An induction base is a ferromagnetic (steel) layer bonded into the bottom of a pot or pan; an induction hob can only heat that layer. The simplest check: if a magnet sticks firmly to the base, the pan works on induction — if it doesn't, it won't.
How an induction hob works
Instead of a flame or a glowing element, an induction hob heats with a magnetic field: a coil under the glass induces a current in the pan's base, and the base heats itself. That is why an induction hob only recognises magnetic cookware — place a non-magnetic pan on it and most hobs simply won't switch on.
What "induction base" means
Aluminium is not magnetic, so a plain aluminium pot will not heat on induction. In an induction-based product, a ferromagnetic steel layer is bonded into the base during production: the hob's field heats that layer, and the aluminium body spreads the heat quickly and evenly into the food. You get steel's induction compatibility with aluminium's light weight and conductivity in one product.
Before you buy: how to tell a pan will work on induction
- The magnet test: hold a fridge magnet to the base. If it sticks firmly, the pan is induction-compatible; if not, it isn't. Takes seconds.
- The base symbol: induction-ready cookware carries a horizontal coil symbol on the base or the box.
- The product description: look for "induction base" or "suitable for all hobs". Papilla product pages state induction compatibility explicitly.
Does induction cookware also work on gas?
Yes. Induction-based cookware works on gas, electric and ceramic hobs too, so one induction-ready series covers every hob type. The reverse is not true: aluminium cookware without an induction base works on gas, electric and ceramic, but not on induction.
Induction-based series at Papilla
In the Papilla catalogue, series with "Plus" in the name (such as Titan Alize Plus, Fred Plus, Vilma Plus and Ragnar Plus) and the removable-handle Motto series are induction-based. See the full range on the induction cookware page. For the technical detail: what makes cookware induction-compatible?
Frequently asked questions
What does induction base mean?
A ferromagnetic (steel) layer bonded into the bottom of a pot or pan during production. An induction hob can only heat that layer; the aluminium body spreads the heat into the food. Induction-based cookware also works on gas, electric and ceramic hobs.
If a magnet doesn't stick, will the pan work on induction at all?
No. Induction hobs heat through a magnetic field and won't recognise a non-magnetic base — most hobs simply won't switch on. A magnet sticking firmly to the base is the one reliable quick test.
Can regular aluminium cookware be used on induction?
No; aluminium is not magnetic and will not heat on an induction hob. For induction kitchens choose series with a steel base layer — at Papilla, series with Plus in the name and the Motto series.
Does induction-based cookware work on other hobs too?
Yes. Induction-based products work on every hob type, including gas, electric and ceramic — which makes an induction-ready series a safe choice for kitchens that may change hobs later.