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Going vegan generally either rekindles a love of cooking or starts you off on a brand new culinary journey of discovery. Whichever camp you fall into, having the right kit is essential if you’re going to get maximum enjoyment out of your time in the kitchen; hence this best cookware for glass top stoves roundup!
But why make the distinction? I mean, pots and pans are pots and pans, surely? Not so. In fact, choosing the wrong glass top stove cookware can be an expensive mistake. While glass top stoves are far from delicate, they can still be scratched and even cracked should you use the wrong kind of cookware.
For that reason alone, taking a little time to find the right cookware for your glass top range is worth the effort, but there’s more to it than that. Buying the best pots and pans you can afford will make all the difference to your cooking too, which means you’ll cook from scratch more often and, therefore, eat more healthily.
So, what should you be looking out for when buying cookware for a glass top range? Let’s look at that first before we dive into our cookware sets roundup.
Choosing the best cookware for glass top stoves
Anyone who can remember the old coil element stoves is likely still having nightmares about things boiling over and then the subsequent cleaning horror that followed. Thankfully, electric glass top stoves have largely made this kitchen ordeal a thing of the past.
Their sleek and smooth design means that a quick wipe with a damp cloth is often all that’s needed, but they do need to be looked after in other ways. Choosing the correct glass stovetop cookware will not only ensure you get the most from your appliance, it’ll also save the cost and aggravation of replacing a cracked stove, too.
Which material should glass stovetop cookware be made from?
This is a great question, and one that has many answers. You’ll find that some people swear by one particular material, while others will only entertain another.
The most important thing to take into account when choosing your cookware is what the manufacture recommends. While they all work on the same principle, not all glass top stoves are created equal, so it’s important to check your user manual before you splash out on new pots and pans.
Can’t find the manual? Check out Manuals Online or try a Google search. Most manufacturers will have PDF copies of each manual available for download on their websites.
Just some of the cookware materials you can use with glass top stoves are:
Aluminium
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t aluminium harmful to our health?”.
Well, yes, it can be, but only if you misuse it. Personally, I would avoid plain aluminium cookware sets for this reason, but they can be used on glass top ranges, which is why I’ve included them in this list.
Anodized aluminium cookware reduces the risk of toxins leeching into your food when cooking considerably, but I’d still opt for a different material myself. (1)
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a much better option when it comes to health (although there are still concerns over chromium, nickel and iron leaching), but it’s not the best performer in the world. Some stainless steel cookware suffers from poor conductivity, which can mean uneven cooking and hot spots on your pots and pans.
This shouldn’t, however, put you off of stainless steel altogether. In fact, providing you pay a little extra and go for a stainless steel cookware set that is made with an additional base of aluminium or copper at its core, your conductivity problems will be largely unnoticeable.
When it comes to minimising damage, stainless steel cookware is ideal for glass top stoves as the finish is smooth and the chances of warping is low. This will lessen the likelihood of scratching, prolonging the aesthetic nature of your range, and ensure your cookware remains in contact with the flat surface of your stove. (2)
Titanium
Titanium has really taken off over the last few years as a material to be relied upon in the kitchen.
That being said, it does have a downside – the price. Good quality titanium cookware isn’t cheap, but if you have the money to spare you could do a lot worse than opt for this material for your glass stovetop cookware.
High quality titanium pots and pans will deliver even heat distribution and has the additional bonus of being nonstick too. It’s also considered to be non-allergenic, which makes it perfect for those looking to optimize their health.
Most cookware materials will either leach themselves or cause other metals to be absorbed into our food as we cook. Premium titanium cookware, however, is widely considered as the safest material currently on the market. (3)
Copper
Copper is a great conductor of heat and probably the prettiest material to look at, but it does have some worrying points as well. While it is a perfectly safe material to use on a glass top stove in terms of damaging the range, it isn’t really the best option available.
Copper can leach into food, and copper cookware can also cause nickel to be passed across too. Nickel is regarded in some circles as highly allergenic and is generally considered to be a toxic heavy metal.
While nearly all copper cookware is lined to help prevent the reaction the metal has with almost everything, this is still a concern for some. (5)
Another thing to remember about copper is the fact that it can warp very easily.
