USING THE PROPER COOKWARE
Using the right cookware can prevent many problems, such as uneven cooking or extended cooking times. Using the proper pans will reduce cooking times and cook food more evenly.
CORRECTINCORRECT
Check for fl atness by rotating a ruler across the bottom of the cookware.
Flat bottom and straight sides.
•Tight fi tting lids.
•Weight of handle does not tilt pan.
•Pan is well balanced.
•Pan size matches the amount of food to be prepared
and the size of the surface element.
•Made of a material that conducts heat well.
•Always match pot diameter to element surface diameter.
Curved and warped pan bottoms.
Pan overhangs element by more than
Pan is smaller than element.
Heavy handle tilts pan.
CHOOSING THE PROPER COOKWARE
What your cookware is made of determines how evenly and quickly heat is transferred from the surface element to the pan bottom.
•ALUMINUM - Excellent heat conductor. Some types of food will cause the aluminum to darken. (Anodized aluminum cookware resists staining & pitting.). If aluminum pans are slid across the ceramic cooktop, they may leave metal marks that resemble scratches. Remove these marks immediately.
•COPPER - Excellent heat conductor but discolors easily. May leave metal marks on ceramic glass (see above).
•STAINLESS STEEL - Slow heat conductor with uneven cooking results. Is durable, easy to clean and resists staining.
•CAST IRON - A poor conductor; retains heat very well. Cooks evenly once cooking temperature is reached. Not recommended for use on ceramic cooktops.
•ENAMELWARE - 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.
