[Updated 1 June 2020]Glass top stoves are really making a mark in the cooking appliance industry, and it is not at all surprising why people are opting for this minimalistic yet functional and good looking stove. In this article, we will review the best cookware for glass top stoves.
The features offered by such stoves trump the old and outdated stovetops and is one of the prime reasons why people are drawn towards glass top stoves.
Besides the functionality, they are also known for providing a stylish, subtle and modern look to your kitchen.
The glass surface is temperature resilient, but keep in mind that they are not like your metal top stoves. Though the glass top is sturdy, it can still break and crack. Therefore, it becomes extremely important to use the right cookware which is neither heavy and which doesn’t feature sharp edges.
So before we start discussing or reviewing the cookware, let’s highlight some of the important advantages of using flat top stoves.
Why choose a glass or flat top stove?
Since glass or flat top stoves require a specific type of cookware, many people often wonder why should they opt to choose one of these stoves at all.
Well, outlined below are the few reasons why such stoves are efficient and worthy of consideration for a place in your kitchen.
The distribution of heat is superior:
One of the best features of these stoves is that the distribution of the heat is far better than other types of stoves. This is because the burner lays under the glass top and basically has a flat surface, so it becomes extremely important for you to use cookware which has a flat bottom as the heat which is generated by the stove gets directly transferred.
Elegant design:
The glass top stoves have a smooth and elegant design, which can highlight the whole look of your kitchen. This is the prime reason why such stoves have become a most sought after choice of a trendy, modern kitchen.
Cleaning is quite easy:
Glass or flat top stoves eliminate the use of burners and coils, therefore it becomes extremely easy for you to clean the surface. One thing which you should remember is that you use a microfiber or a smooth cloth when cleaning, so that you don’t scratch or damage the surface.
Due to their demand, many cookware manufacturers to come with a specifically designed cookware range which is efficient and also safe when used with glass top stoves. Outlined below are a few cookware brands that are in our opinion the best options to use with your glass top stove.
All-Clad Tri-Ply
The All-Clad name is a very reputed name in the cookware niche, and if anyone has ever gone shopping for a cookware pans in their life, they’ll surely remember this brand. One of the best reasons why people love All-Clad Tri-Ply Cookware is because they are equipped with quality components. New glass top stove owners have the right opportunity to restore their cookware range with the best in class option. The All-Clad 401716 set comes with 14 pieces which include options like the saucepans, frying pans, and others. Each of the pieces in this cookware range is made up of 304 stainless steel which is corrosion resistant and preserves the look and feel of the utensil for years to come.
Pros:
- All the parts are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty
- The high gauge aluminum core ensures even heating
- Has the ability to withstanding the heat of oven up to 600 degrees F.
- Compatible with almost all cooktops
- Riveted handles are sturdy and stay cool
- The built quality is good
Cons:
- Though they are described as dishwasher safe, they are actually not
- Customer service can be better
Cuisinart MCP-12N
The affordable price tag and the assortment of quality stainless steel pans, lids, pots, etc. provided by Cuisinart MCP-12N has garnered the attention of many glass top stove users. One of the best things about this cookware range is that all the pieces in the set have a light aluminum core and are made using triple-ply construction which therefore ensures even distribution of heat. The Cuisinart MCP-12N is made of the same materials which are used to manufacture more expensive cookware range so you are getting a quality product at pocket-friendly rates. The handles of the cookware range are made using the ‘CoolGrip’ technology which ensures a unique riveting system and a secured handle, thus making it easy for you to work efficiently.
Pros:
- The brushed interior which prevents stains or discoloration
- The drip-free rim on all pieces makes it easier for you to transfer things
- Certified Oven use up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be used with Induction cooktops as well
Cons:
- The skillets distort after a few uses
- The upper stainless steel coating comes out
- Bottom of the pan stains after using it for some time and is also not covered under warranty
- Doesn’t work efficiently on an induction cooktop
Racheal Ray Cucina
Racheal Ray is a celebrity chef and is a household name as she hosts numerous shows on the Food Network. Just like much other celebrity chef’s she also has a range of cookware which can be useful for glass top stove users. Racheal Ray Cucina 12 piece set is one of the very few products in the market which is manufactured using the anodized aluminum which is durable and light in weight. It is also very easy to clean such material either in a dishwasher or even by hand.
While searching for cookware range which is compatible with glass top stoves, you’ll come across shiny silver utensils that have a boring look. But the Racheal Ray 87641 set of cookware line is different from others as you’ll find plenty of options on the lines of earthy hues. Besides this, each pan provided in this set has a dual-riveted silicone handles which makes it convenient and easy for the users to handle it.
