Many homeowners have fallen in love with glass top stoves due to their elegant look that usually add aesthetic to the kitchen setup. But the downside of having a glass cooktop is that it requires high-maintenance. One way of taking care of your stove is using proper cookware. There are pans designed specifically for glass cooktop and in this article, I am going to walk you through the best pans for glass cooktop, so make sure you read it to the end.
What is a glass cooktop?
Contrary to what the name might suggest, the glass cooktop is not made entirely of glass, rather, it is made of glass-ceramic. This galvanized material is mechanically strong and can endure repeated and rapid temperature changes, thus why they are used as cooktops. As a material, glass-ceramic has an extremely low heat conduction coefficient, meaning it can stay cool outside the part that is in conduct with the flames.
Glass stove uses infrared halogen lamps or radiant heating coils for heating. As the surface above the burner heats up, the adjacent surface remains cold due to the low heat conduction of the material.
Glass cooktops are typically either induction or electric. Both methods use electricity, but the difference lies in how they use power. Induction stoves are quite new and work via electromagnetic induction. The coil which is fitted underneath the glass surface produces an electromagnetic field when the power is turned on, just like a microwave. The cooktop and the coil don’t actually get hot, but when you place a magnetic pan on top, it will heat up by reacting with the electric currents.
Electric stoves have been around for longer than the induction stoves. They are usually called radiant cooktops because of the radiant heating coils that are fitted below the surface. Unlike the conduction stoves, the coils in electric stoves heat up when the power is turned on. Which radiates the cooktop, thus heating the pan.
How to choose the best pans for glass cooktop?
Before heading to the store or visiting Amazon online, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- What do you intend to cook with the pan?
- How big do you want the pan to be?
- What is your budget?
These might seem like simple questions, but they can go a long way to helping you make an informed decision.
Here is what you should look for in a pan
Frying pan material
The first and probably the biggest factor to consider is the material of the pan. If you are a seasoned chef, you know how cookware material can affect your cooking. Luckily, there are a lot of options for you out there to choose from, they include:
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Uncoated aluminum pans
Pans made of uncoated aluminum are lightweight, thus heat up quickly and uniformly. For this reason, if you are a newbie, maybe you should steer clear of pans made from uncoated aluminum. Also, they will react with your acidic ingredients such as lemon juice and tomatoes.
Generally, uncoated aluminum pans are not all-purpose cookware.
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Nonstick-coated pans
Pans coated with Teflon or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) provides a nonstick cooking surface that enhances healthy cooking. They are ideal for cooking delicate foods such as eggs, fish, or crepes.
The good thing about these pans is that they are usually cheap, though you will need to regularly wash them by hand and avoid using metallic utensils with them.
The heat up quickly, are lightweight, easy to clean, and your food won't stick even when using no oil.
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Ceramic coated pans
Also known as ‘green’ nonstick frying pans, ceramic coated skillets are usually glazed with a silica-infused gel made of sand. This hence creates a slick, nonstick cooking surface that is free of any harmful chemicals.
Ceramic coated pans are ideal for slow cooking and they are also easy to clean.
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Hard-anodized pans
These types of pans are also non-stick but get their non-stock feature from the way they are designed and not any form of a coating. They are stronger compared to standard frying pans and ideal for searing as well as cooking eggs and pancakes. If you are looking for an all-purpose pan for your kitchen, look no further than hard-anodized aluminum frying pans.
In terms of ergonomically designed features, these pans are easy to clean, durable, and can handle extreme temperatures.
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Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a common kitchenware material. It is known for its strength and durability and can also be an all-purpose pan.
On its own, stainless steel is not as good a heat conductor as ceramic coated or hard-anodized, so manufacturers tend to fuse different metals such as copper and aluminum with stainless steel to make then conduct and distribute heat evenly.
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Cast iron
Pans made from cast iron are usually heavy-duty and durable. They are great at conducting and distributing heat uniformly and can be used for searing dishes like chicken or steak as well as breads and skillet meals.
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Carbon steel
If you can’t get cast iron pans, try carbon steel as they are almost similar. However, their non-stick property depends on seasoning otherwise it can be impossible to prepare eggs, fish, veggies, and meats.
The thickness of the frying pan
Besides looking at the material used, it is always wise to also check the thickness of the pan you want to buy. The thickness of any cookware is usually measured in mills or gauge; however, the problem might come when you have to translate these numbers. For an instant, 1 mil is the same as 1/1000", and so the higher or bigger the mill, the thicker the pan.
When it comes to gauging, the higher the gauge the thinner the metal and vice versa.
Rivetless vs. riveted
If you want a sturdy and strong pan, then you should go for riveted ones. Their handles are permanently and so you don’t need to tighten them ever, though they need a thorough cleaning to keep away bacteria around the bolts.
On the other hand, rivetless handles can also be strong and sturdy and don't have a place for bacteria or food buildup.
Handle types
The best handle types are made from stainless steel as they don’t conduct heat so they will remain cooler when cooking. Alternatively, you can go for pans with metal hands with hollow inside for cooling.
Also, consider silicone handles for their strong grip for daily and constant use.
