While purchasing a gas stove, we come across the common dilemma – whether to go for a stainless steel or glass top model.
Apart from appearance, these two options vary greatly in terms of other features like application, durability and others.
However, it is hard to declare a winner among them. Because it depends on personal preference.
This article will highlight the distinct features between a glass top and a stainless-steel stove with detailed information.
Read the comparison thoroughly to determine which model is suitable for your requirements.
Glass Top Gas Stove or Stainless Steel. Which is Better?
Here is brief information about the array of features that both types of the gas stove have. This will give you a better understanding and help you with the verdict.
FEATURE | GLASS TOP | STAINLESS-STEEL | WINNER |
---|---|---|---|
Price | Expensive | Very Economical | Stainless-Steel |
Safety | Safe with Toughened Glass | More Safe | Stainless-Steel |
Cleaning | Needs More Attention | Easier | Stainless-Steel |
Durability | Less Durable | More Durable | Stainless-Steel |
Look | Very Attractive | Less Attractive | Glass Top |
Ignition | Same | Same | Both |
Heat Distribution | Ideal and Uniform | Uneven | Glass Top |
Pros | Aesthetically Appealing, Uniform Heat Distribution | Affordable, Durable | NA |
Cons | Needs Extra Care | Not Very Attractive | NA |
Points Won | 5/7 | 3/7 | Stainless-Steel |
Detail Comparison Between Glass Top and Stainless Steel Gas Stove:
To begin with, let us take a look at their various features and discuss them thoroughly. I am sure by the end of the article you’ll find yourself equipped to make a better and educated decision.
1. Ignition
A glass top gas stove comes with manual or automatic ignition. We all know that, for manual ignition, we need a lighter or matches to turn on the flame. In automatic ignition, you don’t have to use them. All you have to do is just turn on the knob, and it will trigger a light spark automatically. It is very convenient too. However, when broken, it is not easy to repair.
Most of the stainless-steel gas stoves come with manual ignition only. As said, you will have to use a lighter or matches to start the flame. Few brands offer automatic ignition as well.
Verdict: If you want to go for an advanced feature in the gas stove that automatically ignites the burners after you turn on the gas, go for a glass top gas stove. If you feel that you are much comfortable using the manual method, stainless steel stove is the suitable option for you.
2. Durability
If you want to use the product for a long-term, you should definitely look at its durability. For a glass top gas stove, the best quality glass can assure the longevity of the stove. If the glass layer crafted above the stove is a toughened glass and of superb quality, then it is less likely to get damaged.
If the glass is of very little quality, it might get shattered due to the uneven distribution of heat. Also, the glass should be strong enough to withstand the impacts of heavy objects placed on it whether intentionally or accidentally.
When we talk about the stainless-steel stove, we cannot compare the strength of steel. We all know that steel has an extremely heavy build quality and serves as a strong suit. Since steel is a metal surface and has high strength, you do not have to think when placing heavy utensils on the stove. It is perfectly safe, and you’ll not have a problem using it.
Verdict: Stainless-steel gas stove is the winner for its long-term usage. One can use it for a good ten years without requiring any high-end maintenance expenses. A glass top gas stove with toughened glass, having shatterproof and spill-proof glass designs, can easily last for 4-5 years provided good care.
3. Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning, a glass top gas stove needs proper care. There are specific considerations when doing so. Clean the stove regularly, and before cleaning, you’ll have to wait for all the burners to cool down. Use only a wet cloth and cleaning solution to clean the stove. Do not use abrasive cleaners at all. You will need some extra care for the glass top gas stove in your kitchen.
Contrary to the above, a stainless-steel gas stove is very easy and simple to clean. You can use a scrubber, wet cloth or vinegar, or others to clean it. However, they are prone to losing their shine easily.
Verdict:
Maintaining a glass top gas stove definitely requires little care and a special cleaner that other stoves do not require. While cleaning regularly, you might need a special cleaning of your glass top gas stove about once a month. You can wipe off the daily spills with a wet cloth.
