A little over a year ago, I started cooking with cast iron. As a result, I learned how to use cast iron on an electric stove.
Cast iron has been a cooking pan that has been touted for generations, and for good reason. The flavors and sear that you get with this type of pan can’t be rivaled.
We’ve all heard of families who grew up eating off of “grandma’s pans” and how the food tasted unlike any other. It creates a memory that forever changes the family table.
When I got my Nene’s cast iron, almost two years ago, I wanted to master the art of cooking with them.
I must admit that I was nervous about using them since there seemed to be a bit of a learning curve.
Plus, I had an electric range. I had heard that you weren’t supposed to use this type of pan on a smooth top stove, but I decided to look a little deeper and see if there was any real reason not to.
What I found is that it was fine to use them, as long as you were careful.
I’m going to share with you my tips on using these amazing skillets on glass top stoves so that you can use your own pans with success. First, let’s answer the burning question…
You can use any kind of pot on a hot plate. I can’t see any reason cast iron would be a problem, unless the hot plate has a less durable surface and you’re worried about scratching it. The only thing that matters is whether the hot plate is powerful enough to keep your food above 140F for the entire time period.
Cast Iron Cooking Tips
The versatility of these pans is amazing, so make sure you get started using them the right way so you won’t go back to your other pans.
Follow these easy cooking tips and you will be set!
- Preheat your cast iron without anything in it– Remember, it retains its heat, so don’t heat it too much. I like to heat mine to “medium”.
- Add your fat- butter, lard, avocado oil, etc.
- Add your food– Don’t fuss with the food too much. Allow the cast iron to do its work. Tossing the food too much will cause it to stick.
- Tip- I love using stainless spatulas when using these pans. It helps to lift any leftover food bits off of the bottom of the pan and also helps me in the cleaning process.
Tips for using Cast Iron Skillets on Smooth Top Stoves
- Don’t Drag– The simplest way to use this type of skillet on an electric stove without scratching the smooth top is to it when moving it and not to drag it. I don’t shake the cast iron on my stove or scooch it across the surface. I pick it up and have had no issues with a scratched cook top.
- Don’t Drop the Pan– This goes along with the first tip, but don’t drop the cast iron on the electric cook top. The cast iron is heavy, so make sure you have a good grip when you’re moving it from place to place.
- Allow the Pan to Heat Slowly- Electric stoves heat slower than gas stoves, so it will take time for the glass-top to heat the cast iron. You want a fully heated cast iron before putting food in it, so make sure you give the stove time to get it nice and hot.
- Start with a Clean Pan- Be sure your pan doesn’t have any food or grit stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally scratch the surface of your range.
Can you use cast iron on a glass cooktop?
FAQ
Can I use cast iron on electric cooktop?
Can you use pans on a hot plate?
Will cast iron crack when heated?
Can a cast iron skillet be used on a ceramic cooktop?
Can you use a cast iron pot on a hot plate?
You can use any kind of pot on a hot plate. I can’t see any reason cast iron would be a problem, unless the hot plate has a less durable surface and you’re worried about scratching it. The only thing that matters is whether the hot plate is powerful enough to keep your food above 140F for the entire time period.
Can you use a cast iron hot plate with a skillet?
Two cast-iron burners are suitable to use with cast-iron skillets up to 7.1 and 6.4 inches to cook 2 meals on individual heat settings. With a power supply of 1,000 Watts, this hot plate has a space-saving design for cooking in a cast-iron skillet even in confined spaces. What Is A Cast-Iron Compatible Hot Plate?
Can you use cast iron on induction?
Using cast iron on induction often raises questions—and we’ve got answers. Induction uses magnetic fields to heat cookware, so your pan must contain conductive, ferrous metals to transfer heat. This makes cast iron a great option for induction cooking.
Can you use cast iron on an induction cooktop?
Cast iron is a poor heat conductor, which means it takes some time to heat up and cool down. So, when using cast iron cookware on an induction cooktop, it’s important to practice patience. After turning up the heat, wait for your pan or pot to heat up for 1 to 2 minutes before cooking your food.