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■ Use cookware about the same size as the surface cooking
area. Cookware should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm)
outside the area.
■ Use flat-bottomed cookware for best heat conduction and
energy efficiency. Cookware with rounded, warped, ribbed or
dented bottoms could cause uneven heating and poor
cooking results.
■ Determine 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.
■ Cookware designed with slightly indented bottoms or small
expansion channels can be used.
■ Make sure the bottoms of pots and pans are clean and dry
before using them. Residue and water can leave deposits
when heated.
■ To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not cook foods directly
on the cooktop.
Home Canning
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface
cooking areas, elements or surface burners between batches.
This allows time for the most recently used areas to cool.
■ Center the canner on the grate or 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.
■ Do not place canner on two surface cooking areas, elements
or surface burners at the same time.
■ On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners.
■ On coil element models, the installation of a Canning Unit Kit
is recommended. If a kit is not installed, the life of the coil
element will be shortened. See “Assistance or Service” for
instructions on ordering.
■ For instructions on ordering, contact your local U.S.
Government Agricultural Department Extension Office.
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.
A. Surface cooking area
B. Cookware/canner
C. ½" (1.3 cm) maximum overhang
A
B
C
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.