There’s a right pan for every recipe, but you’ll also want to be sure you’re using the right pan for your stove. The best pans for glass top stove surfaces have smooth, flat bottoms and are made from materials that won’t scratch your cooktop surface. Choose pans that are easy for you to maneuver since glass cooktops are potentially breakable.
For their weight and rougher bottoms, avoid glass, ceramic, stoneware, or cast iron cookware. Here’s what you need to know about the materials that are worth considering:
- Stainless steel is one of the best materials to use on glass top stoves because it’s durable, nonreactive, and smooth. Plus, it’s conveniently dishwasher-safe. Steel pans with aluminum or copper cores, sometimes called tri-ply, are worth the investment for improved heat conductivity and even heat distribution.
- Aluminum is a lightweight, affordable option. Unlike stainless steel, aluminum is a reactive material that doesn’t pair as well with acidic foods like tomato-based dishes, but it scores points for boasting excellent heat conductivity. To gain that nonreactive layer, choose an anodized aluminum or nonstick-coated aluminum pan. Keep in mind aluminum should be washed by hand.
- Titanium infused into a nonstick coating adds to its durability and makes food release more easily. Like with any nonstick coating, avoid using metal utensils that can scratch the coating, rendering it unsafe for cooking.
- Copper pans are gorgeous but high-maintenance because they tarnish easily and can stain glass top stoves, so a steel pan with a copper core is your best bet for getting a pan with copper’s excellent heat responsiveness.
- Enameled cast iron coats the rough surface of cast iron so it’s smooth enough to safely use on a glass stove. However, take care not to overheat this pan on your stovetop as it can fuse to the surface. I regularly use this material on my glass stovetop, but it’s worth mentioning this will likely be the heaviest pan you own.
- Carbon steel is like a lightweight version of cast iron that’s also smoother, making it a great alternative for your delicate stovetop. Once seasoned, it’s basically nonstick and this pan is excellent for sautéing or searing. It’s responsive to changes in heat, but note you’ll need to reseason it from time to time.
In terms of size, choose pots and pans with a diameter that does not go over your burner by more than one inch to ensure even heating. This list includes individual pieces and sets so you can find just what your kitchen needs.
With all this in mind, here are the best pans for glass top stoves. Each one is highly rated on Amazon, including several picks with thousands of reviews.
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