An induction cooktop heats the pan, not the air around it, and that makes it fussier about what you set on it. The pan has to be magnetic, it has to sit flat on the glass, and its base has to be big enough for the zone to notice it. A frying pan that does well on gas can fail on any of those three counts.
So this guide starts at the bottom of the pan. We sorted eight induction frying pans by how each base is built: thick stainless, clad nonstick, plain carbon steel and aluminum with an induction base. Then we looked at what each maker says about staying flat, and where the claims stop.
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Quick verdict: which induction pan to buy
For most serious cooks, the best induction frying pan is the Demeyere Atlantis 7-Ply 11-Inch Fry Pan: its maker states plainly that the flat base will not warp when heated, and it is built from 7-ply stainless. If you want nonstick, choose the Scanpan CS+ set, which has a clad body and gives you two sizes. For a first induction pan, the T-fal Experience 12-Inch is the simple option, with a heat indicator that shows when it is ready.
The rest of this page explains why, and which base suits the way you cook.
Five induction pans side by side
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of kitchen, with the size and base each maker or listing states. All eight pans are reviewed in full below.
| Pan | Best for | Size | Induction base | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Demeyere Atlantis 7-Ply 11-Inch Fry PanBest overall
|
Strong burners, hard searing | 11 in; 8.66 in base | 7-ply stainless, flat base | View on Amazon |
Scanpan CS+ 8- and 10.25-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan SetBest nonstick
|
Everyday nonstick in two sizes | 8 in and 10.25 in | 5-ply stainless clad | View on Amazon |
Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 12-Inch Nonstick Fry PanBest big nonstick
|
Big family batches | 12 in | Tri-ply base, stainless vessel | View on Amazon |
de Buyer Mineral B Pro 9.5-Inch Carbon Steel Fry PanBest carbon steel
|
High heat, no coating | 9.5 in; 6.9 in cooking surface | Carbon steel | View on Amazon |
T-fal Experience 12-Inch Nonstick Fry PanBudget pick
|
A first induction pan | 12 in | Aluminum, base not detailed | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Sizes and construction are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best induction frying pan
All eight pans are listed for induction, and none of them repeat the pans on our main frying pan guide. They run from a 2.5-pound carbon pan to a 7-ply stainless pan of about 5 pounds. Each pick explains how the base works, what the claims rest on and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Demeyere Atlantis 7-Ply 11-Inch Fry Pan – A Base Built Not to Warp
If warping is what sent you looking, start here. Zwilling, which sells Demeyere, says this pan has a flat base that will not warp when heated, and calls the design its signature flatbase technology. No other maker on this page puts the point so plainly.
The body is 7-ply stainless. The listing says Demeyere’s TriplInduc base is 30% more efficient on induction than competitors. That is the maker’s own comparison, so treat it as a claim and not a measurement. The handles are welded rather than riveted, which leaves nothing inside the pan for food to catch on.
Measure before you buy. The top is 11 inches across, but Zwilling gives a bottom diameter of 8.66 inches, and that smaller figure is what has to match your zone. The pan weighs 5.07 pounds, so the helper handle is there for a reason.
Why we like it
- Maker states the flat base will not warp when heated
- 7-ply stainless construction
- Welded handles, so no rivets inside the pan
- Dishwasher safe and rated for the oven and broiler to 500°F
Key specifications
| Model | 25628 |
|---|---|
| Size | 11 in top; 8.66 in base; 5.07 lb |
| Body and base | 7-ply stainless, flat base |
| Cooking surface | Uncoated stainless |
| Oven limit | 500°F, broiler safe |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Made in | Belgium |
| Warranty | Lifetime (Zwilling); listing says 30 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook on a strong induction range who sears often and wants one stainless pan for the long haul. The helper handle makes the weight manageable.
