Whirlpool SF377PEG Home canning information, big difference, Using the right cookware makes a

		USING YOUR RANGE
USING THE SURFACE BURNERS (CONT.)
In case of a prolonged power failure	• Refer to your canner manual for specific
You can manually light surface burners. Hold a lit	instructions.
match near a burner and turn the control knob to	For up-to-date information on canning, contact your
the LIGHT position. After the burner lights, turn the	local U.S. Government Agricultural Department
control knob to the setting you want.	Extension Office or companies who
	manufacture home canning products.
Home canning information	Using the right cookware makes a
The large diameter of most water-bath or pressure
canners combined with high heat settings for long	big difference
periods of time can cause damage to the cooktop.	• The pan should have a flat bottom, straight sides,
To protect your range:	and a well-fitting lid.
• Center the canner over the surface burner. Do	• Choose medium to heavy gauge (thickness)
not extend more than 1 inch outside the burner	cookware.
area.	• The pan material (metal or glass) affects how
• Do not place your canner on two surface burners
	quickly and evenly the pan heats.
at the same time.	• When using glass or ceramic cookware, check to
• Start with hot water, cover with a lid and bring to
	make sure it is suitable for use on surface burners.
a boil; then reduce heat to maintain a boil or	• To avoid tipping, make sure pots and pans are
required pressure levels in a pressure canner.
	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	• Heats slowly and unevenly.
ceramic glass	• Use on low to medium settings.
	• Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Copper	• 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	• See cast iron and stainless steel.
enamel-on-cast iron
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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