A lot of people, when they first get or consider getting an induction range, see that everyone says to get a stainless steel cookware set. But I also know that people really like using aluminum pans for several reasons. One, aluminum tends to be lighter than stainless steel so lifting pots and pans is easier. Another huge benefit of Aluminum is how well it conducts heat. This means it heats up fast for cooking. Finally, aluminum cookware tends to be less expensive than stainless steel. So lets explore if aluminum cookware will work on an induction cook top.

One hack that will allow all aluminum cookware to work on induction.

So if you haven’t ordered new induction compatible cookware set, there is a hack to get around it. I will admit, it is not ideal, but if you haven’t gotten new skillets or a new induction compatible wok, it will work until you can find time or money to buy new. And that would be an induction plate.

Gourmia GHP9530 Induction Cooker Diffuser Plate 9.5″ – 3.4mm Thick Stainless Steel – Use Any Cookware on Induction Stove Hob or Range
  • TURN YOUR PANS INTO INDUCTION PANS: To upgrade your cooking skills, turn any pan in your kitchen into a sweet induction pan using our heat diffuser plate to create amazing tasting dishes.
  • EVENLY COOKED FOOD: The power of induction cooking is that it controls the heat onto your food so it distributes it evenly across the pan or pot without overcooking or burning certain areas.
  • NO HARMFUL CHEMICALS: Unlike other diffuser plates, ours are crafted to the highest degree without add-ons or coating so no smells or harmful airborne material is created while you cook.
  • ENERGY SAVING: Shave off a few dollars on your gas and energy bill by switching to induction cooking - our diffuser plate allows you to cook more with less energy and heat for all-around savings.
  • PROTECT YOUR COOKWARE: If youre tired of having to buy pan after pan due to overexposure to flame, our heat diffuser plate is perfect, as it will provide your cookware with years of additional life.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

An induction plate is a piece of induction compatible stainless steel. This tool allows the induction plate to heat up via the induction range, then transfers the heat to your aluminum pans. This works to a degree but is not a good substitute for purpose built cookware. That is because there is a loss of heat transfer from the plat to the aluminum. So where it works, is for things like eggs that only need medium heat, versus stir frying which requires high heat.

Some aluminum cookware is induction ready

The easiest way to check if your aluminum cookware is induction compatible, is to turn it upside down. Is there a big chunk of metal attached to the back? If no, then it will probably not be compatible. But if there is a chunk of stainless steel, then you do one of two things. If it is newer cookware, many times they will tell you if it is induction compatible by literally saying, induction compatible. Or, they might have the induction symbol. If it doesn’t have those, then take a standard kitchen magnet and try and stick it against the back. If it sticks, its compatible, if it doesn’t stick, then sorry to say, it is not.

Can you recommend an aluminum cookware set that is compatible?

The best bet I have found for an aluminum cookware set that is compatible with induction is the set below. I have stainless steel but I use their fry pants for things like eggs, bacon and sautes. They are pretty inexpensive and the metal handles mean they can be put in the oven as well. Check out the set at Amazon.

All-Clad E785SC64 Ha1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Dishwasher Safe PFOA Free Cookware Set, 10-Piece, Black
  • 10-piece cookware set includes 8 inch and 10 inch fry pans, 2 quart and 3 quart sauce pans with lids, 4 quart sauté pan with lid, and 8 quart stockpot with lid
  • Hard Anodized aluminum construction for fast, even heating and easy cleanup; stainless-steel bonded Anti-Warp base; optimized for induction
  • PFOA-free scratch resistant nonstick coating for healthier cooking with less fat; secure-fitting lids trap in heat and moisture and allow for checking on food at a glance
  • Stainless-steel handles contoured for a comfortable hold and permanently secured with stainless-steel rivets. Compatible with all stovetops including induction
  • Oven safe to 500 degrees F (without lids); dishwasher-safe, handwash recommended; limited lifetime warranty
  • Heat source : INDUCTION - GAS - ELECTRIC - CERAMIC - HALOGEN

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.