Home LivingAppliancesKitchen7 mistakes everyone makes with induction hobsFrom incompatible pans to the wrong heat, here’s how to avoid common induction hob mistakesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingAppliancesKitchen7 mistakes everyone makes with induction hobsFrom incompatible pans to the wrong heat, here’s how to avoid common induction hob mistakesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
From incompatible pans to the wrong heat, here’s how to avoid common induction hob mistakes
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: RDNE Stock Project / Pexels)
(Image credit: RDNE Stock Project / Pexels)
When I moved into my house last year, I was excited to see the kitchen had an induction hob. The idea of accidentally leaving the gas on has always terrified me so having an induction cooker put my mind at ease. But, it’s not been easy transitioning to an induction hob and I’m still getting my head around it! The amount of times I’ve turned my back and my pasta water has boiled over is countless and I’ve gone from making the perfect poached eggs to accidentally hard boiling the yolk.
With all methods of cooking, it’s easy to make mistakes and if you’re not used to using an induction hob, you’ll definitely make a fair few before you’ve mastered the art of induction cooking. With this in mind, here are seven mistakes everyone makes with induction hobs and how to avoid them for easy, stress-free cooking.
P.S. Make sure to read ‘what is an induction hob and how does it work?’ so you can decide whether to invest in one or not.
1. Not checking if your pots and pans are compatible
One of the most common induction hob mistakes is forgetting to check if your pots and pans are compatible with the stovetop. I made this mistake when I moved into my house, where I bought a newsaucepan setonly to realise it didn’t work with the induction hob.
As induction hobs use magnetic fields to heat up pans, you’ll need cookware that’s suitable for this, otherwise the hob won’t work. To check if your pots and pans are compatible, hold a magnet to the bottom of it to see if it sticks. If it does, you can use your pan on an induction hob but if it doesn’t, you might need to donate it to a friend or family member (like I had to!). To avoid wasting money, choose stainless steel or cast iron cookware and steer clear of materials like aluminium, glass, ceramics and copper.
When choosing compatible pots and pans for your induction hob, it’s also important to consider the size. Cookware that’s too small or too big for the burner results in uneven cooking, and it’s also a waste of energy which can rack up your monthly bills.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: Sven Brandsma / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Sven Brandsma / Unsplash)
2. Moving your pans around too much
Induction hobs have copper coils under the cooking surface and an alternating electric current passes through it to create a magnetic field. This field directly heats the pan rather than the hob’s surface, which is why it’s important to avoid moving your pans around too much when using an induction hob. Breaking contact with the hob indicates to the sensors that there isn’t anything on the surface. If the hob doesn’t detect cookware, it won’t heat up which means your food won’t get cooked. The surface of an induction hob is very sensitive so moving pans over it too vigorously can scratch or break it.
3. Using the wrong amount of heat
Something that took me a while to get used to is the heat that an induction hob gives off. It heats up quickly and precisely so it means you need to be quite accurate with the temperature when you’re cooking. When using an induction hob, it’s important to use the right amount of heat and adjust the heat settings accordingly so your food isn’t under or overcooked. Regardless of what you’re cooking, it’s recommended that you start on a lower heat setting and increase as you go to avoid burning your food.
4. Overusing the highest heat setting
Speaking of heat, it’s unlikely you’ll need to use the highest heat setting on a regular basis. As the temperature is so intensely hot, you’ll quickly and easily burn your food and even if you try to turn it down after it’s been on the highest setting, it’ll take longer to cool and continue to burn your meal. In general, it’s best to use the highest setting for boiling liquids, like water or stock. After the liquid has been brought up to boiling temperature, add your food and immediately adjust the heat. Letting the water continue to boil at this high temperature with food in it will also result in the water boiling over – a mistake I’ve made constantly with my own induction hob!
