The $22 Solution Induction Stove Owners Swear by to Keep Cooktops Scratch-Free – And It Works Instantly

Induction stove mats are perfect for keeping your stove protected and looking brand new

A kitchen with rustic wooden cabinets, and red marble counters and backsplashes. A matching island with black and while tile surround.
(Image credit: Wood Works Brighton)

Induction cooktops are becoming an increasingly popular choice when renovating a kitchen, offering an energy-efficient, safe, and, most importantly, sleek option for modern kitchens.

However, even with toughened glass surfaces, these counter-level installations can become scratched or marked after years of sliding the best induction cookware across them, which can dull their sleek aesthetic.

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How Induction Mats Keep the Heart of Your Kitchen Looking Its Best for Years

When comparing induction vs. electric stovetops, induction comes out on top for speed and efficiency. They are also easier to clean when closing down a kitchen after dinner, with a toughened glass top designed to stand up to everyday use.

That said, without proper care, they are still susceptible to discoloration, scratches, and burnt-on food residue from splashes.

Induction cooktop mats, available in various sizes to fit any ring size, are designed to sit between the stove and your pan. They catch spills, reduce rattling from heavy cookware, and make cleanup much easier. Instead of scrubbing the glass after every meal, you can simply wipe or rinse the mat.

Because induction heating relies on a magnetic field that heats the cookware itself, rather than the glass surface, the mat can remain safely in place while cooking. As long as the material is specifically designed for induction use, heat still transfers efficiently to the pan while the cooktop remains protected. It may slow down the process marginally, but not so much as to make it an inconvenience in your nightly routine.

What Shoppers Say

A pot boiling on Novy's UnderCover Induction Hob

The mats also work perfectly for seamless worktop induction stoves, protecting the surface from marks.

(Image credit: Novy)

In one five-star review left by Ruby, they shared, 'These silicone protectors are a lifesaver for anyone as picky as me about how their cooktop looks and lasts. I use these every single time a pan touches the burner. Every time. I don’t have a single scratch on my glass top, and I’ve been using it for two years.

'They wash easily and hold up well. I can’t recommend them enough! Buy them, you won’t be disappointed.'

They are an uncomplicated addition that instantly helps to make your kitchen look more expensive and maintain that 'just fitted' appeal.

What Else to Shop

Small investments that blend seamlessly into your space without compromising functionality can work wonders in making a kitchen feel more luxurious, and keeping it that way for years to come.

Here, I’ve selected six useful items to help you protect your kitchen without it ever feeling like hard work.


With your kitchen protected, next, brush up on how to clean a kitchen naturally to protect your health and your surfaces from the negative effects of harsh chemicals.

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Chiana Dickson
Kitchen Appliances Editor

Chiana is Homes & Gardens’ kitchen appliances editor. With a lifelong passion for cooking and baking, she grew up experimenting in the kitchen every weekend with her baking-extraordinaire Mom, has spent time cooking with Le Creuset's expert chefs, and has developed a great understanding of how tools and appliances can make or break your ideal relaxing kitchen routine.