Cooking & Care
Understanding Induction Cooking
Induction hobs have rapidly gained popularity for their quick cooking times, precision, and energy efficiency. However, there is still a degree of confusion about how they work, so we’ve decided to clear up a few questions around induction cooking.
What is induction cooking?
An induction hob transfers the heat generated by magnetic energy (instead of heat from a gas flame or electric element) to the food in suitable cookware. It produces instant heat, and is known to use less power and cook faster than conventional and gas hobs.
When the induction surface comes into contact with induction-suitable cookware, it produces a magnetic field that instantly generates heat to your cookware. Heat is only generated beneath the base of the magnetic cookware, making it energy-efficient and safe.
When the induction surface comes into contact with induction-suitable cookware, it produces a magnetic field that instantly generates heat to your cookware. Heat is only generated beneath the base of the magnetic cookware, making it energy-efficient and safe.
Is Le Creuset cookware suitable for induction?
Induction hobs work well with any cookware with a high iron (ferrous metal) content at the base. Our Enamelled Cast Iron*, Stainless Steel, and Toughened Non-Stick cookware are all suitable for induction hobs, as are our enamel-on-steel kettles.
SHOP COOKWARE
What are the benefits of induction cooking?
It is energy efficient. Induction hobs utilise the majority of the energy they produce, for minimal heat loss.
Cleaning your hob is quicker and easier. Because the surface of an induction cooktop stays cooler, any spills don’t burn and stick.
It is quicker and more powerful than traditional gas or electric stovetops and will bring your food to the boil twice as fast.
How to Heat your Pan
- 1. Choose the right size of hob for the base of the pan.
- 2. Place the pan on a low heat.
- 3. Add oil or butter and let it heat up slowly.
- 4. If the oil is sizzling, you are ready to cook.
Top 6 Induction Tips
1
Make sure the size is correct. The hob should not be bigger than the pan as this would reduce the heating performance or simply not work. It is okay if the pan is larger than the hob, but for optimal performance, match both sizes.
2
Check that the whole base makes contact with the hob (if previously used on gas and overheated, the shape may be warped, and this could prevent it from working on induction).
3
Place the pan carefully on the hob and always lift it on and off to prevent scratches on the induction surface.
4
Allow the hob and pan to heat together, slowly.
5
Only use the boost option for boiling water, however, avoid using the boost function with Enamelled Cast Iron.
6
We recommend that you cook over a low to medium heat as all Le Creuset cookware is designed to heat evenly and effectively. This will also allow for easier clean-up.
Induction-friendly Favourites
What's on the menu?
Take advantage of precision induction cooking with these delicious ideas. Our round-up features a recipe to suit every occasion and taste.
