How to protect glass-top stoves from cast iron cookware.

Can you use cast iron on a glass-top stove?

Yes — as long as you're careful, it's safe to use cast iron pots and pans on your glass stovetop. Just make sure to clean the cookware before using it, be gentle when moving it around, and clean the stove right after you're done cooking.

Keep reading for more tips and advice on how to cook with cast iron when using a glass stovetop.

3 things to remember when using cast iron cookware.

If your goal is preventing scratches on your glass stovetop, we're here to help. Follow these steps to avoid damaging your cooking surface:

1. Clean your cast iron pots and pans before using them.

The reason cast iron cookware is more damaging than other types of cookware is primarily because it weighs more. More weight on the glass means that even a small piece of debris on the bottom of the pan could scratch it, especially if you drag the pan or push it down too hard.

Clean your cast iron cookware before putting it on the stove. Do the following:

• Start by wiping off the bottom of the pan. Use a sponge with soap and water to get any grime off.
• Once you're sure you've gotten rid of any rough spots, wipe the bottom clean.
• Dry it completely before putting it on the stove.

Without cleaning, any lingering bits of crusty food, dirt from the bottom of your cupboard, or other muck attached to the bottom can be pushed hard into the stovetop.

The result? A bunch of scratches and stains that even the best buffing can't get rid of.

2. Be mindful of how you move your cast iron.

It's easy to just throw a pot on the stove and call it a day. But that's not a great idea with cast iron. As we mentioned above, these types of pots and pans are heavy. Casually tossing them onto the burner may even crack the glass cooktop.

Instead, always gently place the pot down onto the glass. Imagine you're placing a baby down into a bassinet. You would do so slowly and softly.

While cooking, avoid dragging the pan around the surface. If you have to reposition a pot, don't just slide it over. Pick it up all the way off the burner, then place it where you want it.

This might be difficult, especially if you've loaded a pot up with a lot of ingredients. Always use two hands along with a pot holder so you don't burn yourself.

3. Clean up quickly when you're all done.

Meal complete? That's great! But before you start chowing down, there are a few small maintenance tasks you should handle first. 

You might be used to leaving pots and pans on the stove to cool down. This isn't great for glass stovetops. Leaving hot cast iron cookware on your glass stove can lead to scorch marks you can't get rid of. Instead, pull the pan off of the stove, and let it cool on a trivet or cooling rack.

If you notice any stains on your glass, it's best to tackle them right away instead of letting them sit for a few days. After your stove has cooled down, spray some glass stovetop cleaner, and wipe the area down before the stain has a chance to set.

Related: How to clean your cast iron stove grates and burners.

More ways to protect your glass stovetop.

Following the above steps should protect your glass top most of the time. For extra precautions, here are a few additional tips if you want to use iron on a glass stovetop.

Use cast iron cookware with a smooth bottom.

Cast iron cookware comes with a variety of bottom surfaces. Opt for cookware with a smooth, flat bottom to minimize scratches and prevent damage to your glass stovetop. Cookware with rough or uneven bottoms is more likely to cause trouble.

Check your pots and pans for damage before using them.

Regularly inspect the bottom of your cast iron cookware for any imperfections, rough spots, burrs, or uneven edges. Even small defects can scratch the glass stovetop. If you notice any issues, consider smoothing them out or replacing the cookware to protect your stovetop.

Clean your stove regularly.

Even if you're using the smoothest pot, having dirt and debris on your stove itself can also lead to damage. Regularly wipe down your stove with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Use a mixture of vinegar and water for disinfecting action. Avoid using a scouring pad, as this is too rough for the glass.

Related: How to clean a glass stove top (without scratching it).

Use a heat diffuser.

Place a heat diffuser (or protective mat) between the cast iron cookware and the glass stovetop surface.

These diffusers help distribute heat evenly, so the pan doesn't get any hot spots. Plus, it limits direct surface contact — which should minimize scuffing.

Preheat your cookware slowly.

To avoid thermal shocks, preheat your cast iron cookware gradually by starting at a low to medium heat setting. Rapid temperature changes, especially extreme heat, can stress the glass and potentially cause it to crack or break.

Don't use the highest heat setting.

While cooking, adjust the heat settings to prevent your cast iron skillet or other cookware from overheating. Avoid using the highest heat setting, as cast iron retains and distributes heat well even on lower settings.

Dry all cookware before using.

Clean and dry the bottom of your cast iron cookware before placing it on the glass stovetop. Any debris, food residue, or moisture left on the pan can potentially scratch or damage the glass surface.

Consider smaller pots and pans.

When cooking with cast iron, use the smallest pan possible. Bigger pans take up more surface area, potentially jeopardizing more of your stove. Not only that, but bigger pans are heavier and more likely to leave scratches.

Consider alternative cookware.

While cast iron cookware is renowned for its cooking prowess, there are plenty of great alternatives that might wreak less havoc on your glass stovetop.

For example, stainless steel cookware also heats up evenly and is much lighter than cast iron. You might also consider aluminum, ceramic, or copper cookware.

Inspect your stove regularly.

Keep an eye on your stove so you can catch any damage before it spreads. Minor scratches or small chips may be repairable, but extensive cracks or shattered areas often warrant replacement.

Need someone to fix your stove? Call a pro.

Even if you follow all of these precautions, it's not always possible to protect your glass cooktop from cast iron cookware. Small scratches don't necessarily warrant a replacement. But when you see any visible cracks or chips, it's time to call in a professional for help.

A local handyman or appliance repair service usually has the right skills to replace damaged stovetops. Find a pro near you today and get a free estimate by downloading the Thumbtack app.

FAQs.

What is the best protection for a glass-top stove?

Some of the best cooktop protectors are made of silicone. These mats typically go right over the stovetop and can handle high heat so they don't burn. They also collect spills and are easy to clean.

Other protective diffusers are made of stainless steel. These are a better choice if you have a problem with hot spots when cooking.