KitchenAid KGRT507 Cookware tips, Characteristics of cookware materials, Home canning information

Using and Caring for Your Cooktop

Cookware tips

Home canning information

The large diameter of most water-bath or pressure canners combined with high heat settings for long periods of time can cause damage to the cooktop.

To protect your range:

•Center the canner over the surface burner. Do not extend more than 1 inch (2.54 cm) outside the burner area.

•Do not place your canner on two surface burners at the same time.

•Start with hot water, cover with a lid and bring to a boil; then reduce heat to main- tain a boil or required pressure levels in a pressure canner.

•Refer to your canner manual for specific instructions.

For up-to-date information on canning, con- tact your local U.S. Government Agricultural Department Extension Office or companies who manufacture home canning products.

Using the right cookware makes a big difference

•The pan should have a flat bottom, straight sides, and a well-fitting lid.

•Choose medium to heavy gauge (thickness) cookware.

•The pan material (metal or glass) affects how quickly and evenly the pan heats.

•When using glass or ceramic cookware, check to make sure it is suitable for use on surface burners.

•To avoid tipping, make sure pots and pans are centered on the grates.

Characteristics of cookware materials

The pan material affects how fast heat transfers from the surface cooking area through the pan material and how evenly heat spreads over the pan bottom. Choose pans that provide the best cooking results.

Aluminum	• Heats quickly and evenly.
	• Use for all types of cooking.
	• Medium or heavy thickness is best for most cooking.
	• Used as a core or base in cookware to provide even heating.
Cast iron	• Heats slowly and evenly.
	• Good for browning and frying.
	• Maintains heat for slow cooking.
	• Can be coated with porcelain enamel.

Ceramic or ceramic glass

Copper

•Heats slowly and unevenly.

•Use on low to medium settings.

•Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

•Heats very quickly and evenly.

•Used as a core or base in cookware to provide even heating.

Earthenware	• Can be used for cooktop cooking if recommended by the
	manufacturer.
	• Use on low settings.

Porcelain enamel-on-steel or enamel-on-cast iron

Stainless steel

•See cast iron and stainless steel.

•Heats quickly but unevenly.

•A core or base of aluminum or copper on the cookware provides even heating.

•Can be coated with porcelain enamel.

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