This won’t do any mechanical damage to your stove, but it will affect the performance of your pans as they will no longer be in solid contact with the smooth surface all glass top stoves have. That, in turn, will scratch your glass top stove, so aesthetically it can have a dramatic impact over time.
A final thought to keep in mind when considering copper cookware is keeping it clean. Sure, it looks adorable on Pinterest, but believe me, it’s not easy to keep it that way!
Carbon Steel
Last on our list is carbon steel. For those of you who like cooking with cast iron (more of that in a minute), carbon steel might be a good alternative. Carbon steel is extremely hard-wearing and holds heat exceptionally well, but it does require seasoning which can be a pain.
Then there’s the reaction it has with acidic foods. Cooking highly acidic foods in a carbon steel pot or pan can leave your food tasting a little metallic, not good when you are constantly making tomato sauces (like me!).
On the plus side, carbon steel is generally lighter than cast iron and its smoothness allows you to use it on glass stove tops. That being said, it’s important not to damage the outer surface, as any dents or digs will scratch your glass range very quickly indeed.
Carbon steel also heats up fast, making it convenient for anyone who cooks in a rush. Personally, carbon steel isn’t for me. Just the fact that you have to season it is enough to put me off. I remember trying it once and ending up with a kitchen full of smoke…never again! (6)
Materials to avoid
Just as there are materials which will work well on your glass top electric stove, so there are ones which you should avoid. Again, the key rule is to check the manufacturer’s manual. I can’t emphasise this enough.
You’ll find that most manufacturers will advise against the following materials:
Glass
Glass cookware for stovetop use isn’t generally a good idea if that stovetop is also made of glass. Glass cookware tends to have very round edges which lets a lot of the heat escape from where it’s supposed to be.
Couple that with the fact that glass pots and pans aren’t the best heat conductors anyway and you have a good reason to avoid them.
Another point is that glass on glass doesn’t respond well. Despite feeling smooth to the touch, glass is actually quite rough. Rubbing a couple of bottles together will give you a sense of this. Therefore it’s a surefire way to scratch your stove over time.
Porcelain and enamel
Choosing a good quality cookware set made from enamel or porcelain can be a great investment for traditional hobs, but they’re not really the best pans for glass top stove use. Believe it or not, porcelain can actually melt onto a glass top stove if left unattended or simply when a pan boils dry. (7)
As you can imagine, this is not an easy fix and it only has to happen once and, well, you’re screwed. If you’ve ever answered a phone call and forgotten about a pan you left on the stove, porcelain and enamel are not for you!
Stoneware and ceramics
Stoneware and ceramics are another two materials frequently advised against by manufacturers. Like glass, their rough, rounded bottoms do not work well with a glass top range.
Additionally, stoneware and ceramic pots and pans are generally on the heavy side. This makes cracking your stove top a very real possibility. One distracted “thump” and you’re looking at an expensive replacement for your broken glass hob.
Cast iron
Finally, there’s cast iron. Now, this is where some of you may start itching to comment below as I know many people use pots and pans made of this popular material without any issues whatsoever. However, there are plenty of reason to avoid cast iron on a glass cooktop.
Cast iron is prone to pitting and rusting, can be easily dented and chipped, and is incredibly heavy in most instances. It’s also brilliant at retaining heat, which is great, but can easily damage a glass cooker as the heat transfers back downward.
If you’re careful with your cookware and don’t mind a bit of cleaning, using cast iron on a glass stove is definitely possible. In fact, all of the above materials can be used, but that doesn’t mean that you should!
For most people, avoiding cast iron is a good idea, but obviously it’s your shout.
Best Cookware For Glass Top Stove…The Reviews!
So, now we know a little more about the type of materials available to you and the other characteristics that make good cookware for glass top range cookers, it’s on to the review section of the post.
Here we give you a brief overview of the best pots and pans for glass top stove usage and we’ve tried to give a fair representation across the price spectrum too.
So, enough of the chat. Let’s take a look at the cookware!
Circulon Symmetry Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set
The Circulon Symmetry range has been around for some time, and many people swear by them. These pots and pans offer decent performance without going into the higher price bracket, making them ideal for the home cook who doesn’t want to break the bank.
