Protect Glass
How to Protect Glass Top Stove From Cast Iron, Glass top stoves are a gorgeous addition to any kitchen but they require extra care. Spills, stains and burnt residue can quickly smear the surface of your stove.[1]
Manufacturers recommend using cookware with smooth bases such as stainless steel (Le Creuset, Lodge, Bruntmor). Cast iron enamel can also be used on glass top stoves but only if it is pre-seasoned and handled carefully.
Uneven Bottom of Cast Iron Cookware
Despite the fact that glass top stoves are beautiful, they do require a little upkeep to ensure they stay that way. Burnt food, black residue, and other spills can smear the surface if they are not cleaned up as soon as they happen. This is especially true if you use cast iron cooking equipment.[2] The rough bottom of most cast iron pans can also cause scratches on the smooth surface of a stove if you are not careful when handling them.
The good news is that there are some simple do’s and don’ts to follow when you cook with cast iron on a glass top stove. These tips will keep your stove protected and your cast iron pans looking like new.
Do not shuffle or slide the pans around: This may seem like an obvious tip, but it is one that is often forgotten by people who cook with cast iron on their glass stovetops. Moving the pans around in a shuffling motion on a glass top stove can cause scratches to the surface of the stove and to the bottom of the pot. Instead, carefully lift and set the pans down when you need to move them.[3]
Never leave a cast iron pan on a glass top stove to cool: When you place a hot cast iron pan on a glass stovetop, it can crack the smooth surface of the stovetop. Not only does this damage the cast iron pan, but it can also create deep and permanent scratches on the stovetop.
Upgrade your cast iron cookware: Older cast iron pans usually have rough spots and burrs on the bottom. These uneven surfaces can easily scratch the smooth surface of a glass top stove, leaving scratches and discoloration in the process. Modern cast iron cookware has a much sleeker finish and will not cause any issues with your stove top.
Wipe down the stove regularly: When you have a glass top stove, you will want to wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge after each use. This will remove any spills before they have the opportunity to dry and cause permanent damage to the surface. [4]You will also want to perform a deeper clean once a month or whenever you notice smudges and scratches on the glass.
The Size of Cast Iron Pots and Pans
If you have a glass cooktop stove, your cast iron pans probably won’t work well on the surface. It’s the weight and rough bottom that cause the problems with scratching a smooth, glass surface. But don’t worry, you can still use your favorite cast iron pans if you follow some basic tips. With a little knowledge, you can enjoy the benefits of cast iron cooking on your glass top stove without causing any damage to the smooth surface.
Before using any cast iron pan on your glass stovetop, always run your hand over the surface. If you feel a bumpy, rough surface or uneven edges that are not smooth, you should choose another type of cookware to avoid scratches.[5] Instead, try ceramic coated cast iron or a seasoned metal cast iron pan that has a smooth bottom.
You should also make sure that you only use cast iron cookware that is a good fit for your glass stovetop. The cookware should be no more than 1 in (2,5 cm) larger than your burners as a general rule. This will prevent the pan from sliding around on the glass stovetop when you are cooking.
In addition, you should always use thick oven mitts when handling your cast iron pans. This will help you to lift and move the pans easily. You should also keep a heat-proof cutting board or metal trivet on hand to place hot pans on. This will also protect the bottom of your cast iron pans from burning on your new glass stovetop.
Finally, you should clean your cast iron cookware regularly to remove any food particles that could scratch the surface of your glass stovetop. It’s important to scour the interior and exterior of your cast iron cookware with a non-metal scouring pad or steel wool to keep it in good condition.[6]If you forget to do this, your cast iron will develop a sticky film that can leave behind unwanted scratches on your glass stovetop.
You can further protect your glass stovetop by utilizing a heat diffuser. These are available at many kitchen or home and hardware stores for a very low price. The diffuser’s flawlessly flat and smooth surface is designed to sit between your cookware and the glass stovetop to prevent direct contact that can result in scratches. The diffuser is also easy to clean and works as a great alternative to traditional potholders and trivets.
The Surface Finish of Cast Iron
The rough surface of most cast iron pans can leave scratches on the glass cooktop. These scratches may be too deep to repair, and they will make the cooktop look ugly. However, the good news is that you can reduce or eliminate these scratches by seasoning your cast iron cookware properly. This will help to create a smoother surface that is less likely to scratch the glass top stove.[7] You can also choose to buy cast iron that is coated in ceramic instead of traditional enamel. This will significantly cut down on the risk of scratching the glass top stove.
Most manuals for glass top stoves warn against using cast iron on the stove because of the roughness of the cast iron and the risks of scratching the pristine surface. While these warnings may spook some home cooks, you can safely use cast iron on a glass top stove if you follow a few simple rules.
When you are cooking with cast iron on your glass top stove, make sure that you lift the cookware when moving it around instead of sliding it. Cast iron cookware is heavy, even when empty. When you add water or food to the pan, it becomes even more heavy. If you drop the cast iron on your glass stove, it can crack or break the glass.
Additionally, it is important to use cast iron pots and pans that are the recommended size for your glass top stove. Larger pans don’t sit flat on the burner and can cause uneven heating. Additionally, they can trap heat underneath the cookware and shorten the life of your glass top stove[8].
