If you have a glass stove, finding the right cookware to use can be confusing. Are you in the market for a new pan but don't know exactly which kind is best for a glass top stove? Well, we've done some digging and have a few recommendations to share.
Generally, you want to use a pan that is durable, non-reactive, and smooth on a glass stovetop. Stainless steel is a great option that meets these requirements and won't usually be super expensive, which is a plus. You can also try using aluminum or ceramic pans on your glass top stove, so you've got a few good choices.
As we begin, we will cover all things glass stoves and recommend some of our top pan-picks to try. Whether you are holiday shopping or need to refresh your cookware, we're here to help. With that said, let's dive right into this topic!
Do You Need Special Pans For Glass Top Stoves?
Although you don't necessarily need special pans for glass top stoves, they should meet certain requirements. As mentioned, non-reactive materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic will all work well for glass stovetops, so we recommend those.
It's also important your cookware isn't too heavy if you want to use it on a glass top stove, so avoid materials like cast iron. Again, as long as your pan is lightweight and smooth, it should be fine to use, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
AVACRAFT 18/10 Stainless Steel Frying Pan
This frying pan includes a lid, is stainless steel, induction stovetop friendly, has a tri-ply design, and is ten inches.
Follow this link to view it on Amazon.
Ballarini Parma Forged Aluminum Non-Stick Frying Pan
This frying pan is made of cold-forged aluminum for superior heat distribution.
Check out this frying pan on Amazon.
GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Pan Set
This set includes a frying and skillet pan, is a ceramic and aluminum material, cadmium and lead-free, easy to grip, and comes in various fun colors.
See this ceramic pan set on Amazon.
Can You Use Heavy Pots On Glass Top Stoves?
In general, you want to avoid cooking with heavy pots and pans on a glass-top stove. Although many newer glass stovetop designs are equipped to handle heavier cookware, doing this increases the chances of scratching or cracking its surface.
GE claims that their glass stovetops can handle up to 50 pounds, although we do not recommend using such heavy cookware often.
What Pans Should I Not Use On A Glass Stovetop?
You want to avoid using cast iron, glass, and stoneware pans on a glass stovetop. Although some opinions vary, cast iron pots and pans can be very heavy and scratch-prone for glass, so we don't recommend them.
Glass and stoneware pans can also cause issues, especially if you move them too quickly across your stovetop, so they aren't suitable for everyday cooking. Of course, that's not to say you can't ever use these materials on a glass stove, but you will need to be more cautious.
Are Copper Pans Bad For A Glass Top Stove?
For those with copper cookware, you are safe to use them on a glass-top stove. Copper is typically smooth and won't scratch glass surfaces easily, making it perfect for a glass stovetop.
With that said, copper is prone to leaving residue on glass surfaces, so make sure to clean your stovetop immediately after using a copper pot/pan on it.
Will A Cast-Iron Skillet Scratch A Glass Stovetop?
Like we covered, cast iron cookware can be rough on glass surfaces. That said, as long as you are careful, you shouldn't end up with stovetop damage, although it is more likely when using cast iron.
To avoid scratching your glass-top stove, gently place your cast-iron skillet down and avoid moving/sliding it while you cook. Doing this will lessen the chances of stovetop damage and is a good habit to form with any cookware material.
Can Ceramic Scratch Glass?
Depending on how it is made, yes, ceramic can scratch a glass stovetop. Although ceramic pots and pans are usually good to use on glass surfaces, those with unfinished bases can cause quite a bit of damage.
Finished ceramic cookware will have a smooth bottom, which is ideal for glass, while traditional or unfinished designs will usually be brittle at their base, which isn't good for a glass stove.
Do Glass Top Stoves Scratch Easily?
Unfortunately, glass stovetops scratch quite easily. Like any glass surface, your stovetop will be prone to scratching more than other materials, so you need to be careful while cooking.
It's impossible to completely remove a scratch from your glass stovetop, so damage will be permanent. That said, you can lessen the effect of a scratch on your glass surface using a polish or buffing product, so don't lose hope yet.
How Do You Remove A Scratch From A Glass Stovetop?
Although you won't likely get rid of glass stovetop scratching completely, there are ways to minimize it. To start:
- Take a look at your scratch and determine how severe it is.
- Grab some baking soda, a small bowl, and a soft sponge or cloth.
- Mix two teaspoons of baking soda and one teaspoon of water into your bowl.
- Using a sponge or cloth, apply the paste to your stovetop and begin buffing any scratches.
- Moving in circular motions, repeat this process until scratching is less noticeable/gone.
- Lastly, wipe down your stovetop with a damp, clean cloth, and you're good to go!
How Do You Stop A Glass Stovetop From Scratching?
A few good ways to prevent a glass stovetop from scratching include:
- Using a cooktop protector
- Cooking with lightweight, smooth pots and pans
- Scrubbing the bottom of your cookware before using it
- Cleaning your stovetop immediately after cooking
- Lifting, not sliding your pots and pans
Although these are just some ways to protect your glass stovetop, make sure to use smooth, lightweight cookware, and don't forget to clean your stove after each use.
KindaGa Electric Glass Stove Cover Protector
This glass stovetop protector is food-grade silicone, heat resistant up to 464 degrees Fahrenheit, non-slip, dishwasher-friendly, and comes in a few sizes.
Click this link to view it on Amazon here.
Are Glass Stovetops Hard To Maintain?
Generally, glass stovetops shouldn't be too difficult to maintain. Unlike other stovetop designs, glass will require more cleaning and care, although this won't be super time-consuming.
A good way to keep glass surfaces scratch and damage-free is to regularly polish them using a glass cleaner or baking soda and a soft sponge/cloth. It's also vital to wipe off any residue or food from your glass top stove before it dries to avoid damage, so keep that in mind.
Weiman Cooktop and Stove Top Cleaner Kit
This glass cooktop kit includes a specialty cleaning polish, scrubbing pad, cleaning tool, razor, and scraper, works on all major glass stovetop manufactures, and has great online customer reviews.
How Often Should You Clean A Glass Stovetop?
Ideally, you want to clean your glass stovetop every time you use it. Even for those who don't regularly cook on the stove, giving it a good wipe down once per month is an easy way to keep it in good shape.
Using a specialty glass polish every few weeks is what we recommend for maintaining glass, although it isn't required.
How Do I Get White Burn Marks Off My Glass Top Stove?
If you notice white burn marks around your glass top stove, don't worry yet. Cleaning these marks is as easy as spraying vinegar on your stove, letting it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then gently buffing out your glass with a cloth/sponge.
One thing to note, you want to let your vinegar sit on the white burn marks until they start to fade, so this could take less or more time than our 15-20 minute suggestion.
To Wrap It Up
Whether you need new cookware or want to do some holiday gift shopping, it's essential to choose the right pan for a glass stovetop. Stainless steel, aluminum, and smooth ceramic pans will work best for glass surfaces, so try to stick with those options.
When it comes to pans we don't recommend using on glass surfaces, avoid unfinished ceramic, stoneware, glass, and cast iron. Maintenance-wise, try to give your glass top stove a deep clean monthly, and don't forget to wipe it down each time you cook.
Regardless, make sure to use lightweight, non-reactive cookware on your glass stovetop, and don't be afraid to spray it down with some vinegar if you notice white burn spots.
Before you go, be sure to check out these helpful related kitchen posts below!
Can You Use A Percolator On A Glass Stovetop?
Are Glass Containers Oven Safe? [Here's How To Tell]
Can Pyrex Be Used On The Stovetop? [Not A Simple Question!]
