How to Choose The Perfect Glass Top Stove Cookware
Glass Top Stove Cookware At A Glance:
- Best Overall - Paula Deen Signature Nonstick Cookware Set
- Best Hard Anodized Cookware Set - Anolon Advanced 11-Piece Cookware Set
- Best Nonstick Cookware Set - Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
- Best On A Budget - Paula Deen Signature Nonstick Cookware Set
- Best For Home Cooks - Anolon Advanced 11-Piece Cookware Set
- Best Starter Set - Paula Deen Signature Nonstick Cookware Set
If you’ve ever walked into a kitchen fitted with a glass stove top surface, you may be excused for having a few pangs of jealousy.
Glass stoves make for a beautiful, sleek addition to any kitchen.
Not only are they beautiful to look at, glass tops are highly functional as well.
Although made of a glass-ceramic mix, these stove tops can withstand rapid and continuous fluctuations in temperature.
Not to mention, glass tops are easier to clean due to their flat surface (no tiny hidden grooves to contend with) and lack of frustrating old-fashioned electric coil tops that captures and traps spills and boil overs.
However, as with anything, the glass tops are not without limitations and can be damaged.
As brittle as glass and ceramics are, these surface tops may be damaged by any solid object banging against it, either from a fall or pots and pans being slid roughly over the cooking area.
In order to take the best care of your gorgeous cooking surface, it’s important to use a type of cookware that is designed for a glass top and not just any old pots and pans are suitable!
In order to help you keep your glass stop looking great and lasting a long time, in this article we’ll look at what makes the glass top stove surface cookware so special, what features to look for (including the materials, diameter, and weight) and then review three sets that would well on a glass top.
Why Special Cookware for Glass Tops?
Glass stove tops cook effectively but they do have limitations that other types of stoves, such as gas or electric coils, do not have.
A limitation is that they can only heat surfaces that come in direct contact with the heated elements of the tops. Although this is a limitation, the surface also provides some safety in case your skin comes in contact with it. The glass top surface not able to conduct heat on non-metalic surfaces.
Cookware that is too big and goes over the element will not be thoroughly heated (and the food will either not cook through or will take longer to do so).
Flat bottomed cookware for glass top stoves are also important as they have dents or warped areas will not be as efficient.
What to Look for in Glass Cookware Sets
Cookware for glass top stoves are not specifically designed for such a cooking surface in the same way that a set would need to be geared towards induction top cooking but there are certain characteristics that make them more effective.
The three most important features to consider when looking at a cookware set to be used on a glass top surface is:
- The metals the pots and pans are made from. This will affect heat distribution in the pans
- The diameter of the bottom of the pans or cookware compared to the burner being used, and
- The weight of the particular cooking pan.
It is also important to take note of the bottom of the pans, which needs to maintain contact with the burner, but also that it is free from anything that may scratch the stove top, especially when being moved (it’s also important to lift, not slide, your cookware or pans when using a glass top).
If contact is not made with the glass surface, the heat will not be property distributed in the pot or pan. If there is no heat distribution, your food could be overcooked or undercooked in some areas.
Best Metals For Cookware On Glass
The most popular materials for cookware for glass top include aluminum, copper, titanium, stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic.
For glass stoves cookware or pans sets, look for stainless steel or anodized aluminum cookware that helps with heat transfer. in addition, the glass cookware heat will be more even and cooking on them will be more even.
Important factors to consider are:
- Heat distribution
- Stay cool metal handles
- Tempered glass lids
- High quality material
- Flag bottom
Aluminum
Aluminum cookware has long been regarded as an important part of the cookware standard; and cookware for glass top stove made of this material tends to be less expensive. Aluminum cookware does conduct heat well and scratches not very easily because of the hard anodization.
However, there has been a lot of controversy around the dangers of aluminum in cookware and the reaction between the cookware and acidic or alkaline foods.
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that less aluminum escapes into food through aluminum pots and pans, many people prefer to stay away from the product all together.
Copper
Copper has a superior heat conductivity and the cookware has very precise heat. What this means is that as you change the temperature on your glass top stove, the temperature of the pot changes almost immediately allowing for finely-tuned cooking. This material scratches easily.