Best Pans for Glass Cooktop
Now the section you have been waiting for, it is time now to review the best pans for glass cooktop. Make sure you read through our list and see which pan suits your kitchen needs.
1. Stone & Beam Kitchen Cookware Set
Product of Amazon Brand, there is no better seal of approval on the quality of this cookware set than the fact that it is an Amazon product. It contains 17 cookware pieces, each of which is ideal for a glass cooktop. The set is made of the hard-anodized aluminum exterior while the cooking surface is made of nonstick material.
These pieces will make your life simple and easier in the kitchen. Double material construction makes it durable and low-maintenance. You can easily wash them by hand using soap and clean water. The pans, pots, and glass lids are however not suitable for the dishwasher.
It also conducts and distributes heat evenly throughout the cooking surface.
The tempered glass lids allow you to monitor the proceedings of cooking without having to lift
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2. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware
If style and elegance are what you are after, then you will appreciate these pans and pots from Rachael Ray. This brand is known worldwide for manufacturing solution-driven kitchenware products that make it easy and enjoyable to prepare meals.
This set is made with strong and sturdy enamel ceramic exteriors and resilient aluminum construction that enhances quick, uniform heat distribution. It includes pans and pots that are easy-to-use and time-saving.
With its espresso color, the set will add some gloss to your kitchen.
Rubberized stainless steel handles on the pans are double riveted for extra strength while the shatter-resistant dome-like glass tops ensure the heat and flavor do not escape.
The best part about these pans is that they are oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.Product Features
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3. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Cookware Set
This deluxe kitchenware set consists of large saucepans and small and standard steamer insert. But the 10” skillet is the highlight of this set. The pans come with glass covers that allow you to monitor your food while cooking while the tapered rims make it easy to pour without spilling. The skillets, along with the entire set, are made of the hard-anodized exterior that makes them harder and durable.
The pans heat up quickly and distribute the heat evenly across the cooking surface, thus preventing the formation of hot spots.
Its non-stick cooking surface is coated with titanium for easy food release and cleaning.
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4. T-fal Ultimate
12 Piece Pots and Pans Set
T-fal has been manufacturing cookware products for more than six decades, something that gives you confidence when buying one of their products. If you want to have a lifetime of culinary adventure, you should get this cookware set that perfect for a glass cooktop.
The pieces in this set retain heat perfectly while offering supreme resistance to scratching, corrosion, and any other damage that comes with everyday use. The pans are anti-warping and features patented Thermo Spot technology that helps retain and propagate heat evenly. The Thermo Spot heat indicator consists of a ring around its center that changes to solid red to show when the pan is properly preheated, which helps cook your food evenly.
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5. Anolon Advanced 12-pc Cookware Set
For those looking for the best affordable pans for glass cooktop, Anolon Advanced pans are the best nonstick cookware features some revolutionary features that come at a low price. They are versatile in the kitchen and ideal for chefs who require high performance daily from their cookware.
The Anolon SureGrip handles feature a combination of silicone rubber coated on stainless steel. The handles provide a soft, comfortable handle that is also oven safe up to 400 degrees F.
The pans are constructed with a heavy-gauge design that allows heat to spread evenly and prevent hot spots from forming.
Product Features
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6. Circulon 83465 Acclaim
13 Piece Pots and Pans Set
Circulon 83465 Acclaim is about reliability and practicality in your kitchen. The pans are completely nonstick inside and outside, which not only makes it easy to release food but also means cleaning is just a breeze.
The set is solid and heavy-duty that offers quick heating and even distribution of heat. The handles are double riveted to offer more comfort and strength.
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7. Farberware Millennium
12 Piece Pots and Pans Set
These pans have everything your kitchen would need – style, elegance, versatility, and reliability. The sturdy handles are embellished with silicone for added comfort while dual riveted enhances strength.
With good heat retention, this set is oven safe up to 350 degrees F.
Product Features
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8. Calphalon Premier Space-Saving
Nonstick pots and Pans
This cookware set delivers durable, superior nonstick performance in the kitchen. Its pans are designed with 3 layers of the nonstick interior that is tough enough to endure metal utensils while its hard-anodized exterior is dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleanup.
Product Features
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9. Farberware 21890
15 Piece Pots and Pans Set
If you are just a beginner in matters to do with cooking, Farberware 21890 is considered a starter set cookware.
The set is dishwasher safe for fast and convenient cleaning. It is also oven safe for up to 350 degrees F.
Product Features
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10. Nutrichef Nonstick Cookware
Excilon Home Kitchen Ware
To complete our list is Nutrichef Nonstick cookware. As the name suggests, these pans are made with long-lasting nonstick coating for healthy cooking and easy cleanup.
The handles are coated with silicone for firm grip and comfort during cooking while the see-through tempered glass lids with vent holes allow you to monitor your food while allowing excess steam to escape.
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Conclusion
When it comes to the best pans for glass cooktops, there is unfortunately no one-size-fits-all option. However, you are also no shortage of a great pool of pans to choose from on the market. Regardless of the types of meals you want to prepare, you will always find a pan that suits your cooking style. If you enjoyed this article, you will love our article on top 11 kitchen cleaning hacks that will save your time and money.
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