Which pans are suitable for glass ceramic hobs?
A glass-ceramic stove will delight the owner not only with its modern design, but also with a set of useful options, ergonomics and ease of use. However, such an acquisition raises the question: what kind of cookware can be used on it. Read about the distinctive features of kitchen appliances and the choice of utensils for them in our material.
The content of the article
Features of plates with glass-ceramic surfaces
Hobs of this type are made of glass using a special technique, due to which they have excellent strength, resistance to high temperatures and are characterized by durability. They are distinguished by an even coating that can be easily cleaned of dirt.
There are two main types of appliances: with a conventional heating device (TEN), from which heat spreads to the burner, and with a special coil that heats only the bottom of the cookware - induction cookers.
Advantages of the models:
- The burners operate with high efficiency; they heat up and cool down much faster than on standard stoves. The temperature rises only in the area of the heating element, which eliminates the risk of burns.
- Heat is supplied in a vertical direction, due to this the bottom of the cookware instantly warms up, and unnecessary time is not spent on cooking (for example, the liquid boils in a few minutes).
- Low energy consumption and low power will eliminate additional energy costs.
- A variety of built-in functions allow you to prepare food for every taste.
Which pans are suitable for glass ceramic surfaces?
The main disadvantage of such kitchen devices is the need for careful selection of accessories. They can be made from the following raw materials:
- Stainless steel is the best option, provides high heat conductivity and is easy to clean;
- steel cookware with enamel coating - has excellent characteristics;
- aluminum products, if their bottom is made of Teflon.
Attention! Induction cookers can only work with containers whose lower part is made of stainless steel, cast iron or special magnetic materials. The material of the walls and lid does not matter here.
Compliance with the requirements when selecting utensils will ensure the ideal operation of the kitchen appliance:
- the bottom must be perfectly flat and of sufficient thickness (2-3 layers), be sure to correspond to the size of the burners;
- strong and thick walls must maintain the temperature and taste of prepared dishes for a long time;
- matte surface, dark or black color of the bottom conduct heat well and practically do not reflect it - this will speed up the cooking process;
- It is permissible to use containers with a concave bottom if it levels out as the temperature rises.
Reference! When choosing cookware options, pay attention to their compatibility with the desired type of device; this can be found out from the information on the label or packaging.In the case of induction panels, a magnet will help: attach it to the bottom of the pan, and if it is attracted, you can safely purchase the product.
What dishes should not be used and why?
There are utensils, the use of which can disrupt the functionality of the device, leave marks or indelible stains on its surface:
- Containers with an uneven, deformed bottom, the presence of chips or soot, or any patterns. They will not be able to warm up properly, which will increase cooking time and electricity consumption, and can damage the glass-ceramic coating. This primarily includes old pots and pans that were used on gas stoves.
- Pots with a diameter that does not match the size of the burners. Smaller ones will increase energy consumption, and larger ones will lead to overheating of the equipment and can damage it.
- A convex or concave bottom will not provide sufficient contact with the surface of the stove, this will increase time costs and negatively affect the taste of food.
- Products made of copper or aluminum (if they do not have additional protective layers) can damage the surface during the heating process, leaving stains that are difficult to remove.
- Materials that seem suitable at first glance, glass and ceramics, actually have low thermal conductivity and lengthen the cooking procedure, so it is better not to use them.
- Enameled cookware with a metallic mirror effect will increase cooking time due to heat reflection and is not suitable for use.
Reference! Recommendations for a specific model can be found in the attached instructions or on the manufacturer's website.
Choosing the right cookware will ensure efficient operation of the hob and eliminate unnecessary problems.Follow our advice, and the new stove in your kitchen will pleasantly surprise you with its reliability and high quality of cooking.