Whilst the phrase ‘cooking on gas’ has long been associated with doing things in record time and doing things particularly effectively, there are now many reasons to believe the phrase should be replaced with ‘cooking on glass’. Glass top stoves are fast becoming one of the top cooktop appliances for professional and amateur chefs alike thanks to a range of benefits they hold over more traditional cooking methods.
In this post we will take you through some of the major benefits associated with cooking on a glass top stove and why it can be so much better than the gas top stove or old fashioned electrical hobs (which let’s face it nobody likes). We’ll also take you all through best cookware for glass top stoves, from the sauciest pots to the least sticky frying pans that will all distribute heat evenly thanks to the wonders of glass top stove technology.
What are glass top stoves good for?
Whilst glass top stoves do require you to have specific cookware don’t fall at the first hurdle and get put off by this as they also have a range of benefits that are going to make cooking so much easier! Here we will outline 4 of the top reasons to get a glass stop stove before moving on to explain how to find the best pots and pans for glass top stoves.
#1 Improved heat distribution
Because both the glass top stove and the electric burners they sit on are flat almost all of the heat produced is directly transferred to the pan you are using, so long as the pan itself is also flat. The combination of these two flat surfaces ensures as much of the heat as possible is conducted directly and evenly across the surface of the pan, rather than having an intense hotspot in the middle as you get with gas stoves or weak transfer typically associated with old-fashioned electric hobs.
#2 Easier to clean
One of the worst jobs in the kitchen has long been the troublesome shapes of both the stove top itself and the iron grids used to hold the pans which themselves often build up layers of hard to remove grease as it gets burned on over time. The flat top stove deals with both of these cleaning issues in one fell swoop providing as it does a smooth surface to glide right over, making cleaning easy-peasy lemon squeezy. Nevertheless, you should take care not to be heavy-handed with a glass top surface as they can scratch and crack so don’t get the scouring pad all over it!
#3 Stylish Design
Without any shadow of a doubt, what makes the glass top stove easy to clean is also of benefit when it comes to looks. These stove tops are designed to be elegant and smooth making them blend in with the rest of your surface tops and giving your kitchen a clean, crisp, and modern feel to it.
#4 Increase surface space
Another great aspect of the flat top stove beyond being easy to clean and looking stylish is that it creates a whole load more surface space than you would get with a normal set of hobs. This makes them a great choice for people where the kitchen space is not extensive as you are doubling up on your use of space.
What are the cons of a glass top stove?
Glass top stoves are made with a mix of glass and ceramic which does mean that they are susceptible to damage when not taken care of properly. The wrong type of cookware being used is certainly the major risk factor in this regard with cast iron, glass, and ceramic cookware all being a major no-no due to the fact that they tend to scratch the surface. Cleaning products that contain ammonia should also be steered well clear of as they will leave horrible streaks on the glass when it is heated.
Cast iron pans are also more likely to crack and scratch the surface due to their weight and tendency not to have perfectly flat bottoms. In fact, pans of any material that aren’t flat can lead to a crack of the glass top stove. Ideally, you should not store anything heavy above your glass top stove either as if they fall out of the cupboard the appearance of a dreaded crack is almost a certainty. You should also avoid putting lots of heavy things on them as they usually have a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds.
What is the best material for glass top stove cookware?
Given that cast iron, glass, and ceramic cookware are not suitable for glass top stoves, what does that leave in terms of suitable materials for glass top cookware sets? Well, the most popular alternative materials for glass top stoves are things like copper pans due (due to their excellent conductivity) and lightweight metals like aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.
#1 Copper Cookware
If you are after cookware with the best heat conductivity and budget is not an issue then you should look no further than the wonderful material of copper! This magic material is so conductive that as soon as you change the temperature of your stove top you’ll notice a change in the temperature of the pan’s contents. It also conducts heat evenly, especially when used on a flat top surface which also offers that same benefit.
Downside
Copper is actually quite a heavy material so you will need to be careful when using this on a glass top stove and don’t go banging it down! As copper is highly reactive when it comes into contact with food it the pan will also be lined with either steel or tin, which may mean you don’t get the full benefits of its conductivity.
#2 Aluminum Cookware
Most houses tend to already have at least a few pans made out of aluminum in the cupboard due to the fact they tend to be the cheapest. However, this material is still a good conductor of heat and if you are on a budget then there is no reason to turn your nose up at cookware sets made with this material in this regard.
Downside
Some people like to steer clear of aluminum pans due to the material’s reaction when it comes into contact with alkaline or acidic foods in spite of FDA approval that this material is safe to use.
