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cooktop scratches
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Peter
02/21/06
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Is there any way to remove or buff out small surface scratches from a black ceramic cooktop?
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rosemary
03/13/06
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Hi! I already replied to a March request for this same question but I'll reply to you, too.
I thought I was going to give my new ceramic stove to my daughter because I couldn't get out the marks. I visited many forums but couldn't get an answer. I had some MAAS metal polishing creme that I bought at Meijer's and out of desperation I tried it. Just a dab on a cotton ball and if that doesn't work, try a speck on gentle scrubber. It seems that everything scratches or marks the top and this is the solution for me. My top looks brand new. Visit their web site to read about it. It's supposed to be very gentle. They also have a ceramic top cleaner which I haven't tried yet, but I will. Also, I don't think Meijers carries it anymore and haven't found it anywhere else so you might have to order it online. It's expensive but it works and it goes a long way. It's also terrific for polishing brass. Keeps the shine forever. I'm sure you'll love it. Think it has jewelers rouge. My stove is near a window which bathes my stove in sunlight and I can see every mark on it but I don't worry anymore because I can keep it spotless now. Hope this helps.
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Angie
03/17/06
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Just want everyone to know that MAAs metal polishing creme can be found at Wal-Mart. Just look where the stainless polish and other cremes are found, in the cleaning section.
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Angie
03/17/06
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Just want everyone to know that MAAs metal polishing creme can be found at Wal-Mart. Just look where the stainless polish and other cremes are found, in the cleaning section.
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rosemary
03/17/06
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Thank you so much for telling me where to buy Maas, Angie. I can't thank you enough. I've been telling everyone about it but didn't know where to get it close. Now I can email everyone and let them know. You can get a large - around 20oz - size online but people like to try it out first and now they can. It's also great for cleaning the stainless steel cookware you need for the smooth top.
It's taken scratches out of it for me. This was the first time I have ever participated in any forum and it sure paid off for me. Thanks again. You wouldn't believe how happy you've made me.
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Angie
03/21/06
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Rosemary,
You're welcome. Glad I could be of help. I love the Maas creme also, and was reluctant to buy they large size until I tried it. I wouldn't be without it now.
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Steven
07/04/06
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After reading about the wonders of MAAS metal polishing creme in this forum, I got hold of a tube in the hope it would remove some scratches on my Fridgedaire Gallery ceramic cooktop. I worked at it and worked at it. No result. I then got hold of an electric polisher and used that with the MAAS. All I succeeded in doing was creating a dull, greyish spot where the black of the cooktop was somehow buffed out. My scratches - some fine, some deeper - were unaffected. So ... either MAAS has changed their formula, or different ceramic cooktops have different compositions which may, or may not, respond favourably to MAAS.
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ellen
07/04/06
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Definite differences in composition between cooktops, and maybe with different colors, Sorry to hear of your troubles- I think the main use of the Maas is to get stains off, not to buff scratches out. Our readers have reported no successes with scratches.
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ellen
07/04/06
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With deeper scratches, I meant.
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Becky
08/16/06
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My ceramic cooktop has flat black spots on it. I've tried conventional ceramic cleaners and have scrubbed away with zero luck. Can anyone help/advise me? Thanks!
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ellen
08/16/06
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What color is the top and are the spots over the burners?
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Donna
08/17/06
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I just moved into a new home and until now have never cooked with an electric stove. In less than one week I have seen so many scratches on this thing that I am wanting to throw it out the window and find a spot for my old gas stove! I'm wondering not only if I can get the scratches out, but what can I do to prevent them from coming back every time I put a pot on the stove?
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ellen
08/17/06
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You probably need some new pans flat, flat bottoms, preferably multiple ply, preferably not aluminum. You can try cleaning the bottoms of your existing pots and pans. Never slide the pans- lift and place.
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Chris
11/19/06
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I have the dreaded the GE black ceramic cooktop! As has been said, what a nightmare. My husband uses it frequently and is not particularly careful, so I have lots of scratches on the one largest heat site. So far, I haven't been able to find out if there's ANYTHING that will help with them. But I am SO grateful for this site as I've learned so much from reading here. For all the "no-no's" that we've already done to the poor thing, it's really held up remarkably well. Still, what a disappointment!
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ellen
11/20/06
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Maybe you should put a cash box over the stove and make him kick in a couple of dollars every time he uses it, for the new stove...
