Having a glass top stove was like a dream in its early years. Most of us probably got our first glass top stoves because of the sleek, smooth look they have. However, they are not just about the design, they offer many features that make them reliable and usable in every kitchen.
Glass top stoves became immensely popular as one of the best ranges cooktop in the market. So what is the best cookware for glass top stoves? In this article, I’ll help you understand everything you need to know to be able to judge any cookware set available if it will be a good fit for your glass top stove or not. Also, I’ll provide you with a list of the top recommendation to go for based on the criteria I have listed below.
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- Best overall cookware set for glass top stoves: Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
- Best alternative pots and pans set for glass top stoves: The Circulon Acclaim Stainless Steel Cookware
Why Common Cookware Are Not Suited For Glass Top Stoves
If you are familiar with glass stoves then you already know that the glass surface can handle even the highest temperatures fluctuations to provide us with great control over the heats. However, they are prone to scratch and break easily if you drop a hard object or use heavy cookware with a rounded surface.
The cookware we use for our gas stoves or any other heat sources comes most of the time with a rounded surface to enhance its features according to the material it’s built with. While they produce great results, they are absolutely not suited for glass top stoves. So, what cookware can you use on a glass top stove? This type of cooktops requires cookware with a flat surface to allow for an even heat distribution across the entire burner spots.
With that been said, here are the main criteria you should aim for when choosing your pots and pans to benefit the most from your glass top stove.
Characteristics of The Best Cookware For Glass Cooktop
There are certain standards cookware needs to meet to function perfectly on any glass top stove. Before moving to some of the best cookware for glass top stoves, it is important to get well-informed with what you must look for when buying a new set.
Cookware Material
With so many materials used to make various kinds of cookware, finding the right ones for your glass top stove can be really difficult if you don’t know what you are looking for. Also, using the wrong material can lower the abilities of both your glass stove and cookware, not to forget, it can lead to health risks since some materials can react with your food.
Below, I have listed the safest materials that can work well with any cooktop not just glass stoves to deliver the highest performance possible for your cookware.
Titanium
One of the highest debated materials, simply because of its price. Titanium pots and pans are usually expensive comparing to other materials. However, considering what this material offers, the price becomes understandable.
Titanium is one of the strongest metals, It is durable and highly resistant to acids and corrosions. Which makes cookware made of this kind of material long lasting and completely safe to cook with. Also, it provides great heat retention, even distribution, quick response and a faster heat conduction thanks to the reinforced aluminum core it’s built with. Which is usually the case, most of the titanium cookware are constructed with aluminum bases to strengthen its performances. The aluminum core serves to enhance titanium abilities to make it excel on all heating features while maintaining the lightweight that makes it a perfect choice for glass stoves.
Stainless Steel
As I have mentioned in my previous articles ( best cookware for gas stoves and best pans to cook steaks ) Stainless steel is one of the famous material that can work on any type of stoves including inductions cooktops. It is durable and highly resistant to rust and corrosion, it promotes excellent heat retention and even distribution if it built with multi-ply constructions.
Stainless steel cookware are a perfect choice to pick for your glass top stove. They are versatile, affordable and safe to cook with.
Carbon Steel
The opposite of stainless steel, this material has not earned its potential fame. It is similar to cast iron and can deliver the same qualities "if not better". Carbon Steel offers high resistance when it comes to rust, acids and corrosion. It is very durable and can withstand even the highest temperatures while delivering faster heating and quick cooling than cast iron that makes it great heat conductor and compatible with all heat sources including ovens.
Why Carbon Steel and not Cast Iron?
Cast iron falls a bit short when it’s compared to carbon steel, while both can deliver almost the same performances, cast iron is absolutely not recommended for glass stoves. This type of cookware as I have explained in my "Best cast iron skillet for steaks" article tends to be heavy and heavier depending on the density of the metal used, while that itself can break the glass surface, the rounded bottom of cast iron cookware makes the pots and pans slide often, which can be a nightmare for your glass stove.
Weighted Aluminum
One of the most used material to produce high quality cookware. Weighted aluminum is often described as heavy-gauge aluminum. It is basically, a thick aluminum layer made to improve the base heating element and the quick response feature to make the cookware made of this material usable and compatible with most heat sources.
Aluminum pots and pans are lightweight and can offer good to great temperature control which makes this material ideal for glass top stoves.
Flat Bottom
One of the crucial criteria that many people ignore when they’re purchasing new cookware for their glass stoves is the Bottom shape. In order to ensure a complete heat transfer and even distribution, the bottom of your pots and pans need to be flat to match the surface of your glass cooktop.
To improve the overall cooking on any cooktops not just glass one, you need to match the bottom of your cookware with the surface of your stove to allow both of them to deliver the highest performance possible.
While looking for flat bottom cookware to match the properties of your glass top stove, make sure it’s smooth to avoid any scratches. In the end, glass cooktops are expensive, you don’t want to buy a cheap pan that could ruin your cooktop and force you to buy a replacement.
