Cookware for a glass-ceramic stove: which one is suitable, types

The household appliances market is confidently filling up with glass-ceramic products. Each type of modern product has an original design and its own technical features. Useful tools make working in the kitchen easier. Not every cookware is suitable for a glass-ceramic stove. Pots and pans should have a bottom of a certain thickness and preferably a dark color for better heat absorption. For the panel to work as efficiently as possible, the diameter of the bottom of the cooking appliances must exactly match the size of the burner.

Features of glass-ceramic hob

The device operates on electricity without gas pipes. This makes it convenient and economical, allowing it to be placed anywhere in the room. The glass ceramic surface is smooth and perfectly flat. Heating zones are located in certain places, as indicated by contours of different diameters. Control is carried out using buttons on the touch panel.

The working elements of all electric models heat up instantly. The material of the glass-ceramic panel is ceran. It has high strength and the ability to withstand heavy objects. The burners on the panel can be of two types: halogen with heat-emitting lamps or High Light, heated by a ribbon made of a special alloy in the form of a snake.

The glass ceramic panel cools down as quickly as it heats up. It is safe to touch just a few minutes after switching off. For houses or apartments with frequent power outages, combined type models are suitable. There are electric and gas burners on the hob.

Functions

A combined hob consists of three gas and one electric burners or two gas and two electric burners. This model is designed for places where there are frequent power outages, and even in such cases hot food will be prepared.

Functional characteristics of the burners:

Thermostatic functions - temperature sensors that the panel is equipped with control and maintain the required heating temperature. This function helps in preparing dishes that require a constant temperature for long periods of time.
The variable heating zone function makes it possible to cook or heat food in non-standard shaped dishes, for cooking in patches or oval-shaped roasting pans. In such cases, an auxiliary heating segment is used, which promotes uniform heating of the bottom along the contours.

Glass-ceramic electric stoves are equipped with burner indicator lights and residual heat indicators.

Helper functions can be built in such as:

an infrared sensor for measuring the temperature of the dishes, which controls the increase or decrease in the degree of heating;
automatic boiling, which is aimed at turning off partial heating power of the burner;
security system - is responsible for blocking an accidentally turned on stove, therefore, when small children grow up in the house, this function becomes useful;
automatic food preparation - allows food to cook independently; you just need to set the weight of the product and turn on the desired mode. When the food is ready, the electronic timer will give a signal. This technical characteristic of kitchen appliances will greatly save the housewife’s time.

Hob types

Depending on the connection method, hobs can be autonomous or dependent on the heating element. All glass-ceramic models have high, easily adjustable thermal conductivity. The following types of hob surfaces are most commonly used:

Electrical. They stand out for their huge functionality. When choosing such a model, you should take into account the large load on the electrical wiring. It must withstand high voltage. The hob is completely covered with a glass-ceramic hob. The burners are round or oval.
Induction. Modern simple devices that are gradually replacing other types of surfaces. Practical, durable models equipped with advanced features. Economical equipment instantly heats the burner and automatically turns off if there are no containers on it.
Gas. Reliable plates are able to work in the most extreme conditions. Modern glass-ceramic coating can withstand the effects of combustion and high temperatures on a par with metal surfaces.

Marking options

There must be a special sign (marking) on the accompanying label or on the bottom of the cookware for a glass-ceramic stove. If the stove has induction burners - the inscription Induction and a pictogram in the form of 5 turns of winding.

Other icons show on what type of heating element and on what surface a particular kitchen utensil can be used:

halogen;
ceramic;
gas;
electric.

If you have purchased a new ceramic stove with induction heaters, but there is no suitable cookware or there is very little of it, use a special adapter.

This is a convenient kitchen accessory made of ferromagnetic alloy with or without a removable handle. It allows you to cook on an induction glass-ceramic surface in any utensil you have in the kitchen.