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carolyn
02/05/07
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ceramic tile
I live in Nicaragua and am trying to remove the dark scratches my heavy furniture left on my beige tile. I used a heavy duty soap and a green scub pad -like for dishes- with alot of elbow grease and now have semi white areas. I am sure the contractor used muratic acid as it is the common practice in cleanin tile here. Any hints. Also, they did not clean the tile well in the kitchen. Is there something natural I can mix up since shopping here is very,very limited. Please also send message to my email as I don´t want to miss my answer.Thanks a million!
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linwood
02/15/07
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i wanted to buy ceramtic stove top,but it has scratches on the top.is there a way to get those scratches out
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ellen
02/20/07
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Carolyn, if they used muriatic acid, you need to re-seal it when you get it clean- it is hard to realize, but tile is porous. You did not post an email adress...
Linwood, basically, no. What you see is what you need to live with. Unlessyou want to replace the glass top, $200-$1000 depending on brand.
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keith Taylor
02/22/07
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iron pots on ceramic cooktops
Is it all possible to use my Lodge iron pots on my Fridgidaire ceramic cooktop? Lifting not sliding perhaps..using a ceramic heat difuser underneath or one of those bent steel type difusers?
Also, would my copper pots and pans be okay?
Thanks for help!
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ellen
02/28/07
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DO NOT use a diffuser on the cooktop.
Lodge pots that are smooth work, With rings, no.
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NYN
03/07/07
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Thanks for all the info - I think I will just wait until it gets so bad I can't stand it any longer. The reason for a good many of my scratches is from the razor I was using to scrape, it was way past the time to through it out and put a new one in.
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sunshine
05/01/07
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black marks on ceramic cooktop
Hello,
I have black marks on my cooktop ( it's that speckled gray one) & those seem to be underneath the surface! I've tried lots of things but nothing works..If somebody has a solution, and would like to share, I'd really appreciate it..
thanks
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cjai
06/07/07
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I need help with the black marks on my gray specled ceramic stove. If you have a solution let me know alo like sunshine. Thank you so much (the repair person said we need to replace the top $500 --- wow)
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sharpie
06/16/07
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cooktop pitting
I just purchased a 1 1/2 yr old GE black ceramic glass cooktop stove.It has minimal scratches, BUT...after reading about problems with these tops,we realized one burner is pitted. It is smooth to the touch, but can't be removed...definitely under the surface.The manual said if pitting occurs, the top has to be replaced. Not doing that, since we only gave $300.00 for the $700.00 stove. I need to know if I'm going to do further damage by using it with the pitting?It's not even hooked up yet and still on the trailer.Thanks for any knowledge shared!
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ellen
06/16/07
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Usually the pitted one is the one that got used most... Anyway, the safe and easy/cheap solution is to use the other burners. Eventually, it will crack and you will be replacing the top, or the stove, depending on your frustration level.
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judy ingrasin
09/14/07
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I also have a fridgedaire black glass top stove. I take meticulous care of it and live alone so I dont do a great deal of cooking but all of a sudden my large burner has multiple clear spots and black spots. They are flat and not from a spill. I have no idea where they came from and have tried almost everything to get them out. I have been so careful with this stove. Any idea's from you all would be wonderful
Thanks
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Linda
09/16/07
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Can I use copper based pots on my ceramic stove top ?
Thanks
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ellen
09/17/07
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Yes, but the bottoms have to be completely flat and very clean.
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jackie
10/17/07
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I just dropped abowl on my smooth top and it cracked it. Can I still use it??
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ellen
10/17/07
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You can use burners which are still intact and completely covered, not if the crack goes near or across. Just be aware it will eventually have to be repaired or replaced.
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Pat
10/19/07
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I just bought a new GE Profile slide in range with a ceramic black top. It already has some small scrathes on the big burner. Sears will take it back but I'm in a delima what to replace it with so the problem doesnt repeat itself. My cookware is SS, flat and clean and we've been might careful. Don't want to go back to coils and getting a new gas line to the range is prohibitive. Any suggestions. Thanks, Pat
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ellen
10/20/07
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You might find it helpful to look at epinions for the stove top reviews, especially sealed and flat top elements, no coils bu not ceramic top. You all, you will be using it 20 years... will do best if you don't have a tight budget. Don't want to buy from brown box, though!:
www.epinions.com/Kitchen_Ranges
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Kay Stark
11/13/07
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cooktop chips
I am purchasing a house and the appliances were included. The stove was a black ceramic topped electric range in very good condition.However,when the former tenants were cleaning out the house, they apparently dropped something on the stove and ther is now a chip about the size of a nickel on one burner. How will this affect the performance of the stove, and will it need to repaired?
