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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. 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 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.
Check for flatness by placing the straight edge of a ruler across the
bottom of the cookware. While you rotate the ruler, no space or
light should be visible between it and the cookware.
Use the following chart as a guide for cookware material
characteristics.
Use flat-bottomed cookware for best cooking results and energy
efficiency. The cookware should be about the same size as the
cooking area outlined on the cooktop. Cookware should not extend
more than ½" (1.3 cm) outside the area.
Home Canning
Canning can be performed on a glass smooth top cooking surface.
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface
cooking areas or elements between batches. This allows time for
the most recently used areas to cool.
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Center the canner on the largest surface cooking area or
element. On electric cooktops, canners should not extend
more than ½" (1.3 cm) beyond the surface cooking area or
element.
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Do not place canner on 2 surface cooking areas or elements at
the same time.
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On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners to
avoid damage to the cooktop and elements.
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For more information, contact your local agricultural extension
office, or refer to the USDA Home Canning Guides. Companies
that manufacture home canning products can also offer
assistance.
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COOKWARE
CHARACTERISTICS
Aluminum
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Heats quickly and evenly.
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Suitable for all types of cooking.
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Medium or heavy thickness is best for
most cooking tasks.
Cast iron
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Heats slowly and evenly.
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Good for browning and frying.
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Maintains heat for slow cooking.
Ceramic or
Ceramic glass
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Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
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Heats slowly, but unevenly.
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Ideal results on low to medium heat
settings.
Copper
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Heats very quickly and evenly.
Earthenware
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Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
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Use on low heat settings.
Porcelain
enamel-on-steel
or cast iron
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See stainless steel or cast iron.
Stainless steel
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Heats quickly, but unevenly.
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A core or base of aluminum or copper
on stainless steel provides even heating.
