I dreaded going to a smooth cooktop because they looked hard to clean and when I saw them in people’s houses they often looked rough. After over six months, plus the Holidays mine looks new. I cook a lot and am not always the neatest cook.  The secret seems to be using the cleaner EVERYTIME to essentially keep a coat of wax on it. So yes, you have to invest some time but you can keep it pristine. The unit itself is wonderful. Heats quickly, cooks evenly. Highly recommend!!