How durable is the cooktop? Is the surface prone to scratching and if so does it have any effect on performance? null

Question

SaltwaterJohn · Accepted Answer

Background...We've had the LG 4616 induction range for 2 weeks. After 30 years of gas cooktops, we decided to go with new technology. It was a good decision. Regarding the cooktop surface...It seems durable and able to withstand daily use without scratching. One observation...thoroughly clean the the bottom of your pots. Remove all built-up and burnt on food, etc. Haven't tried it yet, but dragging old cast iron with residue on the bottom might scratch the cooktop, so clean the bottom first. Also, keep the cooktop clean. There are plenty of products, even water and a clean rag will work. I noticed you can buy silicone induction cooktop mats to protect the surface and you can slide your pots and skillets on that. 
Summary:
1. The cooktop surface doesn't seem prone to scratching, if you keep the bottom of your vessels clean.
2. I have no idea about scratching and its impact on induction performance.
Note: This glass-ceramic surface seems pretty tough and resilient.

William · Answer

Short answer - I'd say that it's reasonably durable and I don't have any long-term concerns about the surface. After a few months of being used multiple times per day, it still looks like it did on the first day that we got it. You don't need to handle it with kid gloves, but don't be dumb about it, either. 

Longer answer - I can really only think of two situations where you'd scratch the surface: when sliding your pots/pans around and when being cleaned. 

I'm not obsessive, I still give my pans a little jiggle now and then when stirring, but I do try to limit the amount that I slide things around (one of the nice things is that the bigger burners are up front, so you're not tempted to put your full, heavy stockpot down and then slide it to the back burners). I also make sure that the bottoms of my pans are reasonably clean and smooth, so that I don't go dragging barnacles across the glass, and I keep the cooktop clean from debris as well. 

As far as being scratched when cleaning, no concerns whatsoever. The surface is *very* easy to keep clean - I've never needed anything more than a damp paper towel, so no scratchy pads or abrasive cleaners. Stuff just doesn't get as caked-on as it does with non-induction cooktops. Ease of cleaning is a big selling point with this range.

Papertowels · Answer

I saw a post online and then some videos about how you can place a paper towel between your pans and cook top since it uses magnetic fields to heat the metal. The paper does stop the field from getting through to the pan. On higher power levels creating more heat the paper towels become a little blackened from the heat of the pan, but does not catch on fire. This method keeps your pans from touching the glass and doesn’t scratch the surface. I recommend however that you try this at your own risk as the chemicals that might be in a paper towel or the carbon from the paper may effect the finish of you glass cooktop. I can tell you it does work and the paper hasn’t caught on fire even with the highest setting of power boil. Of course, DO NOT put paper inside the oven.

Answered by Papertowels 5 years ago

Kato · Answer

I have owned this oven since November. Although I am careful, I have used cast iron on the cook top and it still looks like new.

XENA · Answer

The cook top is very durable. It hasn’t scratched but we do treat it with respect. We use Weismann glass top cleaner. Cleaning instructions included, and we follow them.. You will need magnetic cookware if no one told you. We use cast iron and cuisnart that I tested with a magnet. Target has the most affordable. Take a magnet when you shop.

Answered by XENA 5 years ago

Verified Purchase

LG Digital Customer Care · Answer

Use ceramic cooktop cleaner on the glass cooktop. Other creams may not be as effective or may scratch, damage or stain the cooktop surface. To maintain and protect the surface of the glass cooktop, follow these steps:
1 Before using the cooktop for the first time, clean it with a ceramic cooktop cleaner. This helps protect the top and makes cleanup easier.
2 Use ceramic cooktop cleaner daily to help keep the cooktop looking new.
3 Shake the cleaning cream well. Apply a few drops of cleaner directly to the cooktop.
4 U se a paper towel to clean the entire cooktop surface.
5 Rinse with clear water and use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove all cleaning residue. ^CP

“How durable is the cooktop? Is the surface prone to scratching and if so does it have any effect on performance?”

1-6 of 6 Answers