Skip it if you lift pans one-handed or want eggs to slide out without fat. It is heavy, and bare stainless needs a good preheat and enough oil.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clearest anti-warp statement on this page
- No rivets to scrub around
- Broiler safe
Cons
- Heavy at 5.07 pounds
- Food sticks if the pan is not preheated
- Warranty wording differs between maker and listing
2. Scanpan CS+ 8- and 10.25-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan Set – Nonstick With a Clad Body
Many nonstick induction pans are aluminum with a magnetic layer added. This set takes a different route. The listing describes five-ply recycled cast aluminum and stainless clad construction with a brushed stainless exterior, so the steel is part of the body and not only the base.
You get two pans, 8 and 10.25 inches, which covers eggs on one zone and a quick sauté on another. The Stratanium+ surface is rated for metal utensils, and the pans are oven safe to 500°F. They are dishwasher safe, though the listing recommends hand washing to keep the exterior looking right.
Two cautions. Scanpan’s user guide says overheating reduces the nonstick effect and is not covered by the warranty, and induction reaches high heat fast, so keep the burner at a moderate level. Its care guidance also warns against cold water on a hot pan, which can warp the bottom. As for the coating, the listing does not say what it is made of, and Sur La Table’s listing for the line says it contains PTFE and PFAS.
Why we like it
- Five-ply clad body, not only a layer on the base
- Two useful sizes in one box
- Metal utensils allowed, per the listing
- Made in Denmark, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 17311 |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 in and 10.25 in |
| Body and base | 5-ply cast aluminum and stainless clad |
| Cooking surface | Stratanium+ nonstick |
| Oven limit | 500°F |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe; hand wash advised |
| Made in | Denmark |
| Warranty | Lifetime (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen that wants nonstick on induction with a clad body, and has use for both sizes.
Skip it if you are avoiding PTFE, or if you only want one large pan. There is no 12-inch pan in this box.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clad construction
- Two sizes
- Metal-utensil rated
Cons
- Overheating is not covered by the warranty
- Coating chemistry is not stated on the listing
- No large pan in the set
3. Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 12-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan – Big Pan, Lifetime Warranty
A 12-inch pan is what you want for chicken thighs or a full batch of peppers and onions. The listing gives a tri-ply base under an 18/10 stainless vessel, a reinforced nonstick coating and compatibility with gas, electric, induction and ceramic glass cooktops.
A tri-ply base is not the same thing as a fully clad body. The name points to the layers being in the bottom, not up the walls, so the floor of the pan does most of the work. For nonstick cooking at moderate heat that is usually a fair trade.
It is oven safe to 450°F and dishwasher safe, made in Brazil, and carries Tramontina’s lifetime warranty. Our main frying pan guide carries a different Tramontina nonstick, the Professional model. This one is the stainless-bodied line.
Why we like it
- 12 inches of cooking room
- Tri-ply base with an 18/10 stainless vessel
- Listed for induction and ceramic glass cooktops
- Lifetime warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 80154/082DS |
|---|---|
| Size | 12 in |
| Body and base | 18/10 stainless vessel, tri-ply base |
| Cooking surface | Reinforced nonstick |
| Oven limit | 450°F |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Made in | Brazil |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family cook who wants a large everyday pan with a stainless body and a long warranty behind it.
Skip it if your largest zone is small. A 12-inch pan needs a zone that reaches most of its base, or the outer edge will lag behind.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large cooking area
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Layered base, not a fully clad body
- Nonstick coating will wear, as all do
- Base diameter is not stated on the listing
4. T-fal Experience 12-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan – A Simple Induction Start
This is the plain entry point. It is an aluminum pan that the listing says is compatible with all cooktops, including induction. Consumer Reports explains how that can work: aluminum alone will not run on induction, but a pan clad with a magnetic metal will.
What sets it apart is the Thermo-Spot, a mark that turns solid red when the pan is preheated. That helps on induction, where a pan can come up to heat quickly and an empty nonstick pan is easy to overheat.
It is oven safe to 400°F, the lowest figure on this page, with a silicone handle. The title says dishwasher safe. The listing also has a small inconsistency: one bullet describes a Platinum nonstick interior and another a Prometal Pro interior, so do not rely on either name. T-fal does not say on the listing how its induction base is built, so give this one a magnet check when it arrives.
