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Cookware compatibility

Know your pans.

Impulse is an induction cooktop. It heats pans with a magnetic field instead of transferring heat from a burner. Any pan with a magnetic base will work. If you are unsure about cookware you own, email support@impulselabs.com.

The magnet test

  1. Get any refrigerator magnet from your kitchen.
  2. Hold it against the flat bottom of the pan.
  3. If the magnet sticks firmly, the pan works with Impulse. If it falls off, it does not.

Magnetic and non-magnetic materials

  • Cast iron✓ Magnetic
  • Carbon steel✓ Magnetic
  • Magnetic stainless steel✓ Magnetic
  • Aluminum✗ Not magnetic
  • Copper✗ Not magnetic
  • Glass or ceramic✗ Not magnetic

Our recommendations

Compatible

  • Product image: All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Skillet
    Stainless steel (magnetic)

    Most quality stainless-steel cookware uses an 18/0 or three-ply construction with a magnetic base. Use the magnet test to confirm that yours works.

    Heats evenly
    Yes
    Heat retention
    Good
    Examples
    All-Clad, Demeyere
  • Product image: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
    Cast iron

    Highly magnetic and one of the best induction performers. It retains heat exceptionally well and becomes naturally non-stick when seasoned.

    Heats evenly
    Yes
    Heat retention
    Excellent
    Examples
    Lodge, Stargazer
  • Product image: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
    Enameled cast iron

    Cast iron coated with porcelain enamel. It works well on Impulse, requires no seasoning, and is ideal for braises and slow cooking.

    Heats evenly
    Yes
    Heat retention
    Excellent
    Examples
    Le Creuset, Staub
  • Product image: Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet
    Carbon steel

    Lighter than cast iron with similar magnetic properties. It heats quickly and works well for searing, sautéing, and wok-style cooking.

    Heats evenly
    Yes
    Heat retention
    Good
    Examples
    de Buyer, Matfer
  • Product image: GreenPan Valencia Pro Non-Stick Pan
    Induction-ready non-stick

    Non-stick pans with a magnetic-steel or cast-iron base work with Impulse. Look for “induction compatible” on the packaging.

    Heats evenly
    Yes
    Heat retention
    Moderate
    Examples
    Zwilling, GreenPan

Not compatible

  • Product image: Vollrath Wear-Ever Aluminum Frying Pan
    Aluminum

    Pure aluminum is not magnetic. It is common in cookware but does not work with induction unless it has a bonded magnetic base.

    Works on Impulse
    No
    Reason
    Non-magnetic
    Exception
    Models with an induction base
  • Product image: Mauviel Copper Frying Pan
    Copper

    Copper distributes heat well but is not magnetic. Traditional copper cookware does not heat on an induction cooktop.

    Works on Impulse
    No
    Reason
    Non-magnetic
    Exception
    Steel-clad copper only
  • Product image: Emile Henry Ceramic Stewpot
    Pure ceramic

    Standalone ceramic cookware, unlike ceramic-coated metal, contains no ferromagnetic material and does not work on an induction surface.

    Works on Impulse
    No
    Reason
    Non-magnetic
    Exception
    Ceramic-coated steel
  • Product image: Non-magnetic Stainless Steel Pan
    Non-magnetic stainless steel

    Some stainless steel, particularly 18/10 austenitic grades, is not magnetic. If a magnet does not stick to the bottom, it will not work with Impulse.

    Works on Impulse
    No
    Reason
    Austenitic grade
    How to check
    Magnet test
  • Product image: T-fal Non-Stick Aluminum Frying Pan
    Non-stick aluminum

    Many non-stick pans have an aluminum body. The base material determines induction compatibility, regardless of the coating.

    Works on Impulse
    No
    Reason
    Aluminum body
    Exception
    Models with an induction base
Pan Library