Induction Hob: Do Pots And Pans Have To Fit Exactly?

[gl556tr]

Seems that an induction hob is on the cards, having ticked the right boxes. But ...

1) do pots and pans have to fit exactly?
and
2a) would an oval or rectangular pot/pan be better suited for the combi-zone created by the two 21-cm 'burners'?
2b) presumably the oval better than the rectangular.

[TheChair]

1. No
2. Oval

[TonyV]

induction hobs work with all pans in my experience

[DTCwordfan]

Just don't drop the pans, whatever shape they are.

[Canary42]

1. No (but have to be ferro-magnetic material, not aluminium for example)
2. Possibly - I've no experience of such a zone

[rockyracoon]

I bought a tiny milk pan a little while ago, and my induction hob can't sense it on the smaller zones, but strangely, it does on the large. I wouldn't be another one, I'd stick to a standard small.

When buying a pan, take a magnet and make sure as much of the base as possible is magnetic. I bought a circular frying pan, that is about 25cm across, but the bottom that touches the hob is only about 15cm, it takes ages to heat, and I don't find it effective. I also have a square griddle pan which has a round bottom, this also is a pain to heat up, and there are areas that don't get hot enough at all.

I still love the hob though.

[KARL]

No, and so long as the pot/pan's "footprint" is about as large or larger than field being used, the shape does not matter a great deal. As already indicated, too small an item will not work satisfactorily, if at all.

[Old_Geezer]

Induction hobs definitely do not work with all pans in my experience.
Doubt the shape size makes a massive difference.

[gl556tr]

************ Many thanks for all your useful contributions. We now feel more confident in acquiring suitable pots and pans.

--> TAB is a excellent forum.

[jourdain2]

No, they don't have to fit exactly. I think oval would be better.

We fitted one last year and most of my pans did not work on it, I had to buy a new set. Tip: check your pans with a magnet - if it sticks they'll be OK on an induction hob. My new hob is much better and more efficient than the old electric one - but not quite as good as gas would be - if we had gas in the village.