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Selecting Surface Cooking Cookware
Cookware should have fl at bottoms that make good
contact with the entire surface heating element. Check
for fl atness by rotating a ruler across the bottom of the
cookware (See Figure 1).
Be sure to follow the recommendations for using
cookware as shown in Figure 2.
CORRECT
• Flat bottom and straight
sides.
• Tight fi tting lids.
• Weight of handle does
not tilt pan. Pan is well
balanced.
• Pan sizes match the
amount of food to be
prepared and the size
of the surface element.
• Made of material that
conducts heat well.
• Easy to clean.
• Always match pot
diameter to element
surface diameter.
NOTE
The size and type of cookware used will infl uence the
setting needed for best cooking results.
Figure 1
INCORRECT
• Curved and warped pan
bottoms.
• Pan overhangs unit by
more than one-half inch.
• Pan is smaller than the
element.
• Heavy handle tilts the
pan.
Figure 2
SURFACE COOKING
Cookware Material types
The cookware material determines how evenly and
quickly heat is transferred from the surface element to
the pan bottom. The most popular materials available
are:
ALUMINUM - Excellent heat conductor. Some types
of food will cause it to darken (Anodized aluminum
cookware resists staining & pitting). If aluminum pans
slide across the ceramic glass cooktop, they may leave
metal marks which will resemble scratches. Remove
these marks immediately.
COPPER - Excellent heat conductor but discolors easily.
May leave metal marks on ceramic glass (see Aluminum
above).
STAINLESS STEEL - Slow heat conductor with uneven
cooking results. Is durable, easy to clean and resists
staining.
CAST IRON - A poor heat conductor however will retain
heat very well. Cooks evenly once cooking temperature is
reached. Not recommended for use on ceramic cooktops.
PORCELAIN-ENAMEL on METAL - Heating
characteristics will vary depending on base material.
Porcelain-enamel coating must be smooth to avoid
scratching ceramic cooktops.
GLASS - Slow heat conductor. Not recommended for
ceramic cooktop surfaces because it may scratch the
glass.
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