Special Pans: Electric Range Necessity?

Smooth surface electric ranges offer a modern, sleek look and are easy to clean. However, they require careful consideration when it comes to choosing the right cookware. The type of cookware used on these ranges can significantly impact their performance and longevity. It is essential to select pans with smooth, flat bottoms that won't scratch the delicate glass surface. While stainless steel is highly recommended for its durability and stability, other options include heavy-weight aluminum and copper bottom pans. Cast iron, stoneware, and glass or ceramic cookware are typically not advised due to their potential to scratch or damage the glass surface.

Pans with flat bottoms are essential for smooth surface electric ranges

When choosing pans for a smooth surface electric range, it is also important to consider the material. Stainless steel is highly recommended, especially with a sandwich-clad bottom that combines stainless steel with the heat conduction of aluminum or copper. Heavy-weight aluminum is another good option as it conducts heat faster than other metals and cooks evenly. Copper-bottom pans are also a good choice but require extra care as they can leave a permanent residue if overheated. Titanium and carbon steel are other suitable materials for smooth surface electric ranges. Porcelain/enamel pans are acceptable as long as they have a thick, flat bottom, but they must not be boiled dry. Unfinished cast iron should be avoided as it can scratch the glass surface.

Stainless steel is highly recommended for smooth surface electric ranges

Glass ranges are aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and can serve as additional counter space. However, they require careful consideration when choosing the right cookware. To protect the glass surface, it is essential to use pots and pans with smooth, flat bottoms that won't cause scratches.

Stainless steel is also available in combination with other materials. For instance, the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless 11-Piece Mixed Metals Cookware Set includes both stainless steel and hard-anodized non-stick pieces, providing versatility for various cooking needs.

When choosing stainless steel cookware for smooth surface electric ranges, look for options with a sandwich-clad bottom or a combination of metals for improved heat conduction. Additionally, ensure that the cookware has a flat bottom to maximize contact with the cooking surface and avoid scratches.

Heavy-weight aluminium cookware is also a good option

Heavy-weight aluminium cookware is a great option for use on a smooth surface electric range. This is because it conducts heat faster than other metals and cooks food evenly.

Aluminium is a durable material that is also lightweight, making it easy to transfer pots and pans to another burner to control cooking speed. It is also a good choice for its versatility and ability to complement any kitchen.

However, aluminium residue can sometimes appear as scratches on the cooktop, so it is important to clean the surface immediately.

When choosing heavy-weight aluminium cookware, look for flat-bottomed pots and pans. This is essential for good cooking performance as the bottom of the pan needs to touch the glass for the best heat transfer.

Some options for heavy-weight aluminium cookware include:

• Ecolution Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set: This set includes fry pans, saucepans, a Dutch oven, a steamer, and bamboo utensils. It is PFOA-free and features a water-based, non-toxic coating.
• Zwilling Motion Hard Anodized 4-qt Aluminium Nonstick Soup Pot: This pot features a multi-layer non-stick coating and durable aluminium construction for even heating. It comes with a tight-fitting tempered glass lid and double-riveted stay-cool handles.
• Tramontina Gourmet Aluminium Stock Pot with Lid: This stock pot has a base that is impact-bonded with three layers, including an aluminium core for even heat distribution. It is compatible with gas, electric, ceramic glass, and induction cooktops and is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Copper-bottom pans are compatible, but require careful maintenance

Copper-bottom pans are compatible with smooth surface electric ranges, but they do require careful maintenance. While copper is a great heat conductor, reactive to temperature changes, and ensures even heat distribution, it is reactive to acidic foods, which can make your food toxic. To avoid this, copper cookware should be lined with stainless steel or aluminium.

Copper-bottom pans are also more expensive than average budget cookware. They are not dishwasher-safe and need to be dried manually to avoid corrosion. You may also need to polish them to maintain their shine.

When using copper-bottom pans on a smooth surface electric range, be aware that they can scratch the cooktop. You should also never let a copper-bottom pan boil dry as this will leave a permanent stain on the cooktop.

Porcelain/enamel pans are compatible, but must be thick and flat

Porcelain/enamel pans are compatible with smooth surface electric ranges, but they must be thick and flat. The flat bottom is essential for good cooking performance as the bottom of the pan needs to touch the glass for the best heat transfer. Pans with a textured bottom, such as cast iron, could damage the surface, making it prone to cracking.

Porcelain/enamel pans should also be thick to prevent them from melting and fusing to the cooktop surface. Pans made from cast iron, stoneware, and other glass or ceramic cookware are not recommended for use on smooth surface electric ranges as they are rough and can easily scratch the surface.

It is also important to note that the weight of the cookware can affect the performance of a smooth surface electric range. Heavy-weight cookware is recommended to get the best cooking performance. However, heavy cookware can also scratch the cooktop surface if it is dragged across it. Therefore, it is important to handle porcelain/enamel pans with care when using them on a smooth surface electric range.

Frequently asked questions