Electric and induction cooktops offer fast and efficient heat for cooking as well as a sleek and modern aesthetic. But while the glass tops on these stoves can take the heat, it can be prone to nicks and scratches from certain pots and pans. What type of cookware should be used on a glass cooktop? Stainless steel, aluminum, and copper provide excellent heat conduction without harming the glass surface. Learn more about the best cookware for glass top stove to maintain its pristine surface.
How to Determine the Best Cookware for Glass Top Stove
How do you define what cookware is best for glass top stoves? Ideally, it should have the weight and width for widespread, even heating. It must also consist of a material that won’t scratch or crack the glass surface. We’ll explain how the best cookware for glass top stove utilizes these qualities to preserve the cooktop and deliver delicious results.
Stainless Steel
Some of the best pans for glass stove cooking, as well as almost any cooking surface, are made of stainless steel. This material is sturdy, strong and retains heat evenly without any food reactivity. The base is also free of coatings that could scratch a glass stove top and most pans are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
However, stainless steel doesn’t conduct heat as well as other compounds, which is why the best pans have an aluminum core. The best cookware for glass top stove 2021 includes this Cuisinart 13 Piece Set. It features a triple-ply aluminum base that provides more even heat distribution and prevents warping and buckling.
Aluminum
While used in combination with stainless steel, many cookware sets are composed entirely of aluminum, giving them some unique advantages.
Here’s what makes aluminum some of the best cookware for glass top stove:
- Excellent conductivity: Aluminum is widely considered one of the best materials for conducting heat, delivering consistent, even results.
- Durability: Few cooking utensils can scratch or harm aluminum surfaces, while pots and pans can last for decades without warping or breaking.
- Lightweight and low cost: Aluminum cookware is significantly lighter than stainless steel or copper, making it easier to use for many cooks. It’s price point is also significantly lower without sacrificing quality, like this Ballarini Parma Nonstick Aluminum Cookware set.
Despite these advantages, aluminum cookware does have its downsides. While most pots and pans are anodized to prevent corrosion and oxidation, the quality of this process can vary depending on brand. And, unless it’s combined with stainless steel, aluminum isn’t compatible with induction stoves.
Copper
Copper has long been considered one of the best cooking materials with good reason. It’s an excellent heat conductor and can be used for decades when cared for properly. Unfortunately, this care doesn’t include the dishwasher, as pure copper cookware must be washed by hand to retain its polished finish. Copper is also reactive when it comes in contact with acidic or alkaline foods, like tomatoes, wine or vinegar. This means it can impart a metallic flavor and dull appearance to your dish.
Fortunately, most modern copper cookware is lined with stainless steel to avoid this reactivity and make for easier maintenance. This 10-Piece Tri-Ply Copper and Stainless Set by Lagostina features a copper exterior with the added bonus of stainless steel and aluminum layers. This combination also enables it to be used on induction cooktops.
Cookware that Should Not Be Used on Glass Top Stoves
While stainless steel, aluminum and copper are the best cookware for glass top stove, some cookware should be avoided to prevent surface damage.
Here’s a list of what pans should not be used on a glass top stove:
- Ceramic and other stoneware: Pure ceramic cookware and other stonewares have a rough, textured base that can scratch the glass surface.
- Glass: If the glass pan becomes chipped or scratched the resulting roughness can scratch or nick the cooktop.
- Cast iron: Cast iron pans often have a rough coating on the bottom that can cause nicks and scratches. It also retains heat so efficiently that it can overheat the cooktop, leading to shutdowns or cracks.
Have nicks and scratches left you in need of a glass top stove repair? Perhaps you need some expert advice on how to clean oven glass? The professionals at Action Appliance Repair are here to help. Contact us for all your range and oven needs!
