Does Infrared Cooktop Work With Aluminium Kadai and Pressure Cooker? Answered
Share
This is the most searched question about induction and infrared cooktops in India — and the answer is different depending on which type you're talking about.
Here's the complete answer with no confusing technical jargon.
The Short Answer
Regular induction cooktop — No, aluminium and most non-stick cookware does not work.
Infrared cooktop — Yes, aluminium, non-stick, steel, glass, ceramic — everything works.
Why Regular Induction Doesn't Work With Aluminium
Regular induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to create heat. These fields only interact with ferromagnetic metals — basically steel and cast iron. Aluminium is not magnetic, so the electromagnetic field passes through it without generating heat.
If you place your aluminium pressure cooker on a regular induction cooktop, nothing happens. The cooktop won't even recognize it as a vessel.
Why Infrared Works With Everything
Infrared cooktops work completely differently. They use infrared radiation to heat the glass surface of the cooktop itself. The hot glass surface then transfers heat to whatever vessel is placed on it — exactly the same way a gas flame heats a pot.
Since the heat transfer is through contact with the hot surface (not electromagnetic interaction), the material of the vessel doesn't matter. Aluminium, copper, clay, glass, ceramic — anything with a flat bottom works.
Specific Cookware — Yes or No
| Cookware | Works on Infrared? |
|---|---|
| Aluminium pressure cooker | ✅ Yes |
| Non-stick kadai | ✅ Yes |
| Stainless steel handi | ✅ Yes |
| Cast iron tawa | ✅ Yes |
| Copper vessel | ✅ Yes |
| Glass pot | ✅ Yes |
| Ceramic bowl | ✅ Yes |
| Traditional curved-bottom clay pot | ❌ No — needs flat bottom |
| Wok with round bottom | ❌ No — needs flat bottom |
The Only Requirement — Flat Bottom
The one requirement for infrared cooking is a flat bottom. The vessel needs to sit flush on the glass surface for proper heat transfer. Modern aluminium pressure cookers and non-stick kadais all have flat bottoms. Very old traditional cookware with curved or rounded bottoms may not work.
Does It Affect Cooking Performance?
No. An aluminium pressure cooker on an infrared cooktop heats exactly as well as on a gas stove. The material conducts heat from the glass surface efficiently. Cooking time and results are comparable to gas.
Which Infrared Cooktop to Buy
The Glen SA-3072IR is the best option in India right now — 2200W, works with all flat-bottom cookware, BBQ grill rack included, priced at ₹3,499 with free shipping from Kitchen Etto.
