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The 14 Best Stovetop Cleaners of 2024

Say goodbye to stubborn grease and grime.

A stovetop cleaner we recommend on a light green background
Photo:

Real Simple / Amelia Manley

The stove might be one of the grossest parts of your kitchen, especially if you’re a messy cook. That’s why it’s important to have an effective stovetop cleaner that can remove burnt-on grease and bits of food.

To find the best stovetop cleaners, we spent hours researching the various options on the market, considering factors like versatility, ingredients, ability to clean certain materials, and ability to de-grease. We also asked Emma Barton, cleaning expert and founder of Steam Clean Queen; and Sara San Angelo, professional house cleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady, for recommendations and tips on how to use—and choose—a stovetop cleaner.

What Stands Out
  • It's safe for multiple types of stovetops.

What Could Be Improved
  • People with stainless steel stovetops might want to opt for a product designed for that particular surface.

The Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner is hands-down the best option to thoroughly clean almost any stovetop surface. The liquid cleaner, which comes recommended by the cleaning expert we spoke to, is powerful enough to remove grease, grime, and hard-water mineral deposits on smooth stovetops. It's safe to use on various surface types, including glass, ceramic, enamel, and porcelain. The formula uses organic citric acid as its active ingredient and doesn't contain harsh chemicals or phosphates.

While this is a stovetop cleaner, many people also use it on sinks, glass shower doors, and fridge doors/handles because it's so effective. It can even be used to remove metal tarnish on chrome, copper, and brass, which makes it the most versatile cleaner on our list.

However, there are some things that you shouldn't use this cleaner on, like gold, silver, stone (like marble and granite), and lacquered or mirrored surfaces. It's also worth noting that people with stainless steel stovetops might want to opt for a product designed for that particular surface. That's because some stainless steel appliances may have a protective coating that could be damaged by certain cleaners—so you should always double-check your stove manufacturer's guidelines.

Type: Liquid | Size: 13 ounces

What Stands Out
  • It's a great all-in-one kit for those with glass or ceramic stovetops.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not ideal if you only need a liquid cleaner.

Sometimes cleaning your stovetop requires more than just a liquid cleaner. For an all-in-one kit, the Affresh Cooktop Cleaning Kit comes with everything you need to deep clean glass and ceramic stovetops. This kit includes a razor scraper to carefully remove even the tiniest bits of residue and burnt food bits, a liquid stovetop cleaner for a streak-free shine, and five cleaning pads to keep your stovetop clean and free of any buildup.

The brand recommends first scraping off as much grime as you can, then following up by applying the cleaner directly on the stove. Finally, you should rub it all in with the cleaning pad and then buff the surface with a soft, dry cloth. While the liquid cleaner bottle that comes with the kit is quite small, you can purchase it in a larger bottle when you need a refill.

Type: Kit (liquid cleaner, cleaning pads, and razor scraper) | Size: 5 ounces (cleaner), 4 x 2.5 inches (pads)

What Stands Out
  • Easily clean glass stovetops without the need for a separate liquid cleaner.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not suitable for gas ranges or stainless steel stovetops.

Glass stovetops are notoriously hard to clean due to their sensitivity to streaks and scratches, but these Scotch-Brite Glass Cooktop Pads will make the surface sparkling clean without any damage. The small yet mighty pads have a finely textured surface that can clean glass stovetops without the use of any chemicals. They're effective on their own, so all you need to do is add water and your cooktop will be clean and scratch-free. Best of all, these pads are reusable, and you can pop them in the dishwasher or rinse them clean.

For particularly greasy or burnt messes, the brand recommends adding a few drops of dish soap and warm water to the surface, scrubbing thoroughly, and then wiping off the mess with a clean cloth or paper towel. You can also get the version that comes with a wand, which attaches to a similar pad and may be more comfortable to hold in your hand while scrubbing tough, stuck-on food.

Type: Pads | Size: 5.1 x 3 x 0.9 inches

What Stands Out
  • The degreasing formula helps break up burnt food, grease, grime, stains, and hard-to-remove residue from gas ranges.

What Could Be Improved
  • You wouldn't want to use it to clean cast iron or aluminum surfaces.

It can be tough to thoroughly clean gas ranges and grates, but this stovetop cleaner from Weiman can help make it an effortless everyday task. The cleaning solution, which is also a degreaser, will help loosen up burnt food, grease, grime, stains, and hard-to-remove residue so your gas range looks polished and clean—even after heavy use. To use, simply spray the product on a cooled-off gas range, let it sit for a bit (up to 30 minutes for super tough messes), and wipe it all away with a sponge or paper towel.

