Use and Care

7
Cookware
IMPORTANT: Do not leave empty cookware on a hot surface
cooking area, element, or surface burner.
Ideal cookware should have a flat bottom, straight sides, and a
well-fitting lid, and the material should be of medium-to-heavy
thickness.
Rough finishes may scratch the cooktop or coils. Aluminum
and copper may be used as a core or base in cookware. However,
when used as a base, they can leave permanent marks on the
grates.
Cookware material is a factor in how quickly and evenly heat is
transferred, which affects cooking results.
Cookware with nonstick surfaces should not be used under
the broiler.
Check for flatness by placing the straight edge of a ruler across
the bottom of the cookware. While you rotate the ruler, no space
or light should be visible between it and the cookware.
Use the following chart as a guide for cookware material
characteristics.
Cookware Characteristics
Aluminum
■ Heats quickly and evenly.
■ Suitable for all types of cooking
■ Medium or heavy thickness is best for
most cooking tasks.
Cast iron
■ Heats slowly and evenly.
■ Good for browning and frying
■ Maintains heat for slow cooking.
Ceramic or
ceramic glass
■ Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■ Heats slowly but unevenly.
■ Ideal results on low-to-medium heat
settings
Cookware Characteristics
Copper
■ Heats very quickly and evenly.
■ May leave copper residues which may
be diminished if cleaned immediately
after cooking.
Earthenware
■ Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■ Use on low heat settings.
Porcelain enamel
on steel or cast
iron
■ See stainless steel or cast iron.
Stainless steel
■ Heats quickly but unevenly.
■ A core or base of aluminum or copper
on stainless steel provides even
heating.
For best results, the cookware should be centered above the
burner with the bottom sitting level on the grate. The flame should
be adjusted so that it does not extend up the sides of the pan.
Home Canning
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface
burners between batches. This allows time for the most recently
used areas to cool.
■ Center the canner on the grate above the burner.
■ Do not place canner on 2 surface burners at the same time.
■ For more information, contact your local agricultural extension
office or refer to published home canning guides. Companies
that manufacture home canning products can also offer
assistance.
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