If you are going to be using your cast iron on a glass top stove, it’s important to clean and dry the cookware as soon as possible. This will prevent any food from drying and becoming stuck to the bottom of your pan. If you forget to clean your cast iron or wait too long to clean it, you could end up with burnt food stains on the bottom of your pan.
Here’s How to Protect Glass Top Stove From Cast Ir
Cast iron is a popular cookware choice, but some stove manufacturers recommend that people do not use it on smooth-top electric stoves because of the risk of scratching the glass top. While this advice is not universal, there are steps that people can take to ensure that they are not accidentally damaging their glass cooktops when cooking with cast iron.
One of the most important things to do is to thoroughly clean your cast iron before and after every use. This will help to remove any grease or food residue from the bottom of the pan that can scratch the surface of the stove. It is also a good idea to regularly use a silicon scourer or plastic scrubber to keep the cast iron looking its best.[9]
Another way to protect your glass top stove from scratches is to make sure that you are carefully moving any pans on the stove top. While it may seem tempting to move the cast iron skillet around quickly after it has been heated, this can cause the pan to shift and scratch the glass cooktop surface. It is recommended that you always lift and place the pans onto the stove with care, especially if they are heavy.
If you notice any scratches on the glass cooktop surface, it is recommended that you use a damp cloth to buff away any marks. This will help to make the surface of the stove more even and less prone to damage from heat.
Investing in a heat diffuser for your glass top stove is another good option to help prevent damage from cast iron. The flat surface of the diffuser helps to distribute heat evenly and will act as a barrier between your glass top stove and the cast iron pans.
Using a diffuser is also recommended if you are using a cast iron pot that has a rough bottom surface. While the roughness of a cast iron pan is not necessarily harmful to your glass cooktop, it is recommended that you use only smooth-bottom cast iron for a smooth-top stove. [10]
How To Use Cast Iron On Glass Top Stove
Glass top stoves are very sleek and attractive, and they add a contemporary look to any kitchen. However, they can be delicate and susceptible to damage from heavy cookware. Using cast iron on a glass stove can lead to scratches that are difficult to remove and may even cause the stove to break. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening. These tips will help you protect your glass stove from scratches and make sure it lasts for as long as possible.[11]
Never Slide Cast Iron on the Glass Surface
Cast iron has a rough surface and is very heavy, so it can easily scratch a glass cooktop. Sliding the pot or pan over the cooktop will cause tiny cracks that can eventually result in a broken stove. Instead, gently lift them or place them on the stove to avoid this problem.
Keep Your Cast Iron Clean
Make sure that you always use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber when cleaning your cast iron. If you use a harsh scrubbing pad, you could cause permanent damage to the stove’s surface. It is also important to wash your cookware thoroughly after each use. This will remove any food residue and prevent scratching on the cooktop surface.[12]
Always Keep Your Cast Iron Well-Seasoned
Aside from being sanitary, it is very important to season your cast iron cookware properly. Most people only season the inside of their favorite skillet, leaving it with a bumpy surface that can wear down a glass cooktop and eventually break it. To prevent this from happening, you should coat the interior and exterior of your cookware with cooking oil before placing it in an oven upside down at a high temperature.
Never Keep Your Burners Enclosed
Keeping your burners open after each use will ensure that they cool down slowly and will prevent any clogs. Also, you should always avoid putting any over-sized utensils on the cooktop.[13] This will exert too much pressure on the burner and can cause it to crack or shatter.
It is also important to wipe the bottom of your cast iron cookware after each use. This will remove any grease and food residue that may have collected on the bottom of the pan and caused marks or scratches on the glass stovetop.
What’s the Appeal of the Glass Stove Top?
Glass top stoves are gaining popularity because of their sleek look and easy maintenance. However, they’re also fragile and can easily be damaged by heavy pots and pans. Cast iron cookware is very heavy, and it can put a lot of stress on a glass top stove. This may cause the glass to crack or shatter. Luckily, there are a few ways to protect your glass top stove from cast iron.[14]
The simplest way to protect your glass top stove from cast iron is to keep it clean. This means wiping down the surface after every use to remove grease and food particles. It’s also a good idea to use nonstick cookware when cooking on your glass top stove. This will help prevent scratching and staining the glass surface.
Another way to protect your glass top stove from cast is by using a heat diffuser. This is a mat that is designed to be placed on the stove before placing your cast iron pans. The heat diffuser will spread out the weight of the pans and prevent them from sliding around on the glass surface. It’s also a great way to protect your cast iron from scratches.
One final way to protect your glass top stove from cast-iron is by using a protective cover for your stove. These covers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit over your glass stove top. The covers will protect your glass stove top from scrapes and stains when it’s not in use.[15]
A quick and easy way to repair a light scratch on your glass top stove is by applying a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the blemished area and scrub with a damp cloth. This will help to smooth out the scratch and make it less noticeable. If the scratch is deeper, it may not be possible to repair it.
Another important tip to remember when using cast iron on a glass top stove is to never slide or drop your cast iron pans on the stove. This can cause a small crack that will eventually lead to the pan shattering off of the stove. It is best to gently lift your cast iron pans when moving them from one stove surface to another.[16]
