Maytag MEC7430WB Use & Care Guide - Page 8

■ To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not use the cooktop as a cutting board. ■ Use cookware about the same size as the surface cooking area. Cookware should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) outside the area. B A C A. Surface cooking area B. Cookware/canner C. ½" (1.3 cm) maximum overhang ■ Use flat-bottomed cookware for best heat conduction and energy efficiency. Cookware with rounded, warped, ribbed or dented bottoms could cause uneven heating and poor cooking results. ■ Determine 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. ■ Cookware designed with slightly indented bottoms or small expansion channels can be used. ■ Make sure the bottoms of pots and pans are clean and dry before using them. Residue and water can leave deposits when heated. ■ To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not cook foods directly on the cooktop. 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. On electric cooktops, canners should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) beyond the surface cooking area or element. ■ Do not place canner on 2 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 a kit is not installed, the life of the coil element will be shortened. See "Assistance or Service" for instructions on how to order. ■ For more information, contact your local agricultural department. Companies that manufacture home canning products can also offer assistance. 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. 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. 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. 8