Start underneath the pan
A pan can look like stainless steel and still be unsuitable for induction. The important part is the construction of its base. Look for an explicit induction statement on the product page or packaging, then check the instructions for your hob. A magnet sticking to the base is a useful preliminary clue; it does not establish that every size of that pan will work well on every cooking zone.
If you already own the pan, inspect the underside for a symbol or model reference before shopping. A replacement may be unnecessary. Check each piece of an older set separately, because a frying pan and a saucepan carrying the same brand name need not share their base construction.
Measure the part that meets the hob
The advertised diameter often describes the rim, not the flat magnetic base. A flared frying pan can therefore have considerably less contact area than its headline size suggests. Compare the base measurement with the minimum pan size in your hob manual. Small milk pans are particularly worth checking rather than assuming that recognition is automatic.
Also look at how several pans will sit together. A compatible pan may still be awkward if its handle occupies the neighbouring zone or its rim meets another pan. Measure your usual combination of cookware, including a large pot and a frying pan, instead of considering each item in isolation.
Compatibility is only one decision
A heavy base, a comfortable handle and a useful cooking surface matter after the hob has recognised the pan. Lift it as you would when serving and consider its weight with food inside. Check whether the quoted oven limits apply to the handles and lid as well as the body; an induction label says nothing about those limits.
Follow the pan's heating instructions and avoid treating the strongest boost setting as the default for every task. Keep the base clean and dry, and lift cookware rather than dragging it across a glass surface. If the hob repeatedly refuses an explicitly compatible pan of an approved size, consult both manuals before buying an adapter plate. An adapter changes how the setup heats and is not a universal shortcut around compatibility.
