You have to admit. Induction cooktops are one of the best inventions modern technology has created.
Since they make cooking more precise and efficient, home cooks and professional chefs enjoy having them around.
So now that you’re in the market for a new cooktop, you’re considering upgrading to an induction stove for your kitchen.
But because you and your family will be using it daily, there’s just one concern that’s bothering you.
Are induction cooktops easy to scratch?
They may have a durable glass surface, but users seem to notice scratch marks at the slightest touch. So if you want to know how to keep your cooktop pristine, read more below.
What is an induction cooktop made of?
One of the key features that home cooks adore about an induction cooktop is its ability to use electromagnetic energy for cooking. So aside from a shorter cooking time, its flameless technology reduces the fire hazard in your home.
But another notable feature is the sleek and minimal design that allows it to fit right into any modern kitchen.
Its glass ceramic surface makes it durable enough to handle several types of cookware. But because of the nature of the material, issues like cracking, staining, and scratching can be common for this type of cooktop.
Do induction cooktops get scratched?
Glass-ceramic is a durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. But like most glass surfaces, an induction stovetop is prone to scratching, so how you handle and care for it will determine its lifespan.
Some users have had their stoves for around 10 years and don’t see any marks, while some only have them for a couple of months and already see some scratches.
The brand and quality of your stove can also play a role in how resilient it can be, so handling it with respect is still the best method of preventing it from scratches.
How fragile are induction cooktops?
As convenient and efficient induction stoves are, the tendency for scratching can be a challenge for some home cooks. But as long as you know what to avoid when cooking, keeping its surface smooth won’t be a hassle.
Glass-ceramic can be sturdy, but heavy and rough cookware can be a culprit for scratching its surface.
So you must remember not to slip your pans when cooking to avoid leaving any marks. If you need to transfer your pans to another burner, it’s recommended to lift and gently place them down.
Thick glass bowls and cups can sometimes be harder than an induction’s surface, so they can also create scratches with enough pressure. Avoid leaving any unnecessary dishes around your stovetop to prevent any accidents.
While it can be difficult to believe that salt and sugar can scrape your stovetop, they’re actually a common cause as their crystals are abrasive to the surface.
So if you happen to spill some while cooking, wiping it off with a clean cloth can prevent the problem.
Will cast iron pans scratch induction cooktop?
Cast iron pans are well known for their heat retention and durability, so it’s no surprise if you want to use them on your induction cooktop.
Since they’re one of the types of cookware that are naturally magnetic, using them would be convenient, except they tend to scratch your cooktop’s surface.
But despite their rough and heavy builds, it’s still possible to use them on an induction stove as long as you avoid dragging them throughout its surface.
But if you’re still wary about using a cast iron pan, carbon steel cookware is an excellent alternative for it. It has a lighter and smoother build, so there’s less risk of leaving any marks on your cooktop.
It also performs almost similarly to cast iron pans, as long as you keep it well-seasoned.
How to fix scratches on an induction cooktop
Even though you’ve practiced the habit of not sliding your cookware when cooking, you still see a few scratches throughout your induction stove.
So considering that it can be distracting to see these blemishes, how do you remove scratches from an induction cooktop?
1. Baking soda and vinegar
Light and superficial scratches can be fairly easy to get rid of; you just need a little help from familiar ingredients that are probably already in your pantry.
As you know, baking soda and vinegar are commonly used as natural home cleansers as their abrasive and acidic properties are great for removing almost any grime.
So if you want to remove the scratches on your cooktop, you’ll need to mix these ingredients to form a paste.
When your induction is cool, apply the mixture to its surface and use a sponge to scrub the scratches off.
This will require a bit of elbow grease, so patience is important during this process.
Once you’re satisfied with the results, you can wipe the residue off with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.
2. Glass cooktop cleaner
Most manufacturers recommend using a glass cooktop cleaner to clean your induction stove. So you can check its manual to see if they have a preferred brand to use.
Otherwise, Weiman is an excellent brand that most users recommend, as it does the trick for removing superficial scratches.
To use, apply a small amount to your induction stove and use a sponge or microfiber cloth to scrub its surface. You can then remove any excess with a paper towel or another clean cloth.
So aside from cleaning and removing scratches, it also creates a layer of protection over its surface to reduce the risk of developing more scratches in the long run.
How to prevent scratches on an induction cooktop
If you dread the day of seeing scratches on your induction stove, there are several ways you can prevent them from occurring.
One option is to use an induction cooktop mat. It adds a protective layer over your stove by covering it against the friction your cookware creates when cooking.
It’s available in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can choose which one will fit best on your stovetop. Most mats are available in silicone materials, but a non-silicone option such as the LoMi Cooktop Mat is also available.
Another way to protect your induction cooktop against scratches is to lay a sheet of paper towel or parchment paper every time you cook.
Similar to the cooktop mat, it will act as a buffer against any rough cookware so you can keep your induction pristine.
As a bonus, it will also catch any spills or splatters, so cleanup will be easier later.
Final thoughts
An induction cooktop can be a valuable addition to your kitchen, but its glass ceramic surface can be a challenge to use for some home cooks.
Although it’s built with durability in mind, scratches from the wear and tear of everyday use can be inevitable.
Minor and light scratches are easy to remove, but deeper scrapes can be permanent.
So it’s still best to practice caution by avoiding heavy and rough cookware when cooking with your induction cooktop.
But if the scratches on your cooktop make it difficult to use, it might be time to replace its glass ceramic surface. The only problem is it will cost you a fortune, so make sure to weigh all of your options first to decide which is best for your cooktop.
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