Best Bottom Pans For Glass Stove Tops: No-Stick Solutions

Glass stovetops are aesthetically pleasing and functional, with benefits such as quick heating, even heat distribution, and ease of cleaning. However, they are more prone to scratches and cracks than traditional gas stoves. Therefore, it is crucial to select suitable cookware to avoid damaging the glass surface. The cookware should have a smooth, flat bottom for optimal heat transfer and to prevent scratching. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron, and ceramic cookware are ideal choices for glass stovetops. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using heavy cookware and to be cautious when placing or moving pots and pans on the glass surface to prevent scratching and cracking.

Stainless steel

Glass stovetops require flat-bottomed pots and pans that make full contact with the stove for efficient cooking. Stainless steel is a popular cookware choice for glass stovetops due to its even heat distribution, durability, and stability. It has enough weight to remain stable during cooking, yet it won't scratch the delicate glass surface.

When choosing stainless steel cookware for a glass stovetop, look for a set with a smooth base to avoid scratching the glass surface. Additionally, ensure that the size of the cookware matches the size of the burners for even heating and efficient cooking.

• Made In 10-Piece Stainless Set: This set includes six 5-ply stainless steel pieces and four lids. The pans have rolled rims for easy pouring and securely riveted handles that stay cool during use. While there is no non-stick pan included, the set is very well-balanced and durable.
• Calphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: This set offers excellent value for money, including pieces such as saucepans, a stockpot, and frying pans. The bonded aluminum base ensures high performance, and the integrated pouring spouts and straining lids make cooking and cleaning convenient.
• Tramontina Prima Stainless Steel Cookware: This set offers a wide assortment of pieces, ranging from an 8-inch skillet to a 12-quart stockpot. The flared sides on the skillets make cooking and tossing food easy, and the set is oven, dishwasher, and induction safe. However, stainless steel can be challenging to clean, so some scrubbing may be required.
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Collection: This Cuisinart set offers excellent value, with measurement markings on the saucepans and helper handles on some of the larger skillets. The disc bottom ensures good contact with the glass ceramic cooktop, and the set can be used in the oven and on an induction cooktop.

Enameled cast iron

• Make sure the bottom of the pan is clean and dry before placing it on the stove to avoid stains and damage to the glass surface.
• Factor in slightly longer cooking times as enameled cast iron takes longer to heat up and cool down compared to other cookware.
• Always place enameled cast iron gently on the stove and lift it when moving it to avoid scratches and damage to the glass surface.
• Remove the pot from the stove promptly after cooking and place it on a cooling rack or trivet to avoid scorch marks.
• Avoid dragging or shaking the pot on the stove as it can cause scratches on the cookware and the stovetop.
• Don't leave the pot on the stove to cool as it can cause scorch marks on the pan and the stove.
• Don't drop the pot on the stove as it can cause damage to the glass cooktop.

Ceramic cookware

Glass stovetops are sleek, modern, and easy to clean. However, they are more prone to scratching and cracking than traditional gas stoves. Therefore, it's important to choose the right type of cookware to use on a glass stovetop.

When choosing ceramic cookware for a glass stovetop, look for a flat bottom and straight edges, as this will ensure the most efficient heat transfer. It's also important to ensure that the base of the cookware is smooth to avoid scratching the glass surface. Inspect the base before purchasing to make sure it's suitable for a glass stovetop.

• Caraway offers a range of ceramic cookware, including a lightweight sauté pan that can be used on the stovetop or in the oven (up to 550℉). It has a flat bottom for perfect heat distribution, making it ideal for braising, searing, frying, and cooking with liquids.
• Caraway also offers a small and easily handled sauce pan with straight walls, perfect for cooking a range of sauces, risottos, and soups. It comes in a variety of bright colors that will look great in any kitchen.
• For a more versatile option, Caraway's Dutch Oven can be used in the oven or on the stovetop. It's easier to clean than traditional cast iron Dutch ovens and is lightweight, making it a great choice for those who want to move quickly around the kitchen.

Cast iron

First and foremost, cast iron is heavy, so always place it gently on the cooktop. When moving it around, lift the pan instead of sliding it to avoid damaging the glass surface. Cast iron also takes longer to heat up and cool down, so factor in slightly longer cooking times. After cooking, remove the cast iron from the glass surface promptly and place it on a cooling rack or trivet to avoid scorch marks.

When cooking with cast iron on a glass cooktop, avoid shaking or dragging the pan, as this can cause scratches. Instead, use a utensil to move food around the pan. Don't leave cast iron on the stove to cool, as this can cause scorch marks on the pan and the stove.

When choosing a cast iron skillet for a glass stovetop, look for one that is lighter in weight and has a smooth base surface. Ensure that the size of the skillet is no more than one inch larger than the burners on your stove top.

With proper care and handling, you can enjoy the benefits of cast iron cooking on your glass-top stove.

Porcelain/enamel pans

Secondly, porcelain/enamel pans should never be boiled dry. Overheating porcelain/enamel pans can cause the porcelain/enamel to melt and fuse to the glass stovetop, causing irreversible damage.

Thirdly, the size of the pan should fit the heating element on the cooktop as closely as possible. Pans that are too large can overheat and crack the glass stovetop.

Finally, porcelain/enamel pans should be handled with care to avoid dragging or pushing the pan across the glass surface, which can cause scratches.

Overall, porcelain/enamel pans can be used safely on glass stovetops if the above precautions are followed. However, stainless steel cookware is generally recommended as the best option for glass stovetops.

Frequently asked questions