Buyer's Guide to Copper Induction Pans
By Kristin Lohse
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April 26th, 2024
Can you use copper pans on an induction hob? And if so which ones are best? In this guide we’ll explain what makes different copper pans suitable for induction cooking, and give you all the information you need before you buy a copper pan for your induction hob.
Sous Chef’s cookware and pan experts:
In this guide, you’ll hear from Sous Chef buyer Kristin Lohse, who has many years of cookware experience. Sourcing, testing and reviewing the very best cookware, from some of the world’s best kitchens. Plus food editor Holly Thomson, who spent several years as a shopping writer, reviewing cookware and pans for BBC Good Food Magazine.
In this guide we’ll cover:
- Do copper pans work on induction?
- Which copper pans can I use on an induction cooktop?
- Our favourite copper induction pans
Shop all copper pans here, and learn more about cooking with copper in our buyer’s guide to copper pans.
Do copper pans work on induction
It depends. Do copper pans work on induction stovetops? Typically, pure copper pans cannot be used directly on induction hobs.
Why not? Because induction cooktops rely on magnetic fields to heat cookware, and copper is not magnetic on its own.
De Buyer has innovatively added a layer of ferromagnetic material to their copper pans
To cook with copper on induction you either need a pan with added magnetic layer, or you need to use a converter disc.
Look for copper with a layer of magnetic material, such as stainless steel, added to the bottom, making them compatible with induction cooktops. For instance, the Prima Matera copper frying pan from De Buyer.
Or to use a traditional copper pan such as the Netherton Foundry copper frying pan, combine it with a converter disc. This sits under your pan, directly on the induction hob.
This design alteration allows you to use copper pans on an induction hob.
Read on, to discover which copper pans are fantastic on induction hobs.
READ: Buyer’s Guide to Induction Pans
Which copper pans can I use on an induction cooktop?
Using copper pans on induction cooktops requires a specific type of pan: one with a magnetic material added to its base.
De Buyer Prima Matera Copper for Induction
De Buyer's Prima Matera range stands out for its unique combination of copper cookware which is fully compatible with induction cooktops.
While traditional copper pans typically don't work on induction, De Buyer has innovatively added a layer of ferromagnetic material bonded to the base of the pans. These pans are not only aesthetically pleasing but also perform exceptionally well.
Here’s why we think these copper pans for induction are really fantastic:
- They are very responsive.
- They don't react to food.
- Exceptional control
- Durability
- Very beautiful!
Copper is renowned for its responsiveness to temperature changes and superior heat conductivity compared to other materials.
Despite being made of copper, these pans are not reactive to food acids, thanks to a 0.2mm thick layer of stainless steel lining. This significantly reduces the risk of acid corrosion on the inner surfaces and simplifies cleaning.
With exceptional control, durability, and beautiful design featuring riveted cast iron handles, the Prima Matera range is elegant and functional.
READ MORE: Best Pans For Induction Hob
Our top copper pans for induction
Saute Pan
The De Buyer Prima Matera straight copper sauté pan for induction is too stylish to be tucked away. An ultimate all-rounder, it’s perfect for browning meat, reducing sauces, caramelizing onions, and more. When not in use, display your Prima Matera copper sauté pan proudly. It's also compatible with all hob types.
Saucepan
The De Buyer Prima Matera Inocuivre induction copper saucepans let you use top-quality copper cookware on your induction hob—and all other hob types as well.
Available in three sizes:
14cm: Ideal for making caramel or sauces. A perfect introduction to copper pans.
16cm: A classic size for a small saucepan.
18cm: A versatile medium-sized saucepan.
Frying pan
The De Buyer Prima Matera copper frying pan for induction brings the quick responsiveness of copper cookware to any hob, including induction. Ideal for searing two large steaks or other high-temperature cooking, its high sides also make it great for preparing pan-sauces while the steak rests.
For reference, in the lifestyle photo, the pans from left to right are: a 20cm conical sauté pan, a 24cm straight-sided sauté pan, and this 28cm frying pan.
Copper induction pan set
The De Buyer Ultimate Induction Pan Set is the ideal capsule collection, perfect as a gift for anyone with an induction hob.
The set includes three excellent pans:
- De Buyer Prima Matera Induction Copper Saucepan (14cm diameter): Ideal for making caramel or sauces.
- De Buyer Prima Matera Induction-Compatible Copper Sauté Pan: A versatile all-rounder, great for browning meat, reducing sauces, and caramelizing onions.
- De Buyer Prima Matera Induction Copper Frying Pan: Perfect for searing steaks; it heats up quickly and retains heat well. Its high sides are also great for making sauces while your steaks rest.
About the author
Kristin is the Purchasing and Buying assistant at Sous Chef. She has several chefs and excellent home cooks in her family, and grew up in the kitchen in Sweden. Cooking and baking with her mum happened pretty much every day. Cinnamon rolls were always stocked up in the freezer, and if they were running low, more baking had to be done. Kristin always loves learning more about food and ingredients to continue improving her skills.
