Many homeowners now prefer glass top stoves instead of traditional gas and electric ones. And we can’t blame them. Aside from the minimalist and elegant aesthetic, a glass top stove is also more convenient to use and a breeze to clean. With just one swipe, you can go about the rest of your day without worrying about grease and oil getting in between your gas coils. This product also boasts a flat surface, which can extend as your counter space when you’re not cooking.
However, you’ll also need to consider the best cookware for glass top stoves to maximize its use and prolong its life. Some cookware can damage the glass top’s material; thus, you need to be picky with what you use. If you’re planning on switching to a glass top stove, this article will guide you on everything you need to know.
Glass Top Stove Basics
Glass top stoves have a smooth and flat surface that adds elegance to any kitchen aesthetic. This type of stove is made of glass-ceramic to make it more durable and heat-resistant. The process is almost the same as when making glass, but a nucleating agent is incorporated, resulting in a crystalline structure. After the process is completed, the top becomes glass-like but is much stronger and does not easily react to changes in temperature.
A glass top stove can either be electric or induction in nature. This kind of stove can either be electric or induction. Although both types run through electricity, the difference is in how the electricity is used.
Electric glass top stoves are also known as radiant cooktops. It works by heating the coils below the glass-ceramic surface. On the other hand, induction cooktops use electromagnetic induction. When you turn on the glass top stove, it generates an electromagnetic field to cook your food.
The Best Cookware for Glass Top Stoves
A glass top stove requires the right cookware to work. Using unsuitable cookware will do more harm than good, scratching the surface of the glass and leaving dents behind.
Materials
The best cookware for glass top stoves depends actually depends on your personal preference. However, the two best materials for glass-ceramic are stainless steel and aluminum. Stainless steel is known for its durability, heat-conducting properties, and resilience. Aluminum pans are also suitable cookware for glass top stoves. This cookware is lightweight, guaranteeing it will not damage the glass top in case accidental falls happen. The pans usually come in sets and are also one of the most affordable in the market today. Since the glass-ceramic is generally not as durable as the traditional ones, it is recommended not to use cookware made of glass, ceramic, or stone. These materials can easily scratch off the surface of your glass stove. Pans made of heavy aluminum and copper-bottom can leave a residue on the glass’s surface, so make sure to clean properly after use. Additionally, porcelain and ceramic materials can melt and stick to the glass stove easily, so also try to avoid them.
Size
When purchasing cookware, also consider the size and construction. Pans should fit closely to the heating elements of the stove. When the pans are too small, you waste heat energy, resulting to slow cooking time. On the other hand, big pans tend to overheat and may also crack the surface of the stove. Since the stove surface is flat, you can only use pans with flat bottoms for even heat distribution.
Cookware for Glass Top Stove Cleaning Tips
All cookware should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Disregarding the manual may lead to damages and also tends to shorten the life of your pans and pots. Most cookware can be cleaned using the dishwasher. However, make sure you follow the right way on how to do so. Lids, pots, and pans can be a bit tricky to place inside the dishwasher. So try to check if you can find any instructions on how to do so in the manual properly. Generally, regular dish soap can clean your cookware thoroughly. If stains remain, try to soak for about 20 minutes before scrubbing. When cleaning pans with Teflon-type non-stick coating, never use abrasive cleaners. These will damage the coating and will make your pans less useful. If you need to scratch down a surface with steel wool, try to do so with care. To learn more about kitchen essentials, go here!
Conclusion
Switching to a glass top stove has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s an aesthetic piece of kitchen essential that can also do the cooking for you. However, as mentioned above, always try to consider the cookware you use. Some materials can cause damages to your glass stove, so always check the appropriate cookware for your stovetop. Generally, your best options are aluminum and stainless steel. Aside from durability, these materials are proven to conduct heat effectively when cooking. There is a wide array of cookware available in the market you can choose from. These pieces can help you maximize the use of your glass stove and also ensure you can use your stove for extended periods.