IMPORTANT:
Donotleave e mpty c ookware onahotsurface
cooking a rea, element orsurface b urner.
Ideal cookware should h ave aflatbottom, straight sides and awell-
fitting lid,and thematerial should beofmedium-to-heavy
thickness.
Rough f inishes may scratch t hecooktop o rgrates. Aluminum a nd
copper may beused asa core orbase incookware. However,
when used asabase they canleave p ermanent marks o nthe
grates.
Cookware material isafactor i nhowquickly a nd evenly h eat i s
transferred,
which affects c ooking r esults.
Cookware withnonstick surfaces should notbeused under t he
broiler.
Check f orflatness byplacing t he straight edge ofaruler a cross the
bottom ofthecookware. While y ourotate t heruler, nospace or
light s hould bevisible between itandthecookware.
Use thefollowing chart a sa guide forcookware 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
•
Follow manufacturer's instructions.
Ceramic glass
•
Heats slowly, but unevenly.
•
Ideal results on low to medium heat
settings.
Copper
•
Heats very quickly and evenly.
Earthenware
•
Follow manufacturer's instructions.
•
Use on low heat settings.
•
See stainless steel or cast iron.
Porcelain
enamel-on-
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.
8
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface
•
Do not place canner on 2 surface burners at the same time.
burners between batches. This allows time for the most recently
used areas to cool.
•
For more information, contact your local agricultural extension
office, or refer to published home canning guides. Companies
•
Center the canner on the grate above the burner,
that manufacture home canning products can also offer
assistance.