How to prevent scratches on your glass stove and keep it gleaming

Here's how you can prevent scratches and marks on your glass stove top

It's a great feeling when you first install a new glass stove top and it appears gleaming and in pristine condition. The sad truth is, this look won't last with everyday use — not unless you take great care. Before you know it, spills can burn onto the surface and scratches can mount up in the burner rings.

You need to know more than how to clean a glass stove to avoid this problem. But, the good news is there are changes you can make to prevent scratches and marks from occurring in the future. Here, we take you through the tips and tricks to follow to keep your glass stove looking as good as new.

Stuck between stove types? Check out induction vs. electric cooktops: Which type is better for you?

First of all, don't drag your pans across the glass surface as you cook — always lift them away. Most of us are guilty of forgetting this cardinal rule when we shake and mix our ingredients — that's what causes zig-zag scratches on your burners, and it's why most of them are pointed in the same direction.

Even if you’re using a lightweight pan, the base can scratch and pit the surface as it drags, so don't do it. Make sure you’re gently lowering your pans onto the stove as well; smashing them down can scuff or even crack the glass.

Following on from using your cookware correctly, make sure you’re choosing the best cookware for your stove. This refers to the material of the base of the pan, which ideally you want to be stainless steel.

Stainless steel is best used on glass stove tops because of its smooth surface, plus it has enough weight to keep it stable during cooking. This is not to say you will be free from stove top scratches should you switch to stainless steel, but it will generally be kinder to the surface in use.

When we clean our pans, we often don't give as much attention to the bottom as we should. Firstly, because the stains on the underside tend to be baked on and very difficult to clean. Secondly, because we figure our food's not touching it, so does it really matter? Actually it does.

If your pan has stains and residue baked onto its base, it will be much easier for it to scratch and damage the glass surface of the stove. In extreme circumstances, it will also prevent your pan from distributing the heat evenly as it cooks, not to mention it can cause unpleasant smells as it heats.

To clean the base of a pan, simply mix a paste of baking soda with water and apply across the surface. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub it away using a non-abrasive sponge or an old toothbrush. See our guide on how to clean a burnt pot if the rest of your pan has seen better days.

Get into the habit of cleaning your stove top after each use once it's cooled down. Wiping down the surface quickly will remove any spills or crumbs which could potentially bake-on or catch under your pans to cause more scratches.

Remember to deep-clean your stove top when necessary as well. You should do this once a month for general guidance, but if you notice burn marks appearing around the elements, that means it's time for a clean. Keeping your stove top in a clean condition will help it last longer, but be sure to only clean it once it's cooled down.

Stove top covers exist which you can use to protect the surface when it's not in use. These are handy if you’re particularly restricted for countertop space as well, because the top of the stove can then act as additional space. An example of this is the Larsic Stove Cover ($34,Amazon).

If you own an induction glass stove, mats also exist which are safe to cook directly on, such as the Lazy K Induction Cooktop Mat ($21, Amazon). These mats will reduce scratching as well as the heat exposure from the pan to the glass surface, which will help the stove last longer. Bear in mind that these mats should not be used on a standard electric glass cooktop however — these surfaces grow much hotter compared to induction, which will burn most mats. Check the manufacturer for guidance.

Cast iron deserves a special mention because while it is an amazing material for cooking, it is extremely heavy and can do some serious damage to glass stove tops. Take extreme care whenever placing your cast iron cookware on the surface and be sure not to drag it over the glass — the weight will increase the chances of deep scratches.

Looking for a new addition to your cookware? Check out our best cast iron skillets.

Your glass stove top should still function properly with light everyday scratches, although if it's chipped or cracked you should stop using it and replace it.

If you want to lessen the appearance of the scratches, try cleaning the surface thoroughly as recommended by the manufacturer, or follow our guidance on how to clean a glass stove if none is given. A lot of marks actually turn out to be burnt residue, and a scraper tool can make a huge difference.

The sad truth is that all types of pans are capable of scratching your glass stove. You can, however, deter scratches by opting for a design with a smooth base, such as stainless steel. Enameled or ceramic pans also feature a particularly smooth finish, which helps prevent scratches. How you use the pan is just as important though. Never drag it across the surface — just lift and gently settle. And make sure you clean the underside regularly to prevent residue from burning to the base and scratching your cooktop in the future.

You should also consider the weight of your cookware as well. A heavy item like a larger wok, or one of the best cast iron skillets, can scratch more easily because of the added weight. These can also crack the surface when not handled properly, so take care.

For more cooking tips, tricks, and how-tos, check out our guides on the best electric ranges, how to clean cast iron stove grates and 15 things you should never put in a washing machine.

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Katie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed appliances for over 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite thing to test has to be air purifiers, as the information provided and the difference between performances is extensive.

5 tips to make your grill last longer — and perform better

I test standing desks for a living and these are my top 5 picks for every budget

This hidden iPhone feature is the easiest way to take notes quickly

By David CrookesJune 01, 2023

By Dave MeiklehamJune 01, 2023

By Cynthia LawrenceMay 31, 2023

By David CrookesMay 31, 2023

By Steven AsarchMay 30, 2023

By Peter WolinskiMay 29, 2023

By Terri WilliamsMay 29, 2023

By Cynthia LawrenceMay 28, 2023

By Peter WolinskiMay 28, 2023

By Katie MortramMay 28, 2023

By Katie MortramMay 27, 2023