Modern kitchen is quite diverse as far as heating sources are concerned. You can find kitchen fitted with different heat surfaces such as electric, gas, ceramic, glass, halogen and induction. One positive sides of this advancement is that it makes the cooking of home cook as professional chefs easy. But it also has also created a lot of confusion. It is sometime quite difficult to decide what is the best heat source for your cooking needs? Once you fitted your kitchen with a more suitable stovetop now the question is how your existing or future cookware would respond to it. This is reason our today article best cookware set for glass cooktops is an attempt to find a solution for this problem to some extent.
IN A HURRY?
Our Top Three Best Collections of Pots and Pans for Glass Stovetops
- Best Overall
Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
- Runner Up Best Overall
Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 10 Piece
- The Best High End
All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set, Pots and Pans, 5-Ply Stainless Steel, Professional Grade, 10-Piece – 8400001085
- The Best Budget
Cook N Home 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Silver
- Nonstick Induction Compatible Cookware Set
All-Clad E785SC64 Ha1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Dishwasher Safe PFOA Free Cookware Set, 10-Piece, Black
Cooking on glass stovetop needs a cookware set compatible with this heat source. Before going into detail we recommend stainless steel for this heat surface. Stainless steel is the perfect metal that is compatible with all heat surfaces including induction and glass ceramic.
Glass stovetops basically fall into two categories – induction or electric. Both these cook tops need electricity for its heat generation.
The suitable cookware for glass stovetop must have some features such as it is made of material that would not scratch the glass surface. Furthermore the pot or pan has wide and flat bottom to remain stable and doesn’t scratch top stove.
Stainless steel is the best choice for this heat source because the pots and pans made from this metal has enough weight to remain stable on the surface and it wouldn’t scratch it.
What is Glass Stovetops?
Before going into nitty-gritty of what is the best cookware sets for this heat source, it is necessary to understand the nature of it and how it responds to different metals made pots and pans.
Glass stovetops are basically made from ceramic glass. The manufacturing process is the same as glass. But with one difference that is the addition of a nucleating agent. It creates a crystalline structure. It is different from pure glass where the molecules are randomly arranged so they are easy to break.
The crystalline arrangement of molecules makes it more robust so it can withstand high temperature.
This special glass is passed through numbers of heat treatments so the ceramic glass has appearance like pure glass but it is more robust and has extreme heat tolerance. It has low coefficient of thermal expansion means that it has extremely low response to changes in temperature. It is also not transparent like a pure glass.
Glass stovetops come into two different forms either induction or electric. Both these heat surfaces need electricity for their heating. The only basic difference is the way they use the electricity.
Electric cook tops are older and also known by radiant stovetops. The reason for this name is that radiant heating coils are fixed below the glass ceramic surface. The working process is simple when the radiant heating coils heat up; they transform the heat to the glass stovetop and then the cook top do the same thing to cooking pot.
The story of induction glass stovetops is different from electric cook top. Induction top stoves work with electromagnetic induction.
When it is turned on, the coil placed under glass ceramic surface produces an electromagnetic field. So it works in same manner as a microwave. The coil and the stovetop themselves don’t get hot during this process. But when any magnetic pot or pan is placed on the surface it will react to the electric currents that as result heats up.
Electric and induction glass stovetops have their own properties. It is a fact that electric glass cook top is less heat efficient than induction. But induction stovetop is more expensive.
Whatever glass top stove you use it is necessary that your cookware should be safe for this fragile heat surface.
What Types of Cookware Are Best for Glass Top Stove?
When cooking on shiny glass cook top you don’t have the freedom which you enjoy with other heat surfaces such gas stovetop. One rough cookware use is sufficient to damage the glossy surface. So you need to use only those pots and pans best for this unique heat surface.
The ideal metal for your cookware for this glass stovetop is stainless steel. The pots and pans made of this metal are durable, easy to use and comes with enough weight to remain stable on heating surface so the chances of damage is minute.
Aluminum and copper are also suitable and best conductors of heat. But they leave residue so they work well when used as core to reduce the poor heat conductivity of stainless steel. Here the base exterior is made of stainless steel while aluminum or copper is just used as core.
Some of the materials are the worst on glass surface such as stoneware, cast iron, ceramic or glass cookware. The pots and pans made of these materials are rough and can easily damage the smooth surface of glass top stove.
Cast iron as we know takes a long time to heat up. This sustained high temperature can cause the entire top stove to overheat and as result turn off.
Induction stovetop needs magnetic cookware. Stainless steel works exceptionally well on this heat surface, other material made pots and pans such as copper, aluminum and glass don’t work well on induction top stovetops.
Besides material of your cookware, another thing that makes the cooking process smooth and scratch free is the shape of your pot or pan base. A pot or pan with a wider stable base works exceptionally well on glass cook tops. A round bottom cookware can easily scratch this fragile heating surface. The classic example is the “wok”. Woks have round bottom. As we know wok based cooking is not smooth. You have to move the wok continuously during cooking. Wok use for this heat surface is not recommended. If you love wok based cooking then you can buy a flat bottom wok especially designed for this heat surface. You can also read our article Can A Wok Be Used On A Glass Top Stove?