In addition to gas ranges and stovetops, you can also use this cleaner on grills, grates, drip pans, and certain types of bakeware (like Pyrex). While the formula contains some harsher ingredients that can cause irritation when in direct contact with the skin or eyes, it's still the most effective option for gas ranges when used as directed.

Type: Liquid spray | Size: 12 ounces

What Stands Out
  • The mildly abrasive formula is perfect for removing stains and restoring shine to ceramic surfaces.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not safe for stainless steel surfaces.

When you have a ceramic stovetop, cleaning and maintenance are essential to keeping a smooth cooking surface. The Cerama Bryte Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner is designed especially for ceramic stovetops, and it's great for removing stains (whether from boiled-over pasta water or spilled soup) and restoring that like-new shine. For best results, apply the cleaning solution to the stovetop once it has cooled, scrub it with a sponge or pad, and wipe off any excess with a paper towel.

The mildly abrasive formula is free of substances and ingredients that would cause damage to your ceramic stovetop, but, as with all cleaning products, make sure you avoid contact with your skin and eyes. In addition to ceramic stovetops, this product can also be used on glass and porcelain—but it's not safe for stainless steel surfaces, unfortunately.

Type: Liquid | Size: 18 ounces

Best Stainless Steel Stovetop Cleaner

TriNova Cleaner & Polish

Amazon TriNova Premium Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish
PHOTO: Amazon
What Stands Out
  • It's very effective on stainless steel stovetops and appliances.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not for those who are very sensitive to fragrance.

Stainless steel appliances, when properly cleaned and polished, can stand out in any kitchen. But if the surface is smudged and dirty, even the fanciest kitchen can look messy and neglected. Luckily, this cleaner and polish from TriNova is very effective on stainless steel. It's designed to clean the grimiest surfaces in your kitchen, including stovetops, range hoods, and oven and dishwasher doors.

Simply spray the solution on a dry microfiber cloth (one comes with the cleaner!) and wipe the surface thoroughly to get rid of stains, smudges, fingerprints, grease, water spots, and dust. The cleaner’s formula is non-abrasive, so it won’t leave behind streaks or scratches—just note that it’s not designed to remove existing scratches from stainless steel surfaces. But it does contain fragrance, which might be a downside for people who are super sensitive to scented products.

Type: Liquid spray | Size: 18 ounces

Best Natural Stovetop Cleaner

Everneat Soft Scrub

Everneat Soft Scrub
PHOTO: Everneat
What Stands Out
  • The cleaner contains pumice stone to gently scrub away grease, grime, and other buildup.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not for those who prefer liquid or spray cleaning products.

Many stovetop cleaners are formulated with strong chemicals and harsh ingredients, but you can still get a squeaky clean surface with an all-natural cleaner. We especially love this one from Everneat, which is a natural scrub that doesn't sacrifice effectiveness. The paste-like formula will take away grease, grime, and other buildup from your appliances. To use on a stovetop, gently scrub the paste with a sponge and wipe it off with a damp microfiber cloth.

You aren't limited to using it in the kitchen, though: It's also great for cleaning tubs and toilets in the bathroom. The natural stovetop cleaner comes in two different scents that use soothing blends of essential oils, as well as an unscented version. The brand also makes a scrub that's designed for cleaning ovens, which contains pumice stone as an abrasive.

Type: Paste | Size: 16 ounces

Best Stovetop Cleaner for Burnt-on Grease

Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser

Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser
PHOTO: Amazon
What Stands Out
  • It efficiently breaks down tough burnt-on messes on all types of kitchen surfaces.

What Could Be Improved
  • People with sensitive skin will need to wear rubber gloves when using this heavy-duty cleaner.

Trying to remove burnt-on grease and food may be the most frustrating part of cleaning a stovetop, especially after you've tried just about everything to scrub it off. That's why Goo Gone's Kitchen Degreaser is so helpful. The powerful foaming cleaner will dissolve baked-on grease and help tough messes break down—all without harming your stovetop's surface. It's an effective way to remove burnt-on grime from all types of kitchen surfaces, including cookware, countertops, microwaves, tile, and ceramic.

Just spray the cleaner directly onto the desired areas, let the foam sit for a couple of minutes, and wipe the surface clean with a sponge or paper towel. If you're applying it anywhere that might come in direct contact with food (like a countertop), make sure you rinse the surface afterward. Since this stovetop cleaner is so heavy-duty, the brand suggests that people with sensitive skin wear rubber gloves while using the product.