#3 Titanium Cookware:
This metal was first discovered in coastal England in the beautiful Cornwall countryside way back in 1791 and takes its name from the Titans of Greek mythology due to its strength. This incredibly strong material has the added benefit of being lightweight making it safer to use on a glass top stove than heavier materials. Titanium also has no dangerous side effects when it comes into contact with food making it preferable to aluminum cookware.
Downside
Unfortunately, titanium is not great at conducting heat. This means most pots and pans that claim to be titanium are actually just aluminum cookware that has been coated with a fused ceramic-titanium coating that is non-stick which means it would not be suitable for a glass top stove.
#4 Stainless Steel
This well-known material is famous in the kitchen thanks to its durability and the fact that it is safe to use with foodstuffs as well as alkaline and acidic materials. It also has a fabulously flat and smooth surface which makes it perfect for glass top stoves and doesn’t risk leaving pesky scratches in your beautifully designed surface.
Downside
The downside of stainless steel is that it is not the most effective heat conductor so if it is a pure stainless steel cookware set then you may be disappointed with uneven heat distribution. Fortunately, a number of cookware sets add copper (or even aluminum) to the exterior to improve this.
Other factors to consider when looking for the best cookware for glass stovetop?
When it comes to choosing the best pots and pans for glass top stoves material is obviously vital but there are other things that need proper consideration too. Perhaps the most important thing every pan you use on a glass top stove needs is a flat bottom! This transfers the heat more efficiently and speeds up cooking times as a result. It also ensures you don’t crack or scratch the surface of your stove.
Although you should be careful not to buy cookware that is extremely heavy (since this could break the surface), it is generally better to have heavier cookware when cooking on a glass top stove. This is because lightweight cookware tends to be worse at conducting heat and heavier pans stay in place a lot better on the surface making it less likely to cause scratches to the surface due to sliding pans. Heavy pans also make better contact with the burner improving cooking times.
A final vital consideration you need to make is in relation to the size of the cookware you buy. The important thing to remember is that the cookware you are using should never be more than an inch or so bigger than the burner you are using. This is particularly important on a glass top stove as the edges will not be getting any heat at all if your cookware set is not particularly good at conducting heat.
Top 10 Best cookware glass top stove 2022
#1 Best stainless steel cookware set for glass cooktop: Cuisinart’s 11-piece stainless steel cookware set
If you’re looking for the best cookware set for glass cooktop that is reasonably cheap then you should be interested in this stainless steel cookware set. It has a specially designed bonded base that is designed heat quickly and distribute heat much more evenly than would usually be expected with stainless steel and with 7 pots, pans, and frying pans in the set you’ll have everything you need for a well-stocked kitchen cupboard with this cookware set.
Other pluses about this stainless-steel cookware set are that: the handles are riveted which gives you extra grip and control to ensure they don’t ruin your glass top surface by dropping a pan on it; they are suitable for use in the oven up to a whopping 500 degrees Fahrenheit; they all work, and; they offer comparable heat distribution to copper at a fraction of the price. The downside is these handles do get very hot too.
#Stainless_Steel #Stainless-Steel_Pans #Cookware_Set #Cookware #Pan_Set
#2 Best copper cookware set for glass cooktop: 10 piece ceramic copper cookware set
If you know that only copper will do and you are looking for the best pots and pans set for glass top stove then you will be pleasantly surprised with the cost of this cookware set. With 5 copper lined pans and a stainless steel steaming insert, this set is not completely made with copper but manages to harness the induction qualities of copper whilst using other metals to keep the overall costs down.
Other great things about this set of copper lined pans are that: the pans are safe in the oven up to an impressive 550 degrees Fahrenheit (and the lids can cope with up to 350 degrees); they are suitable for any stovetop; they evenly distribute heat and rapidly reflect changes in the burner, and; they are a range of sizes. The downside of these pans is that they are not fully copper on the outside so might not be suitable for the purists.
#Copper #Copper_Pans #Copper_Cookware #Easy_Clean_Pans #Pots_&_Pans
#3 Best frying pan for glass cooktop: Nonstick Ceramic Copper Frying Pan
If you are after a pan that offers the conductivity of copper along with a non-stick surface that makes it easy to cook without oil and still have it easy when it comes to doing the dishes, then this is the pan for you! With a diameter of 10 inches, this will work well even on a medium-sized glass top burner hob and helps to ensure that all your food is cooked evenly across the pan thanks to the copper exterior.
Other pros about this pan are that: the ceramic coating of the inner layer means there is no transfer of unwanted chemicals into your food; it has an oven-safe handle that is safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit; it is suitable for use in a dishwasher and the non-stick surface means it will come out glisteningly clean, and; it is also suitable for gas stovetops. The downside of this pan is that you will need an oven glove to pick up the handle unless you have asbestos fingers that is!
