There are some cookware that are made specifically to work with an induction cooktop. This cookware is usually constructed of a metal that isn’t ferrous that is coated with a metal that is ferrous. These types of cookware should work with a gas or electriccooktop however, the coating that makes them ferrous could be damaged if used on a gas or electric stove for an extended period of time. If you are unsure about your cookware the best possible way to find out is to consult your owners manual.

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If you think just because you have an induction cooktop that your non-ferrous cookware is no longer usable, you are wrong. Several companies are now producing what is usually referred to as an induction disk. An induction disk is a flat disk made from a ferrous material that heats up when it is placed on an induction cooktop. The disk then transfers it’s heat to any cookware piece that is placed on top of it. This makes it possible to cook with any type of cookware including aluminum, glass, copper, porcelain, and non-magnetic stainless steel.

This could be a great help to someone who has an induction cooktop but doesn’t have the money to buy all new cookware. With most induction disks having a price tag between 40 to 80 dollars they provide a cheaper alternative to buying a new cookware set. Since induction disks provide the capability to use previously owned non-magnetic cookware it provides the option to slowly build your induction compatible cookware set piece by piece or save over time and buy a complete set of induction compatible cookware all at once.

It is also nice to have the option to use your favorite piece of cookware that may not work with an induction cooktop under normal circumstances. Now none of your cookware has to be obsolete just because you have an induction cooktop.

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Lodge was founded by Joseph Lodge in 1896 and is the oldest family owned cookware company in the United States. Even with it’s small population of 3,300 people, Lodge has been based out of South Pittsburg, Tennessee for over 113 years.

Lodge’s cookware lines feature the following cookware pieces; dutch ovens, cast iron skillets, deep fryers, country kettles, camp dutch ovens, griddles, combo cookers and grills. Lodge also imports two lines of enamel coated cast iron cookware from China. These include dutch ovens, skillets and casseroles.

Some of the reasons to buy Lodge Cast Iron Cookware are it’s excellent heat retention, durability and even heat distribution.

Warranty Info: This is taken from Lodge’s website.
There is not a written warranty for Lodge Cast Iron Cookware, however, they do stand behind every product they manufacture. For product problems, please contact Lodge Customer Service and they will solve the problem to your satisfaction. Lodge Enamel Cookware is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Lodge has 6 main cookware lines which include:
Seasond Cast Iron Cookware: This is the orignal line and has been in production for over 113 years
* Skillets and Covers
* Grill Pans
* Griddles
* Fryers
* Dutch Ovens
* Bakeware
* Specialty Items
* Camp Dutch Ovens
* Grills & Accessories

Lodge Signature Series Cookware: This is seasoned cast iron that features stainless steel primary handles
* Skillets
* Grill Pan
* Dutch Ovens
* Covered Casserole

Lodge L Series: This is an enameled series, imported from China
* Pots
* Dutch Ovens
* Oval Casseroles

Lodge Color Line: This is an enameled line, imported from China
* Covered Casseroles
* Dutch Ovens
* Roasters
* Skillets
* Grill Pans
* Panini Press
* Square Grill Pan

Lodge Tableware Mini–Servers:
* Oval Mini-Server
* Round Mini-Server
* Rectangle Mini-Server
* Divided Rectangle Mini-Server

Lodge Sizzleware:
* Oval Serving Griddles
* Serving Platters
* Wonder Skillet
* Lodge Wonder Skillet
* Serving Kettles
* Wood Underliners

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Before choosing cookware for your induction cooktop it is important to understand how induction cooktops work. Induction cooktops do not have a traditional thermal heating element, instead they have a copper coil. An electromagnetic field of energy is created by sending a current through the coil. Cookware that is used on an induction cooktop should be ferrous, which means it supports a magnetic field. The electromagnetic energy passes through the ceramic cooktop to the cookware, causing the molecules within the cookware to vibrate up to 50,000 times a second. The heat is created by the friction between these molecules so the heat is created within the cookware not on the cooktop.

Since creating the heat requires a reaction to electromagnetic energy, induction cookware is made of iron or some other metal that supports a magnetic field. Cookware made from aluminum, copper or glass will not work properly with an induction stove. You can buy cookware that is made speciffically for induction cooking, this cookware has a layer of ferrous material in the bottom to make them work with this type of cooktop. Cast iron cookware is a great fit for this type of cooking since iron is a highly ferrous material. If you are not fond of the cast iron look you might opt for enameled cast iron. Enameled cast iron will work fine and offers an updated style that allows you to choose between different colors. Some stainless steel cookware can be used on an induction cooktop however, not all stainless steel cookware will work. If you are unsure if a piece of cookware will work properly, stick a magnet on the bottom of the cookware. If the magnet sticks the cookware will work on an induction cooktop.

Remember that induction cooktops usually have glass or ceramic surfaces so make sure that the cookware you choose has a smooth bottom. You don’t want to scratch your cooktop.

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