Cast iron cookware is ideal for frying, boiling and other methods of cooking over high heat. It distributes heat evenly and holds it well. You don’t have to worry about the handle melting off the pot or food burning in it like you do with some other types of cookware. It’s also very durable and easy to clean.
Cast iron is a great cooking surface for electric cooktops. Not only does it provide even heating, but it can be transferred from the stove to the oven without difficulty.
What is an Electric Cooktop?
A cooktop is a surface for cooking that can be either built-in or a portable appliance. An electric cooktop provides heat by using electricity to heat up its various elements.
Electric cooktops have only been around for about 100 years. They have become increasingly popular due to advances in technology and their convenience and safety features. Electric cooktops are easy to clean and most come with safety features that turn off automatically if a burner is left on too long or if there is no pot on the burner.
Can You Use Cast Iron on Electric Cooktops?
Cast iron is designed to work on any heat source, including induction, gas, electric and ceramic cooktops. As a matter of fact, cast iron is considered an ideal cooking surface for electric cooktops because it heats evenly and holds heat well.
The electromagnetic field generated by an electric coil produces heat in the bottom of your cast iron pan, which raises its temperature. This makes cast iron ideal for cooking with an electric stove because the heat is evenly distributed throughout the pan and doesn’t cool down when you add food to it.
The short answer is yes, you can use a cast iron skillet on your ceramic cooktop. There are a few things to be aware of so you don’t damage the cooktop, but it should work fine.
The long answer is that it depends on the quality and thickness of your skillet, how even the heat distribution is in your skillet, how well you take care of your cooktop, and if you’re careful or not.
In general, most skillets should be fine to use on an electric cooktop. The only ones we wouldn’t recommend are thin cast iron pans with poor heat distribution. If they are too thin and/or have a rough bottom they will scratch up the glass on the cooktop. Anything else should be fine as long as you are careful not to bang them down hard on the cooktop while cooking or while washing them.
The Benefit of Cast Iron on an Electric Cooktop
There are many different reasons why people would choose to use this type of material for their cooking needs. Some like the way the heat distributes evenly across all of the food being cooked, while others simply enjoy how easy and convenient it is to clean up after using it. Either way, there are plenty of benefits for both parties when using this type of cookware on an electric cooktop.
Cast iron allows you to control heating with precision while also providing a nonstick surface that’s easy to clean. The benefit of cast iron on an electric cooktop is that it delivers even heat distribution, allowing you to maintain steady temperatures as you cook your food. This makes it useful for searing meats and vegetables and preparing casseroles, sauces and stews. In addition to evenly heating your food, cast iron retains the heat after the burner is turned off, which allows you to keep your food warm long.
How to cook with cast iron on an electric cooktop?
On an electric cooktop, you want the temperature of your cast iron pan to be lower than when cooking over a fire. This will help prevent scorching.
As a general rule, use medium-low heat for most cooking. When searing meat or breading foods, use medium-high heat to get the pan hot enough for browning but not so hot that you burn the food.
Additional Questions
Can you use a cast iron skillet on an electric cooktop?
The simple answer is yes, you can confidently use a cast iron skillet on an electric cooktop. Cast iron skillets are highly versatile and they are equally effective on an open fire, a gas stove, or an electric stove. This feature alone greatly enhances their practicality in any kitchen, making them a crucial tool for home cooks. When I first started cooking, I was afraid to use my grandmother’s cast iron skillet on an electric stove, but then I discovered that they’re designed to distribute heat evenly on any heat source, and that includes electric stoves. Cast iron’s robustness and heat retention make it ideal for various cooking methods and they could easily become your best friend in the kitchen.
What pans should not be used on a glass top stove?
It is highly advisable to avoid using Glass or Ceramic cookware on a glass top stove. These types of pans might leave scratches on the cooktop surface, possibly harming the stove’s appearance and functionality. Glass, in particular, is a poor heat conductor, meaning that you’ll have to endure lengthier cooking times and provide constant attention to your cooking. Stoneware also poses the same risks and thus, it’s not recommended for use on a glass top stove. From personal experience, I can tell that aluminum or stainless steel pans with a flat bottom are best suited for glass top stoves since they provide efficient heat transfer and are less likely to scratch the surface.
What stove can you not use cast iron on?
It may surprise you, but there’s no specific type of stove where you can’t use your cast iron cookware. Even glass-top stoves are fair game! I’ve found that their effective heat distribution and durability allow for great versatility across all types of stoves. Whether I’m using a Dutch oven for soups or stews or reaching for my skillet for a range of dishes, my cast iron cookware never fails to deliver delicious results. However, care should be taken to avoid scratching the stove surface by sliding the cast iron on it.
How do I protect my electric stove from cast iron?
Two simple practices can protect your electric stove from potential damage by cast iron dishes. Firstly, employing heat diffusers can be a good idea. A heat diffuser serves as a protective shield between the pan and the glass stove, reducing the risk of scratches. However, it may prolong heating times. Secondly, you should pick up cast iron cookware instead of sliding it across the stove. As an experienced cook, I learned the importance of handling heavier cookware diligently. By lifting instead of dragging or sliding, you can prevent unwanted scratches and extend the life of your stove.