We tested the best pans for induction hob cooking and these were our favourites

The Stellar Verve 28cm Wok is part of the Verve cookware range with the USP of a Geoform double non-stick layer, which means you need less oil to cook – plus it's effortless to clean. In addition, it has a honeycomb grid of channels to drain grease away from food, so you still get a wonderful Maillard effect without the added calories.

The pan is designed to be energy efficient and conduct heat on an induction hob. Therefore, it will cook perfectly at lower temperatures. Stellar advises that high temperatures and boost functions may end up damaging the pan and hob. Heat the pan gradually, and it will do the rest, as aluminium is the best conductor of heat.

Our reviewer, Commercial Content Writer Natalie Knowles, says: "I was aware of the great reputation that this cookware has (my mum's pans are all Stellar). Using this wok made me understand why this premium brand is so good. First of all, the wok looks beautiful, with an elegant fluted handle. But it's practical, too; both the main handle and small side handle have a smooth stay-cool grip, and they're riveted onto the pan itself. It's heavy and as the guarantee states, I'm pretty sure it's built to last a lifetime.

"I cooked a stir fry in it and barely spritzed the pan with oil. In comparison to my usual pan, this heated up significantly faster. Also, I have found that lower-quality pans hum and vibrate on an induction hob. This was silent. Veggies cooked beautifully without sticking or burning. You can feel the difference in the performance of this cookware.

"My partner said to me, "Did you just wash it?" Normally, we have to soak our pans (there is no dishwasher, alas). I literally used warm, soapy water and a washing-up brush, and the wok came up like new. The non-stick coating on this pan is next-level. I can safely say this, having bought new pans in the past and been really disappointed to see the coating chip within days of use.

"If you can afford Stellar, I wholeheartedly recommend Verve cookware. The look, feel and usability are 5/5 from me."

Use less oil or butter and make frying healthier with the GreenPan Barcelona Pro range. It has a ceramic non-stick coating, that's metal utensil safe, and made from natural materials. Thanks to ScratchGuard™ technology the surface is extremely tough. Plus, the body is hard anodised aluminium that's twice as hard as stainless steel. The 28cm frying pan serves up to five people and it has an oven-safe handle, so it's perfect for a one-pot dinner.

Our reviewer, Commercial Content Writer Natalie Knowles, says: "On first impressions, it's as heavy as the Stellar Wok and has a premium look and feel. The non-stick coating is flawless and shiny; to quote the packaging, it's: 'solid as a rock and slippery smooth!'

"I made an omelette and it really didn't require much oil. The pan heated up fast, perfect for induction cooking, conducting an even heat that gently cooks. I felt I didn't need to keep checking on the omelette, leaving me free to prep a salad. The omelette effortlessly came away from the pan with a subtly browned finish. Perfect result!

"Similarly, it was a doddle to wash clean – plus, Greenpan's Barcelona range is dishwasher-safe. My only concern is that it's a heavy pan, which might be too heavy for some. However, the whole point of induction cooking is that you keep the pan connected to the cooking ring... I'd use a spatula to flip my pancakes!"

The Swan Retro saucepan and frying pan set features a ribbed body and a chromed handle. The set is available in a range of colours to complement your kitchen décor, and Swan also offers an extensive range of matching kitchenware.

Our reviewer, Commercial Content Writer Natalie Knowles, says: "This is a gorgeous set of pans with a touch of 1980s kitchen retro. But, apart from the solid conductive plate in the base of each pan, it doesn't feel as robust as other cookware I've tested. I had to tighten the screw in one of the lids, but at least that's easily done, and it's a common issue with sauce pan lids. This range needs some care to maintain its non-stick coating and painted exterior. High temperatures and detergents used in dishwashers can adversely affect the coatings on these pans, so hand wash only. Also, this cookware cannot go in the oven.

