What Cookware Can be Used on Glass Top Ranges

Glass top ranges need special consideration when it comes to choosing cookware. Because the range top is flat, some pans will conduct heat better and be safer and cleaner to use than others. Avoiding damage to the range should be the main consideration. Factors such as size, weight and finish of the cookware should be taken into consideration. Consult your user manual for the specific model to learn what cookware can and can not be used.

Size

Because glass top ranges have a flat surface, the pan's base sits entirely on the surface rather than raised as they would on a coil or gas range. This means very large and wide cookware may extend over the edge of the glass surface and not be directly heated. Choose cookware that has a relatively small diameter to avoid uneven cooking and safety issues associated with larger pans.

Cookware Bottoms

Cookware with a completely flat base is best suited for the glass top range's flat surface, because it sits securely on the range without sliding or wobbling. This is for safety reasons and so that the entire base of the pan has contact with the heating elements for even cooking. Cookware with ridged or rounded bottoms is not appropriate for glass top range cooking.

Weight

Choose cookware that is on the sturdier, heavier side. Take extra care to gently put the cookware down on the glass surface. Heavier cookware is less likely than lighter options to warp and sit unevenly on the range top. Pick up pieces of cookware before purchasing, look at the thickness of the bottom, tap it with your fingers, and listen and compare and contrast this with other cookware. Generally, the cheaper the cookware the less sturdy it is.

Paint

Avoid cookware with painted bottoms. Glass top ranges tend to reach higher temperatures than electric coil or gas ranges. At high temperatures there is a small risk of the paint fusing with the glass top, which is very difficult to clean off and can permanently damage the range. Many pans that are painted on the outsides are painted on the bottom also and these should be avoided. Examine all cookware items before purchasing to make sure the bottoms of pans are entirely non-painted metals.

Cast Iron

Modern cast iron cookware is often enameled, in which case it can usually be used successfully and safely on glass top ranges. Older cast iron cookware that is not enameled, however, can not be used. Generally, enameled cast iron cookware is several times more expensive than standard cast iron, and often enameled with a colored glaze. It is most likely enameled if the cookware is any color other than black, and this should be clearly marked on the cookware's packaging.

Old Pans

Prep older cookware for use on a new glass top range. After determining that the cookware is suitable for use on the glass top range, thoroughly scour the bottoms of pans to remove burnt-on grease, carbon and other dirt as this will leave unsightly marks on the glass top that are difficult to clean off.

Read the Manual

Before selecting cookware, always consult the manufacturer's manual to see what types of cookware can and can not be used, as recommendations vary by model. Consult the retail outlet or manufacturer of your glass top range if you do not have the manual. Taking the risk and using the wrong kind of cookware can damage the range and be very expensive to repair or replace.