Have you just installed a ceramic hob and want to equip yourself with suitable pans? Excellent idea: not all pans are compatible with this type of hob, and a poor choice can lead to uneven cooking… or premature wear of your cookware.
In this guide, discover the materials to favor , what you absolutely must check before buying, and why stainless steel pans are often the best choice for a ceramic hob.
👉 To learn more, also check out our comparison:
Comparison of stainless steel saucepans: which one to choose for healthy cooking?
Can you use any pan on a ceramic hob?
The answer is simple: no .
A ceramic glass cooktop works using a system of radiant or halogen elements , which diffuse heat by radiation. This heating method requires a pan:
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compatible with glass-ceramic hobs ,
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with a perfectly flat bottom ,
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made from a material that is a good conductor of heat ,
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stable enough to adhere properly to the surface.
If the pan is not stable or if the bottom is domed, the heat will not distribute well:
➡️ Dishes burnt in the center, ➡️ Food undercooked on the edges.
The best pans for ceramic hobs: the materials to choose
1. Stainless steel (inox) – the most reliable and durable choice
Stainless steel is the most suitable material for a ceramic glass cooktop.
For what ?
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It offers excellent heat conduction when combined with a multi-layered base.
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It is non-deformable : perfect for maintaining a flat bottom for years.
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It does not rust, is not affected by heat, and is easy to clean.
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It is uncoated, therefore healthy and durable .
👉 Discover our perfectly suited saucepans:
SAINE stainless steel cookware collection
To understand the difference between 18/10, 18/8 or 18/0 stainless steel, here is our complete guide:
18/10, 18/8, 18/0 stainless steel: what are the differences?
2. Cast iron – ideal for simmering, but heavy
Cast iron pots or casseroles work very well on ceramic hobs.
Benefits :
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They retain heat for a very long time.
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Perfect for slow-cooked dishes.
Disadvantages:
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Very heavy (less practical for everyday use).
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They absolutely must have a completely flat bottom .
3. Aluminum with reinforced base – lightweight and responsive
Aluminum pans may be compatible if:
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the base is thick ,
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They have a multi-layer base suitable for glass-ceramics.
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The coating is of good quality.
Warning: models that are too light may deform with heat → resulting in poor contact with the plate.
4. Copper – aesthetically pleasing and efficient, but needs to be checked
Copper heats up very quickly and very evenly.
However :
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It must have a ceramic-compatible base , often lined with stainless steel.
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It is generally a high-end utensil.
Induction cookware: compatible with a ceramic hob?
Good news:
✔ Yes, an induction-compatible pan works perfectly on a ceramic hob.
For what ?
Because it has a robust, flat base that is suitable for rapid temperature increases.
On the other hand :
❌ The reverse is not always true.
A pan that is not induction compatible may work perfectly well on a ceramic hob… but not on induction.
How can I tell if a saucepan is compatible with a ceramic hob?
Here are the things to check before using your saucepan:
🔍 1. The logo under the pan
A pictogram representing concentric circles indicates glass-ceramic compatibility.
🟦 2. The bottom must be perfectly flat
If the base is domed, deformed or unstable → poor heat distribution.
⚖️ 3. Weight
A saucepan that is too light can be a sign of a poor quality base.
A slightly heavy saucepan (especially multi-layer stainless steel) ensures that the bottom remains perfectly flat.
🧲 4. The magnet test
If a magnet sticks to the bottom:
➡️ It is induction compatible.
➡️ therefore also compatible with glass-ceramic.
Other utensils compatible with ceramic hobs
In addition to saucepans, other containers work perfectly:
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Stainless steel pans
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Stainless steel sauté pans
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Cast iron casseroles
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Reinforced aluminum pans
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Stainless steel saucepans
The important thing remains the same:
➡️ a thick base, ➡️ flat, ➡️ multi-layered.
Why is stainless steel the best choice for a ceramic hob?
Here are the main advantages:
✔ Robustness and durability
Stainless steel is resistant to everything: heat, shock, corrosion, and does not deform.
✔ Even cooking
Thanks to its multi-layered base, stainless steel diffuses heat without hot spots .
✔ Compatible with all cooktops
Ceramic glass, induction, gas, electric.
✔ Healthy material
No coating, no harmful substances: ideal for healthy cooking.
✔ Easy to maintain
Stainless steel can be cleaned in seconds, even after intensive cooking.
👉 If you wish to equip yourself:
Our stainless steel saucepans – complete collection
FAQ – Pots and ceramic hobs
➡ What is the best pan for a ceramic hob?
Multi-layer stainless steel pans are the most reliable: robust, stable, durable and capable of distributing heat evenly.
➡ How to recognize a saucepan that is compatible with a ceramic hob?
Look for the ceramic glass logo under the pan.
Also make sure that the base is flat , thick and non-deformable.
➡ Is an induction pan compatible with a ceramic hob?
Yes, 100%.
Induction pans have a reinforced base perfectly suited to ceramic glass.
➡ Is stainless steel really suitable for ceramic hobs?
Yes: stainless steel is the most durable and stable material for this type of plate.
➡ Why avoid overly lightweight pans?
They may become deformed and no longer adhere properly to the plate → uneven cooking.
➡ What size saucepan should I choose?
Adapt the diameter to the burner of your hob for optimal heat distribution.
To compare stainless steel sizes, consult our guide:
Stainless steel saucepan comparison
➡ Is 18/10 stainless steel better than 18/8 stainless steel?
Yes: it contains more nickel, which improves corrosion resistance and durability.
More information in our guide:
18/10, 18/8, 18/0 stainless steel: differences and advice
Conclusion
For a ceramic hob, choose your pans first and foremost:
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stainless steel , ideally multi-layered,
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with a thick, flat and non-deformable base,
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adapted for radiant heat.
This type of saucepan guarantees a regular temperature rise and perfectly even cooking.
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Stainless steel saucepan comparison: which one to choose for healthy cooking?