You just want to make sure that whatever you clean the cooktop with that it won't scratch. So Comet is out. BonAmi is in.

Every electric range that I know of has a broiler, even the cheapest. It's the top element IN the oven, not in the storage drawer below. Check your owner's manual and oven knob settings.

You can find Cerama Bryte or something similar at supermarkets / WalMart. Couple of microfiber cloths too. And a razor scraper meant for window glass from the paint or tool section.

When you want to clean, run the scraper over the cool surface like a little snowplow trying to remove paint from, a window. If it slows down and dirt starts collecting on the blade keep going but turn the scraper over after every four or five strokes and also change direction on the range from side end to side end then try scraping front to back, or whatever way suits you. When you finish you should notice that the scraper now slides much easier than at the start of cleaning. If there doesn't seem to be any difference and dirt is scarce the burners were quite clean already!

Now use a little cleaner and a folded paper towel and rub firmly starting at the burner areas just like you would doing a bathroom sink. If the paper starts to discolor you are doing fine and are almost finished that area. Don't let the cleaner residue dry out on the surface! Use your cloth to remove it and finish buffing it. Looks great!

Don't worry if the cleaner dries out on you if you try to cover too much at once. It won't hurt anything and will give a great shine when you finally manage to rub it all off after using lots of paper towels and elbow grease.

Oops, forgot something. Be certain your pots and pans have nice flat bottoms and they stay that way when they heat up. You don't want anything with a warped bottom going into a spin when you start stirring or you bump it.

If you have a boil over with something other than just water try to lift or slide the pot away from the burner and onto a paper towel. Shut off burner and let it cool down.