7
Surface Burners
IMPORTANT: Do not obstruct the flow of combustion and
ventilation air around the burner grate edges.
Burner cap: Always keep the burner cap in place when using a
surface burner. A clean burner cap will help prevent poor ignition
and uneven flames. Always clean the burner cap after a spillover
and routinely remove and clean the caps according to the
“General Cleaning” section.
Gas tube opening: Gas must flow freely throughout the gas tube
opening for the burner to light properly. Keep this area free of soil
and do not allow spills, food, cleaning agents or any other
material to enter the gas tube opening. Protect it from spillovers
by always using a burner cap.
Burner ports: Check burner flames occasionally for proper size
and shape as shown above. A good flame is blue in color, not
yellow. Keep this area free of soil and do not allow spills, food,
cleaning agents or any other material to enter the burner ports.
To Clean:
IMPORTANT: Before cleaning, make sure all controls are off and
the oven and cooktop are cool. Do not use oven cleaners, bleach
or rust removers.
1. Remove the surface burner grates.
2. Remove burner cap from the burner base and clean
according to “General Cleaning” section.
3. Clean the gas tube opening with a damp cloth.
4. Clean clogged burner ports with a straight pin as shown. Do
not enlarge or distort the port. Do not use a wooden
toothpick. If the burner needs to be adjusted, contact a
trained repair specialist.
5. Replace the burner cap.
6. Replace surface burner grates.
7. Turn on the burner. If the burner does not light, check cap
alignment. If the burner still does not light, do not service the
sealed burner yourself. Contact a trained repair specialist.
Home Canning
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface
cooking areas, elements or surface burners between batches.
This allows time for the most recently used areas to cool.
■
Center the canner on the grate or largest surface cooking
area or element. Canners should not extend more than 1"
(2.5 cm) outside the cooking area.
■
Do not place canner on two surface cooking areas, elements
or surface burners at the same time.
■
On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners.
■
On coil element models, the installation of a Canning Unit Kit
is recommended. If not installed, the life of the coil element
will be shortened. See “Assistance or Service” for ordering
instructions.
■
For more information, contact your local U.S. Government
Agricultural Department Extension Office. Companies that
manufacture home canning products can also offer
assistance.
Cookware
IMPORTANT: Never leave empty cookware on a hot surface
cooking area, element or surface burner.
Ideal cookware should have a flat bottom, straight sides, a well-
fitting lid and the material should be of medium-to-heavy
thickness.
Rough finishes may scratch the cooktop. Aluminum and copper
may be used as a core or base in cookware. However, when used
as a base they can leave permanent marks on the cooktop or
grates.
Cookware material is a factor in how quickly and evenly heat is
transferred, which affects cooking results. A nonstick finish has
the same characteristics as its base material. For example,
aluminum cookware with a nonstick finish will take on the
properties of aluminum.
On some models, griddles with nonstick surfaces should not be
used in the broiler.
Use the following chart as a guide for cookware material
characteristics.
A. 1-1½" (25-38 mm)
B. Burner ports
B
A
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
Ceramic glass
■
Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■
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.
Porcelain
enamel-on-
steel or cast
iron
■
See stainless steel or cast iron.
Stainless steel
■
Heats quickly, but unevenly.
■
A core or base of aluminum or copper
on stainless steel provides even
heating.