Features of heating dishes

The burners of the glass-ceramic stove are heated by heating elements. The heat sources are located under the ceran plate that forms the base of the panel. The glass-ceramic coating has high thermal conductivity and resistance to mechanical damage. The cookware is heated using the following types of burners:

Tape. The heating element is made of high resistance alloy. The tapes are tightly laid, which increases their heat transfer. 5-6 seconds are enough for complete heating.
Rapid. They have the simplest design. Nichrome spirals heat up in 10 seconds. Round burners can be of different sizes. Electricity consumption depends on their size.
Halogen. The heating element is represented by a quartz gas-filled tube. You can start cooking within 2 seconds after turning it on. The amount of electricity consumed is higher than other models.
Inductive. The safest and most expensive type of burners. They heat not the cooking surface, but the bottom of the pan, which reduces the risk of burns to a minimum. The efficiency of energy consumption is due to the ability to adjust the power of the device as accurately as possible.

Equipment

To choose the right glass-ceramic stove, you need to take into account the main factors regarding technical features, set of functions and cost.

Glass-ceramic electric stoves, with 4 conventional burners, are equipped with mechanical or electronic control. Switches come in rotary and touch switches with a timer and display.

Usually there are only heating indicators, no boiling indicators. There is no safety shutdown, switch locking or control panel locking.

Electric oven – volume from 50 to 80 liters with lighting and a hinged door consisting of two glasses, cleaning is standard. A spacious drawer for utensils is located under the oven.

This model is not equipped with variable heating zones. A drawback may be that the temperature is not shown on the display, although there is a temperature indicator.

Double-circuit burners are usually equipped with mechanical controls. There are burner heating indicators, a clock and an alarm clock.

A spacious electric oven with a volume of over 60 liters is equipped with a hinged door, lighting, electric grill and convection. These models of household appliances have a spacious drawer for utensils, adjustable legs, standard cleaning and steam cleaning.

Basic requirements for dishes

Hob manufacturers recommend using metal pots and pans that meet all requirements. The cookware must have a flat, even bottom to ensure the best heat transfer. If the bottom of the item is deformed, the burner itself will overheat, which will shorten its service life. Even small air gaps between the surface and bottom of the cookware reduce heat transfer. There should be no embossed manufacturer's marks, relief patterns, or other roughness.

The bottom of the dish must have a minimum reflection coefficient. Matte dark surfaces are preferable. It must be dense enough to prevent deformation under the influence of high temperature. If the thickness of the bottom is not enough, there is a high probability of sagging, which will lead to a decrease in the tightness of the bottom to the surface of the electric stove.

To avoid overheating, the cookware and burner must be the same diameter. Heat is dissipated very poorly from the uncovered part of the element. If the edges of the bottom of the pan extend beyond the burner, there will not be enough power for full heating.

Manufacturers of stoves and glass-ceramic surfaces recommend using pots and pans with concave bottoms. This design will ensure a tight fit and efficient use of heat.

Video

The rules are generally the same as when using any electric stove: - the cookware must have a flat bottom, - the size of the burner is selected as close as possible to the size of the cookware, and it is better (for the stove, not for you) to use a smaller burner size than a larger one - so that heat transfer from the burner occurs evenly over all its surfaces.

Another aesthetic point is added to this - it is better that the dishes are “decent” - without burrs on the outer part of the bottom - so that they do not scratch. All!%)

All these stories with “bimetallic bottoms” are unnecessary frills. Such a bottom only affects the process of preparing the dish in the dish, i.e. on the temperature inside. It has virtually no effect on the stove and burners. For example, I don’t like pans with a thick steel bottom - firstly, they are heavy, and secondly, they are inertial. Why buy an inertia-free electric stove and then mess around with inertia-free pans. )) In frying pans this may be useful, but in pots - IMHO - not.

Which dishes are not suitable?

Not all cookware can be used for cooking on a glass-ceramic surface. Conventional saucepans that have already had contact with gas burners are unsuitable, even if they look durable. An uneven, rough bottom will scratch and deform the heating surface.