Type: Foam spray | Size: 14 or 28 ounces

Best Everyday Stovetop Cleaner

Weiman Cooktop Daily Cleaner

Walmart Weiman Cooktop Daily Cleaner
PHOTO: Walmart
What Stands Out
  • It adds a streak-free shine to many surfaces.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not for tough stains and grease.

Maintaining a clean stovetop makes your kitchen look sparkling fresh, and we love the Weiman Cooktop Daily Cleaner for everyday, quick polishing. Due to its non-abrasive formula, this cleaner is safe for various surfaces including glass, enamel, glazed porcelain, and ceramic. If you like to cook often, this cleaner easily removes pesky oil splatter, food spills, stains, and light grease and grime. We especially love that it adds a streak-free shine and is suitable for gas ranges, microwaves, and range hoods, too. While it may not cut through tougher stains and burnt-on grease, it’s effective for daily stovetop maintenance.

Type: Spray | Size: 12 ounces | Compatible surfaces: Glass, glazed porcelain, glazed ceramic, enamel, stainless steel

What Stands Out
  • The value is excellent, especially considering its size.

What Could Be Improved
  • It may take a few tries to work thoroughly.

If you’ve noticed that your stovetop needs deep cleaning, opt for the Easy Off Heavy Duty Cleaner Degreaser, which can handle the toughest grease messes. We like that it’s versatile enough for various surfaces, including glass, chrome, stainless steel, porcelain, marble, enamel, and even concrete. Aside from a greasy stovetop, you can also use this cleaner on your backsplash, counters, oven, and sink. It also has a light lemon scent that leaves your kitchen counters and stovetop smelling fresh, but not overwhelmingly fragrant. 

Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Compatible surfaces: Hard, non-porous surfaces

What Stands Out
  • It adds a shine to glass stovetops.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not meant for tough messes.

A sparkling stovetop can distinguish a messy kitchen from a clean one, so if you want a polish to imbue shine, try the Scotch-Brite Scratch-Free Rejuvenating Glass Cooktop Polish. This water-based polish is made with natural ingredients and has a non-abrasive formula, so you can use it confidently on your glass stovetop with a clean cloth or paper towel. 

While this polish isn't for tough messes, it excels at adding a brilliant shine while removing some stains. We also think it’s great for adding a lustrous finish after deep cleaning on your glass stovetop, and you can pair it with other Scotch-Brite products, like the cooktop pads or the glass cooktop wand, for a complete clean. 

Type: Liquid | Size: 12 ounces | Compatible surfaces: Glass

Best Multipurpose Stovetop Cleaner

Method Heavy Duty Degreaser

Method Heavy Duty Degreaser
PHOTO: Amazon
What Stands Out
  • It has a light yet refreshing lemongrass scent.

What Could Be Improved
  • It requires quite a bit of elbow grease.

Barton and San Angelo say you can use a multi-purpose cleaner on your stovetop, but what about using a stovetop cleaner as a multi-purpose cleaner? The Method Heavy Duty Degreaser is made with plant-based ingredients that power through grease, oil, food splatters, and even burnt-on messes. Best of all, you can use it on just about any surface in your home including glass, stainless steel, porcelain, and burner grates. Our favorite quality, however, is the light and refreshing lemongrass scent that smells clean but not chemical. 

While this cleaner may require some elbow grease and a couple of sprays for an effective clean on tough messes, this versatile plant-based cleaner is a great product to keep in your cleaning arsenal. 

Type: Spray | Size: 28 ounces | Compatible surfaces: Glass, granite, porcelain, counters, stainless steel

What Stands Out
  • It has 10 stainless steel blades for tough messes.

What Could Be Improved
  • It has small assembly parts.

If you have tried every stovetop cleaner and can’t cut through those old burnt-on messes, it may be time to use a scraper. The Gomake Locking Razor Blade Scraper has an anti-slip handle and safety screw lock that holds the blade in place so you can get rid of all that stovetop gunk safely and effectively. 

We like that it has 10 stainless steel blades and a storage compartment in the handle, so you don’t have to hunt for replacement blades while cleaning. You can also use it to remove stickers and labels from glass and metal; scrape off oil and food buildup from your oven door; or get rid of old caulk from a bathtub. 

While we like this scraper for tough, burnt-on messes, handle it carefully—especially when assembling or changing the blade. Once you get the hang of this handy tool, you can easily restore your stovetop to its former glory.

Type: Plastic, steel blades | Size: 4.4 x 2 inches | Compatible surfaces: Glass, enamel, ceramic, tile, metal, vinyl

What Stands Out
  • The pads are non-abrasive but can remove grease and burnt-on messes.

What Could Be Improved
  • They don’t last long, so you may need to purchase them semi-frequently.

