We all need a set of cookware that suits us best, but if you’re the owner of a glass stovetop, your needs are a little more specific than others. If you’re looking for the best cookware for glass stovetops, we’ve compiled a list of the top cookware sets to make your shopping easier.
Top 5 Cookware for Glass Stovetops
The following are the top 5 cookware recommendations based on our review:
AmazonBasics Nonstick Cookware Set, Pots and Pans – 8-Piece Set – Best Starter Set
Amazon Basics Non-Stick Cookware Set, Pots and Pans - 8-Piece Set
$50.62 in stock
Features
- 8-piece nonstick cookware set includes 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 1.5 quart sauce pan with lid, 2 quart saucepan with lid, and 3 quart casserole pan with lid
- Aluminum body with non-stick coating for easy cooking and cleaning; made without BPA
- Comfortable soft-touch handles stay cool during use, vented glass lids let steam escape
- Spiral bottom heats evenly; compatible with gas, electric, and glass stovetops (note: not induction compatible)
- Hand wash only, not dishwasher safe; please check the size of your stovetop's hobs before purchasing
Maybe you’re just starting your cooking journey, and you’re trying to decide what the best cookware would be, not only for your glass stovetop but also to get a handle on that whole cooking thing in general.
This particular set is eight pieces, including two frying pans, two saucepans, and one casserole pan. This conglomeration makes up a well-rounded and standard set of cookware.
This set is affordable, which is a preferable path to take if you’re not up on what various cookware items are used for or if you’re not big into cooking and just want what you need to get by.
This collection is a nonstick cookware set that works with most types of stovetops, including glass tops. It’s not heavy or abrasive and won’t damage the surface of your stove. Its nonstick property makes it easy to clean, but, unfortunately, you have to clean it by hand.
Like many nonstick items, the manufacturer recommends that you avoid using anything sharp or harsh in the pan. This guideline generally means sticking to a wood-only set of cooking utensils, or at least non-metal utensils that won’t scrape or harm the pans’ interiors.
This AmazonBasics cookware set is not the most durable collection out there, but it is lightweight, and that’s something you want for a glass stovetop. The different types of saucepans are foundational and a good starting point for someone who needs the essential cooking items.
Pros
- Inexpensive for eight pieces
- Well-rounded set for starters
- Includes appropriate size selections
- Lightweight for glass stovetop use
- Nonstick interior is effective
- Does not scratch glass stovetop surfaces
- Spiral bottom heats the pans evenly
- Handles stay cool when pans are heated
- Overall has a sleek and classic appearance
- Vented glass lids
- Heats up quickly
- Unobtrusive aluminum body
- Compatible with all stovetops excluding induction
- Nonstick interior is BPA free
- Acceptable quality for the price
- Comfortable handles for agile usage
Cons
- Less durable than some similar sets
- Must be cleaned by hand
- Can only use wooden or silicone utensils
- Some users report an odd smell when heated
- The non-tapered lip can make pouring difficult
- Frying pans are lidless
- Not induction compatible
- Cannot withstand heat without food
- Bodies occasionally said to bend easily
- Some users reported handles detaching easily
- Not for intense or involved cooking
T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 17 Piece Cookware Set – Best for Price
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 17 Piece Cookware Set, Black
10 used from $140.62
Features
- DURABLE NONSTICK: Hard titanium reinforced, scratch resistant and toxin free nonstick interior stands up to everyday use and keeps food sliding smoothly along the surface, making cooking easier and cleanup a breeze
- THERMO SPOT INDICATOR: Ring turns solid red to show when pans are perfectly preheated and ready for ingredients to be added. Not compatible on induction cook tops
- RIVETED HANDLES & VENTED LIDS: Handles are designed for comfort and safety; Vented tempered glass lids maintain visibility, while trapping enough heat and moisture for perfect results every meal
- USE&CARE: Suitable for all stove tops (except induction); Oven safe up to 400 degree Fahrenheit (lids up to 350 degree Fahrenheit); Dishwasher safe; Pfoa, lead, and cadmium free; Lifetime limited warranty
- SET INCLUDES: 8" fry pan, 10.25" fry pan, 11.5" fry pan with lid, 10.25" square griddle, 1 quarts Saucepan with lid, 2 quarts Saucepan with lid, 3 quarts Saucepan with lid, 3.5 quarts deep sauté, 5 quarts Dutch oven with lid, 3 quarts steamer insert with 2 side handles, and a 1 egg wonder fry pan (Which will be in the 5qt Dutch Oven )
This T-Fal cookware set comes with an astonishing 17 pieces, all of which would be much more expensive individually than if bought as part of this set.
