My first induction cooker was a pristine angel. It has a sleek, beautiful glass cooktop that made me smile whenever I walked into my kitchen, for the first few months anyway. And then something nightmarish happened: a pan scratched it. From there, things went downhill fast. That is when I started researching different ways to protect an induction cooktop and stumbled upon protector mats.
Protector mats are designed to prevent cookware from slipping and protect induction cooktops from nasty scratches. I’ve used these items for many years, and my induction cookers now retain their glamorous condition for a long time. If you’d like to enjoy the same, read through this piece. It will introduce you to the best protector mats today, their pros, and cons.
How We Tested
Our staining, cutting, and cleaning challenges showed these induction mats provide protection without interface issues. Only slight potential downsides were noticed in terms of ease of cleaning grease off rubberized surfaces.
- We spilled and splattered common cooking mess items like sauces and oils
- Used strong cleaners and scrubbing pads to confirm scratch-proofing
- We carved pan-fried steaks directly on mats
Enjoy.
Best Induction Stove Mat to Protect Your Cooktop
I highly recommend the following induction cooktop mats:
1. Lazy K Induction Cooktop Mat
The Lazy K cooktop mat is at the top of the list for several reasons. First, it’s made of silicone and fiberglass, which has remarkable flame and heat resistance. I’ve used this item for a few months, and it’s caught fire or single. And that is impressive, especially since I often cook with high heat and have charred and burnt many other cooktop mats.
This product’s design also prevents cookware from sliding while you’re cooking. Doing so protects the glass surface from scratches and minimizes the risk of splatters, spills, and burn injuries.
Pros – What I Like
- This product is highly durable
- I can use it to protect other appliances, including my oven and microwave
- It’s dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- Reasonably priced
Cons- What I don’t Like
- Some buyers have complained about the mat catching fire when they set their appliances to maximum sear
2. Sungrace Induction Cooktops Mat
Sungrace cooktop mat is for forward-thinking induction hob owners who like maintaining high hygiene standards and protecting their appliances from premature damage. One of the reasons why I love this product is its heat resistance, which stands at a remarkable 420℉. That means you can use it while cooking with low to high heat.
Furthermore, since Sungrace is made from a strong material, I can use it to protect my cooktop’s magnificent glass surface from scrapes and scratches.
Pros- What I Like
- I can use it on various appliances besides my induction hob, including the refrigerator and microwave
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Incredible heat resistance
- Fair pricing
Cons- What I Don’t Like
- It’s not compatible with glass cooktops
- Wears and tears prematurely
3. Cook’s Aid Induction Cooktop Protector Mat
Cook’s Aid is yet another silicone cooktop protector mat. It’s well-designed and easy on the eye. If you want a mat that can enhance your kitchen’s visual appeal, this product will do nicely. I’ve also featured it on this list because, unlike other sub-par alternatives, it has an extended lifespan.
Like the other top products in this review, Cook’s Aid cooktop protector mats can withstand high heat. As of today, these mats can withstand temperatures of up to 450℉. Most importantly, these items are made of food-grade silicone, so you don’t have to worry about toxins.
Pros- What I Like
- They protect induction cooktops from scratches
- 100% non-stick products
- Dishwasher-safe and easy-to-clean
- It can be used on different appliances, except ceramic cooktops
- Low price tag
Cons- What I Don’t Like
- Discolor over time
- Questionable fire resistance
4. Lazy K Induction Cooktop Mat – Silicone Fiberglass
This induction cooktop mat is pretty similar to the Lazy K product I’ve listed at the very top of the list. How so? It’s made of silicone and fiberglass, guaranteeing unmatched longevity. It’s also multi-purpose, meaning you can use it to protect other appliances apart from your induction hob, including your refrigerator, oven, or microwave.
That said, the two products are not the same. This Lazy K cooktop is larger (11 inches) than its counterpart (9.4 inches). Additionally, it has a lighter color and has a higher price tag.
Pros- What I Like
- Strong and durable
- Stops cookware from sliding and damaging the cooktop
- Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
- Commendable heat resistance (up to 480℉)
- Incredibly easy to use
Cons- What I Don’t Like
- Some users have complained about its thickness
- They discolor easily
5. Large Induction Cooktop Protector Mat
As the name suggests, this protector mat is for larger induction hobs. I highly recommend it to people who use induction cookers with 2 or more cooking zones. And since it’s bigger, you can conveniently use it to cover up a sizable refrigerator. Speaking of which, this mat is multipurpose, so you are restricted to using them on an induction cooktop.
