KitchenAid KESS908SPS manual Cooktop USE, CeramicGlass, Cookware Characteristics

COOKTOP USE

CeramicGlass

(on some models)

The surface cooking area will glow red when an element is on. It may cycle on and off to maintain the selected heat level.

It is normal for the surface of light colored ceramic glass to appear to change color when surface cooking areas are hot. As the glass cools, it will return to its original color.

Cleaning off the cooktop before and after each use will help keep it free from stains and provide the most even heating. On cooktops with light colored ceramic glass, soils and stains may be more visible, and may require more cleaning and care. Cooktop cleaner and a cooktop scraper are recommended. For more information, see “General Cleaning” section.

■Avoid storing jars or cans above the cooktop. Dropping a heavy or hard object onto the cooktop could crack the cooktop.

■To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not leave a hot lid on the cooktop. As the cooktop cools, air can become trapped between the lid and the cooktop, and the ceramic glass could break when the lid is removed.

■For foods containing sugar in any form, clean up all spills and soils as soon as possible. Allow the cooktop to cool down slightly. Then, while wearing oven mitts, remove the spills using a scraper while the surface is still warm. If sugary spills are allowed to cool down, they can adhere to the cooktop and can cause pitting and permanent marks.

■To avoid scratches, do not slide cookware or bakeware across the cooktop. Aluminum or copper bottoms and rough finishes on cookware or bakeware could leave scratches or marks on the cooktop.

■Do not cook popcorn in prepackaged aluminum containers on the cooktop. They could leave aluminum marks that cannot be removed completely.

■To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not allow objects that could melt, such as plastic or aluminum foil, to touch any part of the entire cooktop.

■To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not use the cooktop as a cutting board.

■Use cookware about the same size as the surface cooking area. Cookware should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) outside the area.

B

A

C

A. Surface cooking area

B.Cookware/canner

C.½" (1.3 cm) maximum overhang

■Use flat-bottomed cookware for best heat conduction and energy efficiency. Cookware with rounded, warped, ribbed or dented bottoms could cause uneven heating and poor cooking results.

■Determine flatness by placing the straight edge of a ruler across the bottom of the cookware. While you rotate the ruler, no space or light should be visible between it and the cookware.

■Cookware designed with slightly indented bottoms or small expansion channels can be used.

■Make sure the bottoms of pots and pans are clean and dry before using them. Residue and water can leave deposits when heated.

■To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not cook foods directly on the cooktop.

Cookware

IMPORTANT: 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. 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 cooktop or 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.

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	■	Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Ceramic glass	■ 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	■ See stainless steel or cast iron.
enamel-on-
steel or cast
iron
Stainless steel	■ Heats quickly, but unevenly.
	■ A core or base of aluminum or copper

on stainless steel provides even heating.

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