Where our previous selection was simple and aimed at starting cooks, this one is not. Apart from the sheer volume of items included in this bargain set, this collection consists of a few specialty items.
The frying pans and saucepans are standard necessities of any cooking set. But this set includes more unique accessories such as the square griddle, “One Egg Wonder” pan, and even a 3-quart steamer insert. These items are for next-step chefs who need the right tools for the dishes they’re creating.
As with many cookware sets, all of the items included in the collection are nonstick. However, unlike many cookware sets, these items are also dishwasher safe. This ability allows you to circumvent some of the cleaning issues you can run into, making sure you aren’t using abrasive tools to clean your pans.
Nonstick products can also, unfortunately, not be safe for use in the oven. This set, however, is. It can withstand temperatures up to 400°F, except for the lids, which can only take up to 350°F.
Each of the pans includes rings on the bottom that each turn red when the pan is heated correctly and ready for ingredients, saving you trial and error.
Each item in the set is aluminum, which is a lightweight material. This set focuses on increased durability, though, guaranteeing a longer lifespan for each item.
Pros
- Huge variety of pieces
- Unique additions like steamer insert and one-egg pan
- Anti-stick interior requires less cooking fats
- Must use wooden or silicone utensils
- Safe in dishwasher
- Red thermo-spot rings indicate heat
- Riveted handles for safety and comfort
- Vented tempered glass lids
- Oven safe up to 400°F
- PFOA, lead, and cadmium free
- The anodized exterior provides extra exterior protection
- Suitable for all stovetops excluding induction
- Lightweight aluminum bodies compatible with glass stovetops
- Won’t scratch glass surfaces
- Excellent heat distribution
- Other amount options include 12, 13, and 14 pieces
Cons
- The set doesn’t include utensils
- Some reported issues with high-heat usage
- Exterior prone to scratching
- Lids can only withstand heat up to 350°F
- Prepackaged stickers on bottom challenging to remove
- Not official “nonstick” interiors
- Seasoning recommended before usage
- Mixed feedback regarding copper bottoms
- Occasionally reported warping
COOKLOVER Cookware Set Nonstick Scratch Resistant Pots and Pans Set in Jade – Best Look
Cookware Set Nonstick 100% PFOA Free Induction Pots and Pans Set with Cooking Utensil 13 Piece – Black
$178.99 in stock
Features
- NON-STICK MARBLE COATING : Interior & exterior is coated by high performance non-stick marble coating makes the pans and pots easy to cook and clean. Cooking with little oil for healthy diet. Safe temperature up to 220℃-280℃.
- STURDY REINFORCED DIE-CAST ALUMINUM BODY : ensures fast, even heat distribution,4mm-4.5mm thicken bottom provides a stable heat distribution during cooking, rapidly heating up, saves time and energy, 2mm thickens aluminum body appropriate weight and heat conductive can ensure uniform heat dissipation and prevent hot spots.
- ERGONOMIC BAKELITE KNOB AND HANDLE : COOKLOVER's cookware sets builds with heat resistant soft touch silicone Bakelite knob and handle with beautiful wood grain design (NOT REAL WOOD).
- UNIQUE TEMPERED GLASS LID : with steam vent makes viewing food easily, heat-resistant and anti-slip Ergonomic knob is nice to grip, easy to maneuver, safe and anti-scald.
- COMPATIBLE INDUCTION BOTTOM: Conducts heat quickly and evenly, retain heat longer, saves energy and time which allows it to be placed evenly over heat source. Suitable for use on: Induction, gas, ceramic, electric, halogen & solid fuel cookers. (NOT OVEN SAFE)
If you’re looking for an aesthetically-pleasing cookware set that doesn’t sacrifice too much function for beauty, Cooklover’s nonstick pots and pans set ticks these boxes.
While it also comes in black and white, the jade option is unique, fun, and not something you’ll see in every home. Each item has wood-style handles, which are unfortunately faux but look great regardless.
You can use this set on all stovetops, including glass and induction. While the coating is a marble ceramic, the pans overall are a sturdy aluminum that won’t scratch glass-top surfaces.
The product makeup of this set is a little different than the others. The set includes two pots, a saucepan, a frying pan, a square griddle, silicone utensils that won’t scratch pan surfaces, and heat-resistant handle covers for safety.
These items are dishwasher safe. But if you choose to wash by hand, the pans have die-cut bodies, which means they don’t require rivets to attach the body to the handle. Bolts are often troublesome to clean around, and having them out of the way is a bonus.
Unfortunately, this set is not for use in the oven, and some people disliked the handles being fake wood. Some other issues with the handle included improper assembly and needing to be re-fastened, denting easily, and getting too hot.
