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 coils. Aluminum
and copper may be used as a core or base in cookware.
However, an aluminum or copper base can leave permanent
marks on the grates.
Cookware material affects cooking results because it is a
factor in how quickly and evenly heat is transferred.
Cookware with nonstick surfaces should not be used under
the broiler.
Check for 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.
Use the following table as a guide for cookware material
characteristics.
Cookware
Characteristics
Aluminum
Heats quickly and evenly.
■
Suitable for all types of cooking
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Medium or heavy thickness is best
■
for most cooking tasks.
May leave aluminum residues which
■
may be diminished if cleaned
immediately after cooking.
Cast iron
Heats slowly and evenly.
■
Good for browning and frying
■
Maintains heat for slow cooking.
■
Rough edges or burrs may scratch
■
the cooktop.
Ceramic or
Follow manufacturer's instructions.
■
ceramic glass
Heats slowly, but unevenly.
■
Ideal results on low-to-medium heat
■
settings
May scratch the cooktop.
■
10
Cookware
Characteristics
Copper
Heats very quickly and evenly.
■
May leave copper residues which
■
may be diminished if cleaned
immediately after cooking.
Can leave a permanent stain or bond
■
to the cooktop if overheated.
Earthenware
Follow manufacturer's instructions.
■
Use on low heat settings.
■
May scratch the cooktop.
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Porcelain
See stainless steel or cast iron.
■
enamel-on-steel
Porcelain enamel bakeware without a
■
or cast iron
metal base may bond to the cooktop
if overheated.
Stainless steel
Heats quickly, but unevenly.
■
A core or base of aluminum or
■
copper on stainless steel provides
even heating.
Use flat-bottomed cookware for best cooking results and
energy efficiency. The cookware should be about the same
size as the cooking area outlined on the cooktop or the coil
element. Cookware should not extend more than
beyond the surface cooking area or element.
The cookware should be centered above the burner with the
bottom sitting level on the grate. The flame should be adjusted
so that it does not extend up the sides of the cookware.
Home Canning
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface
burners between batches. This allows time for the most recently
used areas to cool.
Center the canner on the grate above the burner.
■
Do not place canner on two surface burners at the same
■
time.
For more information, contact your local agricultural
■
extension office or refer to published home canning guides.
Companies that manufacture home canning products can
also offer assistance.
1
/
" (1.3 cm)
2