Heaviness
Weight is another important factor you must consider when you’re picking new cookware for your glass top stove. To benefit the most from your stove, it is crucial for your pots and pans to remain in direct contact during the cooking time with the glass surface, which is why heavy base cookware is required. While that is a fact, there is a limit to weight a glass top stove can handle. You need to choose one that is heavy enough to stay stable while not scratching or breaking your glass top stove.
Cookware Size
The size of cookware needed is determined by the glass top stove you’ll use it for. The circles' area on each surface differs from cooktop to another. You need to get pots and pans that are an exact match to benefit the most from heating and distribution. Those circles around the flat surface of each burner indicate that it will heat up and distribute evenly across the area it meets.
While it is still difficult to get an exact match size, you can still secure an even distribution as long the bottom of the cookware is within 1 inch from the advised size (either larger or smaller)
Non-Colored
I have always loved to choose colorful cookware as they look appealing and add an extra touch to my kitchen design alongside my cookware collection. However, when it comes to glass top stoves, they can do more harm than good. Why is that? Well, there is a chance for the color to leak onto the stovetop and create stains that are nearly impossible to remove. While that remains to be true, there are certain high colorful cookware that can withstand high temperature and ensure no leak. But, we are talking about probabilities here, seeing how expensive glass top stoves are, I prefer to stay at the safe side and aim for non-colored cookware.
Top 5 Best Cookware For Glass Top Stove
Circulon Acclaim Stainless Steel 13-Piece Cookware Set
Cookware Set Include:
- 1qt covered saucepans
- 2qt covered saucepans
- 3qt covered saute pan
- 6qt covered stockpot
- 8.5” skillet
- 10” skillet
This is a line of Circulon cookware which is made with a stainless steel base and cool triple-layer Autograph non-stick coating. The pots and pans are impact-bonded aluminum bases with a layer of aluminum and finished with a non-stick coating.
The cladding allows your cookware set to have a triple threat action with even heating and prevention of hot spots, quick heat up and great heat retention, and finally, controlling the cooking temperature.
While each pot and pan offer great heat retention and better control over the temperatures, they are light with quick heating properties making it a great choice for your glass top stove.
This set not only looks stunning with a smooth surface but also offer resistant to warping and corrosion that can last for a lifetime if properly maintained.
PROS
CONS
Overall
For durability and great temperature control, you will be surprised to know how affordable it is. This cookware is versatile and compatible with all induction cooktops that can cook various worldwide recipes.
Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
Cookware Set Include:
- 1.6Qt Saucepan w/Lid
- 2.5Qt Saucepan w/Lid
- 4.2Qt Casserole w/Lid
- 8.6Qt Stock Pot w/Lid
- 8 inch Fry Pan
- 10 inch Fry Pan
- 5.5Qt Saute Pan w/Lid
- Boiler Basket
- Steam Basket
- 3 pieces of kitchen tools
This 17-piece set is constructed with 18/10 commercial grade stainless steel to provide the cookware with high rust resistance to secure safe cooking while giving it that silver-like shine to make its appearance attractive.
This set is built with Duxtop exclusive impact-bonded technology which creates a thick surface that can ensure quick response and an even heat distribution over the entire bottom and the side walls of the cookware which would work perfectly with glass stoves that reacts quickly upon direct contact.
Every item the set comes with has a smooth flat bottom which makes it not only ideal for glass top stoves but also compatible with all cooktops and heat sources.
This Duxtop set offers high quality performance and durability. It is versatile and can withstand high temperatures (up to 550℉) which makes it even oven-safe. It is easy to maintain and clean every item since the whole set is dishwasher safe. However, it is recommended to hand wash after every use with a mild detergent. This cookware set can last for a lifetime and maintain its qualities if properly maintained.
PROS
CONS
Overall
This versatile set has the most basic cook pieces and more! The steam basket inserts allow you to cook steamed food like buns, meatballs, and the like on your glass top stove. This is a very functional cookware set under 300 for not only professionals but also beginners.
T-Fal Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Cookware Set Include:
- 8” Fry Pan
- 10.5” Fry Pan
- 12” Fry Pan with Lid
- 10.25” Square Griddle
- 1-quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 2-quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 3-quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 5-quart Dutch Oven with Lid
This T-Fal cookware set is made of stainless steel with multi-ply construction to offer an outstanding long last performance.
Every item’s base has been built with a multi-layers (thick-gauge aluminum core bonded between 2 layers of stainless steel) alongside copper on the bottom to enhance the primary qualities of stainless steel material and produce cookware that excels in every aspect. Whether it’s even heat distribution, heat retention or resistance.
The pieces are important for daily cooking tasks. They can secure a quick even heat distribution throughout while preventing the hot spots and warping. This set is able to reach high temperature quickly (up to 500°F) and control the fluctuations during cooking which makes it compatible with ovens and all cooktops including glass top stoves.
PROS
CONS
Overall
This T-fal set has supreme quality, it is a versatile cookware set that can be used on electric coil stoves. It has everything needed to function perfectly on any glass cooktop.
