8 Best Stovetop Cleaners 2022

The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab regularly tests all kinds of cleaning products, including hundreds of kitchen products like stovetop cleaners, oven cleaners, kitchen countertops and more. In our last full category test of stovetop cleaners, our experts tested 14 different cleaners on the market. To measure efficacy, our testers applied a measured amount of spaghetti sauce to a smooth, pre-heated stovetop in an even layer. They then baked the sauce on for five minutes, allowed it to cool, then, according to package instructions, cleaned with each stovetop cleaner. They scored each one based on how much residue was left behind, and repeated the test three times to make sure each cleaner performed consistently. Our experts use these stovetop cleaners at home for real world testing of all different kinds of sticky, heavy messes that can happen during dinnertime.

During tests, our Lab pros also considered things like ease of rinsing — how many passes were required to visibly remove cleaner from the stovetop — as well as neatness of application and completeness of directions. Because cleaner residue can affect the performance of a stovetop, our experts pay special attention to any residue that is left behind. Each product’s packaging is also carefully inspected for proper instructions, safety labels and ingredients lists.

✔️ Stovetop material: Stovetops come in a variety of different materials, including stainless steel, glass, ceramic and enamel. When selecting a cleaner, the most important consideration is what type of stove you have — the wrong type of cleaner could damage the surface. Always consult the label to make sure a stovetop cleaner is safe to use on the material your stove is made from. You’ll avoid damaging your stove and potentially voiding your appliance’s warranty.

✔️ Type of cleaner: There’s a whole host of cleaning products suitable for restoring shine to your stovetop sponges, pads, wipes, pastes, sprays… you name it. Disposable cleaners like wipes and pads are very convenient for routine everyday cleaning. They’re easy to use and neater than sprays and pastes though they likely won’t be as successful at removing heavy, baked on messes. Sprays and pastes tend to be stronger, but require a little more time and effort to use. These are better suited for removing stuck-on stains and for more thorough cleanings. As with any cleaning product, regardless of the type of cleaner, you should follow all safety precautions printed on the label.

✔️ Scent: In the past, strong cleaning products have been known for having strong, uncomfortable smells. Many of the stovetop, oven and other kitchen appliance cleaners we test now in the Cleaning Lab come in pleasant scents like lemon or have no scent at all. The scent won’t change the efficacy of a cleaning product so it all comes down to your personal preference when selecting the cleaner that is right for you.

If you’re struggling with caked-on food and burnt-on grease, try this method, recommended by our Cleaning Lab experts:

1. Lay a hot, moist towel on the cooktop to help soften the residue.
2. Hold a razor blade or the scraper that comes in a cooktop cleaning kit at a 45-degree angle and carefully scrape off the burned bits. Repeat several times, if necessary.
3. Clean the entire cooktop with the stovetop cleaner of your choice (make sure it’s safe for your surface material). Rinse well and buff dry.

Carolyn Forté has over 40 years of experience testing and writing about all kinds of cleaning products, including stovetop cleaners. As Executive Director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab, she personally tests dozens of home appliances and cleaning products each year and oversees all of the testing done by our team of product review analysts.

Brigitt Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience in the home, cleaning, health spaces and more. She has written extensively about household cleaning products. For this story, Brigitt worked under Carolyn’s guidance to research and write about the stovetop cleaners.