What Cookware Works on an Induction Cooker?

Before buying an induction cooker, check your cookware first. Induction cooking needs a pot or pan with a suitable magnetic base. If your cookware is not compatible, the cooker may not heat it properly even when the cooker itself is working.

Quick Answer

Cookware usually works on an induction cooker when the base is magnetic, flat and stable on the cooking surface. A simple home check is the magnet test: if a magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of the pot or pan, it may be suitable for induction cooking. If the magnet does not stick, the cookware is unlikely to work.

This is a practical check, not a full guarantee. Always read the cookware label and the cooker manual before use.

The 3 Things to Check

Check What to look for Why it matters
Magnetic base A magnet sticks firmly to the bottom Induction heating needs compatible metal
Flat base The pot sits evenly on the glass surface Better contact and more stable heating
Right size The base fits the cooker heating area Avoid unstable placement or weak heating

If one of these checks fails, consider using another pot or pan before ordering a cooker.

Cookware That May Work

Some stainless steel, iron and enamel cookware may work if the base is induction-compatible. Many pots now show an induction symbol on the base or packaging. If the cookware is marked as induction-ready and passes the magnet test, it is more likely to work.

  • Stainless steel pot with magnetic base.
  • Iron pan or cast iron cookware.
  • Enamel pot with induction-compatible base.
  • Flat-base hotpot or soup pot.
  • Some multi-layer cookware with magnetic bottom layer.

Cookware That Usually Does Not Work

Cookware made only from non-magnetic materials usually will not work on induction. This can include some aluminium, copper, glass or ceramic cookware unless it has a magnetic induction base.

If your favourite pot does not pass the magnet test, do not assume the induction cooker is faulty. The pot may simply be incompatible.

Best Pot Type for Hotpot and Soup

For hotpot, steamboat, soup or noodles, choose a pot with a flat induction-compatible base. The pot should sit securely on the cooker and should not be too wide for the cooking surface.

Avoid overfilling the pot. Soup can boil over and reach the cooker surface or cable area. Keep the table dry and stable during cooking.

What About Woks?

Traditional round-bottom woks are often not ideal for a flat induction cooker. A flat-base pan or flat-base wok is usually easier to use. If your cooking style depends heavily on high-heat wok tossing, compare your expectations carefully before buying.

Buying Checklist

  • Does your pot pass the magnet test?
  • Is the pot base flat?
  • Is the pot size suitable for the cooker?
  • Do you mainly cook hotpot, soup, noodles, boiling water or simple meals?
  • Do you need to buy a compatible pot together with the cooker?
  • Have you checked shipping, payment and return policy before checkout?

How Solrion Fits This Use Case

Solrion focuses on practical kitchen appliances for Malaysia households, including induction cooker setups for hotpot, soup, rental homes and daily cooking. If cookware compatibility is important for your order, check your existing pot first or contact Solrion before checkout.

FAQ

How do I know if my pot works on induction?

Use the magnet test. If a magnet sticks firmly to the base, the pot may work. Also check the cookware label or product page for induction compatibility.

Can stainless steel work on induction?

Some stainless steel cookware works, but not all. It depends on the base. Use the magnet test and check the cookware label.

Can I use aluminium cookware?

Aluminium cookware usually does not work unless it has an induction-compatible magnetic base.

Can I use a hotpot pot?

Yes, if the pot has a flat induction-compatible base and fits the cooker surface.

Do I need to buy a new pot?

Maybe. If your current cookware does not pass the magnet test or does not sit flat, you may need a compatible pot.

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