Ceramic Glass Electric Cooktops
Ceramic glass cooktop is a common sight in modern kitchens because of its many benefits. The ceramic cooktop heats up quickly, accommodates pots and pans in various sizes, and is durable and easy to clean. The heating elements are under the ceramic glass surface and the heat pushes upwards thanks to radiation. The surrounding surface, however, remains cool to touch. If you take a good care of your ceramic cooktop, it serves you well for years.
What is the Difference Between a Ceramic Cooktop and an Induction Cooktop?
Based on the looks, ceramic and induction cooktops basically have the same appearance. They both work on electricity, but generate heat differently. Moreover, induction cooktops only work with special induction cookware.
- Induction cooktop: These cooktops have powerful high-frequency electromagnets hidden underneath the surface. The magnets create a magnetic field that heats the pan directly, provided that the pan has a special base and is also magnetic. The induction cooktop remains cooler than the ceramic one.
- Ceramic glass cooktop: Coiled metal elements are under tempered ceramic glass surface. The elements heat to the desired temperature electronically. In turn, the heated coil element heats the cooking surface, which then heats the pan. During use, the elements cycle on and off, unlike induction cooktops.
What are the Main Features of Ceramic Glass Electric Cooktops?
Ceramic glass cooktops allow you to prepare food with accuracy and control. They also provide some useful safety features to protect you and your family.
- Touch controls: The digital touch controls allow you to quickly activate the cooktop and easily set the heat level. Moreover, they also look good and often feature pause buttons and timers.
- Safety: The cooktops retain a significant amount of heat after you switch them off but the residual heat indicator warns which plates are too hot to touch or clean after removing the cookware. Child locks further increase the safety.
How to Clean Ceramic Glass Cooktops
Compared to electric ranges with coiled burners, the ceramic cooktops are much easier to clean, mainly because of the even, flat surface.
- Wait for the cooktop to cool down: Some models even turn the heat off in case of spillage. Generally, you have to wait until the surface is cool and then clean it. Cleaning the spillage is crucial because otherwise it could bake onto the surface.
- Wipe the spills: Use a damp soft microfibre cloth to wipe down the spills. Do not use abrasive materials that could scratch and damage the surface.