7 Types of Cookware to Use on a Glass Top Stove

A large number of people love a glass top stove. They replaced the ceramic stove top of the 1970s, and do offer definite advantages for cleaning up. You do, however, need to be aware of what types of cookware you can use on a glass top stove.

1- Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a very popular type of cookware. It's relatively inexpensive and won't react with either acidic or alkaline materials. Add to that the fact that it won't corrode and it has a great deal going for it. The downside its that it's not a good heat conductor. To work on a glass top stove the bottom of the pan needs a core made of aluminum or copper, and thick enough to conduct ample heat.

2- Copper

Copper pans are a much more expensive option. It's very conductive so it responds quickly to heat, and the lack of it. This also means that the food is cooked evenly. Unfortunately, copper reacts with many things, so the parts of the pans that come into contact with food needs to be lined with either stainless steel or aluminum for safety. They do work well on glass top stoves, however. To keep them looking good the pans need to be polished regularly.

3- Cast Iron

There are those who love cast iron pots on a glass top stove. Once hot, cast iron is an excellent cooking medium, but it takes a long time to really heat up. One of it's biggest advantages is that the pans can be used on the stove top and in the oven. They quickly become pitted and rust can easily form if not looked after properly. If cared for they can last for many years.

4- Aluminum

Aluminum is a good, cheap choice for a glass top stove. It's durable, but will react to acidic and alkaline foods, limiting its usefulness. Because of this, aluminum cookware will have an anodized or stainless steel coating inside so it can cook everything. The cookware is generally easy to care for, only needing to be washed in warm soapy water.

5- Anodized

Anodized pans are generally non stick, and usually very good at conducting heat, so the food cooks quickly and evenly. They don't work well with alkaline or acidic foods, however, even with the non-stick coating, and they're not dishwasher safe, so they have to be cleaned by hand.

6- Porcelain Enamel

Porcelain enamel always has a core of either cast iron or aluminum. Although they're adequate as saucepans, and can also be used in the oven, they excel as saute pans or frying pans on a glass top stove. They do clean quite easily, but it's best to clean by hand rather than in the dishwasher.

7- Non-Stick

There are many types of non-stick pans. The cheaper ones are lightweight and have a short life. It's better to spend more and buy a good heavy set that will last for years. They work well on a glass top stove and clean up easily, althought you should never use an abrasive cleaner.