Cookware for Gas, Induction and Imbabura: Choosing Pots in Kigali
Before you buy a new isafuriya or frying pan, the first question is simple: what are you cooking on? A pot that is perfect on gas can do nothing on an induction cooker, and a pan you love on the stove can be ruined in one evening on the imbabura. Here is how we help customers choose at the shop, so your amasafuriya last and your food cooks the way it should.
Quick answer: what works on what
- Gas: almost any pot or pan works – aluminium, stainless steel, non-stick, cast iron, enamel.
- Induction: only pots with a magnetic base – most stainless steel marked "induction", cast iron and enamelled steel. Plain aluminium, copper, glass and ceramic will not heat.
- Imbabura (charcoal): heavy, simple pots with metal handles – thick aluminium amasafuriya, cast iron and sturdy stainless steel. Keep non-stick and plastic handles away from charcoal.
Cooking on gas
Gas is the most forgiving. You can use most of what is in our pots and pans section. A few things still matter:
- Match the flame to the pot. If the flame climbs up the sides, you are wasting gas and burning the handles. Turn it down so it stays under the base.
- Non-stick likes medium heat. High flame under an empty non-stick pan shortens the life of the coating. Heat it with a little oil, not dry.
- Thicker base, fewer burnt spots. For ubugali, beans and sauces that cook long, a heavier base spreads the heat and stops food sticking at the centre.
Cooking on induction
Induction cookers are now common in Kigali apartments because they are fast and clean. But they only heat pots made from magnetic metal.
The magnet test
Hold a fridge magnet under the base of the pot. If it sticks firmly, the pot will work on induction. If it falls off or barely holds, it will not. You can do this test with any pot you already have at home before you buy anything new.
What to look for
- A flat base – a warped or rounded base loses contact and heats badly.
- The induction symbol (a coil) or the word "induction" on the base or box.
- A base close to the size of the cooking ring.
Cast iron always works on induction. Lift it, don't drag it, so you don't scratch the glass top.
Cooking on the imbabura
Many families still use the imbabura for long cooking – beans, isombe, ibitoke – to save gas or electricity. Charcoal heat is strong and uneven, so choose pots that can take it.
- Heavy aluminium amasafuriya are the classic choice: light to lift, heat quickly, cheap to replace.
- Cast iron holds heat for a long time and is very hard to damage. Good for stews and frying.
- Thick stainless steel works well if it has metal handles.
- Avoid: non-stick pans (the coating overheats), pots with plastic or wooden handles, glass lids that are not heat-proof, and your good "visitors" cookware set.
Smoke will blacken the outside. A pot kept only for the imbabura saves you scrubbing your nice pans every day.
One kitchen, many fuels
Most homes use more than one: gas or induction for quick cooking, imbabura for long cooking. A simple plan:
- Choose your everyday pots to match your main cooker. If you have induction, everything you use daily should pass the magnet test.
- Keep one or two heavy pots just for the imbabura.
- If you are buying a full cookware set, check that the base works on every cooker you own now, and on induction if you may move to an apartment that has one.
Utensils and care
- Use wooden or silicone cooking utensils on non-stick. Keep the strong umwuko for ubugali in the heavy pot.
- Let pots cool before washing – cold water on a hot pan can warp the base, and a warped base will not work well on induction.
- Dry cast iron straight away and wipe with a little oil to stop rust.
- For burnt bottoms, soak with warm water and soap, then use a soft scrubber from our cleaning and care section rather than a knife.
Questions people ask us
Can I see the pots before I buy?
Yes. Come to Abby Home at UTC, Door 1.1, KN 4 Ave, in Kigali City Centre. We are open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 to 20:00, and closed on Sunday. Bring a small magnet if you want to test for induction.
Do you deliver cookware in Kigali?
We deliver to every sector of Kigali. Delivery is free on orders above RWF 50,000, and orders placed before 12:00 arrive the same day. You can also order online and pick up at the shop at UTC.
What if the pot doesn't work on my cooker?
You have 7 days to return it, and refunds are made the same day. If you are not sure before buying, send us a message on WhatsApp first.
How can I pay?
MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, eKash, or cash on delivery. In the shop we also take cards.
How do I ask about a specific pot?
Call or WhatsApp us on 0790 005 254. Tell us what you cook on and we will tell you which of our pots fit.
Ready to choose? Browse all our cookware, or start with frying pans and cast iron.