Cast iron is becoming more popular as the primary cookware material of choice in contemporary kitchens. And very properly so! Because of their versatility, you only need a few tools in your kitchen, and less really is more!
When choosing cookware, it is easy to overlook how compatible it is with your surfaces. Not to mention your household appliances. The last thing you’d consider is how your new gadget would impact the glass surface of your cooktop!
Contents
- Why are glass cooktops so desirable?
- Why should I use cast iron pots?
- Types of cast iron cookware
- Glass and ceramic stovetops
- Cooking tips for using cast iron on a glass stovetop
- FAQs
- Step-by-step: How to properly clean your cast iron cookware
- Iron on Glass – Be Careful!
- FAQs
- Can I use my cast iron skillet on my glass top stove?
- What pans should not be used on a glass top stove?
- Can you use any cookware on a glass top stove?
- Can you use metal pans on glass cooktop?
- What kind of pans for glass cooktop?
- Is a ceramic cooktop the same as a glass cooktop?
- What can damage a glass stove top?
- What to avoid with glass top stove?
- Why shouldn’t you can on a glass top stove?
- Can a pan scratch a glass top stove?
Why are glass cooktops so desirable?
When it comes to cleaning, glass surface stoves are much better. The flat surface is very simple to clean, and there are no little places where food might get lodged, such as between coils. This also makes them incredibly sanitary.
The glass’s near closeness to the heating coil underneath, along with the flat surface, enables heat to be transmitted uniformly around the ring. This prevents one side of the pan from heating more quickly than the other.
Why should I use cast iron pots?
For millennia, cast iron pots have been used in the kitchen. They have a stellar reputation in both commercial and home kitchens.
What makes them so versatile?
List of ways cast iron cookware will enhance your cooking
- Cast iron cookware may last a lifetime and even become a family treasure if properly cared for.
- Excellent searing capabilities: Ridged cast iron skillets are fantastic for browning a variety of meats, which adds a lot of flavor!
- Nonstick: When you buy enameled cast iron, it is inherently nonstick.
- Cast iron is extremely simple to clean and does not impart any tastes or keep any smells on your food.
- Heat retention: Cast iron takes some time to heat up, but once it does, it has incredible heat retention characteristics. When food is put in the refrigerator, it stays colder for longer!
Types of cast iron cookware
There are many prominent varieties of cast iron cookware, each serving a particular function.
I’ve included the most popular cookware goods below, along with a description of their features and functions.
Seasoned cast iron cookware
When I think of seasoned cast iron cookware, I see a large, solid cauldron that would have been used over an open fire in the ancient days.
Fortunately, we have progressed past this, and cast iron skillets and certain dutch ovens are now common cooking tools. Cast iron skillets are ideal for preparing the ideal steak.
Some include bottom ridges that are ideal for steak, poultry, hamburgers, and even shrimp.
These ridges aid in searing the steak while keeping it above the oil, resulting in lesser fat cooking.
Porcelain-enameled cast iron cookware
A dutch oven is the most typical kind of enameled cast iron cookware you’ll be acquainted with. Enameled dutch ovens are the epitome of fine family cooking. Their brilliantly colored finish is available in a number of hues.
Enameled dutch ovens may be used for cooking roasts, simmering on the stovetop, slow-roasting soups and stews, and even baking bread.
If you’re interested in enameled cast iron items, I have a blog article with further information on the difference between a dutch oven and a cocette!
Glass and ceramic stovetops
What is the difference between glass and ceramic stovetops?
Although various manufactures may refer to them differently, both glass and ceramic stovetops are composed of a 50-95% crystalline ceramic-glass combination combined with a glass-ceramic mix.
The two names are essentially interchangeable and are just different names that each company has adopted for their particular product.
What is the best cookware to use on a glass or ceramic stovetop?
The best cookware for protecting your cooktop is likely to be stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium.
These pots often have a smooth surface on the outside. They also weigh far less than cast iron, making dragging these pots around the range easier.
