What does the sign on induction cookware mean?

An induction cooker is a cooker that works by the effect of eddy currents on the molecular structure of the cookware, which leads to its heating. Stream eddies in a current flow are created due to the action of a high-frequency magnetic field.

The susceptibility of the material to the magnetic field from which the cookware is made directly affects the efficiency of its heating. Given this fact, the modern kitchen accessories market offers a wide selection of items suitable for these purposes.

For cooking on an induction hob, you can use any utensil made of ordinary steel. However, the efficiency and level of efficiency from such use can be low. Moreover, operational loads exerted on the slab during the working process may exceed the normalized degree, which will reduce the duration of the device's uninterrupted operation.

Cookware suitable for heating by magnetic induction is made of steel with various markings. This material has ferrimagnetic properties, which allows it to respond in the best possible way to the effects of magnetic fields.

Cookware made of ceramic, glass or plastic has a very low heating coefficient on an induction hob.This is due to the fact that these materials easily transmit a magnetic field, which excludes the factor of the effect of the latter on their molecular structures. Heating does occur, but the degree is so low that the environment absorbs heat before the temperature can rise.

To increase the efficiency of the induction hob heating, it is recommended to use special cookware marked with the appropriate markings. The location of the mark may differ depending on the model and design of the cookware.

The designation that determines the suitability of a particular cookware for use in combination with an induction hob is presented in the form of a horizontal spiral enclosed in a square outline.

The spiral designation of the properties of this dish was not chosen by chance. The main working element of the heating block of the slab is a copper circular spiral, through the turns of which an eddy current flows.

Most often, the markings are applied to the bottom of the cookware. Several icons can be present there at the same time.

• A pan suitable for use in combination with a gas stove can be marked with a gas burner at the bottom, which confirms its specific characteristics.
• Along with this sign, there may be a symbol indicating an induction horizontal spiral, as well as a frontal spiral sign, prescribing permission to use a frying pan on a conventional electric stove.
• The presence of images of these markings in a combined version determines the versatility of utensils. They usually have a thickened flat bottom, which improves heating efficiency on any heat source, including an induction hob.

The thickening of the metal at the bottom allows heat to accumulate and allows it to be efficiently released during cooking. When using cookware with a thicker bottom on an induction hob, its heating coefficient increases. A thick layer of metal is better at restraining the magnetic field of the plate, which leads to a shorter heating time.

When buying cookware for an induction cooker, it is important to pay attention to the markings on the bottom. The quality of this dish is also determined by the parameters of its mass. Tableware made in violation of technology, as well as counterfeits, are reduced in weight. This is due to the presence of the visual presence of bottom thickening and its actual absence.

When using an induction cooker at home, it is recommended to purchase and install a stabilizer that rectifies the current in the household electrical network, which will reduce the likelihood of burnout of the device board due to voltage surges.

For information on how to choose the right cookware for an induction cooker, see the next video.