
Surface Cooking 15
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 burner grate surface. Check for flatness by rotating a ruler across the bottom of the cookware.
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.
Oven vent location
The oven vent is located below the backguard. When the oven is on, warm air is released through this vent. This venting is necessary for proper air circulation and provides good baking results in the oven. DO NOT BLOCK THIS VENT.
Oven vent location
Cookware material types
The cookware material determines how evenly and quickly heat is transferred from the surface burner 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).
•Copper - Excellent heat conductor but discolors easily.
•Stainless steel
•Cast iron - A poor heat conductor however will retain heat very well. Cooks evenly once cooking temperature is reached.
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•Glass- Slow heat conductor.
Fig. 1