Overall, it’s an attractive set with a unique appearance that doesn’t forego too much functionality and cooking abilities for its pretty and smart style.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing and unique
- Reinforced aluminum body for increased durability
- Die-cut bodies eliminate rivets for easy cleaning
- Ergonomic knobs and handles
- Includes heat resistant handle covers
- Comes with appropriate utensils
- Handles stay cool
- Nonstick interiors
- Not safe for oven usage
- Ceramic coating is eco-friendly
- Lightweight for use on a glass stovetop
- Won’t scratch or harm glass surfaces
- Compatible with induction stovetops
- Conducts heat well
- Distributes heat evenly
- Retains heat for appropriate lengths of time
- Nonstick interior is also nonreactive
- Acid and alkaline resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Requires wooden or silicone utensils (included)
- High cooking heat not recommended
- Mixed responses towards craftsmanship
- Handles prone to bending, warping, or detachment
- Handles not made from real wood
- Expensive for the number of items included
- Not as durable as some aluminum cookware options
- Not recommended for heavy cooking
Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set – Best Overall
Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set, 17PC Induction Cookware Set, Impact-bonded Technology
$199.47 in stock
Features
- FOOD GRADE STAINLESS STEEL & STURDY: Duxtop stainless steel pots and pans are made of premium food grade 18/10 stainless steel, which keeps the flavor of the food. Heavy bottom with impact-bonded technology, built to last for a life time.
- FAST & EVEN HEATING: Heavy gauge impacted-bonded aluminum encapsulated bottom of the kitchen cookware set provides a quick, even and energy-efficient heating. Suitable for all stovetops, such as induction, gas, electric and halogen cooktops—perfect for even the most seasoned cooks.
- FEATURES: Duxtop induction cookware feature a classic straight-sided and drip-free pouring design. The tight-fitting tempered glass lids allow cooking to be monitored while sealing in heat and moisture. Large riveted stay-cool stainless steel handles for easy, confident handling. Clear measure marks inside is for easy measuring.
- 17PC COOKWARE SET: 1.6-quart & 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, 4.2-quart casserole with lid, 8.6-quart stockpot with lid, 5.5-quart saute pan with helper and lid, 8-inch & 9.5-inch fry pan, 9.5-inch boiler basket, 9.5-inch steam basket, 2-prong fork & solid spoon & slotted turner, which is comprised of all the necessary cookware pieces for preparing all of your favorite recipes.
- 100% GUARANTEE: Duxtop stainless steel cookware are oven-safe to 550°F (glass lid is oven-safe to 400°F). Dishwasher-safe. Freezer-safe for food storage. Limited lifetime warranty and customer service is available.
The Duxtop Professional Set is a beautiful stainless steel collection of pots, pans, and utensils that deliver a well-rounded experience for chefs of all skill levels. It works on all types of stovetops, including glass.
This set of seventeen items doesn’t just include standard pots and pans; it also offers three utensils and pasta and steamer inserts. Everything in this set is stainless steel.
While the glass lids in this set are only oven-safe up to 400°F, all of the stainless steel items in the collection are cleared for temperatures up to 550°F, making them ideal selections for cooking dishes such as high-heat skillet recipes and other one-pan recipes.
Not only are these items dishwasher safe and oven safe, but they’re also even freezer safe. You can use them for storage in the freezer, which some nonstick products cannot accomplish due to the risk of the nonstick coating peeling off.
This set possesses the ability to do things that many nonstick pots and pans cannot. However, since this is a stainless steel set, the products need proper seasoning before usage to avoid food sticking to the interiors.
Being stainless steel makes these products durable and long-lasting without being too weighty and potentially dangerous to glass stovetops. Being made of stainless steel also aids in proper heat distribution on glass stovetops. The large variety of size options in this set allows you to choose a pot or pan that’s the appropriate size for each of your burners.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel
- Stainless steel is ideal for glass stovetops
- A large variety of items included
- Includes utensils
- Comes with both pasta and steamer insert
- Oven safe up to 550°F
- Measure marks on pot and pan interiors
- Handles stay cool
- Riveted handles for easy movement
- Suitable for all stovetops
- Heats quickly and evenly
- Impact-bonded aluminum bottoms
- Dishwasher safe
- Freezer safe
- No coatings to potentially leak into food
- Heavier but still acceptable for glass stovetops
- High-quality and long-lasting
- Magnetic stainless steel bottom for induction stovetops
- Worth the money
- Utensils are equally high-quality stainless steel
Cons
- Lids heat resistant only up to 400°F
- Requires seasoning for nonstick effect
- Stainless steel requires care
- High stovetop heat not recommended
- Skillet has no lid
- On the heavier side
- Interior prone to scratching
- Full stainless steel set may be overboard for some chefs
- Recommended for experienced cooks
- Will rust if not treated and cared for properly
Products Conclusion
After weighing each product’s pros and cons, Duxtop’s Professional Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set wins as the best overall cookware option for glass stovetops.
