12
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 illus-
trated in
and
.
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. Is durable, easy to clean and resists staining.
•
Cast Iron
- A slow heat conductor that will retain heat
very well. Cooks evenly once cooking temperature is
reached. If cast iron pans slide across the ceramic
cooktop, they may leave metal marks which will
resemble scratches. Remove these marks immediately.
•
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.
Check for flatness by rotat-
ing a ruler across the bottom
of the cookware (see
). Cookware should
have flat bottoms that make
good contact with the entire
surface heating element (see
Figure 1: Testing cookware
Figure 2:
Proper cookware
• Flat bottom and straight
sides.
• Tight fitting lids.
• Weight of handle does
not tilt pan. Pan is well
balanced
.
• Pan sizes match the
amount of food to be
prepared and the size
of the surface element.
• Made of material that
conducts heat well.
• Easy to clean.
• Always match pot
diameter to element
size.
• Curved and warped pans.
• Cookware larger than
cooking area marked on
cooktop by more than
one-half inch or 12mm.
• Heavy handle tilts pan.
• Pan is smaller than the
heating area marked on
cooktop.
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. Follow all the cookware manufac-
turer’s recommendations for use and care of cookware.
IMPORTANT
BEFORE SETTING SURFACE CONTROLS
