Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by River Tree Farms
As you know, wok is a cooking utensil which can be used to make different varieties of food. A wok, the best type of pan for all types of stoves even, can be used with all kinds of stovetops like a glass top stoves and electric stoves.
How do I use a wok on my fancy and delicate glass top stove? This must be the very question in your mind right now.
Don’t worry, to use it on a glass top stove, you need to know certain steps as will be explained in this article so that you won’t face any problems while using it on your stove.
Can you use a wok on a glass top stove?
Yes, you can use a wok on the glass stove-top, if it is really coated with non-adhesive ceramic. You have to be a little more careful and use the right types of woks while using them.
How to Use Wok on Glass Top Stoves?
As we all know, any appliance made of glass is very delicate. The glass-top stove is not an exception and, therefore, needs a lot of care and maintenance.
How then do you ensure that you properly use the glass-top stove correctly? Below are the considerations for using the glass-top stove
1. Use a carbon steel wok
The carbon steel woks are light in weight and therefore, suitable for use on glass top stoves. It also has the added advantage of having a smooth bottom, thus causing no dents to the stove’s surface.
2. Consider using flat bottom woks
This is because the flat bottom woks get proper heat distributed evenly on all the surfaces, unlike the rounded bottom woks. These types of woks are also more stable on a flat surface which is the case for a glass top stove.
NB; Once you have finished cooking using your wok on the glass top stove, have a habit of lifting rather than sliding the pan. Always lift using two hands. This also applies when adjusting your pan to fit the glass-top cooking zone.
3. Use the largest burner available
This is to make sure that the wok is almost/the same diameter as the zone labeled for cooking on the stove. This is to avoid any damage to the glass top stove in case things drop on the left area. It also makes cooking easier by preserving energy that would have been wasted if the wok left some space in the cooking zone.
What should you not use on a glass top stove?
We have already mentioned that we prefer a flat bottom wok instead of a round bottom wok.
Why is it not recommended? Because of its shape, the round bottom wok doesn’t receive evenly-distributed heat from the flat surface of the stove. This leaves the food undercooked and soggy. It also wobbles during cook time since it can’t balance on a flat surface. However, it can be used if you use a wok ring which is an added cost and requires extra care as well because if the ring moves even slightly, it can scratch the glass on your stove.
Avoid using any glass and ceramic cookware as they can easily scratch your stove.
When cleaning, make sure you use the soft side of your sponge to avoid scratching your glass top.
How to Cook with a Glass Top stove
Here is a step-by-step method of cooking using your glass top stove:
1. Set 2 burners of varying heat
An electric glass top stove takes some time to heat and cool down. Therefore, you need to set up 2 different burners one low and one high to easily change the temperature as required by the food you are preparing.
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2. Preheat your wok for about 10 mins
This is to make sure you are cooking at the right temperatures.
3. Add oil to your wok when well preheated
Move the oil around the wok to ensure full coating to the entire pan. When you see ripples of oil, start to fry, or you can use a thermometer to check the right temperatures.
4. Move your food constantly around the wok to prevent burning
The flat-bottomed woks have a wider base, making it very hot so that if you do not stir your food, it can easily burn. Be there until your food is ready.
5. Let your wok cool before getting it off the glass top.
This is to avoid your wok warping ( uneven expansion and contraction of the wok) by placing a hot wok on a very cold surface or cold water.
How to Clean a glass stovetop
- First, use a cloth to clean-Get all the little pieces of crumbs or anything foreign on top of the stove.
- Pour, sprinkle or spray the cleaning solution on the stove, depending on what you are using.
- Cover the whole stovetop in wet, soapy towels-make sure the water is hot, and the towel is wet but not dripping.
- Leave the towel for 30 mins and make sure it remains wet
- Remove the towels and wipe the stove with a damp cloth.
- Remove excess grease- Use a damp razor blade to remove grease or burnt food.
- Dry and polish-use a microfiber for this.
What happens if you use cast iron on a glass-top stove?
Cast iron is very heavy, and if not put down gently on the stove, it can crack the surface. The cast iron’s rough finish can also scratch the glass top stove surface. If you have to use the cast iron wok, it must be coated in porcelain enamel.
Conclusion
Using a wok on a glass top stove is a must try, convenient, and its uses will never end once you get into the routine. Now you have some reasons to use the wok on your glass top stove, right?