If you want a cleaning pad to accompany your stovetop cleaner, try the Weiman Cook Top Scrubbing Pads. You can use these non-abrasive pads on ceramic and glass stovetops without scratching the surface while getting rid of tough grease, grime, and burnt-on messes. Add a few drops of dish soap or your favorite stovetop cleaner for a streak-free shine. 

Keep in mind that you may need to buy some replacement pads after a few uses since these aren’t incredibly long-lasting. However, we think their effectiveness is worth it. 

Type: Scrubbing pads | Size: 3 x 2 x 5 inches | Compatible surfaces: Ceramic, glass

Final Verdict

The best and most effective choice for most stovetops is Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner. We love that the expert-recommended formula works on a variety of surfaces, and it's even versatile enough to clean other parts of your home (including sinks and showers). For tougher messes (like burnt-on grease), we recommend Goo Gone's Kitchen Degreaser, which is a foaming spray that cuts through stubborn grease and grime with ease.

How to Shop for a Stovetop Cleaner Like a Pro

Stove Material

Not all stovetops and gas ranges are made of the same materials. Stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and enamel are some of the most common types. It’s important to know what type of stove you have so you don’t accidentally buy a cleaner that could damage the surface. San Angelo says household cleaners are not the best option for cleaning your stovetop. 

“You don't want to use abrasive cleaners or vinegar on stainless steel,” she says. “Vinegar is too acidic and can damage the protective layer of the stainless steel while abrasive cleaners can scratch stainless steel.”

Many cleaners list the recommended surface types on the back of the bottle and the product page, but if you’re ever unsure, you can test it out with a small amount. “It's always wise to try them on some invisible or inconspicuous area on your stove before going full blast,” says Barton.

Mess Type

If your stovetop is particularly messy and in need of more TLC, Barton recommends checking the label to make sure you're buying the most effective cleaner. "The golden rule of thumb is if it says 'heavy-duty degreaser,' she says. "However, use [these types of cleaners] on gas stoves or stainless steel stoves only."

Another tool that can help you tackle tough messes is a razor scraper, which usually works best on glass stovetops that need a completely smooth surface. However, it's important to use scrapers with caution to avoid causing irreparable scratches.

Ingredients

Getting rid of baked-on grease, stains, smudges, dust, oil, and other grime on stovetops takes quite a bit of power. This usually entails formulas that contain chemicals such as ethanolamine and sodium hydroxide. That's why you should always make sure to follow the cleaner's instructions and take the recommended safety precautions. You can also opt for a natural cleaner as an alternative to chemical formulas.

If a store-bought cleaner is not for you, another option that Barton recommends is making a homemade mixture using household ingredients. "Vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide are all-mighty cleaning combos that can outperform even the most expensive cleaners," she says. "Vinegar and baking soda are a bit more aggressive when combined, so always use them on stainless steel, gas, or electric stovetops. Just be sure to have patience and lots of elbow grease!"

Questions You Might Ask

Can you use glass cleaner on glass stovetops?

If you have smooth glass stovetops, it might be tempting to spray a bit of glass cleaner for a quick clean and shine. Luckily, both San Angelo and Barton say it’s totally fine to do this.

"Besides removing grime from your windows, glass cleaners are the cavalry in cleaning your glass stovetop spotless," she says. "With chemicals designed to evaporate before you even blink, they don't leave any water marks or residue."

Can you use oven cleaner on stovetops?

Oven cleaners are powerful degreasers that can make a dirty oven look brand new after a thorough cleaning. However, cleaning your stovetop with an oven cleaner can be tricky because it highly depends on the material.

"Whatever you do, don't use oven cleaners on glass or glass-ceramic stovetops," says Barton. "However, oven cleaners are perfectly safe to use on electric stovetops, since their surface is coated with a special heat-treated paint that'll stand the test of oven cleaners."

Can you use an all-purpose cleaner on stovetops?

All-purpose sprays are another type of cleaning product that's probably not the best option for stovetops. Most enamel cooktops could handle an all-purpose cleaner, but Barton recommends avoiding it on glass-ceramic and stainless steel stovetops.

"Depending on the brand, some all-purpose cleaners can discolor the stainless steel, making it go black or even purple," she says.

While all-purpose cleaners are pretty gentle, San Angelo says they may not be suitable for heavy duty jobs. She also recommends checking the ingredients and the intended use of the all-purpose cleaner and doing a spot test on your stovetop before you clean its entirety.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, she spent hours researching stovetop cleaners. She also received recommendations and tips on how to shop for stovetop cleaners from Emma Barton, cleaning expert and founder of Steam Clean Queen; and Sara San Angelo, professional house cleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady.

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