Every kitchen needs a hob – and in UK kitchens, ceramic hobs are a popular choice thanks to their sleek design and affordability. If you’ve got one in your kitchen, you might be wondering: do you need special pans for ceramic hobs?
The short answer is no – but choosing the right kind of cookware will help you get the best performance and protect the glass surface from scratches or damage.. Fortunately, it’s easy to choose the right pans for your ceramic hob with just a few key pointers.
At La Redoute, we know a thing or two about cookware. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the best pans for your ceramic hob.
What is a ceramic hob, and why does your pan choice matter?
The defining feature of ceramic hobs is the tempered glass top which conducts heat from electric burners below. They’re easy to clean, low-maintenance and look modern in any kitchen – but because of that glass surface, they’re a little more delicate than other hob types.
Using the wrong pans can lead to scratches, poor heat transfer or even cracking. Choosing cookware with the right shape and material is key.
Pros of ceramic hobs
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Sleek, modern design
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Easy to clean with soap and scouring powder
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Low maintenance (no exposed burners)
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Common in new builds and renovated kitchens
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Popular in modern rentals
Cons of ceramic hobs
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Glass can be scratched and damaged
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Possible to crack with heavy handling
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Burners are harder to repair/replace when necessary
Which pans are best for ceramic hobs?
The good news is that you don’t need special pans for ceramic hobs, but you should still choose your pans carefully. Unlike induction hobs, any pan with a smooth, flat bottom will likely perform well on your ceramic hob. It's also important to choose pans that won’t damage or scratch the glass in the course of cooking.
The best pans for a ceramic hob are light to medium weight, flat-bottomed pans that provide even heat distribution. This includes most pans on the market, but there are definitely a few types of pans you should be careful with and a few you should avoid. We can help you quickly identify which pans offer the best cooking experience and will ensure the long-term performance of your ceramic hob.
✅ Good options:
Stainless steel
Stainless steel pans are medium-weight, reliable and long lasting. They also tend to have flat bases and a smooth overall design that makes them both safe and efficient for your ceramic hob.
Aluminium (flat-bottomed)
Aluminum pans are lightweight, heating quickly and evenly on a radiant heating hob. Aluminum pans come in many shapes and sizes, so be sure to choose pans with a flat base. It’s also smooth which will protect the surface of your glass cooktop.
Hard anodised aluminium
These pans have a tough, non-reactive surface and excellent heat distribution. They're also scratch-resistant, making them a safe choice for ceramic hobs.
Titanium-coated or ceramic non-stick
Ideal for low-oil cooking and gentle heat. These pans usually have a flat base and are kind to your glass hob.
⚠️ Use with care:
Some pans can be used on a ceramic hob but you should proceed with caution, as misuse or the wrong variety could potentially scratch or even crack your glass cooktop.
Cast iron
Cast iron pans are often flat-bottomed and known for heating evenly. However, they’re very heavy and may not be smooth on the bottom. This makes them a risk for both scratching your ceramic hob if dragged across the surface or cracking the glass if set down too hard.
Copper
Only copper pans with smooth, coated bases are suitable. Bare copper or textured bottoms can scratch or stain the glass.
❌ Avoid:
Ceramic cooktops work best with smooth, flat-bottomed pans.Warped, uneven, textured, ridged or rough undersides all have the potential to scratch your glass and/or cook unevenly. You may also want to avoid pans that lack a clear "hob-compatible" labelling.
Features to look for in a ceramic hob-safe pan
When shopping for pans for your ceramic hob, you can make a confident choice by looking for the right combination of features.
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Flat base – ensures even heating
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Smooth surface – protects your hob from scratches
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Medium weight – heavy enough to stay in place, light enough to handle easily
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Heat-resistant handles – for safe cooking
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Hob compatibility symbols – look for the ceramic or radiant ring icon on packaging
How to protect your ceramic hob when cooking
When you have a beautiful ceramic hob, it's only natural to protect it from damage. You don't want scratches on that gleaming glass surface. Fortunately, a few simple best-practices can help keep your hob pristine.
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Lift your pan to move it. Never slide over the hob.
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Wipe pan bases before placing them on the hob. This avoids burrs or grit that might scratch.
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Match your pan size to the hob ring for optimal heating.
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Avoid putting hot pans straight under cold water. This will help prevent warping the flat bottoms.
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Clean spills quickly to avoid baked-on marks.
Can you use induction pans on a ceramic hob?
While you don't need special pans for ceramic hobs, you may be wondering if you can use special induction pans on the glass surface. The answer is yes, in most cases. Induction pans rely on a magnetic connection to convey heat, which means most induction pans have a flat base. There are several types of induction-compatible pans that work just as well on a ceramic hob. However, pans designed just for induction won't necessarily provide the best performance when used on a radiant heating cooktop.
Likewise, pans that work on your ceramic hob won't always work on an induction cooktop, unless they have a magnetic-responsive base. If you're buying a new pan, your best bet is to buy pans that are suitable for both.
Best pan sets for ceramic hobs in the UK
What are the best pans for your ceramic hob available in the UK, we’ve got you! La Redoute can help you select a high-performance set of pans that have all the right traits to give you beautiful cooking performance and keep your glass cooktop safe with every meal you prepare.
Tefal Ingenio
Versatile and stylish, the Tefal Ingenio range is suitable for both induction and radiant hobs. Prices range from £60 to £215 depending on the set. It even hasremovable handles so the same pans can just as easily pop into the oven for multi-stage recipes without the need to change pans. These sets range from £60 to £215 based on the number of pans and accessories in the set.
Tower 5-Piece Cerastone Pro Cookware Set
Crafted from elegant, medium-weight aluminium, this set features stone-infused inner layers for superior heat distribution and even cooking. Each piece is designed with an induction-compatible bonded steel base and an ultra-durable, advanced non-stick interior, which is up to ten times more resilient than standard coatings. The robust, steel-riveted handles are oven-safe, adding extra versatility to your cooking.
This 5-piece Tower Cookware set includes two frying pans (24 cm and 20 cm, both 4 cm deep) and three saucepans (22x11 cm, 20x10 cm, and 18x9 cm), each paired with a matching glass lid. Available at La Redoute for around £170.
Swan 5-Piece Stealth Pan Set
Swan Stealth cookware is a beautiful balance of versatility and comfort with a subtly elegant style. Each pan is matte black 2.7mm forged aluminum to provide lightweight lifting, lasting quality and high performance cooking results. They also have an ergonomic safe-touch handle that’s oven-safe for up to 40 minutes. Plus, they have a superior ceramic coating that makes for easy cleaning
The Swan 5-Piece Stealth Pan set has two frying pans 21 cm and 24.5 cm in width and 4.5 cm in height, alongside three saucepans that are 23x10cm, 21x9 cm, and 19x8.7 cm with three tempered glass lids. You can find it at La Redoute at around £85.
Ceramic hobs are stylish, efficient, and compatible with a wide range of cookware. You don’t need special pans – but you do need the right pans.
Look for flat, smooth bases and medium weight for the best results. At La Redoute, we offer a curated selection of pan sets that are not only safe for ceramic hobs, but also a joy to cook with. Your hob will thank you – and so will your dinner.
