Section Four: Using the Cooktop
PROPER COOKWARE
Use only a flat bottom wok. A round bottom wok cannot be used with or without its support ring. The wok is unstable without the ring, and the ring may restrict air to the burners.
Use Flat Bottom Pans
Use flat, heavy bottom pans that stay flat when heated for the best results. Avoid cookware that is warped, dented, ridged or thin. A warped or ridged pan receives the most heat at the points that contact the flame. This can result in burning or scorching of the food being pre- pared.
Large or Warped Utensils
Canning Tips:
An oversize canning pot can be used with success following these sugges- tions.
▲ Use a canner with a dark or dull |
finish to reduce heat reflecting |
back to the cooktop surface. |
▲ Select a canner with a flat bottom, |
rather than one with a concave, |
convex or rippled bottom. |
▲ Allow at least 3/8 inch of air space |
between the canner overhang and |
the cooktop surface. |
▲ Use the lowest heat setting pos- |
sible to maintain a boil or pres- |
sure. |
▲ Be sure to cover all |
containers. |
▲ Follow the canning instructions |
given in a standard cookbook or |
manufacturer’s instructions pro- |
vided with the canning jars. |
Do not use an oversize utensil
Specialty pans such as woks, lobster pots, pressure cookers, griddles, French fryers, etc. must meet similar design requirements as regular cook- ware: flat bottom, balanced, correct size, and proper cover (if applicable). Do not use utensils such as griddles, roasting pans, au gratin pans, fish poachers or other cooking utensils that must fit across two burners. Use of these products can result in dam- age to the glass cooktop and porce- lain burner pans.
Heat and cool pans gradually to help maintain a flat bottom on your cook- ware. Do not place pans under cold water while still hot, unless recom- mended by the manufacturer, as they may warp.
Do not use unusually large or warped utensils such as canners and stock pots on HI heat for an extended period of time. This may cause heat build up which can result in damage to the cooktop or the sur- rounding countertop. Once food has reached temperature, turn the con- trol setting down to maintain the cooking heat.
Use canners and stock pots that have a flat bottom and extend no more than 2 inches beyond the burner grate.
▲ Use care to prevent burns from |
the large amount of steam gener- |
ated by the canning process. |
Look for canners fitting this description:
▲Water Bath Canner: Standard 21 to
▲Pressure Canner: Canners vary in size from 8 to 22 quarts with 8 to
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