What is the best cookware to use on a ceramic glass cooktop? Ceramic cooktops look fantastic and the last thing you want are pots and pans scratching or marking the surface. So here’s what I know about what works and what doesn’t if you’re looking for the best cookware for ceramic cooktops…
Why is this relevant? With the popularity of induction technology for cooking growing, more and more cooktops are glass AKA ceramic.
I’ve used a ceramic glass cooktop in my kitchen for ten years+. I love their sleek and modern look and the ease in wiping the cooktop clean after use (there’s no parts to remove or to clean under). I even have a favorite burner (the front left), like this tweeter…
Why it’s not only about the best cookware for glass top stoves
Over a decade or more, I’ve cooked with stainless steel, nonstick, and cast iron pans on a ceramic cooktop. Here’s what I found:
- You can use cast iron on the glass top without scratching the surface. I cover this in more detail in my article on using cast iron cookware and delved into it a little below.
- Don’t allow spills and messes to accumulate and clutter the cooktop. Wipe off as much as you can as soon as you can, after the cooktop has had time to cool (for an easy clean), or at least before next use. This is a golden rule, no matter whether you’re using the best cookware for ceramic top stoves or not.
- Wipe off any salt, sugar, or other granules that have landed on your ceramic cooktop before landing those pots and pans on it.
- If the pots you use on your ceramic glass cooktop have built-up grime underneath you risk harming your cooktop’s finish. So always clean your pans and pans well, paying attention not only to the cooking surface but also to the underneath.
- Clean and polish your glass cooktop every now and then with proper ceramic stovetop cleaner to protect it. (It’ll sparkle and your kitchen will look amazing.)
Looking after your glass cooktop with a quality cleaner does wonders for your kitchen’s appeal – this one at Amazon
What cookware to use on glass top stove
The best cookware for a glass top stove is one with a smooth flat base. Lightweight cookware work best although heavy cookware, like cast iron, work fine if you take care. My advice is to avoid turning pots and pans on glass cooktop, this way or that way, and never drag them across the glass cooktop. Lift and place.
I go through some types below.
Nonstick ceramic cooktop cookware
If you are looking to buy cookware, consider the ceramic coated pots and pans if you’re wanting nonstick. These have an aluminum core that makes them lightweight and easy to lift, which means you are less likely to mark the surface of the glass cooktop by dragging them around. They rank among the best cookware for glass top stoves for this reason.
You can use these pots and pans on any type of stovetop without worrying about damaging it or having uneven heating. The clear glass lids allow you to see what’s going on in your pan while still keeping heat inside so food cooks evenly every time! These have been designed specifically for people who want healthy cooking options without sacrificing quality or design.
Ceramic nonstick pots and pans don’t contain any PTFE or PFOA chemicals that can be harmful if ingested over time.
The non toxic 100 percent ceramic cookware are also reasonably lightweight.
Nonstick ceramic cookware on glass top stove…
Nonstick cookware suitable for induction glass top stoves – see at Amazon.
Stainless steel cookware
Cookware made from stainless steel is perfect for induction cooking on ceramic glass cooktops.
I’ve been using my stainless steel pots and pans on a ceramic cooktop with no problems at all.
If you’re looking to make a purchase it might be worth checking out the Made In company’s 5-ply stainless steel cookware, which has everything covered – including stainless steel lids and stainless steel handles to withstand very high temperatures (safe up to 550ºF). The bonus is that these pots and pans can go in a very hot oven!
Why I use cast iron on ceramic glass cooktop
I have a favorite cast iron skillet that I use on our ceramic cooktop. Cast iron is not a general favorite for use on glass stovetops, I admit. But we like cooking certain things in our cast iron skillet (to be honest, it’s a favorite of my husbands). The thing is not to grab the handle and move it around while cooking, nor drag it across the surface to a place to cool. People tend to do this with cast iron because it’s a heavy piece of cookware.
We use our cast iron skillet without issue. Cast iron works well on induction cooktops and there’s no reason why you can’t use it on your glass ceramic stove top, just make sure to follow the steps I’ve covered above much like you should with any use of the glass type cooktop.
Cast iron skillet used on induction glass cook top – see current price at Amazon
Protecting your ceramic stove top
Even with the best pots for ceramic cooktop, you still need to protect the surface by cleaning it.
An easy wipe after each use after the glass stove top cools makes this much simpler. As well as this wipe over, a regular clean and polish with proper glass stove top cleaner helps protect the surface to prevent those unwanted scratches and marks appearing.
Just follow instructions on the product’s packaging.
The good thing about the one I’m showing you below is that it has no plastic beads or dimethicone, which are known to harm aquatic ecosystems. And, it is biodegradable (OECD Test 301D).
- First remove the crusty areas from spilled food that stain the cooktop. A properly angled scraper that comes with the cleaner kits helps remove such burned on deposits without scratching your cooktop.
- Then apply the cleaning liquid or cream and use a nonscratch cleaning pad in a circular motion to clean the surface. Apply a little more pressure if you need to tackle any stubborn stains.
- Wipe clean and polish with paper towels.
A biodegradable option for cleaning ceramic cooktops – available at Amazon
In summing it up
For the best ceramic cooktop cookware, you need a set with a flat smooth base and preferably lightweight.
Still, you can use just about any type of cookware with ceramic glass cooktops. Except, if the ceramic glass tops are induction cooktops, they need induction-ready cookware, like the sets I cover in my article about cookware for induction cooking.
Above, I wrote how you can use cast iron on glass tops, but with care. You’ll find the care points at the very top of this article – for all cookware types. I hope all of this has been of help and that now you’re more confident about using your favorite cookware on your glass ceramic cooktop.