When glass top ranges first hit the scene branded as the next generation of cooking, buyers embraced the modern look along with what manufacturers promised to be an easy to clean cooktop compared to traditional stoves. Except there’s one problem: Cleaning a glass top range is easier said than done.
Between having to purchase special cleaning products (who knew a stovetop scraper was a thing?) and even avoiding certain cookware, the enthusiasm for the newest electric ranges waned—but Whirlpool is looking to change that story with its latest innovation, WipeClean technology.
With extensive testing to prove the feature is more than just a hype, Whirlpool reminds buyers why it remains a top brand for today’s homeowners. Learn more about the brand’s latest innovation in this full guide where we take a closer look at why this easy clean glass top stove feature has buyers and experts excited.
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Shop Whirlpool RangesThe Problem with Traditional Glass Top Ranges
There’s no doubt the latest versions of electric ranges have sleek appeal, but looks aside, they’re often dubbed the Fabergé eggs of cooking appliances.
For one, their glass surfaces are susceptible to scratches, and that’s a bigger problem than aesthetics alone. Once exposed, a scratched glass top cooktop is a haven for messes, which eventually burn and embed themselves into the surface.
But even impeccably intact glass range surfaces have their kryptonite. Burnt-on messes such as sauces and debris are doubly offensive since users have to wait until the surface is completely cool to clean messes—and by that time, spills have hardened into harder to clean messes than they first were.
Splashing some water onto spills is tempting, but as many owners have discovered, large temperature differences and glass cooktops don’t mix and often result in cracking and damage.
As a result, the modern stove cleaning method looks something like:
- Wait for the range cooktop to cool.
- Once cooled, apply a safe cleanser and gently scrub away messes using a safe scrubber; anything abrasive such as steel wool is not compatible.
- Wipe away messes and repeat as necessary.
- For stuck-on messes, apply water for up to 45 minutes; if messes still stick, use a stove top cleaner.
And while the process is less intense than scrubbing gas burners, the solution is far from perfect. But with Whirlpool WipeClean coating, the amount of work that goes into cleaning a glass top stove drastically changes. Here’s how the new cooktop technology works.
Feature Spotlight: Whirlpool WipeClean Technology
The genius behind WipeClean surfaces is on a microscopic level. That’s because traditional glass top stoves are porous, and these open gaps are where messes lock in, making them difficult to remove.
In other words, messes on traditional glass cooktops literally link to the chemical makeup of glass—which any smooth top range owner knows is a pain to separate without some effort. So, Whirlpool went back to the drawing board, and after extensive testing, the manufacturer discovered the key to cleaning glass cooktop surfaces: water molecules.
Knowing the problem at hand, Whirlpool developed a special stovetop coating with a unique chemical construction where water perfectly fits inside, acting as a natural barrier between food messes and the cooking surface. By saturating WipeClean surfaces with water for five minutes, most glass top cooking range messes release from surfaces and can be easily wiped away.
The breakthrough is no small feat. Compared to standard electric glass top ranges, users enjoy:
✅Chemical-Free Cleaning
One of the biggest perks of the new WipeClean coating is that users no longer have to depend on stovetop cleaners for everyday messes. In most cases, typical dinner prep messes are treatable with just five minutes of soaking.
✅Quicker Results
Did you know the average glass top range owner spends 15 minutes cleaning a cooktop? With WipeClean technology, users can cut down cleaning time by a third with the same results.
✅ Chipping Resistance
The chemical blueprint of WipeClean technology comes with an additional benefit: It’s more durable. Whereas glass top stoves without a WipeClean coating are susceptible to chipping—a phenomenon that happens when removing certain caked-on messes from glass surfaces—Whirlpool WipeClean ranges are five times stronger, meaning even the toughest messes come off clean without damaging the cooktop.
Good to Know
WipeClean technology drastically cuts down on cleanup time, but best practices ensure the best results.
How to Care for a Glass Top Stove with WipeClean:
- WipeClean stove tops still need to cool before cleaning.
- Abrasive scrubbers and stovetop razors are not recommended on WipeClean surfaces.
- Some messes may require some extra elbow grease with a stove top scraper.
- Following with a stovetop cleaner is recommended for oily messes.
Featured Picks | Whirlpool Ranges with WipeClean Technology
Currently, Whirlpool is the only brand on the market with WipeClean coating available on select Whirlpool ranges. Don’s Appliances is happy to be a sponsor of the innovation by offering buyers a first-hand experience at local appliances stores throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Here’s a sneak peek at what some are calling the easiest stove top to clean.
Whirlpool® 30" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Freestanding Electric Range
Sleek and modern is the name of the game with this Whirlpool electric range equipped with a WipeClean cooking surface. Enjoy worry-free culinary journeys with five cooking zones that clean up with just a wipe, along with even more exciting cooking features like an air fry mode and Air Baking technology with five cooking settings. All this power and convenience of this Whirlpool glass top range is yours to control at the fingertip with Wi-Fi compatibility via compatible smart devices.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WFES7530RZ Review:
“The wipe clean coating is great - I no longer have to sit there with a razor scraping at so much as a water stain caked on.”
Whirlpool® 30" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Slide In Electric Range
Shop This Whirlpool Slide-In Range
For an integrated look, this Whirlpool Wipe Clean range and its slide-in design checks all the boxes. Like its freestanding counterpart, this Whirlpool glass top stove a workhorse full of cooking features foodies will love, including air frying and five levels of Air Cooking technology. Once meals are done cooking, just let the surface cool, apply water, and in five minutes, they’re ready to be cleaned, and you’re done!
It’s not everyday cooktop features cause a hype, but Whirlpool WipeClean technology is worth the rave. To explore more about this latest feature and the entire Whirlpool range lineup, visit one of our Pittsburgh appliance stores near you and have an expert guide you through all the benefits!
FAQ
Is WipeClean food-safe?
Yes! WipeClean technology is approved by the FDA.
Can chemicals be used on WipeClean surfaces?
Only stovetop cleaners (such as Affresh) should be used to chemically treat WipeClean surfaces. Avoid bleach, ammonia, or abrasives to treat messes.
Is WipeClean coating available on cooktops?
Currently, WipeClean is only available on select Whirlpool ranges (the cooktop equivalent uses Easy-Wipe ceramic glass surfaces).
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Whirlpool WipeClean Ranges at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop cooking appliances online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you learn more about Whirlpool WipeClean technology— whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Glass vs Electric Stove: Understanding the Pros and Cons