Cooking tips for using cast iron on a glass stovetop
Cast iron cookware may not be ideal for use on a glass cooktop. However, if you take a few measures while handling it, you will not break the glass!
Following these methods will also help you care for and prolong the life of your cast iron cookware!
List of tips to follow when cooking with cast iron on a glass stovetop
Ensure cookware is clean before use
Making sure there is no debris on the outside of your glass cooktop is one of the simplest methods to avoid scratches. This means giving your cast iron a thorough cleaning after each usage!
will prevent scratches from occurring when the heavy cast iron pan is placed on the glass top.
To effectively clean your cast iron, just follow the simple steps above.
Do not slide your cast iron!
This area is critical in preventing the glass from being scratched by the heavy rough exterior of your cast iron.
It is preferable to raise and replace your cast iron pan over the glass in one motion rather than dragging it across the surface. This will prevent scratches and cracks.
Use a heat diffuser
If you want to be extra cautious, consider purchasing a heat diffuser for use with your cast iron.
A heat diffuser acts as a middleman, distributing heat over the bottom of the cast iron pan. It will keep the cast iron from touching the glass cooktop.
It is not only beneficial for your glass top stove, but it may also enhance your cooking! A heat diffuser is used to transfer heat evenly over the bottom of your cookware.
They keep the bottom of your pan from scorching, making it ideal for cooking sauces and, in especially, slow-cooking!
Heat diffusers are a robust option for improving your cooking and saving your glass stove top without breaking the budget!
Regularly cleaning your glass stove top
When originally installed, glass stovetops look fantastic. They have a really nice, contemporary appearance and are quite simple to clean!
However, as you may be aware, they are not the simplest to keep clean. Oil splatters, burned-on food, and other debris are common on the surface.
It is critical to wipe up any oil splatters or major spills as quickly as possible since the longer they remain, the more likely your glass stove top may discolor.
Here are some pointers to maintain your glass hob as clean as the day you got it!
Tips to keep your glass hob clean
- Using a lot of soap will aid in breaking down the oil, making it simpler to remove.
- Burned-on food may be broken up using a hot sponge and scouring pad.
- A metal scraper is an effective tool for removing difficult-to-move residue.
- After all of the filth has been removed, wipe the hob with a hot cloth to ensure there is no residue.
- The knobs on the stove should be detachable. Remove them and wipe around the base to ensure there is no oil trapped below, since this may cause an odor over time!
- Finally, wipe clean the whole glass cooktop with a dry tea towel. This will aid in the removal of any streaks, resulting in a lovely, shining surface!
Modernerize your cast iron products
If you have an earlier model of cast iron, it is likely that it was designed for use with either gas or element hobs. These cast irons have a considerably more uneven surface than later ones, which have a smoother, more streamlined surface.
These latest cast irons have a much more contemporary appearance and are designed to work with glass hobs. As a result, it may be worthwhile to consider upgrading your cast iron cookware.
This modification will significantly increase the lifespan of your glass hob. It may be worthwhile to consider acquiring a cast iron with an enamel coating to better preserve your glass cooktop!
FAQs
How do you season cast iron?
Preheat your oven to 375°F for around 5-7 minutes. Warm, soapy water should be used to clean your cast iron cookware. Using a tea towel, pat dry. Apply a thin coating of oil to the internal surface of the cookware. Place your kitchenware in the normal oven for around 1 hour. Allow the pot to cool before storing it.
Check out our blog about the finest oil for seasoning cast iron!
How do you properly clean a cast iron skillet?
This is an important step in maintaining both your cast iron skillet and your glass cooktop. It is critical that you follow the instructions outlined below after each and every usage.It is also recommended carrying out before usage for the optimum results, since this will prevent any residue left on the outside of the cast iron pot from harming your surface.
Why do cast iron skillets have ridges along the bottom?
