English 26
Getting the Most Out of Your Cooktop
Cooktop Cooking Guide
Boiling Water
Time to boil can vary greatly depending on environmental conditions. Try the fol-
lowing tips to decrease boil time:
•
Use a lid.
•
Use a pan that is appropriately sized for the amount of water and the size of
the burner.
•
Select a pan with a flat base (See “Cookware Selection Guide” on page 26 for
details).
•
Choose a medium-weight pan (rather than a heavy-weight one).
•
Start with water that is already warm.
•
Boil the smallest amount of water necessary. Smaller volumes will boil faster
than larger volumes.
Recommended Settings
Use this chart as a guide for heat settings. A range of heat settings are listed
because the actual setting depends on:
•
type and quality of pan (See “Selecting Cookware”),
•
type, quantity and temperature of the food,
•
burner used and
•
the cook’s preference.
Cookware Selection
Guide
Cookware Characteristics
Pan selection directly affects cooking speed and uniformity. For best results select
pans with flat bases. When a pan is hot, the base (pan bottom) should rest evenly
on the surface without wobbling (rocking). Flat, medium-to-heavy-weight pans are
best.
To Test the Flatness of Your Pans
Turn the pan upside down on the countertop and place a
ruler flat against the bottom of the pan. The bottom of the
pan and the straight edge of the ruler should be flush
against each other.
Getting the Most Out of Your Appliance
Table 3: Cooking Guide
Uses
Heat Settings
Bringing water to boil
High
Pan frying, sautéing, browning meat, deep fat frying
Med-High
Most frying, eggs, pancakes, slow boil
Med
Simmering, finish cooking, covered foods, steaming
Med Low
Melting butter and chocolate
Low
