Cook Manufacturing akt3650, akt3630 Cooking on the Smoothtop contd, Using the Warming Zone

Cooking on the Smoothtop (cont'd)

Using the Warming Zone

Some cooktops are equipped with a convenient warming zone. The warming zone is designed to keep hot foods hot until serving time. When cooking such foods as pancakes, fried chicken, or even stir-fry the warming zone can keep cooked foods hot as other portions are cooked.

All food placed on the warming zone should be covered with aluminum foil or a lid to maintain quality. For best results, when warming pastries or breads, cover should have a vent to allow moisture to escape. Do not use plastic wrap or plastic lids to cover food. The plastic could melt onto the surface and be very difficult to clean.

OFF

HI

l

l

MED

LO

l

l

Cookware should be restricted to utensils designed for use with a smoothtop cooktop. Cookware used on the warming zone should also not exceed the pattern of the element by more than one inch or be taller than six inches.

1.Push in and turn surface element control to desired setting. Warming zone element approximate temperatures are:

•145°F on LO setting

•175°F on MED-LO setting

•205°F on MED setting

•250°F on MED-HI setting

•325°F on HI setting

2.When finished with warming zone, turn control to OFF position.

Temperature Selection

To decrease the likelihood of food borne illness, hot foods should be kept at a minimum of 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify foods kept on the warming zone are at this temperature. Use the chart below to approximate what heat setting to begin using for a particular food. Adjust as necessary depending on the maintained temperature of the food.

Warming Zone Recommended Settings

		Approximate
Food Item	Heat Setting	Temperature °F
		(Element)
Breads/Pastries	LO	145
Casseroles	LO	145
Dinner Plates with Food	LO	145
Eggs	LO	145
Mashed Potatoes	LO	145
Hamburger Casserole	MED-LO	175
Gravies	MED	205
Meats	MED	205
Sauces	MED	205
Cream based soups	MED	205
Stews	MED	205
Vegetables	HI	325
Fried Foods	HI	325
Hot Beverages	HI	325
Soups	HI	325

!CAUTION

Always use potholders or oven mitts when removing food from the warming zone as cookware and plates will be hot.

Warming Zone Utensil Recommendations

Because the warming zone is a part of the smoothtop cooktop, it is recommended only to use utensils designed specifically for use on the smoothtop (see Cookware Suggestions section). Using cookware not designed for use with a smoothtop may result in poor cooking performance, damage to the smoothtop, or damage to the cookware. Cookware should not be

wider than 8 inches around or taller than 6 inches in height.

Indicator Light

The warming zone has its own indicator light. It turns on when the control is set. The indicator light will remain on after the knob is turned to an off position if the surface is still warm (approximately 145 °F). When the glass of the cooktop has cooled down sufficiently, the indicator light will then shut off.

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