Best Overall
Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
If you are looking for a quality cookware that wouldn’t scratch your glass top stove and won’t break your bank then this set from Cuisinart is just a perfect choice. It comes with stainless steel brushed exterior and polished interior surface works perfectly well on glass stovetops whether it is electric or induction. Induction cook creates lot of problems and wouldn’t accept the cookware made from material not compatible with its nature. But this cookware set works just amazing on this stovetop. Its current users who use it on their induction cook top are satisfied with its performance. It not only uses energy efficiently but also save the surface of your fragile heat surface from scratches. The set and your heat source are in perfect harmony here.
The stay cool ergonomic grip handles support burn cooking. The handles are firmly riveted for security. The tight fitting lids that self-baste the food as you cook and keep the heat, moisture and aroma intact for gourmet cooking results.
The pots and pans base comes with triply construction. There is an aluminum core bonded between two layers of stainless steel ensures even distribution and retention of heat.
The pots and pans rims are tapered for hassle free and mess free pouring. It is oven safe up-to 550 degrees F and you can use it on any stovetops including induction cook tops. The pans are also compatible with broiler. For hassle free breeze cleanup all the pieces including in this cookware set are dishwasher safe.
12-piece cookware set includes:
- 1-1/2- covered saucepan
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 8-inch skillet
- 10-inch open skillet
- 3-1/2-quart covered sauté pan
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- steamer insert with lid
So the cookware set is quite comprehensive, includes all the pots and pans so you just need a nonstick skillet for morning eggs.
Runner up Best Overall
Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 10 Piece
The 10 pieces set includes:
- 25-Quart saucepan with cover
- 5-Quart Saucepans with cover
- 5-Quart Stockpot with Lid
- 8-Inch frying pan
- 5-Inch Frying Pan
- 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid
The cookware set is made from premium quality stainless steel. It wouldn’t rust or stain. It is just perfect for all types of foods even the very acidic such as tomato sauce.
The unique incomparable 5-multilayer base consists of aluminum. Copper and magnetized stainless steel cap ensures even distribution heat eliminating hotspots. The multilayer construction also serves perfectly for heat retention.
The base of the cookware has a layer of copper sandwiched between aluminum and magnetized stainless steel. So you can use it on all cook tops including induction.
The tulip shape of the pots and pans looks beautiful. The polished exterior stainless steel looks elegant while its brushed stainless steel interior works efficiently for protecting it from scratches because of regular use.
The handles of this premium quality glass top stove friendly set is made from cast stainless steel. The handles are robustly attached to pots and pans with two rivets. So you can use them with confidence for entire life of cookware without recourse for repairing them.
The domed shaped lids have high loop handles for hassle free grasp even if you are wearing the heat protecting gloves.
The pots and pans are oven safe up-to 500 F°. It also offers hassle free cleanup because of its exceptional dishwasher safety.
Its lids are also made of stainless steel so don’t provide you the opportunity to view the cooking process. But the plus point of it is that you can use the lids in oven and are unbreakable.
The Best High End
All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set, Pots and Pans, 5-Ply Stainless Steel, Professional Grade, 10-Piece – 8400001085
If you have enough budget to exploits the benefits of a high end stainless steel cookware set then this set will be the jewel of your kitchen. It will make your cooking easy and enjoyable. The pots and pans are made of robust material, well engineered and designed making it a master piece for your busy kitchen. It is a perfect cookware set for folks who are always busy in their kitchens.
In this comprehensive cookware sets you will get almost all the pieces you need in your day to day cooking:
- 8-inch fry pan
- 10-inch fry pans
- 5-quart sauce pan with lid
- 3-quart sauce pans with lid
- 3-quart sauce pan with a lid
- And an 8-quart stock pot with a lid
The pots and pans are constructed of 5-ply bonded alternate layers of aluminum and stainless steel. The exterior layer is made of magnetized stainless steel so it can work exceptionally well on all stove tops including induction. The 5-ply construction provides the cookware set with features such as even distribution of heat, free of hotspots and warp resistant.
Warp resistant robust construction makes it fit for serving your kitchen without any need for repair and maintenance.
The pots and pans included in this stainless steel cookware set are not nonstick but due to five layer base it will make your cooking process stick free. The inner cooking surface with starburst finish supports stick free cooking.
For mess free easy pouring, the pots and pans have flared rims.
The handles are also made from stainless steel securely riveted. The ergonomic design and stay cool features make cooking easy with less strain on our hands. The pots and pans are not heavy so people of all age groups can use them for their day to day culinary.
The lids are made from stainless steel. It has one drawback when compared to glass made lids that you can’t view the cooking process through it. But the positives of it are more. First they are unbreakable. And you can use the pots and pans along with lids in oven.
The cookware set is oven and broiler safe up-to 600 degrees F. It is compatible with all cooking surfaces including induction glass top stoves.
