Glass top stoves have simplified a lot the way we cook nowadays. They have an intuitive temperature adjuster and are versatile in design and cooking areas. Despite all these advantages, glass top stoves can be a pain when it comes to protecting them from scratches. They are fragile, and individual cooking pots can ruin their impeccable aspect. And unfortunately, cast iron cookware is one of the main enemies.
In other words, if you have been excited about your brand new glass cooktop, but you damaged it under a heavy pot, I understand that pain. Why? Because truth be told, the frequent use of cast iron on glass cooktop surfaces has led to multiple damages. However, you should not despair. You can still use cast iron cookware and maintain the perfect aspect of the glass top stove. Let’s find out how!
Are cast iron cookware compatible with glass top stoves?
Generally speaking, it is not recommended to use cast iron cookware if you are preparing food on glass top stoves. It is best to work with enameled cast iron and apply a grill mat as a protective shield between the cast iron and the glass.
A heat diffuser or a grill mat will be helpful; however, if the cookware is heavy, it is pretty hard to avoid scratching or breaking the top stoves. So remember to be gentle. Another wise choice is to use lighter cookware items.
Even so, I can still understand the great appeal of cast iron.
Another essential point is to avoid extreme temperatures when cooking with cast iron cookware on a glass top stove. Any extra temperature and weight can put a lot of stress on the glass and cause possible cracks. Lower and medium temperatures are recommended as they do not pose any additional risk.
Best Ways To Protect Glass Top Stove From Cast Iron
If you love cooking on glass-top stoves, but do not want to give up your favorite cast iron cookware, don’t worry. You only need to be more patient and careful when working with these cooking tools. So let’s dive into the best in-depth protection methods:
Make Sure You Season the Entire Pan
One of the easiest and best ways to protect the glass top stoves is by seasoning the cast iron cookware. You don’t need anything else but some cooking oil to create a carbonized layer on the pan’s surface. This layer is non-stick, so if you season the pan properly, you will obtain a smooth coating on the cast iron.
One significant mistake people often make is not seasoning the entire pan. Apply a simple oil to the pan, then place in the oven upside down. Turn the heat on at high temperatures. This layer of fat will build a smooth surface on the cookware and will reduce the chances of stove crackings. The oil will also convert into a protective layer between the cast iron cookware and the stove.
Heat Diffusers in Action
Heat diffusers are simple items that act as a barrier between the pan and the cooking surface. Due to the rough nature of cast iron, the flat and smooth heat diffusers will protect the glass top stoves from scratches.
Lift the Pans and Never Slide Them
This method is one of the most effortless ways to avoid scratching the glass top stove. As you may know already, cast iron cookware is rough and heavy, two aspects that may cause chaos on glass. Therefore, whenever you move the pans and pots from the hot surface, ensure you lift them carefully, then place them down gently. Although the glass top stove is quite resistant, it cannot take all the weight of cast iron.
Always Keep the Glass Top Stove Clean
This method might seem quite obvious and applies to heat diffusers and the glass stove. Keeping the cast iron cookware and the heat source clean prevents possible rough food from getting stuck on the cooking equipment. Moreover, cleaning these tools after every cooking session will prevent scrapings and scratchings on the glass surface. Because let’s face it. Using cast iron on a glass stove is already an issue; the last thing you need is stuck food in this equation.
Cleaning after each use will reduce the chances of damaging the cooking tools.
Consider Using a Glass Cooktop Protector
Another easy way to prevent damaging the stove surface is using particular protection for ceramic/glass stove tops. I am talking about a fragile cover that ensures the cooktop stays safe. Their material is silicone or rubber and has heat-resistant and anti-slip features.
Besides the possible scratches, a heat-resistant glass stove cover will also protect the cooking surface from grime and food spills. They are also easy to clean and genuinely affordable. A glass top stove protective cover is an excellent buffer between the cast-iron tools and the cooking surface.
Tip: You may also choose a ceramic stove top protector if you cannot find a rubber or silicone one.
Use a Grill Mat
A grill mat works just like a heat diffuser and protects the cooktop from scratches caused by the pan. The main advantage of a grill mat is that it sticks on the glass surface and stays still while the pan is moving.
However, remember that grill mats are not made to be used on cooktops. However, their features are something beneficial. You should place these items on the top grill grate to prevent the food from falling between the grill bars. This mat is also great for keeping burned bits and soot away from your food.
Cool tip: The great advantage of grill mats is that they can resist high temperatures and handle extreme heat from the cooktop.
Tips And Tricks To Protect Glass Tops From Scratches
Here are a few other extra things you can do to prevent and remove scratches from the glass top stove:
- A cooktop protector will work excellent if you clean these covers at least once a week.
- Try to use lightweight pots instead of the heavy-weight ones;
- Make sure you always scrub the bottom of the pots and remove all the food and grease remainings.
- Clean spills and avoid using steel wool and metal sponges, as they might scratch the glass surface.
- Avoid using aluminum foil whenever possible. These foils can leave permanent marks and scratches.
- If you are dealing with small scratches, you can make a cleaning paste from baking soda and water. Use it to clean away any scratches gently. Make sure this paste is wet and that you are rubbing the dirt with patience; otherwise, you might cause worse damage.
- Do not deviate from the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions when using the stove and cookware.
- Avoid using cast iron cookware with round bottoms, as these types may cause scratches. Instead, choose pans and pots with flat shapes. They are much more stable, do not shift all around, and will significantly reduce the possible scratches.
- Use glass cleaner to make the glass top stove look sparkly clean.
FAQ
Let’s check out the most frequently asked questions on the matter and find out more.
Q: What pans should you never use on glass top stoves?
A: You should always avoid cooking with heavy tools. They are more susceptible to scratches and cracking the glass top stove. Heavy cookware like ceramic, porcelain, cast iron, and glass pots and pans are a higher potential for stove accidents. Yet, if you are careful and follow the suggestions presented today, you should be fine.
Q: What about enameled cast iron pans? Are they safer?
A: Enameled cast iron pots are a better choice than uncoated ones. They have a much smoother finish and are less likely to cause scratches.
Q: How to fix glass top stoves scratches?
A: Scratches are impossible to avoid when cooking on a glass-top stove. However, getting rid of them needs simple ingredients like:
- Water
- Baking soda
- A smooth cloth
The first thing to do is combine baking soda with water and mix them until you obtain a paste. Apply it to the scratches and start rubbing the surface using a soft cloth. Make gentle moves and continue the process until the result is sparkly clean.
Last Thoughts
Although it is not recommended to use cast iron cookware on glass top stoves, there are multiple ways to protect the cooking surface from cracks and scratches. The best advice is to use silicone and grill mats and heat diffusers, not slide the pans, and constantly clean the cooking surfaces.