If you’ve made the swap to induction cooking from using one of the best gas ranges, you may be concerned about protecting your induction cooktop from wear and tear. Rather than dragging pans across a gas grate, you’ll need to get used to using a smooth cooktop that won’t hold up to heavy handling.
So, to help keep your induction cooktop in good order, I’ve called on the experts to share their top tips on how to protect your induction cooktop from damage, helping to retain its best performance and extend its life.
Why do you need to protect the surface of an induction cooktop?
“Induction cooktop surfaces are typically made of a smooth, non-porous glass ceramic material, which is susceptible to scratches if not properly maintained,” says Dirk Sappok, Director of Category Management, Kitchen Appliance at Miele.
Although he says under normal use, “induction cooktops require little protection”, the surface is prone to scratches and marks if you are not careful.
“In a professional kitchen, we’re constantly moving heavy pans around, so I’ve seen how easy it is to scuff or chip them. Protecting the surface just means you’ll get more life out of the appliance and keep it looking presentable,” says Chloe Hammond, head chef at Asana Lodge.
How can an induction cooktop become damaged?
There are several ways that induction cooktops can become damaged.
“If you have a piece of cookware that has a particularly rough bottom, it can scratch the top of the cooktop,” says Angie Kreller, interior designer at Yabby. “The same can be said for putting something on the cooktop too hard, or putting too much pressure on a pan when frying some veggies — scratches can happen from almost anything! Even something as simple as abrasive sponges can leave tiny marks."
Apart from the risk of sliding heavy pans across the cooktop, which can lead to scratches in the glass ceramic surface, certain foods can also cause issues. “Leaving residue, especially sugary substances for prolonged periods of time can lead to bonding with the glass surface causing permanent damage,” says Sappok.
Anything that burns onto the surface can potentially cause stains or discoloration. In rare cases, they can even damage the controls. So, to avoid spills damaging your induction surface, Mike Williams, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Kenyon, says it's best to wipe them up as soon as the heat has come down and it’s safe to do so.
Will damage impact the induction cooktop’s functionality?
The consensus among the experts is that light scratches are cosmetic and won’t hinder the performance of an induction cooktop. Although, dirt can get into the scratches, which makes the cooktop harder to clean.
However, more significant damage, like a crack, will require the glass ceramic to be replaced. “It can compromise safety and the hob might not function properly,” says Hammond, “In that case, it’s best not to use it until it’s been looked at.”
Williams also warns that some damage can result in uneven heating., so it's best to be cautious and protect your induction cooktop from unnecessary marks.
It's a real issue when there isn't a clear message. However, my word of advice is to always check your user manual for instructions, and take heed, as if you go against the manufacturers guidelines you could be a risk of invalidating your warranty.
How can you protect an induction cooktop?
To avoid damaging your induction cooktop, there are a few steps you can take to ensure it stays in tip-top condition. Keller recommends always lifting your pots and pans and placing them gently on the surface, rather than sliding them across. She also advises using cookware with a flat bottom and cleaning up with a soft cloth rather than an abrasive sponge.
Another tip is to check your induction cooktop before use, and gently wipe away any abrasive substances before you start to cook. You should also do this once you’ve finished to avoid any spillages and food residue hardening, making it harder to clean up later.
Is it worth placing a protective cover on an induction cooktop?
The experts appear to disagree over whether it’s worth placing a protective cover over an induction cooktop. Some say it’s not really necessary and that it spoils the aesthetic, although Hammond thinks it’s sensible, especially in a busy household, “Something like a silicone mat or even a properly fitted cover can stop accidental scratches when it’s not in use. In a professional kitchen, we don’t tend to cover ours because they’re always in use, but at home I do.”
Can you store pans on an induction cooktop?
There is one reason that puts me off swapping to an induction cooktop — it’s not the price or the pans, but the fact that I can’t use it as an extra storage space when it’s not in use. And while I’ve had a few readers suggest that I use protective covers, the experts tell me another story.
“You should steer clear of storing pans on your cooktop as they can scratch the surface,” says Keller. “It can also become a bigger problem if you accidentally leave the pans on the cooktop when it’s hot — which is a first-class ticket to permanent damage.”
Sappok says that Miele does not recommend using an induction cooktop for purposes it was not intended for.
Can protective mats be used when cooking?
Again, there isn’t a clear-cut answer among the experts, and Hammond believes that you can use silicone mats beneath your pans when cooking. “They don’t absorb the heat because induction only heats the pan itself, not the surface around it,” and she adds, “I’ve found them quite effective, especially for stopping pans from rattling slightly and for catching spills, which makes cleaning much easier afterwards.”
However, Sappok disagrees and says, “Mats are not recommended as they obstruct the view of the cooktop, and they can interfere with the controls and proper placement of pots and pans on the cooking zones.”
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
More from Tom's Guide
- Induction cooking is easier than you think: Experts share their 7 top tips for success
- Can you use stainless steel pans on an induction cooktop? Here’s what the experts say
- I asked 6 culinary pros if it's worth switching to an induction cooktop — here's the verdict
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