By viewing the pieces in this cookware set it is quite comprehensive. It doesn’t offer the accessories such as spatula, tongs, and spoons etc. but high end cookware mostly come without these kitchen essentials. So you have to buy them if you don’t have them in your kitchen arsenal.
One thing you will need to buy separately that is a nonstick skillet you might need for your morning eggs frying. Otherwise you will find this set best for fulfilling your day to day kitchen pots and pans need.
If yours current cookware set is non dishwasher safe and difficult to clean spoiling the beauty of your hands by daily dish washing. Then you will definitely looking for a cookware set with trustworthy dish washer cleaning features. You will love this dishwasher safe cookware set for its hassle free breeze cleanup.
The Best Budget
Cook N Home 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Silver
If your current financial position doesn’t support for high end glass stovetop cookware set then his collection will not break your bank while it looks elegant on your stove. This budget friendly cookware set comes with generous number of pieces despite of its extremely low price tag.
The pots and pans interior and exterior have a mirrored finish looks elegant on stovetop as well as on your tabletop.
The stainless steel poor heat conductivity is knockout completely by an aluminum capsulated base. An aluminum core works perfectly to make the set a best conductor of heat, no hotspots, even distribution of heat and extremely warp resistant.
The exterior of the bottom of the pots and pans is made from stainless steel optimized for all stovetops including induction cook tops.
Besides the exterior and interior of the pots and pans their handles are also well engineered. They are made from stainless steel and firmly riveted. So they will work throughout the lifespan of the set without the need for repair and maintenance.
The lids are made from tempered glass. It is high shatter resistant and can withstand high stovetop temperature. The pots in this cookware set are oven safe up-to 350 F° while the lids are only safe up-to 270 degrees F. Exposure to high temperature can discolor the pots and the lids. If don’t consider discoloration a big issue then you can use the pots and pans up-to 500 degrees F and the lids up-to 350 F°.
The 12-pieces budget friendly cookware set includes the following items:
- 5-Quart saucepan with lid.
- 5-Quart casserole pan with lid.
- 2-Quart casserole pan with lid.
- 3-Quart casserole pan with lid.
- 5-Quart stockpot with lid.
- 10-Inch saute fry pan with lid.
The pots and pans might be sufficient for your day to day cooking but you can wish to add a smaller frying pan or a Dutch oven or larger stockpot.
Nonstick Induction Compatible Cookware Set
Circulon Symmetry Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 11-Piece, Black
As we know your kitchen is already equipped with glass induction top stove. So you have limited choices for choosing a compatible cookware. Stainless steel is we already mentioned a perfect material for manufacturing induction stovetop compatible cookware. Other materials made cookware sets such as aluminum, copper or glass doesn’t work perfectly on this cook top.
As we know majority of nonstick cookware sets are made of aluminum which we already mentioned in this post is not an ideal material for induction stovetops. So if your kitchen is equipped with glass induction stovetop and you are looking for nonstick cookware set then you have extremely limited number of choices. We have thoroughly researched for finding induction stovetop compatible nonstick cookware set. We have found two hard anodized cookware sets fulfilling induction cook top compatibility criteria: Circulon Symmety 11 Piece Nonstick Hard Anodized Cookware set and All-Clad E785SC64 Ha1 Hard Anodized Nonstick 10 Piece Cookware Set. In this article we will only review Circulon Symmety nonstick cookware set for simple reason it is low price, comes with excellent features and high current users satisfaction ratings.
The Circulon Symmety Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set Includes:
- 1-Quart Pouring Saucepan
- 2 -Quart Saucepan with lids
- 3-Quart Saucepan with Lids
- 8-Quart Stockpot with Lid
- 5-Inch Frying Pan
- 10-Inch Frying Pan
- 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid
The set comes with premium quality features but offered with affordable price. The pots and pans you will get in this collection are long lasting and easy to clean.
The cookware set is made from hard anodized aluminum. Hard anodized aluminum is the cookware industry standard material for manufacturing high standard robust pots and pans. So the set will serve your kitchen for many years to come. It is twice robust than stainless steel.It is more robust and durable than nonstick cookware sets found in market.
The nonstick coating of this set is more durable, warp resistant and long lasting. It is metal utensils safe. You can cook all types of foods even the very acidic ones such as tomato sauce.
The bottoms of the cookware set are fitted with induction suitable stainless steel. So you can use it on all cook tops with confidence.
What type of cookware should be used on a glass cooktop?
Stainless steel works best for all stovetops and the best metal especially for glass electric and glass induction cook tops.
What pans should not be used on a glass top stove?
Pans made from copper, aluminum and glass should not be used on a glass top stove.
Is Hard Anodized Cookware Safe for Glass Cooktops?
Not all hard anodized cookware are safe for glass top stoves. Only those hard anodized cookware safe are safe whose bases are made from induction suitable stainless steel.
Can you use induction cookware on a glass top stove?
Yes, you can use induction compatible pots and pans on glass top stove.