Will Granite rock pan work on an induction cooktop?

Remember, not every cookware will be compatible with every cooktop.

A granite rock pan is an incredibly efficient and durable frying pan that covers a wide range of cooking techniques.

From frying to cooking and even baking, this pan can do it all.

Unfortunately, a granite rock pan does not work on an induction cooktop. That is because for any cookware to be compatible with induction, it should have a magnetic base to conduct the electromagnetic fields produced on the cooktop. Granite rock fry pans are made of high-grade aluminum alloy and do not have a magnetic base.

Granite rock pans can be used only on gas and electric stoves.

To check whether a particular pan is induction friendly or not, bring a magnet near the base ( a normal refrigerator magnet will do). If it sticks to the pan, then your pan will work on an induction cooktop. Otherwise, it won’t.

Alternatively, check the underside of your pan. Some cookware manufacturers stamp or print a little looping induction logo right on the pan.

The logo can be on the box as well. It can also be written, “works on induction”.

If you find no sign or logo, revert to checking with the magnet.

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How to make Granite rock pan work on an induction cooktop?

If you have this piece of granite rock pan that you love and can’t do without and want to cook it on an induction cooktop, there is one simple option: an induction interface disk.

These are metal plates that sit on top of the cooktop between the cookware and the induction.

These are metallic disks that allow magnetic ions to pass through them. It results in the heating up of the disk, and that heat gets transferred to the granite rock pan indirectly.

Yes, it kind of defeats the purpose of induction, but it works!

Although I wouldn’t recommend it for everyday use.

The reason is that heat is transferred evenly and the cooking is really slowed down.

Also read: How to Check If Your Cookware is Induction Ready

What will happen if Granite rock pan is placed on induction?

Simply put, there will be no inducement of current resulting in no heating and no cooking whatsoever.

The alternating current passed into the copper coil of the induction cooktop will generate the magnetic field.

This generated magnetic field will not be able to pass through the base of the pan as the granite rock pan is not ferromagnetic.

Since the ferromagnetic ions won’t pass, they will not lead to the formation of swirly eddy currents inside the cookware and heat production.

Unable to heat the granite rock pan, the ingredients inside the pan will remain as it is.

The beautiful concept of heat generation within the cookware will fail, and the induction cooktop will give error signals indicating incompatible cookware and eventually shut down.

Few Advantages of Granite Rock pan

Below are some advantages of using a granite rock pan for cooking:

Economical

Granite rock pans are reasonably priced.

If you are thinking of not spending too much on a non-stick pan, this one would fit the bill.

Sturdy – does not wrap

It is a lightweight pan and doesn’t wrap.

The sturdiness, thanks to its granite layers, helps to stop heat-induced or age wrapping.

Durable and scratch-resistant

Pressed from a solid aluminum disk, it gives a beautiful, evenly distributed heat conduction. It is then coated thrice with a stone-derived mineral coating.

The pan’s natural mineral surface is durable and scratch-resistant and, therefore, metallic utensil safe.

You can safely use metallic spoons and spatulas. Avoid using metal utensils that have sharp edges to scrape.

A safer and healthier option

The luxurious granite finish maintains the sleek look of the pan.

Cookware materials like aluminum and copper leach metals into meals. Granite rock pan, on the other hand, is a safer and healthier option since it does not leech out anything.

Unlike many non-stick pans, the granite rock pan does not use Teflon or PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) for the non-stick coating.

These coatings are harmful to the body and have been linked to cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. PFOA is banned in the US.

Granite rock pans do not give out toxic fumes when heated. As it is resistant to heat, you don’t have to worry about the risk of burning yourself when using the stove.

Non-stick by nature

Being non-stick, it does not require you to use oil or butter to fry stuff. I would recommend using a little bit of oil for a great performance.

As nothing sticks, you don’t need to waste time scrubbing and scraping it off. It can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher.

Oven safe

It is oven safe with a threshold of 500F.

This means you can use this pan to cook sauces in the oven. You can also slow-cook veggies and other meals in the oven.

Multipurpose and comfortable

A multipurpose pan that can be used to sear, bake, fry, or saute, whipping up amazing dishes every time.

It has a comfortable ergonomically shaped grip, usually a stainless steel handle that stays cool on the stove.

It needs to be, however, left to cool down after cooking and before washing.

Let us look into how an induction cooktop works and some of its advantages

How induction cooktop works and some of the benefits of induction.

Once the induction is connected to a socket, an alternating current will begin to flow in the copper coil, which is present below the heating element in the cooktop.

This alternating current will generate magnetic energy.

These electromagnetic ions will pass through the ferromagnetic base of the cookware and produce eddy-like swirling currents. These currents are responsible for heating up the vessel and cooking food.

An interesting thing to note here is that the heat remains confined to the cookware while the rest of the cooktop remains cool to the touch.

This makes it quite safe and prevents burning by accident. It gives instant heat and great precision with an ability to reach and maintain a particular temperature.

It cooks food faster than electric and gas cooktops. It consumes 90% of the energy it generates as compared to gas and electric stoves, which consume 50-55% of the energy generated.

The materials that usually work on induction are the magnetic-grade of stainless steel and iron. Copper, glass, and aluminum do not work on the induction as they are not ferromagnetic.

Conclusion

Granite rock pan on their own does not work on an induction cooktop. There will be no electromagnetic ions transfer leading to no heat generation and no cooking of food.

If, however, the manufacturer adds a magnetic disk to the bottom of the granite rock pan, then it will work on the induction cooktop.

An alternate method, as mentioned before, is using an interface disc between the pan and induction. It slows down cooking but does its job.

Remembering the benefits of induction and of granite rock pan, make your call and choose either of the two at one time and not together or combined unless a magnetic disc is present beneath. Enjoy your sumptuous food. Good luck!

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