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ellen
11/13/07
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Don't use that burner, you can crack the whole top. It can't be repaired: they should have replaced the top, you may have recourse under buyer protection regs in your state.
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Denise
11/25/07
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I had a lot of (and I mean A LOT) scratches on one of the burners on my one-month old ceramic cooktop, which were made by my brother, who was invited to the Thanksgiving dinner. I was so upset because it was expensive for one thing, hard to clean for another and now the cosmetic problem, which I had a hunch was almost impossible to fix. I had googled all night and the only "solution" I could try was of Rosemary's MAAS creme. I didn't keep my hope up because the feedback didn't look good but I really didn't have any other options so I bought a tube for $3.59 and guess what, it really worked so well. Maybe most of my scratches were not deep (I do have a couple of deep ones.) but they were ugly enough to make me cry. ( and believe me I'd tried everything I could think of to remove them.) Now they were all gone. Thank you so much Rosemary for sharing the information and thanks to Angie for letting us know where to get it. It really works wonders. I am SOOOOOOOO relieved but I don't think I want to cook a big mael on that cooktop ever again. It is really a pain in the neck.
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Cindi
11/27/07
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I'm the proud owner of a new range with black glass cooktop and I love it. But I've seen references to using a silicon mat on the top to prevent scratches? Does this mean I can use one like a Silpat directly on the glass burner surface to prevent scratches? Even if I have the burner on high? I just wanted to check beforehand so I don't ruin my range!
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ellen
11/27/07
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NOT WITH THE BURNER ON!!!!!
Only in between uses.
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Cindi
11/28/07
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OK! I'm glad I checked beforehand. I've seen heat diffuser pads and thought this might be the same sort of idea since Silpats are rated up to 580 degrees. So all I can really use on the burner while it's on is the protectant/cleaner cream. Guess I'll just have to teach my teens to be careful about sliding pans around ;^)
Thanks!!!
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ellen
11/28/07
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Don't have the cream on the burner when it is on. Anything on the burner, even a spray of nonstick spray, or even any film on the bottom of the pot can burn onto the top and cause cleaning grief. And the deal is, don't be careful about sliding, DON'T slide, period. And spray cooking spray away from the stove.
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denise
11/28/07
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Gosh, the more I read about the cleaning tips and the more I cooked on it, the more I regret buying the cooktop. It's absolutely miserable!!! I just wished that I had checked this websibe before I totally made a fool out of myself.
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frankie
12/03/07
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I have a black ceramic Whirlpool cooktop. I was cleaning some burned on food recently with a razor that was recommended by Whirlpool. But I must have pressed down too hard and now there are some swril scratches on the top I was cleaning. Is there anything that will take these out?
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ellen
12/03/07
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Frankie, try the MAAS metal cleaner.
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Tammi
12/25/07
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cracked stove top
I have a crack running from the center of my large front burner to the middle of my stove top can I still use my stove
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ellen
12/25/07
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DO NOT use any burner that the crack runs over and be aware that you will eventually be replacing the top. Keeping the heat at medium high or lower and using only pots that exactly fit the burners will preolong the life of the remaining burners.
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qwerwt
12/27/07
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cooktop scratches on frigidaire ceramic oven
I have some DEEP scratches on my frigidaire ceramic top. heard a MAAS metal cleaner an heard
it works.
Hope so.
taks mika bror
qwerwt.
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ellen
12/27/07
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Nothing takes out deep scratches. You may be able to reduce them some.
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qwester
12/31/07
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I have just removed a severely broken ceramic cooktop (white Sears corian). I used it for years with cracks with no cooking problems. I am replacing the entire electric top with a drop-in plain gas cook top. I am a techie do-it-your-self-er. The project is not for the typical householder. An adapter plate must be made to fit into the ring that held the ceramic top. I found the drop in gas cooktop in the local classified ads for $30.00. I put in the gas line to the stove myself previously. Your stove manufacturer my have a dropin gas unit for your stove. My stove is far too old for that now. I love its large Kenmore Electric continuous cleaning oven with its accurate temperature control so I did not want a gas oven. If anyone is interested in the details of this project please contact me by email.
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Kavya
01/04/08
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Hi,
Could you please let me know if there is any way i can remove scratches from a black glass cooktop?
Thank you.
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ellen
01/04/08
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Kavya, if you read through this thread and the others on ceramic cook tops, you will see what has worked and what hasn't Basically, deep ones are there to stay.
