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Before Setting Surface Controls
Using proper cookware
DO NOT place flammable items such as plastic salt and pepper shakers, spoon holders or plastic wrappings on the cooktop when it is in use. These items could melt or ignite. Potholders, towels or wooden spoons could catch fire if placed too close to the range cooktop.
Important: DO NOT place aluminum foil, or ANY material
that can melt on the range cooktop. If these items melt they may damage the cooktop.
For best cooking results, cookware should have flat bottoms that rest level on the surface burner grate. Before using cookware, check for flatness by rotating a ruler across the bottom of the cookware
(Fig. 1).
Fig. 1
Please note: The size and type of utensil used, and the amount and type of food being cooked will influence the burner flame setting needed for best cooking results.
Setting proper burner flame size
Never extend the flame beyond the outer edge of the cooking utensil. A higher flame wastes energy, and increases your risk of being burned by the flame.
The color of the flame is the key to proper burner adjustment.
A good flame is clear, blue and hardly visible in a well-lighted room. Each cone of flame should be steady and sharp. Adjust or clean burner if flame is yellow-orange.
Correct flame setting
Incorrect flame setting
Cookware material types
The most popular materials available are:
Aluminum - Excellent heat conductor. Some types of food will cause it to darken (Anodized aluminum cookware resists staining & pitting).
Copper - Excellent heat conductor but discolors easily.
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.
Porcelain-enamel on metal - Heating characteristics will vary depending on base material.
Glass - Slow heat conductor.
For most cooking: start on the highest setting and then turn to a lower setting to complete the process. Use the recommendations below as a guide for determining proper flame size for various types of cooking (Fig. 2)
For deep fat frying: use a thermometer and adjust the surface knob accordingly. If the fat is too cool, the food will absorb the fat and be greasy. If the fat is too hot, the food will brown so quickly that the center will be under cooked. Do not attempt to deep fat fry too much food at once as the food will neither brown or cook properly.
Flame size*
High flame
Type of cooking
Start most foods; bring water to a boil; pan broiling.
Medium flame Maintain a slow boil; thicken sauces, gravies; steaming.
Low flame Keep foods cooking; poach; stewing.
Fig. 2
*These settings are based for medium-weight metal or aluminum pans with lids. Settings may vary when using cookware made from different materials.
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