Frigidaire FFEF3019MW Types of cooktop elements, Using proper cookware, Cookware material types

BEFORE SETTING SURFACE CONTROLS

Types of cooktop elements

The ceramic glass cooktop has radiant surface elements located below the surface of the glass cooktop. 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 (keep warm zone is designed to keep food warm only - on some models).

The dual radiant element (some models) has two outline patterns. You may set just the smaller inner portion as a single element or both inner and outer portions of the element may be set to heat together. The control knobs for these element types are shown below (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.

Keep warm zone	Single radiant	Dual radiant
surface control	surface control	surface control
(some models)		(some models)

Fig. 1

Cookware material types

The cookware material determines how evenly and quickly heat will transfer from the element to the cookware bottom. The most popular cookware materials available are:

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 one-half inch or 12mm.

Heavy handle tilts pan.

Pan is smaller or larger than heating area marked on cooktop.

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.

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.

Porcelain-enamel on metal - Heating characteristics will vary depending on base material. Porcelain-enamel coating must be smooth to avoid scratching ceramic cooktops.

Glass - Slow heat conductor. Not recommended for ceramic cooktop surfaces because it may scratch the glass.

Fig. 2

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).	Fig. 3

IMPORTANT

Do not place empty aluminum, glass or porcelain-enamel coated cookware on a hot ceramic cooktop! The melting point of some cookware may be reached if left heating on the cooktop when empty. The cookware can bond to the ceramic cooktop. If the cookware melts it will damage the cooktop! Be sure to follow all the manufacturer’s suggestions when using any type of cookware on the ceramic cooktop.

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