Cookware made of copper also has a good weight; it’s heavy enough to sit securely on your stoves burners without being too heavy to lift easily with your hand. Copper pans for glass top is very practical and easy to clean.
However, on the downside, copper is highly reactive with foods, so most copper pans are lined with either tin or steel.
Titanium
This cookware is expensive but is high quality and long lasting and has no dangerous side effects. In addition, this cookware for glass top stove does not react with food ingredients.
Titanium is also fairly lightweight but it does not conduct heat very well. For this reason, most titanium cookware is actually aluminum cookware that has a fused ceramic-titanium, nonstick coating. This type of cookware material also scratches easily.
This is a reason why you need to be aware of the heat when cooking with titanium on your stoves.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most well-loved materials used for cookware sets; it’s cost-effective, durable, and looks great. Plus, the smooth stainless steel bottom makes a great choice for use on a glass top stove. Stainless steel cookware are a great choice for cookware for glass top.
Stainless steel is also safe to use with all foods as there is no reaction with alkaline or acidic material.
Unfortunately, on its own stainless steel is not as effective at conducting heat well but modern sets add a conductive core (usually copper or aluminum) that improve the heat distribution abilities.
An additional benefit is that the cookware is easy to clean and repels scratches.
Cast Iron
Another type of material commonly used in cookware sets is cast iron, for example, this is the material used in crafting Dutch ovens.
Dutch ovens are perfect for slow-simmering soups and stews, browning meat, even whipping up delicious desserts. Cast iron retain very good heat and heat your food consistently.
To add a cast iron Dutch oven to your collection, learn out more about the Top 3 Cast Iron Dutch Ovens of 2023. Cast iron has been around for a while but just recently made a comeback.
Because of they are naturally more heavy, cast iron pans are very uncommonly used for cooking. Most stoves can accomodate, but they are found frequently in the kitchen.
Ceramic
Ceramic cookware is hardened in a kiln which makes the ceramic surface more durable, and longer lasting. Once the cookware is fired up, it is dipped in a glaze which helps to provide stain resistance as well as a non-stick coating. Since the glazing occurs when the cookware is extremely hot, it is suggested not to heat ceramic cookware over a medium high heat. Extreme heat is the number one killer of ceramic cookware.
We recommend never cooking with ceramic cookware at high heat. This is one drawback of ceramic versus stainless steel. With stainless steel you can cook with as much heat as possible. Stainless steel also does not have any coating on the surface, so it won't stain.
Ceramic cookware does not contain the chemicals traditionally found in Teflon (i.e. PTFE and PFOA) non-stick coating, and is very easy to clean.
Ceramic and glass cookware sets should generally not be used on a glass top.
To learn more about ceramic cookware sets specifically, take a look at our in-depth guide to the Top Ceramic Cookware Reviews of 2023.
Diameter
Size really does matter, at least when it comes to the size of your pot compared to the size of the burner being used. This is even more true when it comes to using a glass top.
When cooking on a glass top surface, choose pots and pans that do not go over the burner by more than one inch.
Weight
Ideally, the top type of pan type for glass stove tops are on the heavier side, ensuring better contact between the cookware and the burner. As previously mentioned, it’s important that the set is not too heavy to lift properly as sliding the pot or pan along the top may result in a permanently damaged glass top stoves.
Best Glass Top Cookware Overview
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The Best Cookware For Glass Top Stove
Here we’ll take you through the three of our favorite sets for use on a glass stove top. All sets include a large pan, smaller pan, pots, and lids. This combination is great for cooking.
Of course, everyone has different needs so read through these glass stove top cookware reviews carefully to see if one of the ones we list below might be the perfect fit for your family.
#1 Best Cookware For Glass Top Stove
(Best Overall)
We think these gorgeous vintage-inspired speckled cookware for glass top stove are the perfect addition to your home and not just for their looks (although admittedly that does help).
Choose from red, aqua, blueberry, butter yellow, coral, or lavender colors. Depending on the color of your stoves, you may want to pick a type of cookware color that contrasts.
This Paula Deen Signature Nonstick 5-Piece Porcelain Cookware set includes: 1 quart covered saucepan and lid, 2 quart covered saucepan, 6 quart covered stockpot, 2.75 quart covered sauté, 8″ skillet, 10″ skillet, as well as a five piece measuring spoon set.