"I'm not phased by that, this is a perfectly lovely pan set for heating up baked beans, frying an egg or boiling some potatoes. The 3mm pressed aluminium pans are lightweight and feel just fine to use. While the non-stick coating means you can get away with using less oil, in the accompanying instruction booklet, Swan recommends that some foods, such as eggs, require a little oil during cooking. As such, I fried some eggs in a liquid vegetable oil rather than a spray oil. The frying pan heated up fast and evenly on the induction hob.

"I was wondering if the pale interior of the pan might discolour, but with care, the non-stick coating is robust. I melted chocolate directly in a pan it washed up like new. Just be sure not to use metal utensils or harsh scouring pads.

"My partner pointed out that there is a tiny gap where the handle fixes to the pan and he was concerned that might be a place where debris or bacteria could build up. I was also wondering how the chromed effect might show limescale build-up over time as we live in a hard water area. But these points are minimal, giving the range's aesthetic appeal and is perfectly fitting for everyday use. If you take care of the pans, they will last a good while."

Ingeniously designed to be stackable and space-saving, the Tower Freedom set comprises of two saucepans, two frying pans, a wok and a multi-pan, plus lids and detachable handles. In addition, the Cerastone non-stick coating claims to be five times stronger than other non-stick coatings. The pans are oven-safe too, so you could create one-pot Lancashire hotpot – from searing the meat to browning the top and storing leftovers in the fridge – all in the same pan.

Our reviewer, Commercial Content Writer Natalie Knowles, says: "This pan set is so lightweight. The 28cm multi-purpose pan is comparable in thickness and weight to a metal bowl that I take camping. All of the pressed aluminium pans are just 2.5mm thick. The metal plate in the base makes them work on an induction hob. I did a magnet test, and it stuck with force.

"I cooked Bibimbap and noticed that it would not be possible to fit all of the larger pans in this set on a standard-size induction hob. So, while I had a pan of sticky rice and a stir fry on the go, I didn't fry some eggs. The pan interior is curved, so you need a spatula rather than a fish slice to get food out of the corners.

"The pans heat up relatively fast. For example, I used cold water for my rice and the water was boiling within two minutes. For context, my usual sauce pan takes as long as five minutes to heat water from cold. The non-stick coating is very good for using less oil and easy washing up. I love the versatility of the pans: they go in the oven and can be used to refrigerate leftovers – they even come with a couple of reusable silicone lids. I doubt they're going to last a lifetime, but the key benefits are the weight, versatility and size. I'd use them in the oven as well as on the hob if I were cooking a big meal. Alternatively, I'd make a generous one-pot dinner in one of the larger pans.

"The lids are flat, with a rubber trim and a groove to accommodate a detachable handle. This design makes them space-saving and stackable. I just had reservations about the rubber, as the dust was clinging to it, and it showed marks when I rubbed it.

"The soft-touch handles clip on and off, and a locking system keeps the handle securely attached. But it takes a little force, which is fine if you've got full dexterity, but not if you have arthritis. Also, if I were cooking a big meal, I would need more than two handles. Happily, a Freedom Bakelite Detachable Handle can be purchased for less than £10.

"The key USP is the space-saving design and if you have a small kitchen or are looking for a pan set for a campervan or holiday home, this is a top drawer pan set."

Blackmoor's Blue Pro 3-Piece Mixed Pan Set is a premium range, with a with high-performance non-stick coating. The range features stainless steel, riveted handles and lids that are oven safe. The pans are specially designed to conduct heat faster and also retain heat for longer. This set includes a casserole pot, frying pan and a saucepan.

Our reviewer, Commercial Content Writer Natalie Knowles, says: "Immediately, the quality of this pan set is evident. The metallic blue non-stick coating looks gorgeous, and the tapered stainless steel handles and glass lids look and feel premium. I seared sausages in the casserole pot on the hob, added other ingredients, and put the casserole and lid in the oven. I fried the remaining sausages in the frying pan and simmered some vegetables to serve alongside. First of all, these pans heat up fast and get extremely hot. Cook at lower temperatures because the pans conduct heat so well. This set is the closest I've found to the heat conduction of a cast iron pan. The saucepan lid handle gets very hot too, so use a mitt. But the longer handles stay relatively cool to the touch.

