Amana AGR4230BA Use and Care Manual - Page 7

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 grates. 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. Cookware with nonstick surfaces should not be used under the broiler. Use the following chart 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. 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-onsteel 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. OVEN USE Odors and smoke are normal when the oven is used the first few times, or when it is heavily soiled. IMPORTANT: The health of some birds is extremely sensitive to the fumes given off. Exposure to the fumes may result in death to certain birds. Always move birds to another closed and wellventilated room. Aluminum Foil IMPORTANT: To avoid permanent damage to the oven bottom finish and the broiler door handle, do not line the oven bottom with any type of foil or liner. ■ On those models with bottom vents, do not block or cover the oven bottom vents. ■ For best cooking results, do not cover entire rack with foil because air must be able to move freely. ■ To catch spills, place foil on rack below dish. Make sure foil is at least ¹⁄₂" (1.3 cm) larger than the dish and that it is turned up at the edges. Positioning Racks and Bakeware IMPORTANT: To avoid permanent damage to the porcelain finish, do not place food or bakeware directly on the oven door or bottom. RACKS ■ Position racks before turning on the oven. ■ Do not move racks with bakeware on them. ■ Make sure racks are level. For best performance, cook on one rack. Place the rack so the top of food will be centered in the oven. To move a rack, pull it out to the stop position, raise the front edge, then lift out. 5 4 3 2 1 FOOD Cookies, layer cakes, biscuits Quick bread, angel food, bundt cakes, pies, pizza Muffins, cupcakes, brownies Large roasts or poultry Casseroles PREHEAT TIME 8-9 min 7 min RACK POSITION 2-4 3 6 min 4 N/A 2 8-9 min 3 7