If you own an induction stove, then you know that it can be a real pain to keep your cast iron pans clean. They’re heavy and bulky, so they don’t exactly fit in small spaces. If you live with other people, this can become a serious problem because it takes up so much space on your kitchen counter. Are you tired of scrubbing grease off your skillet after every meal? Many people are switching to electric stoves because of their ease of use and compact size. They don’t need as many kitchen appliances and there is no longer the hassle of keeping all your pots clean. But what if you have a traditional cast iron skillet? Do you really have to get rid of it because your stove doesn’t work well with cast iron? Or can you use it on an induction stove? We will take a look at the answer below, along with my experience using both types of stoves.
Can You Use Cast Iron On Induction Stove?
Yes, you can use cast iron on induction stove. The key is to make sure that the bottom of your cast iron skillet has a flat surface and is relatively smooth. It’s also important to choose a skillet with an appropriate thickness in order to maximize the connection between the pan and the induction cooktop.
Why Can You Use Cast Iron On Induction Stove?
1. Versatility:
Cast iron offers a high level of versatility that induction stoves cannot. Cast iron can be used to cook on any type of stove, including gas, electric, and induction, making it a great choice for home cooks who need the flexibility to use multiple types of stoves.
2. Durability:
Cast iron is known for its durability and can last for many years. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to invest in a stovetop that will last them a long time, without having to worry about replacing it anytime soon.
3. Heat Retention:
The heat retention of cast iron is unparalleled when compared to other materials used on induction stoves. Cast iron can hold heat for an extended period of time, allowing you to cook longer and more evenly.
4. Ease of Cleaning:
Cast iron does not require much effort to clean, making it a great choice for busy households that don’t have the time or energy to scrub down their stovetop after each use.
5. Cost-Effective:
Cast iron is generally less expensive than other materials used on induction stoves, making it an attractive option for those who are looking to save money.
6. Safe Cooking Surface:
The porosity of cast iron makes it safer for cooking because it does not create a non-stick surface that can be dangerous if ingested.
How To Keep Cast Iron Pans Clean On An Induction Stove
Step 1: Preheat your stove
It is important to preheat your stove because this will help loosen food stuck to the bottom of your pans. You can do this by placing a pan of water on top of the stove or using a stovetop burner. This will heat the surface part of the stove to help loosen burnt on food particles. It is also important to preheat your stove because this will help you clean your pans more effectively. The high temperature will damage any residue that is stuck in your pans, allowing you to clean them properly. If you don’t preheat your stove, then when you start cleaning your pans you will have to spend time cleaning off the burnt on bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pans.
Step 2: Soak your pan in water and vinegar
After preheating your stove, place a damp paper towel on top of the stove’s burner and lower the stove setting so it is emitting a low flame. Next, pour a small amount of non-stick cleanser into your soaking pan and add a few tablespoons of white vinegar. Stir the solution to help break up any residue in the pan. Let the pan soak for at least 20 minutes. This will help break up any stubborn residues that are stuck in your pan. You can also use a vinegar cleaner to remove any odors and deposits on your pans.
Step 3: Use baking soda and salt
Baking soda is a great natural alternative to scrubbing a pan because it is a non-scratching agent. It is used to scrub soap scum from shower walls and counters, and it is also great for scrubbing your cast iron pans. To scrub your pan, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of salt. Using a sponge or paper towel, scrub the salt and baking soda mixture over the surface of the pan. You can also use a non-scratching cast iron pan scrubber. These scrubbers are ideal for scrubbing stubborn stains and grime from cast iron pans.
Step 4: Polish with olive oil and corn starch
After scrubbing your pan with salt and baking soda, you want to polish the pan with an olive oil and corn starch mixture. Mix together one tablespoon of olive oil, one tablespoon of corn starch, and one cup of water. Work the solution into the pan using a paper towel, sponge, or abrasive clean. You can also buy cast iron polishing sprays. These sprays are formulated with natural ingredients that help to remove stains and build up from your pans.
Step 5: Use stainless steel scouring pad
After polishing your pan, you want to clean the inside of your stove with a stainless steel scouring pad. This will help remove any residue that has built up inside of your stove. You can use a scouring pad to scrub the interior of your stove because it is a non-scrushing agent. It will not scratch the stove’s surface, which is important because it will not harm the pan’s surface. Make sure to wash your scouring pad with hot water after using it to clean your stove. This will help to clean off any residue that may have gotten on the scouring pad during cleaning.
Pros Of Using A Cast Iron Skillet On An Induction Stove
1. Durability:
Cast iron skillets are incredibly durable, making them an ideal choice for use on induction stoves. They are able to withstand high temperatures and maintain their shape, even after facing intense heat over long periods of time.
2. Non-Stick Performance:
Due to the seasoning process of cast iron skillets, they can offer a non-stick performance that is even better than many non-stick pans. This makes them perfect for cooking delicate items such as eggs, fish or vegetables that could easily stick to the bottom of a pan.
3. Increased Versatility:
Because cast iron skillets are able to withstand high temperatures, they can be used on a variety of cooking surfaces, including induction stoves. This means that you can safely cook a variety of dishes without having to worry about compatibility issues.
4. Easy Maintenance:
Cast iron skillets are relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. All they need is the occasional scrubbing with warm water, some coarse salt, and a non-abrasive cloth. This helps ensure your skillet will last for years to come.
5. Heat Retention:
Cast iron skillets are able to retain heat very well due to their heavy construction. This means that they can hold and transfer heat evenly, making them perfect for use on induction stoves. This helps to ensure that your food is cooked evenly and consistently.
Cons Of Using A Cast Iron Skillet On An Induction Stove
1. Cast iron skillets are not compatible with all induction cooktops:
While most cast iron skillets can be used on induction stove tops, there are some that may not work because of their size or shape.
2. Heat distribution is uneven:
Cast iron skillet do not heat as evenly on an induction stove as they would on a gas or electric stove. This can lead to unevenly cooked food and longer cooking times.
3. Requires special cleaning:
Cast iron skillets need to be seasoned with oil before they are used on an induction stove to help them resist sticking, but this also means that they require more care when cleaning. If not properly cleaned, the seasoning will be stripped away and the skillet can become rusty or discolored.
4. Risk of scratching:
Cast iron skillets are prone to scratching when used on an induction stove top, which can lead to rusting over time. Additionally, the rough surface of a cast iron skillet might damage or scratch your induction stovetop’s smooth surface.
5. Requires extra heat:
Cast iron skillets require higher temperatures to cook food than other types of pans on induction stoves, which can be inefficient and lead to higher energy costs. Additionally, the skillet may take longer to heat up than other cookware options.
Wrap Up
At first, I was very hesitant about using my cast iron skillet on an induction stove because I read that you can’t. But then I did some research and found out that it’s possible. I love that I don’t need to preheat it and that it’s non-stick. I also don’t have to worry about it getting too hot because the heat is safely contained within the pot. If there is a drawback to using it, then it’s that the skillet isn’t as durable as stainless steel.
