Glass top stoves have become popular in many kitchens because they look sleek and are easy to clean. However, there’s an important thing many owners don’t know that can cause serious damage: never put a hot lid down directly on the glass surface.
I learned this the hard way. One evening, after simmering soup, I took the hot lid off and set it facedown on the stove. Within minutes, I heard cracking and saw spiderweb-like cracks spreading across the glass. It was shocking that one small action could cause such a problem.
The reason lies in physics. When the hot lid’s inner surface touches the cooler glass, heat gets trapped underneath, creating a vacuum seal. This causes pressure to build in the airtight space, and as the surrounding glass cools, the temperature difference stresses the surface and causes it to crack.
This cracking might happen immediately or take some time, making it unpredictable. A shattered stove top is not just expensive to fix; it’s dangerous. Hot glass shards can cause injuries and make cleanup difficult.
To avoid this, never place hot lids directly on your glass stove. Use a heat-safe surface like a trivet, silicone mat, or a countertop. It’s a small change that prevents costly damage and keeps you safe.
Glass stoves add beauty to your kitchen but require caution. My mistake served as a painful lesson—taking a few extra seconds to set down hot lids safely could save you from replacing your stove and risking injury.