Calphalon Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Cookware Set Include:
- 8” and 10” omelet pans
- 1.5 qt and 2.5 qt saucepan with lid
- 3 qt chef’s with Lid
- 6 qt stock pot with lid
The set offers the basic necessities that allow you to cook technically any recipe you can think of on any glass cooktop.
This cookware is built with stainless steel tri-ply constructions. It features a heavy-gauge aluminum core covered by two layers of stainless steel to promotes equal heating throughout the pot or pan from the core to the lip. This prevents any burning or scorching since it allows you to cook your food quickly and evenly.
The surface material is brushed on a stainless steel layer, making the pots and pans have that non-stick quality for easy cooking and cleaning. This set is the result of Calphalon’s drive for better and non toxic cookware. You don’t have to ponder about whether or not to buy non-stick cookware because the satin polish on the stainless steel set is non-reactive. The food you would be cooking using the set would be healthy and safe.
PROS
CONS
Overall
This is one of Calphalon cookware set that is made to last and made to be used by everyone (whether you are professional or beginner). Since this is a type of low-maintenance cookware, this is a great investment in your home kitchen despite it being a bit costly, it goes without saying that it has one of the best pans to use on glass cooktop.
Cuisinart MCP 12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Cookware Set Include:
- 1-1/2 and 3-quart saucepans w/ lids
- 8-inch open skillet
- 10-inch open skillet
- 3-1/2-quart covered saute pan
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- Steamer insert with lid
The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Cookware Set has tri-ply construction of 18/10 stainless steel grade with a pure aluminum core to provide superconductivity and even heat distribution over the entire bottom and side walls of the cookware in a matter of minutes. The drip-free pouring feature through the tapered rims come in handy as you don’t have to worry about spillovers while pouring or transferring the cooked dish into a plate, which makes it completely safe to use on your glass top stove.
Each piece offers great resistant to warping and denting while securing an even better heat control which makes it usable on both low and high heat.
This set can be cleaned easily with any dishwashing soap, liquid or paste you are using.
PROS
CONS
Overall
This fabulous set allows you to cook and transfer food without worrying about spillovers due to the tapered rims that enable drip-free pouring. Thereby being one of the safest choices for glass cooktops. This feature is very handy, especially for your everyday cooking.
Comparison of the Best Cookware For Electric Glass Top Stove
Cookware Set | Material | Max Temperature | No. of Items | Current Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 500⁰F | 13 pcs | ||
| Stainless steel w/ aluminum core | 550⁰F | 10 pcs | ||
| Stainless steel w/ aluminum core | 500⁰F | 13 pcs | ||
| Stainless Steel | 450⁰F | 13 pcs | ||
| Stainless Steel | 550⁰F | 12 pcs |
Frequent Questions I Get Asked About Glass Top Stoves
Can I use my cast iron skillet on my glass top stove?
Absolutely No! Cast iron is well known for its high heat performance and qualities. However, it is the worst match with any glass top stoves. Cast iron is usually the heaviest cookware in the market because of the very thick metal it built with. Thereby, it can easily break the glass surface or at least cause some permanent scratches due to the rounded bottom that tends to slide every once a while during cooking.
Is Calphalon cookware safe for glass top stoves?
Of course yes. Like any other brand, Calphalon has a limit to the maximum temperature it can handle which differ from a set to another. Usually, it’s between 450-550°F, double check the maximum temperature your cookware can handle before use.
Do Glass top stoves scratches easily?
As I have already mentioned, glass top stoves can withstand even the highest temperature fluctuations to provide great control over the heat to ensure quick even distribution. However, they are prone to scratch easily or even break if you drop a heavy object or use cookware that can’t stay stable during cooking.
Can I use stainless steel cookware on my glass top stove?
Absolutely! Stainless steel one of the most material that works on every single cooktop. The cookware made of this material are versatile and usually will deliver the highest performance possible. Just make sure the cookware has a smooth flat surface and constructed with multi-ply for better qualities.
What should my budget range be when buying a new cookware set for my glass top stove?
You should limit your budget around $150 to $350. You may find it too much but trust me it is a one-time investment. Getting the right and the best pots and pans for your glass stove that can last for a lifetime is always worth it.
The Final Verdict
Our top pick for the best cookware set for glass top stoves would be the Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set. The set has an elegant and unique design and it has an excellent quick even heat distribution that’s compatible with all heat sources. It is versatile and easy to clean. This set has the most practical set pieces that you might need at a reasonable price.
I would also recommend The Circulon Genesis Stainless Steel Cookware as the best cookware to use on a ceramic glass cooktop. Since it is very easy to control and cook with, plus the fact that it is very affordable. This is by far one of the best cookware sets under 200 you can get.
Obtaining the best pots and pans suitable for not only glass top stoves but all induction cooktops can be an easy task if you know what to look for.
I have an Emeril stainless set. On several of the pans his signature is in the middle of the flat bottom. Is this OK for glass top range.
Thank you
Liz Miller
Yes, Emeril cookware works just fine with glass top stoves. The stainless steel material and the flat bottom will ensure a great even heat distribution.