Few appliances bring as much elegance to a kitchen as a flat top stove.
Its sleek design, modern profile, and efficient cooking surface make it a favorite choice for homeowners looking to upgrade from traditional coil burners. A ceramic glass cooktop not only delivers a smooth, polished look but also promises easier cleanup—at least at first glance.
The catch? This stylish surface needs a little extra care. The wrong cookware or cleaning habits can leave scratches, stains, or even long-term damage. If you want your stove to keep its shine and perform at its best, proper maintenance is key.
In this blog, you’ll discover four essential tips for caring for your glass top cooktop—from everyday cleaning practices to removing stubborn scratches. By the end, you’ll feel confident knowing how to protect your investment and keep your stove looking and working like new.
The Right Way to Wipe Down Your Flat Top Stove
The most important step in caring for a flat top stove is wiping up spills immediately. Sugary substances, oils, or acidic foods left to sit can cause discoloration or etching on the surface.
A quick wipe-down after each use makes all the difference between a sparkling surface and one that shows wear. When wiping, stick with a soft microfiber cloth or paper towel. Avoid abrasive pads or steel wool, which can scratch the delicate surface.
For deeper cleaning, you’ll want the best flat top stove cleaner—either a gentle commercial cleaner made specifically for glass or a DIY flat top stove cleaning solution using baking soda and vinegar.
Whichever you choose, stay away from harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach. Not only can they dull the finish, but they may also break down the protective coating of your ceramic glass cooktop.
➜ Learn More: 4 Awesome Induction Cooktops Under $2,500
How to Safely Remove Burnt-On Messes
Even the most careful cook sometimes ends up with burnt food on flat top stove surfaces. The key to tackling this without damage is patience.
Start by softening the mess: apply a warm, damp towel over the area or sprinkle baking soda and a little vinegar to let the residue loosen. Once softened, use a plastic scraper or a specialized razor blade at a 45-degree angle to gently lift off the food without gouging the surface.
For tougher buildup, specialized cooktop cleaning products designed for ceramic cooktop maintenance work wonders. These creams and sprays are formulated to break down stubborn grime while protecting the glass.
DIY methods like baking soda paste are cost-effective and safe for lighter messes, but they often require more elbow grease. On the other hand, commercial cleaners save time and provide a polished finish, though they come with a higher price tag. Both options work—the best choice depends on how often you cook and how much time you want to spend cleaning.
Stop Scratches Before They Start
One of the biggest concerns with a flat top stove is scratching. Once a scratch appears, it can be difficult to fix, so prevention is key. Always use flat-bottom cookware that sits evenly on the surface. Pans with warped bottoms concentrate heat unevenly and increase the risk of damage.
Be especially cautious with cast iron, stoneware, or ceramic cookware. These heavy, rough-bottomed pots are notorious for scratching surfaces if they’re dragged across the cooktop. If you love cooking with cast iron, consider using a stove top protector—a thin, heat-resistant mat that sits on the surface to reduce friction and prevent accidental nicks.
Everyday habits matter, too. Avoid sliding pans around when cooking, and don’t use abrasive sponges or scouring powders. These small changes go a long way in preventing flat top stove scratches and keeping your cooking surface pristine.
➜ Learn More: 6 GE Electric Stoves with the Best Features
Long-Term Care & Maintenance
Daily wipe-downs and careful habits are essential, but your stove also needs monthly deep cleaning to stay at its best. This means using a polish or cleaner made for ceramic glass cooktop surfaces to remove residue that builds up over time. These products restore shine and protect against future stains.
For minor scratches, you can create a paste with baking soda and water. You could also purchase a non-abrasive glass top stove cleaner. While deep gouges can’t be erased, these polishes can buff out superficial marks, leaving your stove looking newer.
Just remember: always stick with approved cooktop cleaning products for the job, since general-purpose cleaners can do more harm than good.
Finally, keep in mind that ceramic cooktop maintenance requires a slightly different approach compared to other stoves. Glass surfaces need gentler products, careful cookware handling, and consistent upkeep to stay in like-new condition.
Think of it as a small trade-off for the sleek design and efficiency your flat top stove brings to your kitchen.
Expert Picks: Quality Flat Top Stoves You’ll Love
Keep reading to learn more about our top five flat top stove recommendations from Slager Appliance.
Café 30” Stainless Steel Slide In Induction Range
Shop Café 30” Slide In Induction Range
This Café induction range is a dream for passionate home chefs who want precision and flexibility.
Gourmet Guided Cooking makes experimenting stress-free by automatically adjusting settings for perfect results every time.
The dual ovens provide space to tackle entrées and desserts simultaneously, while its sleek touch controls disappear when not in use. Overall, it’s ideal for entertainers who love both form and function.
Top Features
- Gourmet Guided Cooking with chef-led recipes
- Dual ovens with 6.7 cu. ft. capacity
- Sleek disappearing glass touch panel
Bosch 100 Series 30” Stainless Steel Slide In Electric Range
Shop Bosch 100 Series 30” Slide In Electric Range
Perfect for busy families, this Bosch electric range is all about convenience and speed. Rapid Pre-Heat and powerful 3000W elements make dinner prep quicker than ever, while the slide-in design creates a built-in look.
