7
Before Setting Surface Controls
Using Proper Cookware
The size and type of cookware used will influence the radiant
element power level setting needed for best cooking results.
Be sure to follow the recommendations for using proper
cookware shown on this page.
Cookware Material Types
The cookware material determines how evenly and quickly heat
is transferred from the surface element to the pan bottom.
•
Aluminum - Excellent heat conductor. Some types of food
will cause it to darken (Anodized aluminum cookware resists
staining & 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. May
leave metal marks on ceramic glass (see Aluminum).
•
Stainless - Slow heat conductor with uneven cooking results.
Is 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.
•
Glass - Slow heat conductor. Not recommended for
ceramic cooktop surfaces because it may scratch the glass.
Important note:
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.
About the ceramic glass cooktop
The ceramic cooktop has radiant surface elements located
below the surface of the glass. The design of the ceramic
cooktop outlines the area of the surface element underneath. Be
sure to match the pan size with the diameter of the element
outline on the cooktop and only flat-bottomed cookware should
be used. The type and size of cookware, the number of surface
elements in use and their settings are all factors that will affect
the amount of heat that will spread to areas beyond the surface
elements. The areas surrounding the elements may become hot
enough to cause burns.
About the radiant surface elements
The element temperature rises gradually and evenly. As the
temperature rises, the element will glow red. To maintain the
selected setting the element will cycle on and off. The heating
element retains enough heat to provide a uniform and consistent
heat during the off cycle. For efficient cooking, turn off the
element several minutes before cooking is complete. This will
allow residual heat to complete the cooking process.
Figure 1: Check pan for flat bottom using ruler
• 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.
