Advertisement
SURFAI :E COOKING
Cookwarewhich extendsmore than two inches beyond
The pan material determineshow evenly and quickly heat
the grate, rests on twogrates, Ortouchesthe cooktop may
is conductedfrom the heat sourceto the food. Some
cause a build up of heat which may result in damageto
widely used pan materials are:
the the burner grate, burner or cooktop.
Aluminum - excellent heat conductor. Somefoods will
Cookware,such as a wok witha support ring, which
cause it to darken or pit. Often used as a bottom coating
restrictsair circulationaroundthe burner will cause heat
to improve the heating of other pan materiaJs.
to build up and may resultin damageto the burner grate,
burner or cooktop.
Copper - excellent heat conductor.Discolors easily,
Foods cookfaster when the cookware is coveredbecause
requires constant polishing. Often usedas a bottom
more heat is retained. Lowerthe flame size when
coating to improvethe heating of other pan materials.
cookwareis covered.
Stainless Steel -slow conductor of heat. Develops hot
The cooking performanceis
greatly
affectedby the type of
spots and produces uneven cookingresults. Ourable,
cookware used. Propercookware will reducecooking
attractive, easyto clean and stain resistant. Will distribute
times, use less energyand producemore even cooking
heat better if other metals (aluminumor copper) are
results. For best resultsuse a heavy gauge metal pan
combinedor sandwichedtogether as a bottomcoating.
with a smoothflat bottom, straight sides and a tight fitting
lid.
Cast Iron - slow heat conductor. Cooks evenly once
Cookwarewithuneven, warped, or grooved bottoms do
temperature is reached. Heavy.Needs seasoning to make
not make good contactwith the heatingsurface, will
cleaning easier and to prevent sticking and rusting.
reduce heat conductivityand result in slower,less even
Glass - slow heat conductor:Easyto clean. Sometypes
heating,
may only be used in the oven.
To determinethe flatness of the bottom of a pan, place the
edge of a ruleracrossthe bottomof the utensil.Hold itup
PorcelainEnamel - g{ass-(ikesubstancefusedto metal.
to thelight.Littleor no lightshouldbe visibleunderthe
Heatingcharacteristics dependonbase material.Easyto
ruler,
clean.
Acceptablewater-bathor pressurecanners shouldnot
be oversizedand shouldnot reston two burner grates.
Theyshouldalso havefiat bottoms.
When canning, usethe HI setting just until the water
comesto a boil or pressureis reachedin a pressure
canner,then reduce to a setting that maintainsthe
pressure or a boil.
Prolongeduseof the Hi setting, the use of incorrect
canningutensils, or the use of improper canning
techniquesmay produceexcessiveheat and resultin
permanentdamageto the appliance.
NOTE: For additional canning informationcontact your
local County Extension Office. Or, contactAiltrista
Consumer ProductsCompany,marketer of Ball brand
home canning productsat 800-240-3340or write:
A_ltrista Corp., ConsumerAffairs Dept.,P.O.Box 2729,
Muncie,IN 47307-0729.
Advertisement
