Complete Owner's Guide

12
BEFORE SETTING SURFACE CONTROLS
Using Proper Cookware
The size and type of cookware used will influence
the heat setting needed for best cooking results.
Be sure to follow the recommendations for using
proper cookware as illustrated in Figure 1 and
Figure 2.
Figure 1: Testing cookware
Check for flatness by
rotating a ruler across
the bottom of the
cookware (see Figure 1).
Cookware should have
flat bottoms that make
good contact with the
entire surface of the
heating element (see
Figure 2).
•F
lat bottom and straight
sides.
•T
ight fitting lids.
•W
eight of handle does
not tilt pan. Pan is well
balanced
.
•P
an sizes match the
amount of food to be
prepared and the size
of the surface element.
•M
ade of material that
conducts heat well.
•E
asy to clean.
•A
lways match pot
diameter to element
size.
•C
urved and warped pans.
•Cookware larger than
element by more than
one-half inch or 12mm.
•Heavy handle tilts pan.
•Pan is much smaller
than the element.
Figure 2: Proper cookware
Cookware Material Types
The cookware material determines how evenly
and quickly heat is transferred from the surface
element to the pan bottom. The most popular
materials available are:
• Aluminum - Excellent heat conductor. Some
types of food will cause it to darken (Anodized
aluminum cookware resists staining and
pitting). If aluminum pans slide across the
ceramic cooktop, they may leave metal marks
which will resemble scratches. Remove these
marks immediately.
• Copper - Excellent heat conductor but
discolors easily (see Aluminum).
• Stainless - Slow heat conductor with uneven
cooking results. Durable, easy to clean, and
resists staining.
• Cast Iron - A slow heat conductor however
will retain heat very well. Cooks evenly
once cooking temperature is reached. Not
recommended for use on ceramic cooktops.
• Porcelain-enamel on metal -Heating
characteristics will vary depending on base
material. Porcelain-enamel coating must be
smooth to avoid scratching ceramic cooktops.
• Glass - Slow heat conductor. Not recommended
for ceramic cooktop surfaces because it may
scratch the glass.
IMPORTANT
Do not place empty aluminum, glass or porcelain-
enamel coated cookware on the ceramic
cooktop! The melting point of cookware made
with these materials may be reached quickly
especially if left empty, and they may bond to
the ceramic cooktop. If the cookware melts it will
damage the cooktop! Be sure to follow all the
cookware manufacturer’s suggestions when using
any type of cookware on the ceramic cooktop.
CAUTION
The cooktop should not be used as a cutting
board or work surface. Dropping heavy or hard
objects on the cooktop may crack it. Pans with
rough bottoms may scratch the cooktop surface.
Placing food directly on the smoothtop surface
(without cooking utensil) is not recommended as
dicult cleaning will result and foods may smoke
and cause potential fire hazard. Never use the
griddle or similar cooking sheet on the ceramic
glass cooktop.
BEFORE SETTING SURFACE CONTROLS