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.

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.