Whirlpool WFE540H0AH Use & Care Guide - 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 wellfitting 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 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. 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. 1 2 3 1 4 5 6 2 7 8 3 9 1 0 1 1 4 1 2 1 3 5 1 4 1 5 1 6 6 1 7 1 8 7 1 9 2 0 COOKWARE CHARACTERISTICS 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. 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. Cookware should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) outside the area. 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. Home Canning Canning can be performed on a glass smooth top cooking surface. When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface cooking areas or elements between batches. This allows time for the most recently used areas to cool. ■ Center the canner on the 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 or elements at the same time. ■ On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners to avoid damage to the cooktop and elements. ■ For more information, contact your local agricultural extension office, or refer to the USDA Home Canning Guides. Companies that manufacture home canning products can also offer assistance. 7