Induction hobs (cooktops) are increasingly popular due to their speed, efficiency, and safety features. However, they are still susceptible to damage and scratches. This guide offers tips to help protect and maintain your induction hob, ensuring it stays in optimal condition.
In this post, we'll explore various methods to safeguard your induction hob, including the use of protectors and other preventive measures. Additionally, common questions regarding induction hob care will be addressed.
Let's dive in!
How to Protect Your Induction Hob:
- Use a Silicone Mat: These mats can remain in place during cooking and are simple to clean. Consider options like the Lukata Induction Hob Protector .
- Employ Paper Towels or Parchment Paper: Place these disposable solutions under pans to protect the hob, especially during medium heat cooking.
- Invest in Splatter Guards: These mesh circles prevent grease and sauces from spilling over, keeping the hob clean during cooking.
- Choose Pots Designed for Induction Hobs: Opt for flat-bottomed pans with the induction symbol to prevent scratching the glass surface. While traditional cast iron pans may work, their rough bottoms can damage the hob.
- Clean After Each Use: Wipe the glass top with soap and hot water immediately after cooking to remove splatters. Prompt cleaning prevents stubborn stains and makes maintenance easier.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Use only detergents specifically marked safe for ceramic and induction cooktops. Abrasive scrubbers can leave scratches, compromising the hob's appearance and functionality.
What Is An Induction Hob Protector?
The most popular induction hob protectors are silicone mats infused with fibreglass that sit on the hob at all times. You can cook with the protector in place. Since your induction hob features a ceramic glass top, it is possible to scratch it through normal everyday wear and tear.
Pots that boil over can leave spills and burned foods behind which can be difficult to remove and can lead to more scratches from scouring pads. The hob protector eliminates the chance of scratching your new induction cooktop.
Although technically non-stick. The mat is slightly sticky, which means that your flat-bottomed pans will not slide around the hob while you cook. Especially handy when heavy cast iron cookware.
The silicone mat can be tossed into your dishwasher or rinsed down in the sink using regular washing-up liquid. Saving you time cleaning any cooking residue off your induction hob.
An induction hob protector is not designed to work with your regular electric ceramic cooktop, as regular cooktops use a higher temperature that will melt or burn silicone.
If you want to test out the concept of an induction hob protector, but don’t want to spend your money just yet, you can use a sheet of baking paper or a paper towel under your pot. You can even use a tea towel.
FAQs
Can I Cook With An Induction Hob Protector On?
Yes. An induction hob uses special pots that close the electric cooking circuit through the use of magnets. An induction hob protector made out of silicon does not interfere with the magnetic field. Cook as usual!
Should I Use An Induction Hob Protector?
The decision to use an induction hob protector is entirely up to you.
Can You Put Silicone On Induction Hobs?
Yes. The silicone used in induction hob protectors is infused with fibreglass that increases its heat protection and is heat resistant up to 250° C. The top temperature on most hobs maxes out at 260° C. If you are going to use the highest heat setting, you will want to remove the silicone protector.
How Can You Stop Pans Sliding On An Induction Hob?
Your flat-bottomed cookware designed for induction hobs may have a tendency to slide around on the glass cooktop. A silicone hob protector can give the pan enough grip to stay in place while you stir and prevent any movement of pots and pans.
Will Cast Iron Scratch An Induction Hob?
Yes, cast iron can scratch an induction hob. Most times the scratches come from the use of heavy cookware such as cast iron skillets.
However, it’s not just cast iron. Any heavy pots and pans can scratch an induction hob if they are dragged across the surface. Especially if they have any small bumps or imperfections on their base. Or if there is anything on the surface of the cooktop, such as salt or grit that could get caught and dragged along.
The best thing to do is always lift your pots and pans when moving them on/off/around your hob. Or get a silicone hob protector!