The ridges on the bottom of a cast iron pan are ideal for browning food.This is ideal for grilling steaks, chicken, aubergine, or even bell peppers. It also aids in lifting your food from the oil and lowering the fat in your cooking!
Step-by-step: How to properly clean your cast iron cookware
- Wipe down the pan with a paper towel immediately after cooking. This absorbs excess oil and grime while also eliminating bigger food particles.
- Soak the pan in hot, soapy water for a few minutes. Remove any stubborn dirt with a sponge, being care to wash the outside of the pot as well.
- Immediately dry the pan with paper towels or a dry tea towel. This will keep the pan from rusting. Place the pan over a low heat for a few minutes to ensure all liquid has evaporated.
Iron on Glass – Be Careful!
Overall, you may use your cast iron cookware on a glass-top stove. Having said that, it does not come without a warning!
To maintain the durability of your glass top stove and to avoid scratches, it is important to manage your cast iron with the precautions I have outlined.
These rules will also aid with the preservation of your cast iron, transforming it into a lifetime utensil and maybe even a family treasure.
Follow the list of suggestions I’ve previously given, and you’ll be able to preserve your gorgeous glass top stove in the exact condition you got it in!
More on the blog:
- Skillet Vs Pan
- Can You Put Butter In A Cast Iron Skillet
- Can a Dutch Oven Go in the Oven
FAQs
Can I use my cast iron skillet on my glass top stove?
When used properly, cast iron cookware is safe to use on ceramic-glass stoves and cooktops and should not cause harm to the pan or cooking surface. Because cast iron is heavy, set it carefully on the stove and lift it rather than slide it when moving it.
What pans should not be used on a glass top stove?
Cast iron, stoneware, and other glass or ceramic cookware do not function well on glass top stoves. These are often rough and may readily create scratches when dragged over a smooth surface when full of food.
Can you use any cookware on a glass top stove?
To prevent damaging the surface of a glass top stove, any cookware used with it should have a smooth base. As a result, before making any purchases, attempt to check the base. You must ensure that your cookware transmits heat properly.
Can you use metal pans on glass cooktop?
Enameled stainless steel is another excellent choice for glass-ceramic stoves. Enameled stainless steel is lighter than enamel cast iron, making it an excellent choice for a glass cooking top. Anodized aluminum cookware is ideal for glass-top stoves.
What kind of pans for glass cooktop?
What is the finest cookware for a glass cooktop? According to baker Claire Wells, who suggests stainless steel, cookware for a glass cooktop should be hefty and flat-bottomed so that the pots and pans uniformly transfer heat and remain place while cooking, preventing scratching.
Is a ceramic cooktop the same as a glass cooktop?
A ceramic cooktop, often known as a glass cooktop, is a smooth flat stovetop surface consisting of tempered ceramic glass with coiled metal heating components underneath the glass. They are often seen in 240-volt electric ranges or on separate cooktops fitted into a countertop.
What can damage a glass stove top?
Using Coarse Sponges or Steel Wool Can Ruin a Glass Stovetop.
While the stove is still hot, use a cleaner.
Cleaning Your Stovetop Using Glass Cleaner.
Hot Lids Resting Face-Down on a Cool Stovetop.
Sliding Heavy Cookware (such as Cast Iron) Across Your Stovetop.
What to avoid with glass top stove?
On glass stovetops, avoid using cast iron, stoneware, or ceramic pots. Because these materials are heavy and rough, they may harm your stove. If you must use them, place them carefully and avoid dragging them over the surface.
Why shouldn’t you can on a glass top stove?
Ceramic will break.because its weight may cause the glass to shatterCanners should not be used on a glass top.The weight of a canner full with jars and water may cause the stovetop to break. According to the All-American Pressure Cooker instructions, “All-American Pressure Cooker”
Can a pan scratch a glass top stove?
Unfortunately, scratches from pots, pans, and utensils are common on glass stovetops. A scratch on a glass cooktop, like any other glass window or product, cannot be completely removed.