A stainless-steel gas stove also requires a similar cleaning schedule, but you don’t have to use special cleaners to do it. Standard or regular cleaning products would do. When cleaning regularly, you can use a sponge and warm water to wipe off the standard spills and buildups on your gas stove.
Note: For information on how to clean a gas stove the right way, Click Here.
4. Appearance
Needless to say, a glass top stove comes with an elegant, modern, classy look and aesthetic appeal. They are available in various finishes and impeccable designs, reflecting the unique tastes of the users’ modular kitchens.
Stainless steel gas stoves come with a very basic design. They can withstand heavy utensils and smudge. They do offer a stain-free look. Only a few brands in the market offering gas stoves are a good investment because they guarantee efficient cooking and comply with safety standards as well.
Verdict: If you want a modern design and look for your streamlined modular kitchen, go for a glass top gas stove. If you want a cooktop that is easy to maintain and clean choose a stainless-steel stove.
5. Safety
The toughened glass over the glass top gas stove is five times stronger than the normal glass. It is a safety layer and heat-resistant. They are available in a thickness of 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm in India. The thicker one is the most preferable.
Stainless-steel gas stoves are extremely safe when you consider the build material, corrosion-resistant, high thermal qualities, and safe for long-term use. Moreover, it does not break like a glass top gas stove.
Verdict: When it comes to safety, the glass surface of the glass top gas stove can break or shatter. Though you will not have any breakage problems with stainless steel top gas stove, they are not as easy to clean as a glass top. If you want to have a gas stove that is easier to clean and looks more beautiful in your kitchen, you can opt for a glass top. If you want a gas stove that is durable and strong, then a stainless-steel one is what you’re looking for.
6. Heat Distribution
In glass top gas stoves, the distribution of heat is even when compared to steel gas stoves. This is because the former comes with a toughened glass that is heat resistant and a sealed compartment that acts as a safety layer. The heat control is also very precise in this kind of stove.
In stainless steel gas stoves, the distribution of flame is uneven because the burner is not excessively packed.
Verdict: Without any doubt, a glass top gas stove stands as the only winner for its defined distribution of heat.
7. Price
The glass top gas stoves sold by most brands have higher price tags than stainless steel ones. The high-quality glass used in the manufacturing procedure is expensive. Hence, the price of the product will be high. In other affordable brands also, the glass top options are more expensive than the steel stoves. Also, the prices will scale up when it comes to the design, necessary features available, number of burners, and the required capacity.
Stainless steel gas stoves are very cost-effective and comparatively cheaper than glass tops. Also, they are easily available in the market and do not contain any special design aspect for the models available. You can easily select one based on your preferences, like its capacity and applicability.
A 3-burner glass top gas stove will range from 2,000 INR to 15,000 INR. Whereas, a 3-burner stainless steel gas stove will cost you between 1,300 INR to 6,000 INR, depending on the brands.
Verdict: If you are looking for a budget-friendly gas stove, stainless-steel will save money from your pockets. If budget is not a constraint, I am sure you’d prefer a glass top gas stove.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Tempered glass-top stoves are generally considered safe for use. However, one has to notice that it requires proper care as the glass can shatter or break with lack of maintenance.
Though the toughened glass on the top of the stove is strong enough, it is prone to breakage. When there are hot spills on the stove or when you place heavyweight utensils on the surface, it might result in cracks. Over time, the glass might end up breaking. Ensure that your glass cooktop is clean and avoid the placement of heavy pots and pans on the surface.
The glass cooking surfaces of the cooktops including radiant, induction, and gas-on-glass have a weight limit of 23 kgs.
Conclusion
Summing up, both the cooktops are good and serve the purpose. However, it is entirely dependent on the preferences and choices of the individual based on the requirements.
Stainless steel stoves are durable and affordable than any other category of stoves, but they are not very attractive.
If you want your gas stove to give a streamlined and premium look to your modular kitchen, a glass gas stove can promise one. It can add grace to your kitchen.
But you need to be very careful to prevent any damage. In the end, it’s always the cooktop that beautifies your kitchen and elevates its looks. So, make your kitchen look its best.