Scratch-Resistant Cooktops

Glass-Ceramic Cooktops

• Glass-ceramic cooktops may be simply called "ceramic cooktops" or "glass cooktops," but they are actually a unique, highly engineered material incorporating both substances. The material is designed to resist scratches, impacts and fingerprint stains, demonstrated with testing before the appliances are sold in the marketplace. Do not be misled by cooktops marketed as “scratch-resistant.” Resistant simply means that the cooktop can take some degree of impact without leaving scratches, but certain materials are apt to be scratched nonetheless.

Preventing Scratches

• The key, when trying to prevent scratches and stains on glass-ceramic cooktops, is to pay attention to the outer material at the bottom of the cookware. Never slide pots and pans across the cooktop. Aluminum-bottom pots and pans can leave some scratches, but these can easily be removed with special cleaning products if done immediately. Copper-bottom cookware can also leave marks that must be cleaned right away and can be permanent if left too long on the cooktop. You can safely use cast iron pots and pans on ceramic cooktops only if they are coated with porcelain enamel. Glass-ceramic and stone cookware is prone to leave scratches and should be avoided.

Steel Cooktops

• Despite steel’s strength and stain resistance, steel-coated cooktops do not resist scratches as well as glass-ceramic designs. In fact, steel-coated cooktops are somewhat prone to scratching, The best bet for a scratch-resistant steel cooktop is one that offers a clear coating. Many commercially-available steel cooktops now offer this feature. As with glass-ceramic designs, avoid sliding cookware across the cooktop to reduce unsightly scratches.

Removing Scratches

• When faced with a scratched-up steel cooktop, you may want some professional assistance to completely remove the marks. Some scratches can be buffed out with chemicals and a scouring pad. When scratches and metal stains appear on cooktops, they should be quickly removed with cleaning products specially designed for cooktops. Use a scrubber sponge and apply the cleaner immediately after you see any marks. A utility knife may also be necessary for removing marks produced from metal cookware.