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Jackie
01/08/08
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My GE oven has a (black) glass/ceramic stove top, and I have hated it since day 1. It looks as though the top has burned/melted from spills of boiling pots etc. I would not consider these "stains"...Does anyone have a similar situation? Or at least know what I mean? Help!
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ellen
01/09/08
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Some pitting is not unusual, especially with sugary spills, and you can gouge the top with careless scraping. You can also melt plastic into the top. If you think a lump is removable, you can turn to the very lowest heat and when it is warmed carefully scrape with a new razor blade or scraper.
But Jackie, life is short. Even in a rental house, you should consider buying yourself a new range, a good used one is NOT that expensive.
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Jackie
01/09/08
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The marks I have are not pits, nor are they scratches...I have never scraped it with anything and nothing has melted on it. Spill- over from cooking pots and pans is the extent of it. They are more like a circle around each burner that looks dull...like it is burnt. Yes, life is short, but this range is only 3 years old...and beautiful (with the exception of the cook top's marks)...I would just love to know someone else has experienced this...and what they have done about it. Thanks.
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Marie
01/11/08
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I just purchased a new Kitchenaid Convection Range - had it two months - for Christmas got a new set of Kitchenaid pots (rated for glass top) guess what - yep - scratches, and they keep comming. It will be replaced but my problem is do I get the same stove - which I loved until this happened - or should I just go back to the coils (which I hated due to cleaning)? Your input would be appreciate.
Thanks
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ellen
01/11/08
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Sounds like you need the same stove and a different set of new pots?
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Reay Wallace
01/13/08
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I have been researching smooth top counter top stoves and am really doubtful I want the headache. Our Sears store doesn't even carry the coil top, which I don't want again anyway BUT If I do decide to buy a coli, will I be able to get parts when I need them? It seems all there is is either Ceramic top or Black top and all have the disadvantage of scratches, breakages, chips and the necessity of particular pots. Is there anyone out there that has an alternative? What about induction, any comments appreciated. Reay
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Janiece
01/15/08
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Jackie,
That is exactly why I came here, to find out if there is anything Ican do to remove those rings. Mine were on the stove when we bought the house in 1999. Nothing I have tried has worked. I haven't tried the Maas Metal Polishing Creme, but I have tried their glass cooktop cleaner and was not impressed. A wet sponge would have worked the same. I do have some of the other Maas creme as I odered both from a magazine ad and will try it out tonight. I'll let you know if it helped.
I was also wondering if a heat diffuser would work on the glass cooktop as I have a problem with food sticking in my Teflon pans when I use it. It is impossible to adjust the heat from high to med or low.
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ellen
01/16/08
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Heat diffusers are a definite NO on these tops. The only thing I have found for getting from high to low quickly, is to set a pan of water on a second burner at the second heat, then move the whole pan from the high burner to the preheated low burner. You can't heat these coils without a pot on them, and NEVER use an empty pot.
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Carole
01/23/08
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vision cookware (glass)
Can I use glass cookware on my Whirpool ceramic stovetop? Thanks for responding
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ellen
01/23/08
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It is specifically NOT recommended for these tops. I suggest to my readers not to use it at all, there are some shatter dangers; you can read all about this on the visionware threads on this site.
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Catherine
02/18/08
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Pyrex Flameware
I have an old Pyres Flameware pot.. can I use it on my Ceramic stove top?
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ellen
02/18/08
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If iy is a glass pot, it is NOT recommended for use on these tops.
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christine
03/07/08
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griddle for glass top range?
We have just bought a new LG smooth top (schott-ceran) range..due next week. We have an aluminum griddle we used on the previous smooth top range (Matag...the top cracked and stove was replace under store warranty). PLEASE advise if we can use our aluminum griddle and if not what kind? It is a rectangular griddle than covers two burners. Actually a camping griddle. But I would be prepared to buy a new griddle for the stove, just want to know the RIGHT kind of griddle. It needs to be big, as we have a large family and use it a lot.
thanks
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ellen
03/07/08
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You need what is called a bridge element, an option on ceramic top stoves. You were VERY lucky they replaced that top under warranty if you were using a two burner griddle on a top without a bridge elenment.
If you do not have a bridge element in the top, my only recommendation is a double-size electric griddle- delightful to use, frees up the stovetop and lets the cook join the table.
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john
03/13/08
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brushed steel splash back
how can i get the scrtches out
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ellen
03/13/08
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Try Maas metal polish or a restaurant supply level polish.