It’s undoubtedly a large set, which adds to it having a higher price. But ultimately, that price divided by seventeen results in each of the pieces being a great bargain.
More than any of the other sets listed, this one is the most versatile. You can wash it in the dishwasher and put it in the oven at high temperatures. You can also freeze it. These abilities aren’t always possible with cookware sets.
The only main drawback is that you have to season it yourself to make it nonstick. But considering the other features you get that a nonstick product sometimes costs you, like being dishwasher safe, it’s not a huge problem to spend some time seasoning your products.
Also, not every set includes utensils. This feature seems like a small thing, but it saves you the hassle of having to find appropriate utensils to use with your kit since it comes with three standard tools you’ll find yourself using frequently.
Its value, versatility, and compatibility with glass stovetops make it an excellent, well-rounded choice for any chef.
Tips for Choosing the Best Cookware for Glass Top Stoves
If you need more information on the best cookware for glass stovetops, keep reading! We still have some enlightening material to help you make the best choices to fulfill your cooking needs.
What to Look for When Buying Cookware for Glass Stovetops
Because of their structural differences, glass stovetops require specific standards in the cookware you can use on them. When looking to buy cookware for glass stovetops, you should be aware of three main properties:
- The weight
- The size
- The material
Since a glass stovetop is, indeed, glass, you need to be careful about putting objects on it that are heavy and could hurt the surface.
Electric and gas stoves provide a certain degree of “radiant” heat that glass stovetops do not. As such, if the size of your pot or pan does not equal the size of the burner you’re using on a glass stovetop, you’ll fall victim to uneven heating.
However, this isn’t the only property that plays into evenly heated food. The material is also a big part of effective heat distribution.
What Is the Best Cookware Material for Glass Stovetops?
You’ve seen plenty of materials for cookware out on the market. Stainless steel, cast iron, copper exterior, it’s quite a list. But, if you’re using a glass stovetop, that narrows down your field of options, as you need to find something that suits your stovetop accordingly.
Glass stovetops have a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. However, glass is much more fragile than the metal coils and stovetops of traditional or gas stoves. While you could exercise extreme caution in handling your cookware, it’s best to avoid anything too heavy.
Though an excellent cooking material, cast iron is hefty and therefore not ideal for glass stovetops. You must exercise particular care when using cast iron on glass stovetops.
Although wanting to avoid weight, you still want something durable. Stainless steel fits both of these categories, making it an exceptional fit for glass stovetop cooking.
Other materials like copper or aluminum can do well with glass stovetops, but often with more drawbacks. Aluminum needs proper fortification to have any kind of staying power, and copper can leave a residue if cooked at too high a heat. It also requires a protective barrier that keeps food from interacting with it directly.
For every good and bad point that each material provides, stainless steel comes out on top when considering glass stovetops.
How Does Cookware Size Affect Cooking?
As we mentioned before, glass stovetops are unique for several reasons, one of which being that each burner doesn’t radiate as much heat as other burner types, such as electric coils.
In general, this idea of heat being reigned into one specific location is for people’s safety and benefit using the stove. While there is less “errant” heat, this also means you have to accommodate for the fact that you’re dealing with a particular cooking space.
This situation being the case, if you use a pot or pan that’s too wide for your heating element, the heat won’t properly distribute throughout the cookware. Although some materials conduct heat better and help mitigate this, it’s best to choose cookware that’s the right size.
It’s also vital that your cookware has a flat bottom that is not dented or warped. Defects like this can also hinder heat distribution and interfere with your cooking.
Materials to Avoid for Cookware on Glass Stovetops
We’ve discussed how certain materials are better than others for glass stovetop cooking, but there are a few materials out there that you should just avoid altogether. Some of these are:
- Cast iron
- Glass
- Ceramic
- Stoneware
Cast iron is heavy. That’s not a great combination with glass. It can also have a rough, uneven bottom, which may scratch the glass surface. Another issue with cast iron is that it’s slow to heat up, but when it does, it stores that heat to a great extent.
This stored heat may transfer back to the glass stovetop so intensely that it may cause the stove to overheat and shut off due to the heat limiters included in many glass-top stoves.
Glass and ceramic conduct heat poorly and thus require extra monitoring and attention. Like cast iron, they may also scratch your glass stovetop surface.
The issue with stoneware is a combination of problems found in cast iron, glass, and ceramic cookware. It can scratch and scuff the glass stovetop and subject it to intense and focused areas of heat that can cause the stove to shut down for safety.
