Glass stovetops are a trendy choice for your kitchen stove due to their sleek, modern design. Seeing a glass stovetop brings to mind a nice countertop where the stove and the kitchen island are one instead of two separate entities. Just like any other stovetop material, glass also comes with unique maintenance needs. Whether you currently own a glass stovetop or are thinking of installing one, here are some crucial facts about glass stovetop maintenance. 

1. Glass Cleaner Is Not For Glass Stovetops 

It’s understandable that you would assume that glass cleaner is one of the essential maintenance products for glass stovetops. After all, glass is in the name; how could it not be the correct product? Glass cleaner contains ammonia, which tends to leave stains on the type of glass found in stovetops. Instead, you can either find cleaner specifically manufactured for glass stovetops or use white vinegar and baking soda from your pantry. 

2. Cleanliness Is Essential For Glass Stovetops

A glass stovetop will only keep its nice, shiny sheen if it’s consistently kept clean. Make an effort to clean the stovetop after you use it. A microfiber cloth and or sponge are recommended since implements like scrub brushes are likely to leave scratches. A daily or weekly cleaning routine for your glass stovetop will allow it to last longer and maintain its luster. 

3. Wait For The Surface To Cool

An easy mistake to make is to jump right into cleaning up your glass stovetop while it’s still hot or warm. If you clean it before it cools, there is a chance of permanent burns marring the stovetop. Wait for at least ten minutes after turning off the glass stovetop to check how cool it is. Once it’s sufficiently cooled down, you can start cleaning it. 

4. Specific Cookware Works Best

If there is currently a glass stovetop in your kitchen, this section will allow you to reconsider what cookware you are using with it. Those of you who are thinking about installing a glass stovetop can start to plan ahead. Because of the ceramic glass that makes up the stovetop, some cookware materials will react more adversely against it than others due to the tendency to stain and mar ceramic glass. The following types of cookware should never be used on a ceramic glass surface: 

• Cast iron
• Cookware with a rough base (especially if it’s ceramic) 
• Anything with a rounded-edge bottom

Now that you know what should not be used with a glass stovetop, here are the types of cookware that are compatible with glass stovetops: 

• Stainless steel
• Copper
• Anything that is flat-bottomed
• Induction compatible 

Keep the above criteria in mind when purchasing cookware for your glass stovetop, and you will be less likely to deal with severe damage to your cookware or stove. You also won’t need to worry about paying for any major repairs or replacements.

5. Ceramic Glass Can Get Reactive 

You are probably curious as to just how sensitive these glass stovetops are to specific cookware materials and temperatures. Regarding the necessity of flat-bottomed over round-edged cookware, a flat bottom allows the heat to be more evenly distributed, while round edges add stress to the ceramic glass materials. 

Additionally, certain cooking habits can produce more severe repercussions when they happen with a glass stovetop. For example, while leaving a hot lid on any stovetop is discouraged across the board, it is especially dangerous to leave one on top of a  glass stovetop; the heat gets trapped in the ceramic glass, which can cause it to build up into a shattering explosion.  To keep your glass stovetop in shape, brush up on smart cooking habits so that you can avoid any expensive mistakes. 

Do You Need Help With Your Glass Stovetop? 

If you are someone who is able to put in the time and effort required to maintain such a modern-looking stovetop, then a glass stovetop might be worth the investment. If you currently own a glass stovetop, your understanding of how to best care for it is improved. For any assistance with installing, maintaining, or repairing your stovetops, contact us at Appliance Repair Pembroke Pines today.