Glass cooktops are stylish and easy to maintain, but they come with a surprising risk: putting a hot lid face down on the glass can cause it to crack. I experienced this firsthand one evening after cooking, when setting a hot lid down triggered loud cracking and nasty damage.
The science is simple. The hot underside of the lid traps heat against the cool cooktop. This trapped heat forms a vacuum seal that builds pressure, while the glass cools unevenly. Since glass cannot handle sudden stress well, it cracks under the strain.
Cracks may appear right away or hours later, so the damage can catch you off guard. Broken glass cooktops are dangerous and expensive to repair, so preventing damage is key.
Always place hot lids on mats, trivets, or counters—not directly on the stove. It’s a quick and easy habit that protects your kitchen and safety.
Glass tops are beautiful but need careful use. Don’t risk your stove’s condition for a few seconds of convenience.