The nonstick coating is PFOA-free and Circulon state that these pans can take metal utensil without fear of damaging the interior surface. They’re also dishwasher safe too.
However, some users have reported that their Circulon Symmetry pots and pans have lost their finish faster than one might expect. Peeling, chips and even cracked lids have all been mentioned online, so keep this in mind when making your decision.
As I mentioned above, I prefer not to use hard anodized aluminium, but I know some of you out there will be on the lookout for nonstick cookware, hence their inclusion.
These pots and pans looks stylish, and they can be used across all ranges, including what we’re looking at today – glass top stoves.
The set includes:
- 1-quart pouring saucepan
- 2-quart covered saucepan
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- 8.5-inch french skillet
- 10-inch french skillet
- 3-quart covered sauté pan
LIKES
- Good selection of sizes
- Nice, even heat distribution
- Nice handles, easy to hold and grip
- Suitable for all types of stove tops
- Dishwasher safe
DISLIKES
- Issues with nonstick peeling reported by some users
All-Clad 60090 14-Piece Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set
The All-Clad 60090 set is a beautiful set of cookware and is suitable for both professional chefs and keen home cooks alike.
This cookware set isn’t cheap but the quality does shine through, and that makes them an absolute joy to use. Really well made with a solid feel, the All-Clad 60090 is worthy of your consideration if you have the money to spare and do a lot of cooking.
However, these aren’t magic and won’t turn a bad cook into a good one. So, if you’re not already an adept cook it’s probably best if you save your money and opt for something cheaper while you learn.
One recurring complaint we’ve seen online concerns the lids. Quite a few have reported lids which do not sit right on the pans, so this is something you’ll want to check before use if you buy a set.
Unfortunately, the levels of customer support offered by All-Clad seem to lacking as well. Such problems are far from ideal when spending this kind of money on a product.
The All-Clad set includes:
- 10 inch and 12 inch fry pans
- 2 quart and 3 quart covered sauce pans
- 3 quart and 6 quart covered sauté pans
- 12 inch covered chef’s pan
- 8 quart covered stockpot
LIKES
- Beautiful design
- Solid, sturdy feel
- Extremely responsive and even heating
- Easy to clean
- Made in the USA
- Oven and dishwasher safe
DISLIKES
- Prohibitively expensive for some, but you do get what you pay for
- Quite heavy, so won’t be suitable for all
- Some reviewers report uneven lids with poor seals
- A few complaints regarding All-Clad’s customer service
T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel 13-Piece Cookware Set
Despite the incredibly unsexy name, the T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Cookware Set is pretty gorgeous to look at, and the you’ll like the price as well.
For anyone on a budget who’s looking to get the most for their money, this set is going to be a winner. Oven safe, dishwasher safe, riveted handles, vented lids, compatible with all stoves…these sound like serious pots and pans!
However, while these are decent for what you pay for them, there are concerns. One of the worst things about them is the “copper” bottom, which seems to be little more than an extremely thin layer of copper colored paint. So thin, in fact, that you may find it disappearing when you peel of the stickers from the underside of your pans!
If you are looking for an inexpensive cookware set from a big name brand, the T-fal C836SD will serve a purpose. But, if you want your pots and pans to perform to a higher standard, you might be better off opting for one of the more expensive sets on our list.
Set includes:
- 8-inch fry pan
- 10.5-inch fry pan
- 12-inch covered fry pan
- 1-, 2-, and 3-quart sauce pans
- 5-quart covered stew pot
LIKES
- Good looking cookware set
- Affordable
- Nice, even weight distribution
- Oven and dishwasher safe
DISLIKES
- “Copper” bottom is little more than a thin layer
- Handles get very hot on all sizes
- Poor quality lids
- Not very sturdy
Le Creuset 14-piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Le Creuset are an extremely popular cookware brand, and their 14-piece stainless steel set doesn’t disappoint. Not only is this a stunning cookware set in terms of looks, they’re also one of the best in terms of quality too.
All of the pots and pans in this set have an extremely sturdy build quality and, unlike many other sets, all come with their own lids. This makes them extremely versatile and helps reduce cooking times.