#Copper_Frying_Pan #Copper_Pans #Non_Stick_Pan #Healthy_Pans #Frying_Pan
#4 Best pans for ceramic cooktop: Rachel Ray’s 12-piece Aluminum Cookware Set
Finding the right pans for a ceramic stove can be a challenge but if you have looked high and low with little success, then you need look no further than this incredible aluminum cookware set. Available in a range of colors, this set includes an impressive 12 pieces, including a couple of useful utensils that will add style and pizazz to your kitchen. Whoever said pans couldn’t be functional and stylish was wrong!
Other positives about this cookware set are that: it has rubber handles which won’t conduct the heat but are still safe in the oven up to a not too shabby 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and; the non-stick surface is PFOA-free meaning you don’t have to worry about some of the issues usually associated with aluminum pans. The downside of these pans is that they are pretty lightweight so you do need to be careful not to let them slide and scratch your glass top.
#Aluminum_Pans #Aluminum_Cookware #Ceramic_Cookware #PFOA_Free #Non_Stick
#5 Best pots and pans for electric stove: Vremi’s 8 Piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
Whether you have an induction stove top, a gas hob, or are lucky enough to own our personal favorite of a glass top stove, you will likely be blown away by the quality of these pans considering their price. With 5 pans included in the set, you get pretty much all you need in one go with this pots and pans collection. So if you want to wow your friends at a dinner party, why not let these pans do the talking?
Other things you’ll love about this collection of pots and pans are that: they evenly distribute the heat of whatever stove top you are cooking on; they are dishwasher safe; they are stylish enough to serve directly out of on the table, and; they have an internal induction spiral that means they work on induction hobs too. The downside of these pans is that they are not suitable for oven use.
#Pots_&_Pans #Induction_Pans #Induction_Pots #Stylish_Pans #Cookware
#6 Best non-stick pan for glass cooktop: Copper Chef’s 10-inch non-stick frying pan
If you are looking for a non-stick pan that truly lives up to its name and doesn’t leave you screaming “what the hell does non-stick mean to you?” at it as you see your garlic turn into a burnt mess, then your prayers have been answered by this pan. The fact that the pan is suitable for use in the dishwasher also highlights how easily stuff washes off this pan and that its non-stick claims will stand up to intense scrutiny.
Other things you might like about this pan are that: it uses a specially designed induction plate that reduces the need for high temperatures and helps to evenly distribute heat; it is safe to be used in the oven up to a quite frankly ridiculous heat of 850 degrees Fahrenheit, and; it will last as long as you are likely to need it! The downside of this pan is that it doesn’t come with a lid and the handle is not heat resistant.
#Saute_Pan #Saute #Cooking_Pan #Frying_Pan #Non_Stick_Pans
#7 Best stainless steel cookware for glass top stoves: AVACRAFT’s Saucepan with glass strainer lid and ergonomic handle
If you have been keeping your eyes peeled for a pan that helps you with measurements and works like a dream on a glass top stove, then you should look no further than this wonderful pan. With a side spout that makes it easy to decant all your sauces into a more attractive container and a special lid that removes the need for a colander, this pan is full of surprises that will please even the hardest to please.
Other things that make this pan great are that: it has an ergonomic handle; it has a shatterproof lid; it evenly distributes heat thanks to being encapsulated in aluminum on its base, and; the lid has a handle made from silicone which makes it safe to lift even when it is at its hottest. The downside of this pan is that it is not ovenproof and although it is better than most stainless steel pans its heat distribution cannot compare to better materials.
#Stainless_Steel_Pan #Saucepan #Saucepans #Spouted_Pan #Straining_pain
#8 Best Titanium Cookware Set: T-fal B130SC Color Luxe Hard Titanium Non-stick Thermo-Spot Dishwasher Safe PFOA Free Cookware Set, 12-piece, Red.
Here we have a set of pans that are perfect for glass top electric stoves. T-fal are one of the best producers of cookware around and they haven’t fallen short with this 12-piece cookware set – far from it. Offering great value for money at under $75 for a full set of pots and pans that can be used to cook all of your culinary delights, this wonderful pan set will help you turn your cooking into restaurant quality.
These pans are built to last – made from durable aluminum and a hard titanium non-stick interior to ensuring that these pans will perform well for a long time. All of the pans come with T-fal’s unique thermo-spot which lets you know when your pans are hot enough to start cooking, and the diamond serigraphy ensures even heat is spread throughout the pan. They have also been ergonomically designed for your comfort. We’re sure you will also love the fact that they are dishwasher safe!