The cookware for glass top stove set is durable, offers even heat distribution (important for glass tops) and has a Durable DuPont Teflon® Select nonstick interior which makes for easy cleaning and long-lasting food release. This set is also stain resistant.
Not only is a glass stove top surface easy to clean, the nonstick bottom on this set also makes these pots simple to clean with warm water, dishwashing liquid, and a sponge.
One draw back is this set does not work on induction cooktops. The bottom of the pans are not magnetic because they are aluminum. If you want an induction set, check out our induction stoves and induction cookware reviews.
To keep your set looking its best for a long time to come
While they are dishwasher safe, we don’t recommend putting the pots and pans in the dishwasher (the red finish and trim on the handles will dull overtime when washed under such conditions)
The color coordinated, dual riveted, soft-touch handles are designed to provide a comfortable, secure grip and stylish copper plated rings are attached to make for easy hanging. The handles feel very strong and sturdy.
Tempered glass lids with copper plated knobs lock in flavors and let you watch your food cook without lifting the lid. Avoid steam burns by lifting the lids away from you.
This set moves right straight from the cooktop to the oven (oven safe to 350°F).
Get your pans today!
#2 Best Cookware For Glass Top
Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set
(Best Aluminum Set)
The Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick is a durable, hard-anodized aluminum cookware set that enables balanced, efficient heating with a long-lasting restaurant-tested premium-quality nonstick.
You can use metal utensils with this set (though we always advise against metal on nonstick to ensure the cookware lasts a long time).
This cookware set includes: 1.5 quart and 3 quarts covered saucepans, an 8 quart covered stockpot, .5-inch French skillet, a 12-inch covered deep pan (with helper handle, explained below) and a 3 quart covered sauté pan.
The glass lids are a shatter-resistant keep in heat and moisture and the handles give a comfortable, soft grasp and are dual riveted for extra strength. You can never have enough good lids lying around your house. As well, the strong handles provide an extra layer of safety and security.
As An Added Bonus...
As deep skillets may be too heavy to lift with one hand and you never want to drag a pot on a glass stove top surface, is that in this cookware set has a convenient helper handle (a small additional stay cool handle) making it easier to move a heavy item to a different part of the kitchen or stove without sliding the cookware and scratching the glass top (and without breaking your forearm).
Just to note, the Anolon nonstick set is not induction compatible so if you are considering an induction stove top in future take a look at this review of awesome induction cookware sets.
This nonstick cookware is oven safe (oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, higher than the Paula Dead set reviewed above).
We always recommend reading (and following) the manual and for cooking and cleaning instructions. Using a too high heat or abrasive cleaning supplies will degrade the nonstick overtime. Instead of high heat, turn the heat down to medium high maximum.
This Anolon cookware set comes with a Lifetime Warranty.
#3 Best Cookware For Glass Top
(Best Nonstick Cookware Set)
The Circulon Infinite cookware set is constructed from hard-anodized aluminum with a stainless-steel base with an encapsulated aluminum core (the aluminum conducts heat more efficiently than the steel) so heat distribution is even.
This is important for glass top stove cooking.
The cookware are all flat bottomed on the outside; they lay completely flat. The two sauté pans do have tapered sides, but the actual (outside) cooking surface is flat.
This helps the pots to maintain a steady temp (such as a low simmer).
A unique feature of Circulon cookware is the patented TOTAL® Food Release System that features a series of raised nonstick circles on the pan surface that reduces the amount of nonstick in contact with cooking utensils, cuts own on surface abrasion, and makes for a longer lasting, tougher set.
The design helps to cut down on food sticking to the bottom of the pot, as well!
The Circulon Infinite 10-piece cookware set includes: 1.5 and 2 quart covered saucepans, 8 quart covered stockpot, 3 quart covered sauté pan, and 8- and 10-inch open skillets.
The handles are cast stainless-steel (riveted) that stay cool on the stovetop and the lids are a heavy-gauge stainless-steel.
This nonstick cookware set is also marked as dishwasher safe and go straight to the oven (oven safe to 500°F, the highest oven temperature of all sets reviewed in this article).
This set is suitable for all stove types from gas and electric to glass top surface and induction.
