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Home CanningWhen canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface
cooking areas, elements or surface burners between batches.
This allows time for the most recently used areas to cool.
■Center the canner on the grate or largest surface cooking
area or element. On electric cooktops, canners should not
extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) beyond the surface cooking
area or element.
■Do not place canner on 2 surface cooking areas, elements or
surface burners at the same time.
■On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners.
■For more information, contact your local agricultural
department. Companies that manufacture home canning
products can also offer assistance.
CookwareIMPORTANT: Do not leave empty cookware on a hot surface
cooking area, element or surface burner.
Ideal cookware should have a flat bottom, straight sides and a
well-fitting lid, and the material should be of medium-to-heavy
thickness.
Rough finishes may scratch the cooktop or grates. Aluminum and
copper may be used as a core or base in cookware. However,
when used as a base they can leave permanent marks on the
grates.
Cookware material is a factor in how quickly and evenly heat is
transferred, which affects cooking results. A nonstick finish has
the same characteristics as its base material. For example,
aluminum cookware with a nonstick finish will take on the
properties of aluminum.
Cookware with nonstick surfaces should not be used under the
broiler.
Use the following chart as a guide for cookware material
characteristics.
COOKWARE CHARACTERISTICS
Aluminum ■Heats quickly and evenly.
■Suitable for all types of cooking.
■Medium or heavy thickness is best for
most cooking tasks.
Cast iron ■Heats slowly and evenly.
■Good for browning and frying.
■Maintains heat for slow cooking.
Ceramic or
Ceramic glass
■Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■Heats slowly, but unevenly.
■Ideal results on low to medium heat
settings.
Copper ■Heats very quickly and evenly.
Earthenware ■Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■Use on low heat settings.
Porcelain
enamel-on-
steel or cast
iron
■See stainless steel or cast iron.
Stainless steel ■Heats quickly, but unevenly.
■A core or base of aluminum or copper
on stainless steel provides even
heating.