OPERATION
WARNING: THE RANGE AND ITS PARTS ARE HOT. BE CAREFUL WHEN OPERATING, CLEANING OR SERVICING THE RANGE.
BEFORE FIRST USE
Seasoning of Cast-Iron Hot Tops and Even-Heat Tops
These tops are made of cast iron and should be seasoned prior to use. To season, pour a small amount of cooking oil (about 1 ounce [28 grams] per square foot [.09 square meters] of surface) over the top. With a cloth, spread the oil over the entire surface to create a thin film. Wipe off any excess oil with a cloth. Turn burners on very low and allow to heat up gradually for about 2 hours. Repeat this procedure a second time before regular use. This will resist cracking of the cast iron and ensure longer life.
Cleaning Griddle Plate at Start-Up
The griddle plate is shipped covered with a protective coating of grease. Remove this film only when the griddle plate is being cleaned prior to its first cooking use. Remove film by scraping the griddle surface with the straight edge of a large piece of stiff cardboard. For cleaning procedures, see CLEANING - GRIDDLE TOP in this manual.
Seasoning of Griddle Plate
CAUTION: This griddle plate is steel, but the surface is relatively soft and can be scored or dented by carelessly using a spatula. Be careful not to dent, scratch or gouge the plate surface. Do not try to knock off loose food that may be on the spatula by tapping the corner edge of the spatula on the griddle surface.
A new griddle surface must be seasoned to do a good cooking job. The metal surface of the griddle is porous. Food tends to get trapped in these pores and stick; therefore, it is important to "season" or "fill up" these pores with cooking oil before cooking. Seasoning gives the surface a slick, hard finish from which the food will release easily.
To season, heat the griddle to a low temperature 300 to 350°F (148 to 176°C) (use a surface temperature gauge) and pour on a small amount of cooking oil (about 1 ounce [28 grams] per square foot [.09 square meters] of surface). With a cloth, spread the oil over the entire griddle surface to create a thin film. Wipe off any excess oil with a cloth.
Repeat this procedure two to three times until the griddle has a slick, mirrorlike surface.
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