Using the right cookware for your glass stove top can prolong its lifespan, prevent breaks, and keep it looking beautiful! Here’s how.
I can unfortunately attest to the importance of using the proper cookware for a glass stove top, because I know the sinking feeling of finding a crack on the top of mine.
My first stovetop break (yes, I’ve had two) happened after I came home from dropping my second oldest son off at college. I’d had to do that twice in just a short amount of time, so needless to say I was feeling emotional.
To say that finding a broken stove top didn’t help me much would be an understatement.
Suffice it to say that after two breaks in my stovetop, both fully unexplained, I’ve done a lot more digging and research into how to prevent this from happening again—and I want to share these with you. A lot of the answer comes down to using the right cookware for your glass stovetop!
Induction vs. Electric
The first step to finding the proper cookware is to determine whether or not your glass stove top is an induction or electric stove.
But what’s the difference?
What is an Induction Cooktop?
Induction cooktops use a copper coil under a glass surface to create a magnetic field. This field induces a current in the cookware and provides direct heat.
Unlike electric cooktops, the glass does not get hot. The induction area is only activated when a compatible pot or pan is on top.
Cookware that is compatible with induction cooktops has to be magnetic in order for the stovetop to work. This includes stainless steel, cast iron, and enameled cast iron.
Without the presence of compatible cookware, you will not have any heat transfer when the cooktop is turned on.
What is an Electric Cooktop?
Electric cooktops are what we are going to be addressing here.
Also known as radiant cooktops, these have metal coils underneath a glass surface that conducts an electrical current to create heat. This heat then radiates outward, allowing your food to cook in just about any pan, as it will then heat anything placed on the surface.
The glass is made of a glass-ceramic blend and is designed to be strong and durable enough to withstand extreme temperatures without cracking. However, appropriate use and maintenance are key factors to the success of your stove top’s fate!
Proper Cookware to Use on Electric Radiant Glass Stove Tops
Your electric radiant glass stove top might be able to heat up anything that’s placed on it, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s a good choice not to do some research.
One of the first things suggested to me regarding my stove top woes was the type of cookware I was using.
Of course, I hadn’t thought about it — I was using what I always used, and why wouldn’t I? It worked perfectly well, and I didn’t want to spend a bunch of money replacing kitchenware that was functional and worked well for me.
Unfortunately, this can prove to be a costly mistake when it comes to glass stove tops.
Recommended Cookware
- Stainless steel: This is highly recommended. A sandwich-clad bottom (this will usually be listed right on the package or box) is preferred, as it is durable, stable, and allows for even heat conduction.
- Heavyweight aluminum: This cookware conducts heat faster than other metals and cooks evenly. Be aware that aluminum residue can appear on the stovetop and seem to be a scratch. Any surface blemishes must be cleaned immediately using the proper cleaning materials.
- Copper: Copper is also good, but again, it can leave the same scratch-like appearance on the stovetop. If you ever mistakenly allow copper-bottom pans to boil dry, they will cause a permanent stain on your glass cooktop.
- Carbon steel: Use carbon steel cookware on your electric glass stovetop only if the pans have a smooth, flat bottom.
Not Recommended
- Glass/Ceramic: Glass or ceramic cookware is not recommended for use on a glass cooktop. This type of cookware can cause scratches on the cooktop’s surface. Glass is also a poor conductor of even heat, so cooking times are longer, and meals often require constant attention while being prepared.
- Stoneware: Stoneware is particularly susceptible to scratches and poor overall cooking performance.
- Cast iron: Cast iron cookware, a favorite of many, is not recommended for electric glass stove tops. Cast iron often has burrs that show up over time, which will scratch the glass surface. Also, it absorbs heat slowly and holds an intense amount of heat, which is then transferred to the cooktop. This can cause the element to shut down in an attempt to save itself from shattering, or it can simply cause it to shatter. Either way, it is not effective or safe.
- Porcelain coated cast iron: You may be hoping to get around the “no cast iron” rule by using cast iron that is covered with porcelain enamel. This does eliminate the issue of having cast-iron scratches on your stovetop, however it can also overheat and cause issues. Since so much caution is advised, it’s not on our recommended list.
Best Tips for Preserving Your Glass Stove Top
Keeping your glass stove top functional and intact requires some thoughtful practices you may have never considered, especially if switching from a traditional range.
Here are some tips for keeping your glass stove top safe from scratches, cracks, and more — and not just based on using the right cookware:
- Clean gently
Effective stove top cleaning may seem like it requires thorough scrubbing and cleaning, but this is not the case. Even burned on materials (which unfortunately can happen easily with spills or splashes) do not necessarily need to be scrubbed heavily.
Using soft sponges or microfiber cloths is a great way to be gentle on your stovetop while cleaning it well.
Avoid metal pads or other abrasive tools, and use only cleaners approved for glass and glass stove tops. This will help avoid scratching and staining, and other issues that can contribute to weakness in the glass.
- Clean immediately
Leaving spills and messes to sit can cause discoloration, staining, and cloudiness on your glass cooktop.
This can also cause hot spots, as residue will continue to collect heat in certain spots. This can lead to cracking and shattering.
Once your stove top has fully cooled (this is usually indicated by a light on your cooktop), thoroughly clean any spills or messes before they become baked on. Make sure you completely wipe or wash away the residue of any cleaners after use.
- Keep cookware clean
Cookware with built-up grease and other debris can cause stains or weak spots on glass surfaces. Pots and pans should be cleaned regularly and visually inspected before use.
Rather than attempting to clean up the mess that’s left behind from using a stained or soiled pot, avoid issues entirely and clean your cookware thoroughly in advance.
- Inspect cookware for flaws
Warped cookware can wobble, repeatedly striking the hot glass surface. This can lead to dings in the glass that will progress to cracks and serious breaks over time. This is especially true if you have a “favorite burner” (come on, we all do) because the repetitive misuse will be more likely cause issues over time.
- Avoid using heavy cookware
Large amounts of weight on the stovetop are not only bad for the glass due to heaviness but also are difficult to lift and maneuver, increasing the likelihood that someone will drag or drop the pans.
Use lightweight cookware and do not overfill your pots. Do not drag your cookware across the surface of the glass cooktop.
If you need to cook large amounts of food, consider using another appliance, such as an extra large slow cooker, to avoid straining your glass stovetop.
- Avoid placing non-cookware items on the stovetop
It’s easy for a stove top to become just another surface in the kitchen when not in use. Placing heavy grocery bags, dishes, or serving trays on your glass stove top can cause stress for the glass. If you find you need additional counter space, you can invest in a stove cover that can protect your cooktop while allowing for expanded counter space use. These covers have silicone feet to protect the glass from slipping and sliding. Do not exceed the recommended weight limit specified by your stove’s manufacturer.
- Use a barrier for baked items
Similarly, do not remove hot, heavy food items from the oven and place them on the stovetop without a barrier of some kind. Silicone stovetop mats can be purchased to protect the glass top of your stove while allowing items to cool or rest.
- Use properly sized cookware
It’s best to use cookware that aligns well with the size of the burner you’re using. Seek a similar outline and do not use cookware that exceeds the area of the burner. This will help avoid cold and hot spots both in your food and on the stove’s surface.