LIP, I use a product called COOK TOP Cleaning Cream for Smooth Top Ranges. I also use, and some will scream, a paint
pealer with a single edge razor blade. B U T you must be very careful and hold the blade at a very low angle. Use it ONLY for heavy spills, etc. The cleaning cream works great and the stove stop SHINES!!
I find the product at Home Depot, Sears, and sometimes Wal Mart.
Weldon

I like to use a Silpat mat under the pan. It keeps the pan from sliding around and just has a nice feel. I have two which are 10" diameter, made for use in a microwave. You can also put a paper towel or parchment under the pan.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silpat Mat

Does using the silpat effect how quickly the unit heats?

Kas,
I'm only familiar with the "silpat" brand pads with the red border. Where would I find red silicone pads that take the higher heat?

I do not know about these silpat pads...any links?
Thanks.
LIP

I use a silpat and definitely notice a reduction in effectiveness vs without. We have the de Dietrich 309x

"I do not know about these silpat pads...any links?"

http://www.google.com/search?q=silpat
.
.

I am on my second De Dietrich induction 309X. (two houses and two remodels) I love the cooktop and had no mishaps with the first. But the second is a different story.
I was using three burners at once - things were very hot and I had a ceramic spoon rest between the burners. When all was said and done, I noticed an imprint of the spoon rest in several different places that will not come off. I have used vinegar, etc. and am at a loss on how to remove it.Hope it is not permanent

We are on our fourth year with our Brandt and no scratching issues at all. I clean it with any spray cleaner and paper towels.

I regularly use cast iron and shake the pans. The ceramic is tough, I wouldn't worry about it.

Paper burns a 451F*. I've routinely used a paper towel under a fry pan when cooking bacon/sausage. I seeen it scorch lightly once or twice, but I had it cranked up.

I would think that using silicone pads would also insulate the cooktop surface from the pan heat, thereby reducing the heat load on the electronics inside the cooktop, thereby extending the lifespan of those electronics.

I don't see how using a silicone pad would inhibit induction performance, the silicone pad shouldn't interfere with the magnet field.

I thought that nothing burns on with the induction so can't you just wipe it off? I just put a deposit down for a Wolf induction cooktop and was real excited to hear the top will stay clean.
SO----- was the sales guy pilling my arm?

If the pad is thick it will keep the pad further from the top and reduce performance. If you burn something on the cooktop you have had a very high heat for a long time and the glass right around the pan backs on. In 6 months of operation that has not happened yet.

I've burnt things on the top- liquids that spilled and got under the pot or pan- or maybe egg white that got under the pan, then the pan heats up and bakes it on. Its very easy to clean but on occasion I've used a razor blade. Hardly ever.

He was right, but there are no absolutes.

I have a 36" Kitchenaid induction cooktop installed the Monday after Thanksgiving . . . so far, no problems with anything burning on or scratching. I've done all clean up with a wet, slightly soapy sponge, followed by a buffing with a microfibre cloth. The microfibre cloth is key, I think, to avoiding streaks; I bought a pack of about 20 at Costco. All said, I love my cooktop - if anything, it's easier to clean and subsequently cleaner than any stove I've owned in 30 years.

datura, the induction cooktop does not heat, but the pans do. The pans will heat the cooktop slightly, and they can scorch paper towels or burn food onto the cooktop. But far less likely and cleanup should be much easier since the cooktop itself should not get hotter than a couple hundred degress, vs 400-600 degrees for the ceramic/glass top and the pans themselves.

I find the SilPat baking pads to be great. I have also tried the Le Creuset ones, but they are too thick and definitely cut down dramatically on the induction performance.

If the SilPat's cut down on performance, it is so
miniscule as to be not noticeable to me.

The SilPat's come in rectangular and octagonal shapes. The octagonal ones most closely fit the shape of the burners, but they both work equally well.

There are various ceramic cleaners on the market and most work quite well. Often a spritz of Windex or white vinegar and water does the job of removing oil splatters.

It is also handy having a single-edged razor if you ever get something baked onto the surface. It is a very rare occurence, due to the nature of induction cooking, but it can occur if you are cooking at the highest levels and something gets under the pan.

Compared to cleaning a gas rangetop or electric cooktop, induction cooktops are far easier to clean.

Greg

I have the Viking hybrid and I have noticed rings around the burner areas. It's beginning to look like scratches, or the finish is coming off. I primarily use the induction side (wish I had gotten the full induction!!), but most of the "scratching" has been with the other burners. Could it really be that the glass top is cracking? I really don't want to have to through the PITB warranty call if it's nothing. But if the glass is cracking, I'm hoping it can be replaced. It's only a year old. Not sure what to make of this but I wouldn't trade for anything - love induction cooking.
gneegirl

I have used both silicon and paper towels. Paper towels are better and cheaper. Paper works perfectly even at high temp.

Paper towels will burn at high heat especially when using Cast Iron. It is also something that you don't want people to do incase they reproduce using paper on an electric cooktop. Most people don't know the difference between induction and electric ceran tops. Silicon for some cooktops also provides a slight air gap from the induction surface when using cast iron pans in particular.

Good luck!