In case you have looked into Circulon in the past
You may be wondering about the difference between the Circulon Elite range and this Infinite range. This Circulon Infinite range is a superior set and holds a few differences.
For example, the Elite range is handwash only and not metal utensil safe. Infinite is sturdier, more durable, and heavier as well as being dishwasher safe and metal utensil safe. These are traits that make it better suited to a glass top stove as well.
The Infinite range has a stainless steel base which will make it usable on an induction cooktop, so if you have or are considering an induction stove at any point, rest assured, this set will happily cook on either!
The Circulon Hard Anodized cookware set, is also superior against ceramic: anodized doesn’t crack, doesn’t discolor and does not allow food to stick, and the heat is distributed evenly.
Be forewarned though, these are investment set and as such are fairly heavy (compared to less durable cookware) and if not handled properly can scratch the top of your glass top stove. The larger pans are pretty heavy and will likely need two hands to carry (the smaller skillets aren’t too heavy, though).
Yes, they are very heavy but easy to hold with my hand. I have a hard time holding the largest pan and the large pot when I am cooking and pouring things out of them. But most of the time, they are sitting on your glass top stove. Just be cautious about the bottom of the pot scratching the glass. Handle with care!
On their own, they are not heavy but depending on how much and what type of food is put in them they can get heavy. Not cast iron heavy, by any means, but this is something to consider if you have difficulty lifting heavier pots and pans so as not accidentally scratch the stove top surface. Also if the handles are wobbly (which they aren't) it can also scratch the glass stoves.
This set is PFOA free and is made in China and Thailand. These types of cookware are very healthy and will not cause flu-like symptoms.
The Circulon infinite hard anodized nonstick 10-piece cookware set also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Common Questions About Glass Top Stoves
Can You Use Cast Iron On A Glass Top Stove?
Cast iron can be used with extreme caution. The cast iron may scratch the glass top surface becuase it is very heavy. Also note whether your cast iron cookware is covered with porcelain enamel. If it is not, it may also scratch or damage the glass stove top.
Can You Use Stainless Steel On A Glass Top Stove?
Yes you can. Stainless steel cookware is durable and light enough so it doesn't damage or scratch the glass top surface. It also conducts the heat evenly on the stainless steel surface so your food can cook evenly.
Can You Use Carbon Steel On A Glass Top Stove?
Yes you can. Carbon steel cookware (like stainless steel) has a smooth bottom which makes it perfect for your glass top stove. The weight of carbon steel is also light enough such that it will not cause scratches on your glass top stove. Carbon steel is a great alternative to cast iron.
How Do You Clean A Glass Top Stove?
The easiest way to clean is to wipe down with vinegar after the burners are cooled down. Apply a samll amount of dish soap over the glass top. Sprinkle baking soda, two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and wait 3 minutes. Take a kitchen towel and wipe clean.
How Do You Clean A Burnt Glass Top Stove?
The 5 steps below will make your glass top stove look brand new:
- Apply a generous amount of dish soap over the entire glass cooktop
- Sprinkle some baking soda on top of the dish soap
- Spread two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (any brand works)
- Use a small dish cleaning brush and scrub the area clean
- Wait 3 minutes and wipe clean.
What's The Best Glass Stove Top Cleaner?
The best glass cookware cleaners are:
- Best Overall - Cerama Bryte Glass-Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner
- Least Scrubbing - Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cleaner
- Best For Burnt-on Food - Affresh Stove Top Cleaner Kit
- Best Surface Protection - Weiman Cooktop Cleaning Kit
- Best For Touchups - Cerama Bryte Touchups Ceramic Spray
The Bottom Line...
Glass stove tops are a wonderful addition to a kitchen making for a gleaming, seamless look. The best cookware for glass top include aluminum core, stainess steel, and carbon steel.
Some say that T Fal (another common cookware brand) is the best cookware for glass top stoves. But we disagree after cooking with it for over 30 hours. The T Fal glass stoves cookware that we tried doesn't have good induction capability, and the bottom was a lot rougher than other types of similiar cookware. The way the lid was designed for the pots also did not cover the entire pot.
Just be sure to treat it kindly and to select a cookware set that is designed to give its best on a glass stove top surface and you’ll be whipping up delicious meals for a long time to come!
