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Surface Cooking
Cookware
Using proper cookware
The size and type of cookware used will influence
the setting needed for best cooking results.
Cookware should have flat bottoms that make good
contact with the entire surface heating element.
Check for flatness by rotating a ruler across the
bottom of the cookware.
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 & 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 above).
• Stainless steel - Slow heat conductor with
uneven cooking results. Is durable, easy to clean
and resists staining.
• Cast iron - A poor 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 cooktops.
• Glass- Slow heat conductor. Not recommended
for ceramic cooktop surfaces because it may
scratch the glass.
Cookware should always:
• Have a flat bottom.
• Have tight fitting lids.
• Be well balanced.
• Be made of a material that conducts heat well.
• Be easy to clean.
• Match to the size of the element diameter.
• Have a curved or
warped bottom.
• Overhang the
element by more
than one-half inch.
• Be smaller than
the element
• Have a heavy
handle that tilts
pan.
Cookware should never:
Be sure to follow the recommendations for using
proper cookware as illustrated.
For more information about the ceramic cooktop
see “Cooktop Cleaning & Maintenance” in the
General Care & Cleaning section.