Why we like it
- Listed for all cooktops, including induction
- Thermo-Spot shows when the pan is preheated
- 12 inches across
- Limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | H9090894 |
|---|---|
| Size | 12 in |
| Body and base | Aluminum; induction base not detailed |
| Cooking surface | Nonstick (name varies on listing) |
| Oven limit | 400°F |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits a first induction pan, a rental kitchen or anyone who wants to see how they get on with induction before committing to a bigger purchase.
Skip it if you finish dishes in a hot oven. It stops at 400°F, and the handle is silicone.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Preheat indicator
- Large size
- Simple to live with
Cons
- Lowest oven limit here
- Listing is inconsistent on the coating name
- Base construction not stated
5. Fissler Original-Profi 11-Inch Stainless Fry Pan – A Grooved Base and Waffled Sear
Fissler takes a different approach to flatness. Its CookStar base has star-shaped expansion grooves, which Fissler says give the cookware stability so it stays flat when heated. That is the maker’s claim. We found no independent measurement of how flat this pan stays over the years.
Inside, the Novogrill surface is a waffled pattern with raised contact points meant for browning with little fat. The listing says the interior is rivet-free with extra-large pouring rims, and the pan is dishwasher safe.
The heat work is done by the CookStar base, which the listing rates for all stovetops including induction. The stainless is 18/10, which is why the base matters so much here: 18/10 is often not magnetic on its own. It is oven safe to 450°F and made in Germany.
Why we like it
- Maker says the CookStar base stays flat when heated
- Waffled Novogrill surface for browning
- Rivet-free interior
- Made in Germany
Key specifications
| Model | 084-378-28-100/0 |
|---|---|
| Size | 11 in |
| Body and base | 18/10 stainless, CookStar base |
| Cooking surface | Novogrill waffled stainless |
| Oven limit | 450°F |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Made in | Germany |
| Warranty | Not stated on listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who mostly sear meat, peppers and onions and want a textured stainless surface in place of a smooth one.
Skip it if you want a smooth pan for pan sauces or eggs. A waffled surface has more to scrub, and it is the wrong texture for delicate food.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear flat-base design
- Textured searing surface
- Rivet-free inside
Cons
- Flatness claim comes from the maker
- Texture has more to scrub
- Warranty not stated on the listing
6. de Buyer Mineral B Pro 9.5-Inch Carbon Steel Fry Pan – Plain Steel, No Added Layer
Carbon steel is the simplest answer to the induction question. There is no added layer: de Buyer lists the Mineral B body as 99% iron and 1% carbon, so the pan itself is the magnetic part. The Pro version adds a cast stainless handle with a heat stop.
Size is the catch. The pan is 9.5 inches across, but the listing gives only 6.9 inches of cooking surface, the smallest working area among the single pans here. That is why it pays to read that figure and not the headline one.
It arrives with a beeswax finish, not seasoned, so it needs washing and seasoning first. The listing says to hand wash and avoid harsh soap, and de Buyer says never to put it in the dishwasher. The listing gives an oven limit of 400°F for up to 10 minutes, while de Buyer’s FAQ describes the Pro handle as oven safe more broadly, so the listing figure is the cautious one. We would bring it up to heat gradually on induction. That is our advice, not a de Buyer instruction.
Why we like it
- Body is 99% iron, per de Buyer
- No coating to wear out
- Cast stainless handle with a heat stop
- Made in France
Key specifications
| Model | 5680.24 |
|---|---|
| Size | 9.5 in top; 6.9 in cooking surface |
| Body and base | Carbon steel |
| Cooking surface | Bare steel, seasoned by you |
| Oven limit | 400°F for up to 10 minutes (listing) |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Made in | France |
| Warranty | Not stated on listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who like looking after a pan and want high heat, a browned sear and no coating at all.
Skip it if you want a pan ready to use out of the box. It needs seasoning, and de Buyer warns against soaking, so it has to be washed and dried promptly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No coating
- Suited to high heat
- Magnetic body
Cons
- Needs seasoning and care
- Small cooking surface
- Not for the dishwasher
7. Misen Carbon Nonstick 10-Inch Skillet – Light Carbon With a Core
This is a newer idea. Misen builds the pan from three layers, nitrided carbon steel around an aluminum core, and the listing gives only 2.5 pounds. That is about half the stated weight of the 11-inch Demeyere above.
