10
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 2 surface cooking areas, elements or
surface burners at the same time.
■ On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners.
■ For more information, contact your local agricultural
department. 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
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.
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.