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Greg
03/20/08
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We bought Kitchen Aid range and fridge about 3 weeks ago and have used all the elements etc. I've tried so far to be Extremely careful, (ie, not having the element on with nothing over it, not sliding the pots) and cleaning it after its cooled after every use. All of my pots and pans are flat bottomed TFal Stainless (very heavy and thick flat bottoms by the way)
Still to my frustration, some minimal scratches have appeared. Now, to the benefit, you cannot see them unless up close with the microwave light on, but its not good with the precautions ive taken to see this result.
I suppose some scratches are inevitable. To which extent I guess is to the precautions taken. However, how can you expect to not move a saucepan at all, when cooking a stirfry for example. Even when I hold the pan as still as possible while stirring with the other, I notice that its still sliding a half inch around.
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Greg
03/20/08
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Perhaps the minimal sliding I'm getting is the coat of wax that the Cerma-clean or whatever its called is providing
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ellen
03/20/08
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No, Greg, you are doing everything you can; the minimal scratches go with the nature of the top. You are lucky to be able to stir-fry at all; most ceramic tops will not heat hot enough or even enough to do a good job on this.
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Gail
03/20/08
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partial burnt out burner on ceramic top
Ceramic top (Maytag) right front large burner has three setting -- one coil,two coil. or three coils Smallest coil is not heating up. Any suggestions on how to repair. Model #MES5875BCS.
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ellen
03/21/08
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You have to replace the whole burner. Check with Sears appliance or Maytag.
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Rita
03/21/08
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Thanks you sooo much for all the info
on ceramic stove tops,i was about to buy
one, you saved me a lot of problems.
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marjorie
03/23/08
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I came across this very interesting and informative page while looking for an Australian supplier of Maas products. I do not have a ceramic cooktop and probably never will after reading of all the problems you folk have had. Best wishes to you all
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Ann D.
04/08/08
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I just purchased a GE Profile Range with a black ceramic top. I specifically got the model with the bridge element so I could use a griddle plate with it. However, I am having trouble finding a griddle plate that can be used with a ceramic top. Farberware makes a unit with a nice flat bottom, but when I read the fine print, it said not for use with ceramic tops. Williams Sonoma has a griddle plate, but it has a raised edge (which won't work, either). Any suggestions?
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ellen
04/09/08
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The ones I know of are very pricy; cuisinart, circulon. etc.
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Kathy
04/15/08
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I have a "whirlpool" ceramic top stove, I was hoping there was a way to get out a couple of scratches. But the situation looks grim, reading these posts. But as for the grey spots that look like they are worn. If you use the little razor blade (made for ceramic stoves) and gentle run the blade over it a few times they will eventually come off. I just about freaked when I saw the ones on mine. I also use the ceramic top cleaner it works well I think. I purchaced both at Home Depot...
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Roger
04/15/08
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I have a 2 yr. old Viking black ceramic cooktop and have learned a bit about caring for it. One tip for minimizing scratches is to check all your pan bottoms for rough or nicked spots and to eliminate these. For some rougher cast iron skillets and for deeper nicks I use a very fine emery sandpaper and sanding block. Wash the pot well so no grit goes near the cooktop. Edges along the bottom of some pans may need smoothing. Also, periodically check pan bottoms for any cooked-on deposits and scrub these clean.
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Wanda
04/18/08
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I have a new Whirlpool ceramic cooktop. I wouldn't call my marks scratches. After trying to clean cooking spots(with a ceramic cooktop cleaner) it left marks that look like the surface was marred from rubbing too hard. I had a cooktop prior to this one and never that this problem. Whirlpool suggested I try a polishing compound. What do you think?
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ellen
04/19/08
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Yes, there are some specific recommendations for brands in this thread. Be VERY careful what you use to apply the cleaner; the wrong scrubbie or sponge can cause just this kind of difficulty.
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Karen
04/23/08
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Good morning all:
While I haven't found a cured silicone product that can withstand temperatures greater than 500F, this problem kept me rather perplexed. I am a mechanical engineer and quite intrigued by this question. I thought "Hey, I could get rich on this one!". I think like that a lot, but alas, I am still not rich. Anyway, as I was searching a materials database (matweb.com) I think I did find a viable answer. It was so obvious that I stood up and kicked myself!
You see fiberglass is not an exotic material, it is readily available at your local retailer and is CHEAP. The melting point you ask? Get this: 2970 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is pliable, like cloth so it will not scratch your stovetop and it is inexpensive. If it gets soiled just pitch it out. And, by the way, if you decide against this recommendation, make sure that you purchase a cleaner with silicone in it. The residue will lubricate the cooking surface.
