Ive had my glass cooktop for 8 years and love it. No, no special cookware. I use Calphalon, Pyrex double boiler and my Nana's old cast iron frypan. I use a product found in the cleaning aisle of the grocery store to clean it....kind of like waxing a car. One warning.....my sister in law had a spice shelf above hers - one bottle dropped and cracked the stove. Also, you should not be in the habit of sliding pots and pans across it because that will cause small scratches. My frige is a side by side and suits our needs perfectly. We also have an upright freezer in the pantry.