The best induction cookware needs a perfectly flat, magnetic base to ensure rapid and even heating. For everyday non-stick performance, the Essteele Per Salute and Anolon Endurance+ ranges are top-rated choices. For uncoated stainless steel, the Scanpan Impact range offers exceptional value. When buying induction cookware, always check that the base is heavy enough to prevent warping under high magnetic heat.
Upgrading to an induction cooktop is a game-changer for your kitchen. It boils water faster than gas, offers incredibly precise temperature control, and is much easier to clean. But there is a catch. You probably need to replace half your pots and pans.
Induction cooking relies on magnetic fields to generate heat directly inside the pan. If a magnet does not stick firmly to the bottom of your current frypan, it will not work on an induction stove. Even if a pan claims to be "induction compatible," a thin or warped base will result in frustrating hot spots and buzzing noises.
Below is a breakdown of the best induction cookware available right now, based on durability, heat distribution, and everyday usability.
The Best Non-Stick Induction Cookware
Non-stick pans are notoriously tricky on induction cooktops because aluminium (the most common non-stick body material) is not magnetic. Brands solve this by bonding a steel plate to the base. The quality of that bond dictates how well the pan performs.
Essteele Per Salute
If you want premium Italian design paired with serious durability, the Essteele Per Salute Cookware Set 5 Piece ($349.00) is hard to beat. The standout feature here is the diamond-reinforced non-stick coating, which is significantly tougher than standard finishes.
It also features a Thermotech™ handle that turns green when the pan reaches the optimal cooking temperature. This is not just a gimmick. Induction cooktops heat up so fast that it is incredibly easy to overheat and ruin a non-stick pan. The indicator light takes the guesswork out of preheating.
Anolon Endurance+
For a heavy-duty workhorse, the Anolon Endurance+ Nonstick Induction Open French Skillet 28cm ($129.00) is a brilliant choice. It is built from hard-anodised aluminium, making it twice as hard as stainless steel.
The thick, edge-to-edge stainless steel base ensures the pan sits perfectly flat on the glass cooktop, eliminating the annoying buzzing sound that cheaper induction pans often make. It is also oven-safe up to 200°C, making it incredibly versatile.
Circulon Style
If you are looking for value without sacrificing performance, the Circulon Style Frypan Triple Pack ($99.95) is an absolute steal. Circulon is famous for its raised circular ridges, which protect the non-stick coating from utensil scratches. The edge-to-edge magnetic base ensures rapid heating, and the pans are oven-safe up to a massive 260°C.
The Best Stainless Steel Induction Cookware
Stainless steel is naturally induction-friendly (depending on the exact alloy), but it is a poor conductor of heat on its own. The best stainless steel induction pans feature an aluminium or copper core encapsulated in the base to spread the heat evenly.
Scanpan Impact
The Scanpan Impact Frypan 26cm ($64.50) is arguably the best value stainless steel induction pan on the market. Designed in Denmark, the Impact range features a heavy 6.4mm thick bonded base.
That thickness is crucial for induction cooking. Thin stainless steel pans will warp almost instantly when hit with the intense, immediate heat of an induction element. The heavy base on the Scanpan Impact ensures it stays dead flat, providing maximum contact with the cooktop for even searing.
GreenPan Premiere
If you want the sleek look of stainless steel but prefer a ceramic non-stick interior, the GreenPan Premiere Frypan 28cm ($119.00) is the perfect hybrid. It features a tri-ply stainless steel body that heats up incredibly fast on induction.
The interior is coated with GreenPan's diamond-reinforced Thermolon™ Infinity Pro ceramic, which is completely free of PFAS chemicals. It also features Evershine™ technology on the exterior to prevent the stainless steel from discolouring over time.
How to Tell if Your Current Cookware is Induction Compatible
You don’t need to throw out all your old pots and pans. Here is a quick checklist to see what you can keep:
The Magnet Test
Grab a fridge magnet and hold it to the base of the pan. If it sticks firmly, the pan will work. If it slides off or has a weak pull, the pan is not suitable to use on an induction cooktop.
Check for Flatness
Place a ruler across the bottom of the pan. If there is a gap in the middle or the pan wobbles on a flat counter, it will not heat evenly on an induction glass top.
Look for the Symbol
Check the base for a symbol that looks like a coil of wire (four loops). This is the universal symbol for induction compatibility. Investing in heavy-duty, flat-based cookware is the secret to getting the most out of your induction cooktop. Skip the cheap supermarket pans that will warp in a week, and choose pieces built to handle the heat.
Where to Buy Induction Cookware in Australia
All of the cookware featured in this guide is available at Minimax, one of Australia's leading specialty kitchenware retailers. Minimax stocks a curated range of premium induction-compatible cookware from brands including Essteele, Anolon, Scanpan, GreenPan, Circulon, and more.
If you prefer to see and feel cookware before buying, Minimax has multiple stores across Australia where the team can walk you through the options in person. Being able to hold a pan, check the weight of the base, and compare handles side by side makes a real difference. You can also shop the full induction cookware range online at minimax.com.au with delivery available Australia-wide.