10
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, an aluminum or copper base can leave permanent
marks on the grates.
Cookware material affects cooking results because it is a
factor in how quickly and evenly heat is transferred.
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 table 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.
■
May leave aluminum residues which
may be diminished if cleaned
immediately after cooking.
Cast iron
■
Heats slowly and evenly.
■
Good for browning and frying
■
Maintains heat for slow cooking.
■
Rough edges or burrs may scratch
the cooktop.
Ceramic or
ceramic glass
■
Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■
Heats slowly, but unevenly.
■
Ideal results on low-to-medium heat
settings
■
May scratch the cooktop.
Cookware
Characteristics
Copper
■
Heats very quickly and evenly.
■
May leave copper residues which
may be diminished if cleaned
immediately after cooking.
■
Can leave a permanent stain or bond
to the cooktop if overheated.
Earthenware
■
Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■
Use on low heat settings.
■
May scratch the cooktop.
Porcelain
enamel-on-steel
or cast iron
■
See stainless steel or cast iron.
■
Porcelain enamel bakeware without a
metal base may bond to the cooktop
if overheated.
Stainless steel
■
Heats quickly, but unevenly.
■
A core or base of aluminum or
copper on stainless steel provides
even heating.
Use flat-bottomed cookware for best cooking results and
energy efficiency. The cookware should be about the same
size as the cooking area outlined on the cooktop or the coil
element. Cookware should not extend more than
1
/
2
" (1.3 cm)
beyond the surface cooking area or element.
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 cookware.
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 two 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.
