9 Practical Tips to Protect Your Glass Top Stove from Cast Iron Cookware

Have you ever been thrilled to start cooking on a new glass cooktop, only to see it crack under the weight of a heavy pot or cast-iron skillet?

Using cast iron on glass cooktop surfaces can be risky if you’re not careful.

If you’ve recently purchased a stove with a glass cooktop and have a collection of cast iron cookware, don’t worry.

It’s possible to safely use cast iron on your glass top stove, and I’m here to show you exactly how to protect your stove from any damage.

1. Using a Heat Diffuser

I use a heat diffuser to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots when cooking with cast iron cookware on my glass top stove.

I place the heat diffuser on the stove first, and then I put the cast iron pot or pan on top of the diffuser.

This setup helps spread out the heat and stops the cast iron from touching the glass directly.

I also use this method when preparing broasted chicken in a cast iron pot, as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly without the risk of the pot directly contacting the stove’s glass surface.

2. Using a Protective Mat or Trivet

To protect my glass top stove from cast iron cookware, I use a protective mat or trivet. I place the mat or trivet on the stove first, and then I put the cast iron pot or pan on top.

This prevents the cast iron from directly touching the glass, reducing the risk of scratches or other damage.

3. Lifting and Moving Cookware Carefully

When I use cast iron cookware on my glass top stove, it’s important to handle it carefully.

I make sure not to slide or drag the cookware across the stove, as this can scratch or chip the glass.

Instead, I always lift the cookware and move it gently.

4. Keeping the Stovetop Clean and Free of Debris

Keeping the stovetop clean is crucial for preventing scratches and damage to the glass.

I use a soft cloth or sponge to clean up any spills or debris right away.

I avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface.

5. Using Cookware with Smooth and Flat Bottoms

When I buy cast iron cookware for my glass top stove, I make sure it has smooth and flat bottoms.

I avoid cookware with rough or uneven bottoms because they can scratch or damage the glass top.

Cookware with smooth, flat bottoms also ensures more even heat distribution and reduces the risk of damaging the stove.

6. Avoid Dragging Cookware on the Stovetop

As I mentioned before, it’s crucial not to drag or slide cast iron cookware on the glass-top stove.

To prevent scratching or chipping the glass surface, I always lift the cookware and move it gently.

7. Being Mindful of Temperature Changes

Cast iron cookware holds heat for a long time, and sudden temperature changes can crack the glass top stove due to thermal shock.

So, when I cook with cast iron on my glass top stove, I am careful about temperature changes.

I let the cookware cool down before placing it on the glass top, and I avoid putting cold cast iron on a hot stove.

8. Choosing Cookware with Rounded Edges

Cookware with sharp edges, like skillets, can scratch the glass top stove.

To avoid this, I choose cookware with rounded edges.

This reduces the risk of scratches and chips on the glass surface.

9. Using Smaller Cookware

Using smaller cookware helps protect my glass top stove from damage.

Smaller pots and pans are lighter, making them easier to lift and move carefully.

They also distribute heat more evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots and thermal shock.

Here Are a Few Practical Tips to Prevent and Remove Scratches from Your Glass Cooktop

• Use a Cooktop Protector Mat: Keep a protector mat on your cooktop and replace it when it wears out. Clean these covers weekly or after heavy cooking sessions.
• Lift, Don’t Slide: Instead of sliding pots and pans, lift them off the stove and place them down gently.
• Choose Lightweight and Stainless-Steel Cookware: Opt for lighter pots and stainless steel to minimize the risk of scratches.
• Clean Your Cookware Bottoms: Regularly scrub the bottom of your pots and pans to remove grease and food residues.
• Handle Spills Promptly: Clean any spills immediately and avoid using steel wool or metal sponges on your glass cooktop.
• Avoid Aluminum Foil: Do not use aluminum foil, as it can scratch and leave marks on the cooktop.
• Fix Small Scratches with Baking Soda: For minor scratches, use a paste of baking soda and water to buff them out gently. Ensure the paste is moist to avoid worsening the damage.
• Use Glass Cleaner for Shine: Maintain a shiny cooktop with regular use of glass cleaner.
• Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always use and clean your stove and cookware according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Season Your Cast Iron Cookware: Season the surface of your cast iron regularly and use newer models with smoother bottoms.
• Avoid Round-Bottomed Cookware: Use cookware with smooth, flat bottoms for stability and to reduce scratching.

Strategies to Clean Glass Stove Tops

Here’s the simplest way to clean your glass cooktop with items you probably already have in your kitchen!

What You Need

• Baking soda
• A spray bottle of white vinegar diluted with water
• A soft cloth or rag

Instructions

1. I start by spritzing the cooktop with the vinegar solution.
2. I wipe the liquid away with the cloth.
3. I buff out any streaks with a dry cloth.
4. For a deeper clean, I spray vinegar over the surface and then sprinkle some baking soda on it.
5. I soak a towel in hot water, wring out the excess, and lay it over the cooktop, leaving it there for 10-15 minutes.
6. Then, I wipe away the baking soda and vinegar mixture with a cloth. If necessary, I spray some more vinegar and buff out any remaining streaks with the cloth.