BEFORE SETTING SURFACE CONTROLS
Types of cooktop elements
The ceramic glass cooktop has radiant surface elements located below the surface of the glass. The patterns on the ceramic glass will outline the size and type of element available. The single radiant element will have one round outline pattern shown. The dual radiant element is flexible because you may set just the smaller inner portion as a single element or both inner and outer portions can be set to heat together (See Fig. 1).
Using proper cookware
The size and type of cookware used will influence the setting needed for best cooking results. Be sure to follow the recommendations for using proper cookware as illustrated in Figs. 2 & 3.
Cookware should have flat bottoms that make good contact with the entire surface heating element (See Fig. 2). Check for flatness by rotating a ruler across the bottom of the cookware (See Fig. 3). For more information about the ceramic cooktop see “Cooktop cleaning & maintenance” in the Care & Cleaning section.
Single radiant | Dual radiant |
surface control | surface control |
| (some models) |
Fig. 1
Cookware material types
The cookware material determines how evenly and quickly heat is transferred from the surface element 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). If aluminum pans slide across the ceramic cooktop, they may leave metal marks which will resemble scratches. Remove these marks immediately.
Copper - Excellent heat conductor but discolors easily. May leave metal marks on ceramic glass (see Aluminum).
Stainless - Slow heat conductor with uneven cooking results. Is durable, easy to clean and resists staining.
Flat bottom and straight sides.
Tight fitting lids.
Weight of handle does not tilt pan. Pan is well balanced.
Pan sizes match the amount of food to be prepared and the size of the surface element.
Made of a material that conducts heat well.
Easy to clean.
Always match pot diameter to element size.
Curved and warped pan.
Pan larger than cooking area marked on cooktop by more than
Heavy handle tilts pan.
Pan is smaller or larger than heating area marked on cooktop.
Cast Iron - A slow heat conductor however will retain heat very well. Cooks evenly once cooking temperature is reached. Not recommended for use on ceramic cooktops.
Glass - Slow heat conductor. Not recommended for ceramic cooktop surfaces because it may scratch the glass.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
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