#T-fal #Non-stick #Cookware #Pans #Electric_stove #Dishwasher_safe
#9 Best Aluminum Pots and Pan Set: CUSINAID Non-stick Cookware Set 10-piece
If you’re looking for luxurious cookware for a flat top stove, then look no further than this fantastic 10-piece cookware set from CUSINAID. We’re sure that you will love the finish on these top-quality double-bottomed aluminum cookware set. Included within the set are 2 covered saucepans, 2 covered stockpots, and 2 open fry pans which are compatible with all oven surfaces including gas, electric, ceramic, glass, stovetop, and induction.
Designed for daily use these pans heat up quickly and, thanks to the impact-bonded stainless steel, the heat is spread evenly throughout the pan. What’s more, these pans don’t require oil so you can make sure cooking is healthy and fresh. They are also dishwasher safe and come with a 1 year replacement warranty. These pans would make anyone enthusiastic about cooking!
#Cooking #Aluminum #Stainless_steel #Non-stick #Pans #CUSINAID
#10 Best Skillet for glass top stove: Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Skillet with Glass Cover – 12 inch – Induction Compatible
A skillet is essential for any kitchen – whether you want to fry some eggs for breakfast, sear some pork chops or impress your friends with a delicious frittata this stainless steel skillet from Utopia Kitchen is just what you need. Designed to ensure even heat distribution this skillet is designed to reduce the incidence of burning your food so is a great choice for beginners in the kitchen.
With a close-fitting lid included you can ensure that all flavors and nutrients are tightly locked in, whilst also being able to see the food as it cooks. This skillet is also non-stick when oil is added and should be wiped clean with a paper towel after use. No need to worry about washing up either as this pan is dishwasher friendly. The downside of this pan is that it is not oven safe.
#Skillet #Glass_top #Dishwasher_safe #Flavor #Cookng
#11 Best cookware for ceramic glass cooktop: COOKSMARK Non-stick Cookware Set Diamond-Infused Pots and Pans set with Glass Lids – 10 pieces
For those looking for a cookware set that is made of sturdy stuff but doesn’t weigh so much it’s going to damage your beautiful glass stove top, this diamond infused set will be just the ticket. This aluminum cookware set comes with 10 stylish pieces available in blue or white and is designed to evenly distribute heat regardless of the stove top you use it on. The handy clear lids also make it easy to keep an eye on what you’re cooking.
Other good things about this cookware set are that: they have scratch resistant bottoms; the non-stick material is highly effective; they are suitable for use in the dishwasher; they are incredibly sturdy and resistant to any warping from heat, and; they are safe for use in the oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The downside of this set is that it doesn’t come cheap and it is not suitable for people looking to avoid aluminum pans.
#Diamond_Pans #Diamond_Cookware #Sturdy_Pans #Aluminum_Cookware #Pans
#12 Best flat bottom pans for glass top stove for stir fries: Cooks Standard’s Flat Bottomed wok stainless steel stir fry pan
Just because you need a flat bottomed pan to cook on a glass top stove it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to stir fries and cooking in a wok. This stir fry pan is made out of stainless steel and has a perfectly smooth and flat base as well as the tell-tale wok shape that is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cooking and doesn’t want to see all their veg spilling over the sides of a shallow pan.
Other benefits about this wok are that: it comes with a lid that securely fits to the pan to help you retain moisture as you cook; it is oven safe up to an impressively high 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and; it is dishwasher safe and comes with a limited lifetime warranty so you can be sure it won’t warp when used over high heats. The downside of this pan is that stainless steel is not the best heat conducting material.
#Wok #Stainless_Steel #Stir_Fry_Pan #Steel_Wok #Glass_Stove
#13 Best casserole dish for glass top stove: Calphalon’s Aluminum & Nonstick Everyday Casserole Pan
If you’re after a pan that is great for everyday use on a glass top stove and makes it easy to make the most delicious slow cooked casserole, stews, and sauces, then you should check out this frankly pretty special pan. The non-stick surface of this anodized and heavy aluminum pan means you will also find this pan is easy to clean even if you don’t use oil so it is a good choice for people wanting to eat more healthily too.
Other major benefits of this particular casserole dish are that: its weight means it won’t slide across your glass surface and is less likely to cause unsightly scratches to your surface; the handles, although made with metal, are able to be handled even when the rest of the pan is piping hot; it is great for people who love cooking slow and tender meals, and; it is great value. The downside of this pan is that it is aluminum which isn’t everyone’s favorite choice of material but with a lifetime warranty it is worth checking it out.
Conclusion
So it’s clear, glass top stoves have a whole lot to offer and are likely to be more and more popular in the modern kitchen thanks to their improved and even heat distribution, their stylish design, their maximizing of space and surfaces, and of course thanks to them being so easy to clean.
However, it is important to make careful choices about what pans are suitable for a glass top stove if you don’t want to break it or leave nasty scratch marks on your surface top. Fortunately, in this list, there is a cookware set and pan for all budgets and material requirements so take a look and go get cooking on glass!