Induction pans: check the base with a magnet

Hold a magnet against the cold base of a pan before buying new cookware for an induction hob. If it sticks firmly, the pan is usually a promising candidate – even if you cannot find an induction symbol.

Check the base, not the side

1. Let the pot or pan cool completely, then turn it upside down.
2. Hold a small magnet against the underside. A magnetic side wall is not the part you need to test.
3. If the magnet sticks firmly, also look for an induction symbol or check the manufacturer's specifications.
4. Compare the base diameter with the minimum pan size for your chosen zone in the hob manual.

This gives you a quick way to sort the pans you already own instead of replacing them just in case.

Why the magnet test works

An induction hob creates a changing magnetic field. In a suitable ferromagnetic base, this induces currents and produces heat. The magnet test tells you whether the base responds to a magnet.

The visible outer material does not tell the whole story: a pan may have an added magnetic base. The label “stainless steel” on its own does not guarantee induction compatibility either.

What a sticking magnet cannot promise

A firm grip does not guarantee the best heating performance or detection on every hob zone. A base that is too small or uneven may still cause problems. Weak attraction is not a definite yes.

Check the base size, flatness and guidance from both the pan and hob manufacturers. Use the magnet as a quick screening tool, not as a substitute for compatibility information for your particular hob.