Pros:
- Manufactured with Anodized aluminum material
- Boasts of a PFOA-Free nonstick coating
- Value addition accessories like nylon turner and spoon come with this 12 piece set
- Dishwasher safe
- Certified in oven use up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Reinforced glass lids which provide shatter resistance
Cons:
- The pots skid off the burner while stirring
Anolon Advanced Bronze
The Anolon Advanced Bronze set is something different and unique when compared to others in the market because this set comes in bronze and brown color. The aesthetic looks of this cookware set are modern, stylish, and comes with 11 different items which can make your task easier in the kitchen. The cookware set also features a brown coating on the inside of the utensils which extends its life. The cookware is manufactured by using the anodized construction method which makes the utensils durable and sturdy when compared to the normal stainless steel utensils. The three nonstick layers on the inside and the outside of the cookware range makes it easier for the users to clean and maintain the pots and pans easily.
Pros:
- Heats quickly and evenly
- Features a DuPont Autograph 2 non-stick coating on the interior which is 100% PFOA free
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Heavy-duty resilient and tempered glass lids
- The cookware is oven safe
- Absolutely safe to use with glass top and induction stoves
Cons:
- Heating the skillet is a task as it takes a lot of time to heat up
- The cookware set is not dishwasher safe
Duxtop Whole-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware
The Duxtop whole-clad Tri-ply cookware is made up of three layers in which the first and the last layer consists of stainless steel whereas aluminum consists of the middle layer. This Tri-ply technology ensures quick and even heating which therefore allows you to cook food easily and evenly. The handles are made up of ‘Stay Cool’ technology which prevents them from heating. The 18/10 stainless steel is used to manufacture this cookware range, therefore you can rest assured about the durability and strength of the utensils.
Pros:
- The retention of heat is good due to the use of thick stainless steel
- Even distribution of heat which ensures that the food is cooked quickly and properly
- The customer service is impeccable
- This cookware range can be used with any type of gas stoves i.e. halogen stoves, induction stoves, and even glass top stoves
- The riveted handles provide sturdy support for efficient handling
- Oven safe and can be heated up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Though this cookware range is dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended. This is because the utensils can get damaged while washing them up in a dishwasher.
4 Essential tips to select the right cookware set to use on the glass top stoves
Over the last decade, glass top stoves have quickly become popular and have replaced the traditional coil heating gas because they are sleek, aesthetically beautiful, easy to use, easy to clean, and lots more. It doesn’t matter how strong your glass top stove is, even the costliest of the one can get damaged. Using the right cookware can help you stay from unwanted hassles and expenses. Outlined below are a few tips which can help you select the right cookware for your glass top stoves.
Construction Material:
It is really recommended that you lookout for a cookware range which is made up of tri-ply ‘sandwich’ construction method. Find for cookware that has stainless steel as the first layer, copper as the second layer, and aluminum or stainless steel as the last layer as it facilitates even distribution of heat.
Structure:
While looking for the right cookware for your glass top stoves; it becomes really important that you select the utensils which feature a flat and smooth bottom surface. This is because glass top stoves possess a built-in heating mechanism; that facilitates efficient and even heat transfer into the utensils. Besides this, it also becomes important to check whether the lid fits the pan or pot properly as it can foil the heat from escaping.
Weight:
As your glass top stove surface is fragile, it becomes really important for you to consider the weight of the cookware before you purchase one. It is advisable to use lightweight utensils as you don’t want to chip or crack the glass. Check the manual of your glass top stove; as normally the weight limit for the cooktop is typically mentioned and buy it accordingly.
Induction compatibility:
While searching for an apt cookware range, you’ll come across many that are specially designed for glass top stoves. It’s advisable that you look for an ‘induction compatible’ listing written on the manual or box of the cookware set. In general terms, each piece of the cookware set is shaped and made with such a material which is compatible with glass top stoves.
Besides this, it is also advisable that you check the warranty and customer service of the particular company as you are likely to use your new cookware regularly and there are chances of wear and tear as well. Therefore finding a cookware range that has a reliable warranty makes sense if there’s an issue with the durability or the performance of the cookware set.
Things to avoid in a cookware set for glass top stove use
While shopping for cookware set for glass top stove use; it becomes important to avoid specific construction materials like glass and ceramic. This is because glass and ceramic tend to leave marks on your glass top surface. Also, if left unattended they can also melt and damage the surface of the glass top stove.
Avoid using stoneware cookware sets as they are unnecessarily heavy. They may not even work efficiently with the glass top stoves; as the stoneware cannot draw and hold enough heat, which will lead to uneven or improper cooking.
It is also advisable to avoid using cast iron pans; as they tend to have a rough surface and can scratch or damage the surface of the glass top stove.
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