6
COOKTOP USE
Cooktop Controls
Control knobs must be pushed in before turning them to a
setting. The controls can be set anywhere between HI and LO.
Use the following chart as a guide when setting heat levels.
Cooktop On Indicator Lights
The Cooktop On lights above the control knobs indicate which
surface elements are turned on. A Cooktop On indicator light will
glow when its corresponding surface element is turned on.
Home Canning
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of elements
between batches. This allows time for the most recently used
areas to cool.
■
Center the canner on the element. Canners should not extend
more than ½" (1.3 cm) beyond the element.
■
Do not place canner on 2 elements at the same time.
■
For more information, contact your local agricultural
department. Companies that manufacture home canning
products can also offer assistance.
Cookware
IMPORTANT: Do not leave empty cookware on a hot surface
cooking area, element or surface burner.
Ideal cookware should have a flat bottom, straight sides and a
well-fitting lid, and the material should be of medium-to-heavy
thickness.
Rough finishes may scratch the cooktop or grates. Aluminum and
copper may be used as a core or base in cookware. However,
when used as a base they can leave permanent marks on the
cooktop or grates.
Cookware material is a factor in how quickly and evenly heat is
transferred, which affects cooking results. A nonstick finish has
the same characteristics as its base material. For example,
aluminum cookware with a nonstick finish will take on the
properties of aluminum.
Cookware with nonstick surfaces should not be used under the
broiler.
Use the following chart as a guide for cookware material
characteristics.
Coil Elements and Burner Bowls
Coil elements should be level for optimal cooking results. Burner
bowls, when clean, reflect heat back to the cookware. They also
help catch spills.
Cookware should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) over the coil
element. If cookware is uneven or too large, it can produce
excess heat, causing the burner bowl to change color. For more
information, see the “General Cleaning” section.
NOTE: Before removing or replacing coil elements and burner
bowls, make sure they are cool and the control knobs are in the
Off position.
SETTING
RECOMMENDED USE
HI
■
To start foods cooking.
■
To bring liquids to a boil.
Medium High
Between
HI & MEDIUM
■
To hold a rapid boil.
■
To quickly brown or sear meat.
MEDIUM
■
To fry poultry or meat.
■
To maintain a slow boil.
Medium Low
Between
MEDIUM & LO
■
To cook gravy, pudding or sauce.
■
To stew or steam food.
LO
■
To simmer food.
■
To keep foods warm.
WARNING
Fire Hazard
Turn off all controls when done cooking.
Failure to do so can result in death or fire.
REMEMBER: When range is in use or (on some models)
during the Self-Cleaning cycle, the entire cooktop area may
become hot.
COOKWARE
CHARACTERISTICS
Aluminum
■
Heats quickly and evenly.
■
Suitable for all types of cooking.
■
Medium or heavy thickness is best for
most cooking tasks.
Cast iron
■
Heats slowly and evenly.
■
Good for browning and frying.
■
Maintains heat for slow cooking.
Ceramic or
Ceramic glass
■
Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■
Heats slowly, but unevenly.
■
Ideal results on low to medium heat
settings.
Copper
■
Heats very quickly and evenly.
Earthenware
■
Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■
Use on low heat settings.
Porcelain
enamel-on-
steel or cast
iron
■
See stainless steel or cast iron.
Stainless steel
■
Heats quickly, but unevenly.
■
A core or base of aluminum or copper
on stainless steel provides even
heating.