"The beautiful metallic blue non-stick coating is not dishwasher-safe, so these pans need to be hand-washed. But that's a breeze. I found them effortless to wash.

"In summary, I'd would make these my go-to pan set. They are extremely good quality. But, I did burn my fingers on an unexpectedly hot lid, so please be sure to use a mitt. Superb quality and aesthetically top-notch."

This attractive cast iron grill pan can be used on any induction hob that has a flexible space feature. This means two or more cooking areas combine to form one large ring. This rectangular grill pan can be used to sear burgers, fish and kebabs for a delicious chargrilled flavour. It's oven-safe, too, so it's perfect cookware for presenting a showstopper rack of lamb or roast salmon. Plus, fat drains away in the oil channels.

Our reviewer, Commercial Content Writer Natalie Knowles, says: "The Habitat Large Cast Iron Grill Pan is an eye-catching piece of cookware and a lot of fun to use. Because it's solid iron, it conducts heat extremely well—a little too well—as unlike usual induction cooking, which focuses heat on the pan's contents, this large griddle transfers heat to the hob itself.

"I have the windows open and the extractor fan on full as this form of cooking creates smoke. But I love it. My Hotpoint CleanProtect Hob has a FlexiSpace feature which is divided into low, medium and high heat sections, so the grill pan can be used for searing as well as keeping cooked food warm at the same time."

The Salter Marblestone 3 Piece Saucepan Set is a great value option if you're looking for comparatively lightweight induction pans that have easy-to-grip handles. The corrosion-resistant aluminium pans heat up fast, so you can cooking efficiently. Plus, the non-stick coating means you barely need any oil.

This Amazon's Choice recommended pan set is from Salter. This kitchenware brand has over 4,580 reviews, rating their products at 4.5 out of 5. Customers praise the versatility of these saucepans. Also, they find them easy to use and clean. They can go in the dishwasher too. However, it's best to use moderate temperatures with these pans, to prevent the base warping. Their overall build quality is not as robust as some of our premium picks.

Ninja's ZEROSTICK cookware is scratch-resistant. This sauté pan with a glass lid boasts fast heat-up, preventing hot spots and uneven cooking. It's made from hard anodised aluminium, an excellent heat conductor. The key USP is the Zerostick coating, which is designed to last. The pan is guaranteed for ten years.

Customer reviews indicate that they are highly impressed with the non-stick capabilities of this pan, so much so that it's convinced them to buy other cookware in the Zerostick range. Also, they say that the handles stay cool to the touch, albeit it's quite a long handle, so factor that in if you intend on cooking with multiple pans at once.

Zwilling is known for its range of professional kitchen knives; the same superior forging techniques are used in its cookware. Professional chefs favour quality stainless steel pans for their supreme durability. Also, uncoated stainless steel is hygienic and doesn't taint food taste. It does require oiling to ensure food doesn't stick.

The SIGMA Classic sandwich base is multi-layered, with an aluminium core, for high energy efficiency and heat retention.

If you love cooking and want professional-quality pots and pans, Zwilling is a top choice. Customer reviews consistently praise the durability, elegance and quality. Just bear in mind that the range is heavier than other options.

The difference between uncoated stainless steel cookware and the coated alternatives is that it can reach higher temperatures. As such, a more comprehensive range of cooking techniques is achievable. So, if you love experimenting in the kitchen, this ProCook Professional Stainless Steel Cookware Set is a top choice.

Guaranteed for 25 years, Procook's range is heavy-duty and offers superb heat conduction.

Customer reviews comment that they purchased these pans as wedding gifts after being impressed with their set. They are at the premium end of the price range, but these are a must for budding chefs or domestic gourmands.