Ceranfelder

Ceranfelder are flat cooking surfaces installed in many electric and hybrid stoves. The top is made of glass-ceramic material, most commonly branded as Ceran, developed by Schott AG. The smooth, heat-resistant surface allows cooking with various heating methods while enabling easy cleaning and a modern look.

Heating is provided either by radiant electric elements beneath the glass or by induction coils that heat cookware directly. Some models combine zones of both types. Induction requires ferromagnetic pots and pans; radiant cooktops work with most cookware that tolerates high temperatures.

Advantages include a seamless surface, easy cleaning, and generally fast heating with induction. Disadvantages include risk of scratching or cracking from impact, potential thermal shock, and the need for flat, well-fitting cookware; spills should be cleaned promptly to prevent residue burns.

Common safety features are residual heat indicators, automatic shut-off, child locks, and pan-detection in induction models. Maintenance tips: let the surface cool before cleaning; use soft cloths and non-abrasive cleaners; avoid sugar and other sticky residues; do not use metal scrubbers. A ceramic scraper can remove hardened deposits after cooling.

Origin: Ceran glass-ceramic surfaces were developed in the 1970s by Schott AG and became widely adopted in household kitchens, especially in Europe. The term Ceran is often used generically in German-speaking contexts to refer to glass-ceramic cooktops.