There will be no benefit from using aluminum, glass, copper, ceramic cookware. Soft metals may begin to melt when heated. The remaining traces will be very difficult to clean. Items with a round base will not work. The food in the cauldrons will not heat up evenly, and electricity will be wasted.

Helpful tips for making a good choice

First of all, you need to remember that the bottom should be slightly magnetic. To do this, you can take a small magnet to check this property when purchasing.

Here's what you need to pay attention to:

Perfectly flat bottom.
To maximize the use of heat for its intended purpose, you need to take dishes with a dark bottom.
The thickness of the bottom must be at least 4 mm.
The diameter must completely match the burner.
It is better not to use aluminum cookware. It can only be used if there is a Teflon coating.
Any debris should be cleaned up immediately to avoid scratching the surface.

If you choose the right dishes, the heating device will serve for a long time. And most importantly, glass ceramics will retain its appearance.

Choosing a cookware material – interaction with a glass-ceramic hob

Many types of pots and pans for glass-ceramic surfaces are equipped with modern technological solutions. Each unit must be accompanied by a diagram of the correct location. Most models have thermally insulated handles, thermometers, and readiness sensors. Cooking will be quick and enjoyable if you use utensils made from certain materials.

The main requirement for cookware for a glass-ceramic stove is a flat bottom. Full matching of sizes will extend the service life of the equipment. The ideal option is a smooth matte black bottom. This way the material will conduct and reflect heat better. A bottom made from several layers of different materials is more suitable. You should choose weighted household items. They will last much longer.

Enameled cookware

Products for long-term household use have good thermal conductivity. A variety of designs and colors allows you to choose the appropriate device for your kitchen interior. Enameled pans must be used carefully, avoiding chipping. Do not allow an empty device to come into contact with a heated surface.

Objects treated with ceramic and Teflon coatings are mediocre in strength. Cookware with a magnetic bottom is suitable for any burner. Enameled pans are not durable or resistant to mechanical stress. Thanks to the coating, the metal does not release toxic substances into food when heated. In such a container you can cook and store prepared dishes.

Stainless steel cookware

The best option for cookware for glass-ceramic surfaces. Such kitchen utensils look aesthetically pleasing, are easy to clean, and conduct heat well. When purchasing stainless steel sets or individual items, you should consider the magnetic properties of the material. Depending on the manufacturer and type of metal, they may differ.

Most stainless steel kitchen appliances have pictograms on the side walls indicating the method of use and composition. The first number corresponds to the chromium content, the second – nickel. Elegant appearance, ease of maintenance, and ideal performance make stainless steel an excellent material for stoves with glass-ceramic panels.

Stainless steel cookware can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is not distinguished by a variety of colors, but has a steel tint that is pleasing to the eye. The double bottom will provide improved heat transfer. Multi-layering will protect against corrosion, increase hygiene, and allow you to use it in any conditions.

Aluminum cookware with Teflon or ceramic bottom coating

You can use aluminum items for cooking, but only with a ceramic or Teflon coating on the bottom. Easier cooking is due to some features of the base material. The pan can maintain temperatures up to 450 degrees for a long time. This item will become indispensable for lovers of fast cooking.

The ceramic coating protects the dishes from all kinds of damage. Burns, scale and other contaminants are easily removed from frying pans and pots. Teflon is much less washable, but has all the characteristics inherent in modern kitchen appliances. The fragile surface cannot withstand sudden changes in temperature, so hot cookware should not be placed under cold water after finishing cooking. The maximum incandescent temperature is 250 degrees.

