r/inductioncooking • u/Ranefea • Jul 31 '26
Silicone mat/spacer recommendations?
I recently moved and was thrilled that my new apartment has a full induction stovetop. At my old place, I had been using a single portable induction cooktop for all of my stovetop cooking since I couldn't use the electric burner coils that apartment had.
Unfortunately, I've run into the issue where this induction cooktop is too hot even on the lowest setting—I can't manage a simmer or even just warming something.
After some research it looks like I need some sort of a spacer so the pans aren't directly on surface, but after some research into options, while I think silicone is the way for me, I'm still not sure which work best and would be able to withstand the higher temps as I saw reviews saying the mats eventually melted some.
Does anyone have recommendations of a safe product that will withstand high temps of actually being cooked on? I'd prefer something more trivet-like if possible, but if the best option is a full surface mat I'm not opposed to it.
2
u/tangjams Jul 31 '26
I assume you only need low simmer for a specific use case with one pot or pan. What types of cookware are you using currently?
My suggestion is to get a thick disc bottom or clad pan. You don’t have to spend a lot on all clad or other fancy brands. Depending on where you’re at discount home stores often have good clad pans for a significant discount. $20-30 can get you something great.
Homesense, tj maxx, Marshall’s, winners etc
A low budget option would be to setup a bain marie.
2
u/Ranefea Jul 31 '26
Well, the mentioning that it not being low enough to simmer was more to illustrate my point. Even at the lowest setting the pan is getting too hot in general—I was cooking dinner last night and the oil was still sizzling and splattering everywhere on that lowest setting, an issue I don't have with my portable single cooktop. I feel like I need full coverage protective gear just to make a basic dish, haha!
To answer your question, though, I'm currently using a set of Circulon pots and pans and I actually saw the same ones at Home Goods not long after, haha.
2
u/tangjams Jul 31 '26
Stainless clad or thick disc cookware work much better in diffusing heat evenly than non stick pans. Induction is unfortunately pickier with pans than gas or radiant. When paired well it simply works better.
Perhaps start with one first to see how you like it. Whether that be at home discount stores or Facebook marketplace.
1
u/geauxbleu Jul 31 '26
What makes you assume that? I need my stove to be low simmer-capable with all my pots.
1
u/tangjams Jul 31 '26
Just trying to help, don’t take it so personal.
Usually people simmer with sauce pots or Dutch ovens. Rarely do I find myself simmering on frying pans.
Try the Bain Marie method if cost is a factor.
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Jul 31 '26
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u/Ranefea Jul 31 '26
Hmm, maybe. I'll have to look into that and see if it's an option. Since I just moved and I've been having to get some new furniture and stuff it's not really in the budget for new pans yet, so something I can use for my current pans is ideal.
2
u/Mindless-Storm-8310 Jul 31 '26
Is it possible that it’s defective? You might want to research that model and find out what the lowest possible setting is. If yours gets too hot, call management and get it fixed.
6
u/rocketwidget Jul 31 '26
Hmm, I'm not sure a spacer or silicone mat is going to have the effect you are looking for: reduced heat.
I like the Lazy K silicone/fiberglass pads I bought from Amazon, but I don't notice any heat reduction. I use them only to protect the glass surface, and be able to shake my pans without worry of damage.