Cheers,
Karen
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Karen
04/23/08
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Sorry, I forgot: I have two tips.
If you decide to scrape with a razor blade (which I have done) follow two simple rules:
1. ALWAYS use a brand new blade. The sharp edge will reduce the chances of scratching.
2. Scrape in a straight line only. Hold the blade firmly and try to keep the angle between the blade and surface as small as possible.
Cleaning and polishing are totally different animals than scraping. You will want to use a circular motion when performing these tasks.
Karen
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ellen
04/23/08
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Ah, Karen, I love that engineering mind! Thanks for the great idea- I can see ceramic tops all over the country sprouting fiberglass covers.
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fran
04/23/08
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griddle for electric range
I just bought a glass cook top range. A griddle came with it. The sales person at Sears told me it went on the glass top. I know it does not. The book only shows a picture of it with a rack that says convection rack. Does anyone know how to use the griddle in the oven
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Mike
04/24/08
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I just bought the Ge Profile double stove convection 2 weeks ago atleast thats how long I have been using it. Anyways all I can say is JUNK, JUNK and JUNK. I clean that glass top religously and today it wouldnt clean period. Looks like water stains and a big scratch, chip or whatever looks between the glass or something. Now this stove looks like it is flat and no longer glossy on the big burner with swivel marks trying to clean it. I bought at sear, you think I can return it and get a gas stove. Plus one more thing bought a lg dryer with the steam function. It is worthless and doesnt do anything but dampens your clothes. What a joke as these two appliances alone costed me $3500.
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ellen
04/24/08
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Good for you, Fran, your read the directions! Hope a reader can help.
Mike, you have to clean the outsides and bottoms of your pots with these stoves, and that, my mom says, is not a guy thing. Get on the phone with Sears. The under the glass thing may entitle you to a replacement top. Here is info from another reader:
I have had my black GE radiant downdraft cooktop for two and a half years. I use all of my cookware, although the curved bottoms of some pans may slow down cooking time, and warped bottoms allow the pans to spin around, it is all good. I also use a pressure cooker. I do try to remember that it is glass and will scratch if pan bottoms and glass top are not free of abrasive bits. I accidentally heated an empty teakettle, and fused it right to the surface, causing it to crack when it cooled. My one year warranty was up, but GE will cover "thermal shock" for five years - and the example they use is that of a pot boiling dry.They also cover discoloring or the pattern wearing off. Of course the customer service rep did not volunteer this information when I called. The rep told me that my one year warranty was up, and I said "but it says in the manual that thermal shock is covered", and he said "Oh, ok, the technician will be out next week to replace it." I can tell all of you who want to replace it yourself, that it took the guy about ten minutes tops.
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Karen
04/27/08
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Hi Ellen:
It's me, the engineer again. It was my pleasure to contribute!
FYI: Thermal shock occurs when a material is subjected to a large thermal gradient.
Shock is a type of stress. It occurs when something happens suddenly, like when you drop an object. The object and the surface it hits experience a shock load. Brittle materials break very easily under a shock load while ductile materials do not.
Glass and ceramic are in a category of materials called "refractories". These materials are can tolerate extremely high temperatures but are, unfortunately very brittle. Some ductile materials around the kitchen include copper, stainless steel, and most plastics. So, you ask “How can a hot pan cause a shock load?”. Good question!
Refractories are not very good at conducting heat. That’s why you can have a burner on and the rest of the top doesn’t get hot. If you place a cold pan on a hot glass or ceramic top, the surface in contact with the pan will coo very quickly while the surrounding area will still be hot. The temperature difference is called a thermal gradient and, if large enough, can cause thermal shock. Likewise if you place a super-hot pan on a room-temperature top the same shock occurs. You get the idea.
A dry pot can become much, much hotter than the surrounding surface. Since refractories do not conduct heat, the surrounding surface stays cool resulting in a thermal gradient and causing thermal shock.
One more thing to keep in mind. Inspect your cook top very closely, especially around the edges. Look for small cracks or imperfections that may be due to material defects. Any type of defect in the material can propagate under thermal cycling and cause cracks.