The steam-assist cleaning cycle keeps maintenance simple, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying meals together.
Top Features
- Rapid Pre-Heat for fast cooking starts
- Steam-assist 25-minute cleaning cycle
- Sleek, modern slide-in design
GE Profile 30” Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Slide In Induction Range
Shop GE Profile 30” Slide In Induction Range
This GE Profile induction range blends technology and performance for the modern cook. Guided Cooking and sous vide capabilities let you master both everyday meals and restaurant-style dishes with ease.
With built-in Wi-Fi, Air Fry without preheating, and fingerprint resistance, it’s perfect for tech-savvy families who want efficiency without sacrificing style.
Top Features
- Guided Cooking with sous vide option
- Built-in Wi-Fi with downloadable upgrades
- No-preheat Air Fry mode
Wolf 36” Stainless Steel Pro Style Induction Range
Shop Wolf 36” Pro Style Induction Range
Engineered for serious home chefs, Wolf’s induction range offers unmatched control and durability. Dual VertiCross convection ensures flawless, even cooking on multiple racks, while Gourmet Mode takes the guesswork out of complicated recipes.
With a bridge function for griddles and an interactive display, this range is perfect for culinary enthusiasts seeking professional results at home.
Top Features
- Dual VertiCross convection system
- Gourmet Mode with 50+ presets
- Scratch-resistant induction surface with bridge function
Monogram 30” Stainless Steel Pro Style Induction Range
Shop Monogram 30” Pro Style Induction Range
Monogram’s induction range is designed for cooks who value elegance and precision. Guided Cooking automatically adjusts burners for flawless meals, while customizable LED lighting adds a personal touch to your kitchen.
The articulating LCD screen and downloadable upgrades ensure your cooking experience stays modern, ergonomic, and efficient.
Top Features
- Guided Cooking with smart pan integration
- Customizable color LED oven lighting
- 7” articulating LCD touch control panel
➜ Learn More: 4 36” Gas Cooktops Every Cook Will Love
Keep Your Flat Top Stove Looking Like New
Maintaining a flat top stove isn’t complicated, but it does require the right habits. Daily wipe-downs prevent staining, proper tools help tackle burnt food, and careful cooking habits stop scratches before they start.
Combine these with a monthly deep cleaning routine, and your stove will remain both stylish and efficient for years to come. Investing in the right cleaners and protectors saves you from costly repairs and extends the life of your cooktop.
At Slager Appliances, we carry top-rated glass stove tops that are simple to care for. Visit us today for expert advice, the best flat top stove cleaner recommendations, and all the cooktop cleaning products you’ll need to keep your stove looking showroom-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The safest way to clean a flat top stove without scratching it is to use a microfiber cloth and a cleaner made specifically for ceramic glass surfaces. Always avoid abrasive pads, which can cause scratches. For daily care, a gentle wipe-down with a soft cloth and a small amount of baking soda and vinegar or non-abrasive cleaner works well. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that requires tougher scrubbing.
First, soften the mess by placing a warm, damp cloth over it or sprinkling baking soda and vinegar. Then, carefully use a razor scraper held at an angle to lift away residue. For stubborn areas, specialized cooktop cleaning products work faster and polish the surface. Always be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.
Look for cleaners formulated for glass and ceramic cooktops. Many brands offer creams and sprays that safely dissolve grease without harming the finish. For a budget-friendly option, a DIY flat top stove cleaning solution with baking soda and water works for light messes. Just remember that commercial cleaners usually provide better shine and protection.
Minor scratches can often be minimized using repair kits or polishes designed for glass cooktops. These products gently buff out surface marks, though deep scratches are usually permanent. Learning how to remove scratches from flat top stove surfaces involves both using these kits and practicing prevention in daily cooking, like avoiding dragging cookware across the surface.
Yes, they’re a simple and effective way to keep scratches and stains at bay. A stove top protector creates a barrier between your pans and the glass, especially useful for heavy cookware like cast iron. They’re affordable, easy to clean, and can extend the life of your cooktop.
Always stick with products specifically labeled for glass or ceramic cooktops. These are designed to clean without scratching or dulling the surface. Avoid bleach, ammonia, and abrasive powders. Whether you go with commercial cleaners or a DIY flat top stove cleaning method, make sure your choice is gentle enough for a ceramic glass cooktop.
Why Trust Slager Appliances?
Founded over 70 years ago, Slager Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Iowa City, IA. Slager has competitive prices and industry knowledge in delivering and installing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
Whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you’re remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products we are with you all the way. We will work with you to find a product that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Shop Flat Top Stoves at Slager Appliances
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop appliances online at Slager Appliances. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best flat top stove for your cooking needs— whether you call us at 319-337-3833, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Slager Appliances in Iowa City, IA. Visit us today!