The Ceramic Hotplate - Rangemaster Excel 110 User's Manual & Installation Instructions

Fig. 2.11
Fig. 2.12
Fig. 2.13
Fig. 2.14
Fig. 2.15

The Ceramic Hotplate

The hotplate area on the left-hand side is dual purpose. It can
be used either as a ceramic hob to heat a pan in the usual
way (Fig. 2.11) or it can be used to heat the supplied griddle.
The rear area, marked with a ring is for cooking with a pan.
There are two elements that allow either the whole of the
area to be heated or just the rear half.
To heat the whole area, turn the control knob clockwise (Fig.
2.12).
To use the rear ring turn the control knob counter-clockwise
(Fig. 2.13).
The neon indicator light above the control knob will come on
when a hob control is turned on and stay lit while the surface
cools.
You can also place a large fish kettle across both heating
zones. To heat the whole area, turn the knob clockwise.
Always take care before touching the surface even when it is
turned off – it may be hotter than you think.
Use only pans that are suitable for ceramic hobs.
We recommend stainless steel and enamelled steel pans
because pots and pans with copper or aluminium bases leave
traces on the hob that are difficult to remove.
Pots and pans should have thick, smooth, flat bottoms
(Fig. 2.14). This makes sure the maximum heat transfer
from the hob to the pan, making cooking quick and energy
efficient. Never use a round-bottomed wok, even with a
stand.
The very best pans have bases that are very slightly curved up
when cold. If you hold a ruler across the bottom you will see
a small gap in the middle (Fig. 2.15). When they heat up the
metal expands and lies flat on the cooking surface.
Make sure that the base of the pan is clean and dry to prevent
any residue burning onto the hob panel. This also helps
prevent scratches and deposits.
Always use pans that are the same size as (or slightly larger
than) the areas marked on the hob top (Fig. 2.16). Using
smaller pans wastes heat, and any spillage will be burnt on.
Using a lid will help the contents boil more quickly.
Always lift pans off the hob. Sliding pans may cause marks
and scratches. Always turn the control to the 'OFF' position
before removing a pan.
When cooking on the hob you may see the hob area you
are using switch off and on. This is caused by a safety device
that limits the temperature of the hob. It is quite normal,
especially when cooking at high temperatures. If it happens a
lot with a particular pan however it may mean the pan is not
suitable – perhaps too small or too uneven – for a ceramic
hob.
For best results, preheat a covered serving dish for 10 minutes
before adding food to it.
Use only heat-resistant dishes.
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