Despite the name there is no coating. Misen says the nitriding replaces seasoning, and that the pan is free of PTFE, PFOA and PFAS. You wipe it with a thin layer of oil instead of going through a full seasoning routine. The listing rates it to 1100°F and says metal utensils are fine, and Misen says it tolerates acidic foods such as tomato sauce.
Expect a different feel from a coated pan. The listing itself talks about a patina that builds over time. Misen says hand wash only and gives a lifetime warranty against defects.
Why we like it
- 2.5 pounds, per the listing
- Aluminum core inside nitrided carbon steel
- No coating to chip, per Misen
- Lifetime warranty against defects
Key specifications
| Model | MK-2231 |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 in; 2.5 lb |
| Body and base | 3-ply nitrided carbon steel, aluminum core |
| Cooking surface | Nitrided steel, no coating |
| Oven limit | 1100°F (listing) |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Lifetime, defects only |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who finds stainless or cast iron too heavy and wants a coating-free pan without a long seasoning stage.
Skip it if you want the release of a new coated pan. The stronger claims on the listing are the maker’s own.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very light
- No full seasoning stage
- Rated for high heat
Cons
- Not the same as a coated nonstick
- Hand wash only
- Newer design with a shorter track record
8. Viking PureGlide Pro 3-Ply 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan – Titanium Surface, Made Without PFAS
Viking’s PureGlide Pro is a stainless and aluminum 3-ply pan with what the listing calls a patented titanium nonstick surface, made without PFAS. The induction side is simple: the listing says the stainless exterior is induction capable, and the line is rated for all cooktops.
The oven limit is 600°F, and Viking says the surface is three times harder than stainless steel and takes metal utensils. The listing says to cook at low to medium heat, because high heat is rarely needed and may lead to scorching. That advice suits induction well.
The listing says hand wash only, and the 12-inch listing in the same line warns that a faint circle may show in the center of the cooking surface as a result of production. We found little independent reporting on how the release holds up, so treat the nonstick claim as the maker’s.
Why we like it
- Listed as made without PFAS
- Stainless and aluminum 3-ply body
- Oven safe to 600°F
- Metal utensils allowed, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 40011-1110PGC |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 in |
| Body and base | 3-ply stainless and aluminum |
| Cooking surface | Titanium surface |
| Oven limit | 600°F |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated on listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a clad induction pan with a slick surface and is specifically avoiding PFAS coatings.
Skip it if you want a pan for hard searing. The maker steers you to low and medium heat.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made without PFAS, per the listing
- High oven limit
- Clad body
Cons
- Little independent reporting found
- Hand wash only
- Warranty and origin not stated on the listing
How to choose an induction pan that stays flat
Start with the base, because that is what the cooktop actually reads. Everything else comes after it.
1. The magnet test
Hold a fridge magnet to the bottom of the pan. Consumer Reports puts it simply: if the magnet sticks, the pan will work on an induction appliance. If it barely clings, expect trouble, and try more than one spot on the base. Bring a small magnet when you shop in a store. The label “stainless” does not settle it, because 18/10 stainless is often not magnetic on its own.
2. How the magnetic layer is built
There are three common designs on this page. Clad pans, like the Demeyere and Scanpan, build layers of metal into the body. Base designs, like the Fissler and Tramontina, concentrate the work in the bottom of the pan. Solid steel pans, like the de Buyer, are magnetic because of what they are made of. Aluminum alone will not work, as Consumer Reports points out, unless it is clad with a magnetic metal.
3. Warping and a flat base
A warped pan can still pass the magnet test, but it rests on the glass unevenly. A flat base matters for contact and heat distribution on induction, and a rocking pan will show it. Set a straightedge across the bottom, or see whether the empty pan spins or rocks on the glass.