5. Resting hot trays on the surface
One of the great things about induction hobs is their sensitivity, so they’ll almost immediately detect that something is resting on them. When it’s not on, I use my induction hob as an extra surface where I place my ingredients but doing this, as well as resting hot trays on it when you take them out of thebest ovenisn’t a good idea. If your induction hob is still hot, it’ll continue to cook your food on the tray which will increase the likelihood of it burning. If you have an induction hob similar to mine, it’ll beep constantly to tell you that it’s still hot and that it’s got something on it, which is quite annoying when you’re trying to relax while eating your meal!
(Image credit: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels)
(Image credit: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels)
6. Ignoring the safety indicators
Depending on the induction hob you have, the display will most likely have the burner symbols, on/off button, timer and heat settings. While this simplicity is easy to overlook, it’s important to pay attention to what your induction hob is telling you to avoid overcooked food and accidental burns. During and post cooking, your induction hob will typically flash with the letter ‘H’, meaning it’s hot. The ‘H’ will continue to show up until it’s cooled down completely which can take a while compared to gas cookers. So, if you’ve finished your food and think you can use your induction hob as an additional worktop again, make sure to check if the safety indicator is still flashing so you don’t hurt yourself.
7. Not cleaning it properly
Like all appliances, it’s important to keep them clean. Most induction hobs have touch screens so aside from the obvious food stains, your hob will also pick up finger smudges. Aside from hygienic reasons, if it’s not properly cleaned and maintained, your induction hob won’t be as responsive when you try to turn it on and adjust its settings. Induction hobs are easy to clean but it’s important to wipe them down using soft cleaning supplies, as anything too abrasive can scratch the surface. Use soft cloths and mild detergents to clean up any mess and avoid scrubbing so you don’t damage the induction hob or remove any markings.
Today’s best Hobs deals$259.99$139.99View$294.97View$2,599ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Hobs deals$259.99$139.99View$294.97View$2,599ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Hobs deals
$259.99$139.99View$294.97View$2,599View
$259.99$139.99View
$259.99$139.99View
$259.99$139.99View
$259.99$139.99
$139.99
$294.97View
$294.97View
$294.97View
$294.97
$294.97
$2,599View
$2,599View
$2,599View
$2,599
$2,599
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread
The company continues to weave innovation into every thread
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
I’m a kitchen expert – these are the 7 kitchen trends I expect to see in 2025From shrinking air fryers to AI cameras, here are the kitchen trends I want to see next year
From shrinking air fryers to AI cameras, here are the kitchen trends I want to see next year
Samsung announces new AI home screens for its smart fridges and laundry appliancesSamsung previews its CES launches, including new AI Home screens
Samsung previews its CES launches, including new AI Home screens
Nutribullet Flip review: a powerful, portable blender for smoothies on the goCan this portable, insulated blender live up to its promises of powerful smoothie blitzing on the go?
Can this portable, insulated blender live up to its promises of powerful smoothie blitzing on the go?
T3’s ultimate Christmas dinner gadget guide: for sides, mains and beyondWe take a look at the best dinner gadgets to make Christmas lunch easier and hassle free
We take a look at the best dinner gadgets to make Christmas lunch easier and hassle free
Ninja takes on Instant Pot with its own slow cooker – it’s perfect for one-pot mealsNinja’s Foodi 8-Mode PossibleCooker is finally available to buy
Ninja’s Foodi 8-Mode PossibleCooker is finally available to buy
Brevoy Portable Espresso Maker review: a top battery-powered device for making espressos on the goIngenious espresso-making contraption for top-flight espressos in the great outdoors
Ingenious espresso-making contraption for top-flight espressos in the great outdoors
De’Longhi La Specialista Opera review: is this the best domestic espresso machine ever?Brilliantly easy espresso and cold brew maker for discerning coffee connoisseurs
Brilliantly easy espresso and cold brew maker for discerning coffee connoisseurs
9 Great British Bake Off appliances you need in your kitchenBecome Star Baker in your own kitchen with these Great British Bake Off appliances
Become Star Baker in your own kitchen with these Great British Bake Off appliances
