flowing between the pan and the cook-top, resulting in: - a cooler / safer cook top - less wasted energy

For this very reason, those pans would not work well on a traditional electric stove where you want maximal heat flow (because the heat comes from the cook top, not the pan).

Improve this answer
2
  • My understanding was that contact is required for induction, is that wrong?
    – Catija
    Commented Feb 6, 2017 at 21:59
  • 2
    The cook top produces an alternating magnetic field. While the pans need to be close to the source of this field (just under the glass top) they do not need to be touching the glass.
    – Andrew C
    Commented Feb 6, 2017 at 22:08

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.