The finish on these pots and pans is second to none and the handles genuinely feel as though they are made to be held rather than just stuck on the side of the pot as an afterthought. On the subject of handles, they stay pretty cool even after spending a while on the stove as well, which is another plus.
They are also compatible with all stove tops, wonderful to use, and come with a lifetime warranty too. All of which makes these some of the best pots and pans for glass top stove use on the market today.
Set includes:
- 2-qt. Saucepan
- 3-qt. Saucepan
- 4-qt. Casserole
- 4.5-qt. Saute Pan
- 7-qt. Stockpot
- 8-in. Stainless Steel Skillet
- 10-in. Stainless Steel Skillet
LIKES
- Well-made and durable
- Great handles
- Attractive design
- Excellent heat distribution
- Oven safe to 500 degrees
- Lifetime warranty
DISLIKES
- Nothing!
Cooks Standard NC00232 12-Piece Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set
The last on our list of best cookware for electric glass top stove use is the Cooks Standard NC00232 12-Piece Set (who chooses those numbers?).
These pots and pans are extremely popular, and for the money they appear to be the best option for budget buyers. They’re well-designed and sturdy, and they perform admirably too.
Unlike many of the cheaper cookware options available, the Cooks Standard NC00232s can be used in the oven (up to 500 degrees) as well as on your glass top range. This is extremely handy for fans of veggie casseroles and one pot dishes.
There are, however, one or two negatives which need addressing. The finish isn’t the best and it can deteriorate over time. Cheaper pans have a tendency to do this and these are, unfortunately, no different.
The pots seem to be better quality than the pans, which feel as though they could benefit from a little more thickness in the base. Food burns quite easily in them, so careful cooking is the order of the day with these.
All in all, these are worth considering if you’re not willing to splash the cash and invest in higher grade cookware.
Included in the set are:
- 8-inch open skillet
- 10-inch open skillet
- 5-Quart 11-inch covered deep sauté pan
- 1.5-quart covered saucepan
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- Steamer insert with lid, which fits both 1.5- and 3-quart pans
- 8-quart covered stockpot
LIKES
- Good value for money cookware set
- Good range of sizes with a steamer thrown in (handy for us vegans!)
- Oven and dishwasher safe
DISLIKES
- Easy to burn food, cooking requires constant attention
- Pans would be improved with heavier bases
- Poor quality finish can show signs of pitting quite quickly
What’s The Best Cookware For Glass Top Stove? Answered!
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If you’re looking for the best cookware for glass top stove use, these sets will give you something to think about.
From budget to professional, we’ve looked at all price ranges so you’ll be able to find a decent set of glass top stove cookware regardless of how much you have to spend.
About The Author:
Lisa Williams
Lisa Williams is a committed vegan, passionate animal welfare advocate, and keen follower of too many v-friendly food blogs to mention. She started happyhappyvegan.com back in 2016 because she felt there was a need for more straightforward information on plant-based living.
Back then, too many sites seem to either concentrate solely on recipes or be too intimidating or inaccessible for the v-curious, and she wanted to change that. The landscape is certainly a whole lot different now!
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REFERENCES
- Vanessa Vadim | What’s the Safest Cookware? | https://www.treehugger.com/whats-the-safest-cookware-4864322
- How To Clean Stuff | How to Prevent Scratches on Glass Stove Tops | https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-prevent-scratches-on-glass-stove-tops/
- Lecia Bushak | Healthy Types of Metal for Cookware | https://www.livestrong.com/article/158539-healthy-types-of-metal-for-cookware/
- CDA | Copper: Properties and Applications | https://copperalliance.org.uk/knowledge-base/education/education-resources/copper-properties-applications/
- Danielle Smyth | What Are the Dangers of Copper Cookware? | https://www.hunker.com/12003785/what-are-the-dangers-of-copper-cookware
- Andrew Palermo | Carbon Steel Cookware Pros and Cons: 17 Things to Know Before You Buy | https://prudentreviews.com/carbon-steel-cookware-pros-and-cons/
- Ellie Maclin | Does Porcelain Enamel Cookware Work on a Glass Stovetop? | https://www.hunker.com/12593115/does-porcelain-enamel-cookware-work-on-a-glass-stovetop