Heat resistant glass

A technologically advanced, aesthetically attractive option is ineffective in operation. Low thermal conductivity leads to high energy consumption. Heat-resistant glass is not magnetic, which makes it useless on induction panels. Fragile dishes are afraid of temperature contrasts and have a lot of weight due to the thickness of the walls. Glass material does not have the ability to heat up like metal. Products take longer to cook; it will be more difficult to quickly fry large pieces of meat or fish. The advantages of glassware include the following factors:

Inertia. Glass does not come into contact with the food being prepared. The material easily tolerates acidic, alkaline, and salty environments.
Transparency. Glass walls allow you to constantly monitor food preparation, evaluate color, consistency and other parameters. You can adjust the boiling intensity of the contents without lifting the lid.
Corrosion resistance. The appearance of rust is completely eliminated. Prolonged contact with water and poor wiping will not harm the dishes.
No pores. The smooth surface does not get dirty or burn. It is easy to clean and does not slip on the glass-ceramic stove.
Easy to care for. Any detergent is suitable for washing. Dirt can be easily removed with warm water and a soft sponge. Dishwasher safe option.

Cast iron

Seamless products made from an alloy of iron with carbon, phosphorus and silicon are made in special molds. The workpiece is processed, cleaned and equipped with handles. Food cooked in cast iron completely retains its taste.

Strong, durable cookware has thick walls and a bottom. She is not afraid of any mechanical damage. If the pan or pan is well heated before cooking, the dish will not burn. Cast iron objects do not deform under the influence of high, low temperatures and their differences.

The disadvantages of cast iron include its heavy weight. Constant use of such cookware may damage the glass-ceramic surface. Cast iron items can rust from constant contact with water. It is better not to use it for making sour apple and tomato sauces. It is not recommended to store food in cast iron dishes.

For glass-ceramic surfaces, cast iron coated with enamel is more suitable. Such items are not subject to rust until chips and other defects appear on the inside or outside of the surface that impair the integrity of the coating.

The enamel coating deprives cast iron cookware of its non-stick properties.

What materials are safe

Despite the existence of a large number of restrictions on the use of containers for such a panel, there are a large number of answers to the question of which dishes are suitable for glass ceramics. Glass ceramic cookware is made from different materials and has different volumes and shapes. Glass ceramic cookware is purchased together with a heating element. Knowing what kind of cookware can be used on a glass-ceramic hob, you can save your hob.

Enameled cookware

Enameled cookware can be used on this heating element. Enameled has a number of features:

Glass ceramic dishes often do not look presentable. Enameled products have a large number of designs, shapes and colors.
If you are using an enamel cookware, check the bottom carefully before placing the container on the stove.
It is not advisable for the same pan to be used on a gas heating element. Otherwise, check that the bottom is even and free of dirt before each use.

Although it is allowed to use an enamel container, placing the pan on a glass-ceramic panel if it is empty is prohibited. It is necessary to monitor the presence of liquid or cooking product inside the container. Otherwise, the surface of the heating element will be seriously damaged due to heating. It becomes unsuitable for further use, and its properties are partially lost.

Hob care

A stove with a glass-ceramic panel requires specific care. In order for it to remain in good condition for as long as possible and to please you with cleanliness during operation, you need to listen to the following advice:

Do not place wet dishes on the glass-ceramic surface. Heating a pan with a wet bottom will cause white spots to appear. It will be very difficult to get rid of such divorces.
Do not use a dish sponge for cleaning. Residues of fat and food particles can leave scratches and other damage. This should be a separate thick cloth intended exclusively for wiping the fragile panel.
Do not allow sugar or plastic to come into contact with the surface. When heated, substances will begin to melt and eat into the surface.
Any contamination from the induction type surface must be removed immediately. Dried dirt can be removed with a special household scraper. You can replace it with a regular razor or a melamine sponge.
For difficult stains, use only mild products. The glass-ceramic surface can only be cleaned using a gentle method. Hard metal scourers and abrasives should not be used. The stains must be covered with baking soda, covered with a damp cloth, and left for 10 minutes.
Creation of a protective thin film. The desired screen film will be obtained if you wipe the clean surface with a napkin soaked in vegetable oil. Dust, small particles of paper napkins, and crumbs will not settle on such a stove.