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
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.
COOKWARE | CHARACTERISTICS | |
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| |
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. | |
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|
|
Ceramic or | ■ | Follow manufacturer’s instructions. |
Ceramic glass | ■ Heats slowly, but unevenly. | |
| ||
| ■ Ideal results on low to medium heat | |
|
| settings. |
|
| |
Copper | ■ Heats very quickly and evenly. | |
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|
|
Earthenware | ■ | Follow manufacturer’s instructions. |
| ■ Use on low heat settings. | |
|
| |
Porcelain | ■ See stainless steel or cast iron. | |
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|
|
steel or cast |
|
|
iron |
|
|
|
| |
Stainless steel | ■ Heats quickly, but unevenly. | |
| ■ A core or base of aluminum or copper | |
|
| on stainless steel provides even |
|
| heating. |
COOKTOP CARE
GeneralCleaning
IMPORTANT: Before cleaning, make sure all controls are off and the cooktop is cool. Always follow label instructions on cleaning products.
Soap, water and a soft cloth or sponge are suggested first unless otherwise noted.
EXTERIOR PORCELAIN ENAMEL SURFACES
Food spills containing acids, such as vinegar and tomato, should be cleaned as soon as the entire appliance is cool. These spills may affect the finish.
Cleaning Method:
■Glass cleaner, mild liquid cleaner or nonabrasive scrubbing pad:
Gently clean around the model and serial number plate because scrubbing may remove numbers.
STAINLESS STEEL
Do not use
Rub in direction of grain to avoid damaging.
Cleaning Method:
■KitchenAid® Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish: See “Assistance or Service” section to order.
■Liquid detergent or
Rinse with clean water and dry with soft,
PORCELAIN-COATED GRATES AND CAPS
Food spills containing acids, such as vinegar and tomato, should be cleaned as soon as the cooktop, grates and caps are cool. These spills may affect the finish.
To avoid chipping, do not bang grates and caps against each other or hard surfaces such as cast iron cookware.
Do not reassemble caps on burners while wet.
Do not clean in the
Do not clean in dishwasher.
Cleaning Method:
■Nonabrasive scrubbing pad and mildly abrasive cleanser: Clean as soon as cooktop, grates and caps are cool.
HomeCanning
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.
■Do not place canner on 2 surface burners at the same time.
■For more information, contact your local agricultural department. Companies that manufacture home canning products can also offer assistance.
SURFACE BURNERS
Sealed Burner models
See “Sealed Surface Burners” section.
CONTROL KNOBS
To avoid damage to the control knobs, do not use steel wool, abrasive cleansers or oven cleaner.
To avoid damage, do not soak knobs.
When replacing knobs, make sure knobs are in the Off position.
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