Griddle pans are a popular option, especially if you live in a condo and/or don’t have access to a grill to cook food on. One concern people have if they buy an induction range, is if their griddle pans will still work. Let’s explore this.
Two things to worry about using your griddle pan on an induction range
There are two things you need to worry about to see if your griddle pan will actually work. The first one is the issue of ALL cookware and induction, meaning, is it compatible with an induction range. If you have a heavy cast iron griddle top, then cast iron is magnetic and will be compatible with your induction range. If you have an aluminum one, then most likely, it will not work and you would have to get a new one.
Now, if we know that our griddle pan is made of cast iron, the next question is shape. Why does shape matter? The griddle pan I used to use, had two sides to it with large lips along the edge. One side was ridged, the other was flat. But the lips along the edge are what become the issue because the lips hold the pan off the grill. Our griddle, at least with my induction range, needs to make contact with the range itself.
So you may need to get a new griddle to go on your range. The following griddle is one I found that is induction compatible and it is inexpensive, $50. The only issue, is it is a flat top and not ridged.
- Tri-Ply design provides optimal heat conduction - Induction Compatible
- Premium non-stick interior
- Solid Stainless Steel riveted stick handles stay cool on the stovetop. Safe and comfortable handling
- Heat Surround technology provides consistent, even heat distribution along the base and side walls of cookware. Dishwasher safe. Suitable for use with induction cook tops
- Hard anodized exterior
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Bridging the burners
The last thing you will need to do all depends on how your range works. Our KitchenAid range has what is called a bridge function. This allows us to place the griddle from front to back, hit the bridge button, and it will active both burners and allow you to heat the longer griddle pan. In fact, I find this works even better than with gas or regular radiant ranges in heating up everything.
Short answer – will it work?
The short answer is yes you can use your griddle pan, but only if it is the correct one. Many griddle pans are not shaped to work properly, or are not made with the correct metals (ferrous) that actives the induction cooktop.
My induction hob says not to heat an empty pan. How then do you preheat a griddle pan?
I really don’t know. How on earth are you supposed to cook that. Preheat it in the oven?
put some water in it
I have a Wolf cook top, Model CT36I, purchased in 2010.
The BRIDGE feature was not available at that time.
I’d love to utilize a large rectangular griddle but, without the Bridge function, it appears it would not heat up between the burners. Is that correct? If so, any suggestions?
It would theoretically not heat up between the pan but in reality, the heat would travel from the edged in, you just might have colder spots but it should theoretically work across. It is kinda like aluminum pans with the steel on the bottom. The steel interacts with the range but it heats the entire pan.
The bridge function on most induction ranges only syncs the two burners to a single control so they operate at the same power setting. Some advanced cooktops include additional magnetic coils in the gap between the burners but I have found my Lodge cast iron griddle/grill heats completely without the additional magnets, which are NOT included on My GE Profile range. A side benefit of not bridging the burners is to be able to work with two heat zones but this is a fairly advanced technique, not usually necessary.
I want to do pancakes on a griddle on my induction stove top. Will it work with the ridge side down?
I haven’t tested it yet but put it on the top and turn it on. If it beeps at you the range will just shut off.
What kind of griddle can I use on my induction cooktop
It should be magnetic and have a flat bottom to it.