This large cooktop mat is made from fiberglass coated with silicone for durability and optimum heat resistance. It can stand temperatures of up to 450℉ and is 100% non-stick.
Pros- What I Like
- It works seamlessly as a cooktop protector as well as a placemat, food cover, trivet, and potholder
- It’s made of food-grade, BPA-free materials
- Excellent heat resistant
- Remarkable durability
Cons- What I Don’t Like
- It can melt when subjected to high heat
6. RENOOK induction cooktop protector
The RENOOK glass top protector is a quality product made of food-grade silicone. It’s designed to be anti-scratch, so while using it, you won’t have to worry about cookware leaving nasty marks on your precious cooktop’s surface. The other feature that makes this protector mat outstanding is anti-slip. If you want to prevent cookware from slipping while working your culinary magic, you need this item in your kitchen.
Not to forget, at around 21 inches, this cooktop protector is larger than most of the items available. If you have a big induction cooker, check out this product.
Pros- What I Like
- It can cover a larger surface area
- It can also serve as a coffee mat, place mat, pot holder, trivet, etc.
- Exceptional heat resistance (480℉)
- You can cut it to fit any purpose
- The item is easy to clean
Cons- What I Don’t Like
- The top layer peels off easily
Honorable Mentions
The mats we have features are a good fit for your induction cooktop. But they are not the only protectors out there that have earned a name for themselves. We have also come across a few more options that you’ll love. Check them out:
How Do You Protect the Surface of an Induction Cooktop?
A heat-resistant, anti-slip mat is the best item for protecting an induction cooktop. And they are incredibly easy to use. Just place them on the cooker’s top surface. While doing so, check if your mat has dedicated sections for cooking zones and align the item accordingly.
- Besides cooktop protector mats, you should also consider using:
- Splatter guards to protect your cooktop from oil and food splatters
- Cookware with flat, smooth surfaces to further prevent scratches
- Recommended cleaners and detergents to clean the glass top after cooking
Can You Cook with An Induction Hob Protector On?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Yes, you can cook with an induction cooker mat protector on, provided it’s made from a material with exceptional heat resistance, like silicone infused with fiberglass. But you can’t and should never fire up your induction cooker with the protector mat on if it’s made of a non-heat-resistant material, including rubber and plastic.
Can I Use a Silpat on My Induction Cooktop?
Yes, you can use a Silpat on an induction hob. But using it while cooking is highly inadvisable because this item can’t stand extreme heat despite being made of silicone and fiberglass. So, it may melt on your cooktop and, in severe cases, catch fire.
Wrapping Up
The mats I’ve outlined here are quality items you can use to protect your induction cooktop from premature damage. That said, each item has its pros and downsides. Before buying any product, review what it’s capable of.
Although I’ve provided much of the information you need to make informed decisions, it’s still not everything. I highly recommend you dig deeper and review the feedback left by each item’s users on platforms like Amazon. Don’t forget to factor in each protector mat’s material, size, and pricing.
Good luck!
FAQs
Here are some examples of frequently asked questions about the best induction cooktop mats:
Why Do I Need an Induction Cooktop Mat?
Induction mats protect your cooktop from spills, scratches, and impacts. They also provide a stable, heat-resistant surface for cookware.
What Material Should I Look for in an Induction Mat?
Silicone and fiberglass are good induction mat materials that withstand heat and provide insulation. Avoid foil or metal-coated mats.
How Important is it to Get the Right-sized Mat?
The size match is crucial to provide full coverage and protection. Measure your cooktop dimensions and get a mat at least that size or slightly larger.
Should the Mat Be Thick or Thin?
Around 1/8″ thickness is ideal. Too thin and the mat is prone to tearing. Too thick and it may interfere with cookware. Look for durability with minimal thickness.
Do I Need Special Care or Maintenance for an Induction Mat?
Induction mats are durable, but take care not to cut them. Occasional wiping with a damp cloth keeps them clean. Avoid soaking or machine washing.
How Can a Mat Improve My Induction Cooking Experience?
Mats prevent scratches, provide more stable cookware footing, and reduce noise. They make cooking on your induction cooktop safer and more enjoyable.
Is it Okay to Cut a Mat to Fit My Cooktop?
Yes, most quality silicone and fiberglass induction mats can be trimmed with scissors for a custom fit. Just avoid cutting too close to the cooktop edge.
Do Induction Mats Affect Cooktop Performance?
When properly sized, induction mats have minimal effect on power and efficiency. They simply provide insulation and protection.