By the way Mike, what did your dryer instructions say about the waterline connection? Is there a possibility that you can connect your steam dryer to the hot water line?
dateach
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janie
04/28/08
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I have a ceremic whirl pool black cook top. Over the weekend my maid has used a steel wool to clean the stainless steel part of the burners and it has left ugly scrtch marks. This stinless steel parts have nice grooves,but because of the scratch marks, they look really ugly. My husband was saying may be we should try compound. Is it safe and will it work
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ellen
04/28/08
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Do you mean buffing compound? Are the scratches in the glass or on the burners under the glass? More info, please?
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Janie
04/29/08
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Hi Elle
The scratches are not on the glass. The cook top i have is black ceremic glass with cast iron burners. The stainess steel part I am talking about is just underneath the cast iron burners, it is removable to clean. Stainess parts are like rims around/above electric ignitions. They are (4) sitting on the ceremic cook top.
And yes I mean buffing compound.
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ellen
04/29/08
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You can try the buffing compound, but be sure that they are removed- so you do not take any chance of scratching the ceramic. Since they are removed, they could be bought new and replaced if you are not satisfied with the results.
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Janie
04/30/08
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Hi Ellen
I just realized that these parts that are also cast iron(polished cast iron) not stainless steel.
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Earlene
05/07/08
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Just wanted everyone to know that I have a brand-new KitchenAid Black Smoothtop Ceramic cooktop that is less than 6 weeks old and it looks so beautiful; however, after boiling water to make some rice in a stainless steel 18/10 guage flat bottom pan, it still scratched my cooktop!!! I was so upset!! And as I always do when I have a problem or a question, I started doing my research on the Internet to see if I could find a way to get the scratches out, and I found this blog! Thank goodness!
Anyway...after I ran my hand across the "scratched" cooktop burner, I noticed the scratches appeared to be "raised," and my husband even said that he thought it was food burned out, but I had not boiled anything over with the water or the rice. After getting some ideas on how to clean the cooktop, I went to Home Depot and bought a bottle of the "Cerama Bryte" cleaner, the scraper, and some "Wright's Silver Cream." First I cleaned the area with the scratches with the "Cerama Bryte" making sure it was nice as dry. Then, I applied some of the silver polish and swirled it around in circular motions on the burned. Being very careful I then took the scraper (used as directed)and begin slowly "scraping in a straight line. You use the scraper like you were using a paint scraper using a small movements left and right. It took a few times to work on each of the scratches, but it worked beautifully!
Now for the bad part...having just finished my kitchen remodeling..new granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, I would not buy another black ceramic cooktop again! I'm not even sure that I would go with the stainless steel appliances since they are so hard to keep from scratching too, but I have to live with what I have now, so I have to make the best of it.
I know so many people face this same problem with their new cooktops, and I just wanted everyone to know that the ideas posted here realy do work. I'm so glad that I found this site.
Thanks!
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Judy
05/12/08
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Has anyone tried Karen's suggestion to use fiberglass on the cooktop? Where can I get it and what size does it come in. I have a
Kitchenaid cooktop and called the company about the suggestion but they would not comment on using this since it is not part of their product.
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John
05/17/08
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We bought an Sears Induction Cooktop over a year ago and don't have any scratches in the glass. The key is that the glass does not get hot and soft. Food that spills do not stick and burn into the glass. If you want the glass cooktop without the hassle I would recommend it.
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ellen
05/17/08
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Thanks for the info, I have not had the opportunity to use one of these.
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Cathy
05/19/08
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I have a GE black smooth cooktop. I accidentially let one of my Revere Copper bottom pots boil dry yesterday and as a result I have this silver mark on the burner.
Can this be removed with Cerama Bryte and the scraper?
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ellen
05/19/08
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Probably not. The copper bottom pans are notorious for problems on these tops.
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Janet
05/22/08
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I'm buying a new GE profile ceramic glass cooktop. All my appliances are white so I'd like to get white but I'm worried about scratches being more visable than the black - I've had a black for years and love it.
Any ideas on white vs black?
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ellen
05/22/08
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Except for the scuffs from soft (non-anodized) aluminum, more readers have complained about the BLACK tops, so get what matches your fancy.
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Margaret
05/24/08
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We are in the market for a new stove and thought that a glass cooktop would be so easy to look after. After reading all about all these problems I believe I will get another coil top. I don't want to have to be so careful. Am I wrong?
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ellen
05/25/08
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No, the glasstops do require care every time they are used. You could look at sealed coil- more expensive, but easier to clean than the regular old-fashioned open coil.