Scanpan names one clear cause: never pour cold water on a hot pan, because it can warp the bottom. Let the pan cool first, avoid blasting an empty pan on the top setting, and read the warranty terms, since Scanpan’s excludes overheating.
4. Base size against your zone
The number in a pan’s name is usually the rim, and the flat part is smaller. Demeyere’s 11-inch pan has an 8.66-inch base, and de Buyer’s 9.5-inch pan gives 6.9 inches of cooking surface. Compare that with the zone markings on your cooktop. If a base is too small, the zone may not detect it, and if a large pan overhangs a small zone, the rim can heat slowly.
5. Surface and heat
Induction responds fast, so a coated pan can overheat quickly if it sits empty. Choose bare stainless or carbon steel for hard searing, and keep nonstick to moderate heat. Cleaning matters here too: the Demeyere, Scanpan, Tramontina, T-fal and Fissler are listed as dishwasher safe, while the de Buyer, Misen and Viking are hand wash only.
6. Weight on glass
A heavy pan is steady, but it is also harder to lift rather than slide. Lifting matters on a glass top, because dragging a pan can scratch it. The Misen’s 2.5 pounds and the Demeyere’s 5.07 pounds show how wide the range is. For more on the cooktop itself, see our guide to the best induction cooktop.
How we picked these eight pans
We started from makers and listings that name induction, then read the base construction before anything else. We kept a pan only if the maker or listing stated induction use and we could say something specific about how its base is built, or say honestly that the listing does not. Every pan was in stock when we checked, and we skipped listings already used on other Julia’s guides so this page adds new choices.
We also read Consumer Reports on the magnet test, Zwilling’s Demeyere page, de Buyer’s and Misen’s product pages, Scanpan’s care guidance and Fissler’s description of its base. We have not used or measured these pans, and we found no independent test of warping for any of them, so flatness claims here are the makers’ own and are labeled that way. We searched CPSC’s recall database for these brands and found no frying pan recall.
Several names are missing for specific reasons. The Swiss Diamond listing we saw said both that its pan was induction ready and that it was not, so we left it out. The Ballarini Stella we found is listed for gas only. Several other well-known pans, including sizes from Zwilling, Staub and de Buyer, showed short stock when we looked.
Induction frying pan questions, answered
What is the best induction frying pan for most people?
For a stainless pan, the Demeyere Atlantis 11-inch, because of its stated flat base. For nonstick, the Scanpan CS+ set. Most kitchens do well with one of each.
Are there good nonstick frying pans for induction?
Yes, but look for a clad body or a named induction base. The Scanpan, Tramontina, T-fal and Viking on this page are all listed for induction. Keep the heat moderate on any of them.
Why does my frying pan not work on induction?
Usually the base is not magnetic, or it is too small for the zone to detect. Try the magnet test first. If a magnet sticks and the zone still will not start, try a smaller zone or check your cooktop’s minimum pan size in the manual.
Can a warped pan be used on induction?
A slightly warped pan may still heat, but it will have less contact with the glass and may rock. If it spins on the cooktop or browns unevenly, it is time to replace it. Check your warranty first, though overheating may be excluded.
Does 18/10 stainless work on induction?
Not on its own in many cases, which is why the base matters. A pan like the Fissler pairs an 18/10 body with a base rated for induction. The magnet test gives you the answer in seconds.
Does carbon steel work on induction?
Yes. De Buyer lists its body as 99% iron, and both de Buyer and Misen list induction use. We would heat it gradually, and keep it dry so it does not rust.
Our final pick for induction cooktops
Buy the Demeyere Atlantis if a flat base is your first concern and the weight does not bother you. Choose the Scanpan CS+ set for nonstick, the Tramontina for a big family pan and the de Buyer Mineral B Pro if you want bare steel with nothing to wear away.
Related guide: Best induction frying pan with lid.
For other materials and for pans on every stove, go back to our guide to the best frying pan. If you cook on a ceramic or coil range rather than induction, see the best skillet for an electric stove. Woks have their own base problems, covered in our guide to the best wok for an induction cooktop. And if you would rather leave the cooking to us, see the menu at Julia’s and call to order.