How to Select Flame Size
Watch the flame, not the knob, as you reduce heat.
The flame size on a gas burner should match the cookware you are using.
FOR SAFE HANDLING OF COOKWARE, NEVER LET THE FLAME EXTEND UP THE SIDES OF THE COOKWARE. Any flame larger than the bottom of the cookware is wasted and only serves to heat
the handle.
When using aluminum or
Top-of-Range Cookware
Aluminum:
Cast Iron: If heated slowly, most skillets will give satisfactory results.
Enamelware: Under some conditions, the enamel of some cookware may melt. Follow cookware manufacturer’s recommendations for cooking methods,
Glass: There are two types of glass
When boiling, use this same flame
as quickly at a gentle boil as they do at a furious rolling boil. A high boil creates steam and cooks away moisture, flavor and nutrition. Avoid it except for the few cooking processes which need a vigorous boil.
When frying or warming foods in stainless steel, cast iron or enamelware, keep the flame down
When frying in glass or ceramic cookware, lower the flame even more.
Heatproof Glass Ceramic: Can be used for either surface or oven cooking. It conducts heat very slowly and cools very slowly. Check cookware manufacturer’s directions to be sure it can be used on gas ranges.
Stainless Steel: This metal alone has poor heating properties, and is usually combined with copper, aluminum or other metals for improved heat distribution. Combination metal skillets usually work satisfactorily if they are used with medium heat as the manufacturer recommends.
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