Glass top stoves have become a favorite in modern kitchens, admired for their sleek look, easy cleaning, and contemporary appeal. Unlike traditional coil burners, which have gaps that trap grease and food debris, these smooth surfaces make cleanup effortless—just a quick wipe, and they look brand new. However, despite their sophisticated design and durable construction, glass top stoves aren’t indestructible. In fact, one seemingly harmless mistake—placing a hot lid directly on the surface—can lead to costly damage, including cracks or even catastrophic breakage.
The Hidden Danger of Hot Lids on Glass Stovetops
At first glance, it seems logical to set a hot lid on your glass stove. After all, the cooktop is designed to handle extreme heat, right? Unfortunately, this small habit can trigger a damaging chain reaction.
The problem arises from how heat interacts between the hot lid and the cool glass surface. When a hot lid is placed face-down, heat becomes trapped, creating a vacuum seal that can make the lid stick to the stove. As the cooktop cools, the temperature difference generates uneven pressure on the glass. Over time, this stress weakens the material, leading to spiderweb-like cracks—or in extreme cases, complete shattering.
While the damage might not be immediately noticeable, repeated use worsens the problem. A small crack can spread as the stove heats and cools during cooking, posing both functional and safety risks.
Why a Cracked Glass Cooktop Is More Than Just an Eyesore
A cracked glass top stove is not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a major safety hazard.
Risk of Shattering – Once a crack forms, the structural integrity of the glass is compromised. Under the right conditions, such as high heat or additional weight, the cooktop can break apart suddenly, sending dangerous shards flying across the kitchen.
Uneven Cooking – Cracks can interfere with the heating elements, causing uneven heat distribution. This could result in poorly cooked meals, inconsistent temperatures, and even burnt food.
Electrical Hazards – More critically, deep cracks can expose internal electrical components, increasing the risk of electric shock or even a fire hazard.
Given these risks, prevention is essential to extending the life of your glass cooktop and keeping your kitchen safe.
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My friends grandfather passed and he grabbed these but has no idea what that are.
Mid-century nutcracker, possibly 1940s or 1950s. A sharp tool used to extract the edible part of a nut.
They are used to clean the shells of nuts, especially chestnuts! My grandparents had a wooden bowl that looked like a hollowed-out tree trunk with holes to hold them and a slot for a nutcracker as well!
They come with the corresponding cracking tools for seafood. Lobster, crab, etc. You crack the shells and use the picks to extract the meat from the small areas.
After cracking a nut, use them to extract the flesh. I remember this from my childhood.