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Jamie
06/05/08
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I've had a new black GE Profile cook top for a month, and if I'd had any idea how much work it takes to prevent scratches (which seem to be inevitable, despite all that effort), I'd never have bought it. My old coil burner range cooked just as effectively, with no ridiculous creams, special rubbing scrubbers, etc.
All my cookware is top quality, with flat bottoms, and this cooktop has been 'babied' to an absurd degree. It made no difference. Trust me, if you're reading this to get ideas for a kitchen renovation: DON'T BUY THE GE PROFILE COOKTOP! Whether other ranges have a better quality glass top I can't say, but this GE Profile is simply junk. I'm not exaggerating.
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Brad
06/05/08
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Don't know what everyone is doing wrong. I've got a Frigidaire smoothtop, just over a year old, and sees daily use. I've spilled, boiled-over, splattered and burned-on every type of mess imaginable with the exception of sugary spills(no big deal since I'm not into making candy or confections).
My range still looks brand new with nary a scratch, scar, or smudge. I use Cerama-Bryte after EVERY use. Wiping it on with a damp paper towel, letting it dry to a paste, then buffing it out with a microfiber cloth that I only use for cleaning my stove. Following this regimen has given it a showroom-like appearance. For what it's worth, I have soft water. It's my understanding that most of these mysterious "spots" and stains people complain about are actually hard-water deposits easily removed with vinegar or Bar Keeper's Friend. I've also used the blue 3M No-Scratch sponge with great success. Mine's a "EuroKera" top--made in Europe. Temperature control has never been an issue for me.
I've got Lagostina pots and pans, T-Fal skillets, el-cheapo aluminum pans, and a cast-iron skillet for my fish fry's, and NEVER had a problem so as long as the range is cleaned and polished according to the instructions, USING THE CREAM after EVERY use is the secret here folks... I'll NEVER go back to gas or old-fashioned coils.
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ellen
06/05/08
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READERS, DO NOT use powder cleaners on your stove tops, it has caused grief for many fellow owners.
Brad, you deserve good results with this good care. However, readers with European-made tops have specifically written that they do not have the same problems as US-made tops; according top a German engineer reader, the tops are made of a somewhat different composite, and it just does better. So you also made a better original choice.
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Lana
06/05/08
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I have a question...I just bought a home with a Frigidaire Professional Series black ceramic top. It's in great condition, but upon closer inspection, it looks like around two of the burners, there are marks that DO NOT come up. Looks like the ceramic has chipped away. Yet, it's totally, totally flat and smooth. So I'm not sure if this is defined as "pitting." I just know nothing will bring it up. It's completely as flat as the stovetop. It can only be seen when the over light is on and I'm a 1/2 inch away, but still! Also, (one more!) can I place a hot pan from the over onto a cold stovetop of burner? thanks!
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Lana
06/05/08
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Sorry, I meant OVEN down at the bottom...a hot pan from the oven. thanks!
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ellen
06/05/08
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No advice on the top. The makers specifically say not to do the hot pan on the cold stovetop; although many people do it without bad results, it is a GLASS top, and it is a thermal shock- get a hot pad for the adjoining counter.
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Lana
06/06/08
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So can you define pitting for me? Thanks! :)
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ellen
06/06/08
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Lana, if you just bought it new, harass the seller into giving you a new top installed under warranty.
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patti
06/29/08
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My college-graduate son used an abrasive pad on my cooktop today. I have a Kenmore and is 3+ years and looked beautiful until today. I just love mine and would never trade it in. When he gets his first job, he can help me purchase a new replacement top!
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ellen
06/30/08
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So sorry to hear it! While it is a hopeful sign that he tried to clean up, I expect you can improve his domestic skills before he inflicts them on an unsuspecting domestic partner.
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charlene
07/01/08
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I just bought a home with a used GE Profile downdraft cooktop. (1990's) I have new pans and none of them will work. They are flat bottom except for some fine logo's pressed into the bottom. The only ones that will work are some old heavy black bottom ceramic things that came with the house. What else will work on these stoves? It just beeps for a minute or so and then shuts off.
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cynthia
07/10/08
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i have a maytag black with gray spots smooth cooktop. after boiling ribs over the 4th i now have abig shiny smooth black spot on my burner. i have tried everything and to no avail. do you think it is permanet. it of course was purchased in sept 06 so the warranty is over. i havent tried the maas polish its my only hope.
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ellen
07/10/08
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Charlene, it may not be the pots, the life expectancy on these stoves is only about 15 years. Sorry!
Cynthia, This is a chronic problem on the black tops. Do try the Maas, but you may be stuck with it.
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