Matte induction cooktop put to the daily test: is it truly scratch- and fingerprint-resistant?
While a classic glossy induction cooktop looks sleek and elegant, it can be unforgiving in everyday use – every touch leaves a mark, and ambient light highlights smudges and dust. The matte induction cooktop is the answer to these challenges. However, this solution raises a question: does matte glass scratch more easily? How easy is it to clean? We decided to put these doubts to the test in real-world conditions. In our video review, we examine a cooktop with an integrated extractor hood – the Globalo Auphoria.
What sets a matte induction cooktop apart?
There is a common misconception online that a matte surface is merely a coating applied on top of standard glossy glass. Such a technology would indeed carry the risk of wearing off or chipping under high heat or aggressive cleaning agents.
With Globalo appliances, it is an entirely different story. The Globalo Auphoria matte induction cooktop features a homogeneous tempered glass structure. This means the matte finish is not a surface layer, but an inherent property of the material itself. It is physically impossible for the matte texture to wear away from sliding pots or scrubbing. The visual effect remains 100% unaltered throughout the entire lifespan of the appliance.
Test: Fingerprints and light reflections on matte glass
Fully sensor-controlled induction hobs are touched repeatedly while cooking – often with damp or greasy fingers. On high-gloss black glass, the surface is instantly covered in fingerprints. How does the matte finish hold up? No visible traces: the matte microstructure naturally conceals fingerprints, keeping the surface pristine without the need to wipe it down after every power level adjustment. A matte induction cooktop also absorbs and diffuses light. If your cooking zone faces a balcony window or sits directly beneath strong ceiling spotlights, you maintain complete visibility of the controls without blinding glare.
Does a matte induction cooktop scratch?
This is a major concern for buyers: is a matte induction surface more susceptible to scratches than a glossy one? Our stress test with hard, metallic cookware bases proves otherwise: a matte induction cooktop is not more prone to scratching. Continuously sliding pans and pots across it leaves the surface unharmed. We even tested the glass with table salt, and it passed with flying colors – no scratches appeared, and once cleaned and dried, the surface looked brand new.
Cleaning a matte induction cooktop
We often get asked whether cleaning a matte induction cooktop requires specialized, expensive products. Daily care is virtually effortless:
Water spots: On matte surfaces, water stains and limescale residues from boiled-over pots are far less visible than on high-gloss glass.
Daily maintenance: A quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth is all it takes.
What to avoid: Just like with standard glass hobs, avoid abrasive powders and steel scouring pads, which could mechanically damage the glass structure.
Induction cooktop with integrated extractor – why matte works best here
In modern kitchen designs, matte induction cooktops are most often placed on kitchen islands. This is the central hub of open-plan living, constantly in plain sight for both household members and guests.
The Globalo Auphoria combines a matte surface with an integrated downdraft extractor:
Extraction at the source: Steam, grease, and odor particles are drawn downward the moment they arise, preventing a greasy film from settling on the glass and surrounding cabinetry.
Architectural cohesion: The satin-black glass harmonizes seamlessly with trendy matte cabinetry fronts and countertops made of quartz composite, granite, or sintered stone.
Is a matte finish worth choosing?
If you prefer a deep, mirror-like gloss, a traditional cooktop will fulfill your needs. However, if you are looking for an appliance that doesn't need polishing after every touch, effectively conceals dust, water spots, and micro-wear, and delivers a sleek, understated aesthetic in an open-concept kitchen – a matte induction cooktop is the most practical choice for a modern home.