Dacor ERD36SCH Use and Care Manual - Page 10

Setting the Burner Flame Heights Epicure™ Range burners are all rated at a maximum output of 15,000 BTU/HR. All burners are sealed to the cooktop by gaskets around the underside of the burner bases, thereby preventing any liquid spills from getting below the cooktop frame. Setting the proper burner flame height for the desired cooking process and selected utensil will result in superior cooking performance, while also saving time and energy. Follow these recommendations for best results: 1. Use low or medium flame heights when cooking in utensils that are poor conductors of heat, such as glass, ceramic, and cast iron cooking vessels. Reduce the flame height until it covers approximately 1/3 of the utensil diameter. This will ensure even heating within the utensil and reduce the likelihood of burning or scorching of food. 2. Reduce the flame if it is extending beyond the bottom of the utensil. A flame that licks along the sides of the utensil is potentially dangerous. 3. Reduce the flame height, to the minimum level necessary, to perform the desired cooking process. Remember that food cooks just as quickly at a gentle boil as it does at a vigorous, rolling boil. Maintaining a higher boil than is necessary wastes energy, cooks away moisture, and causes a loss in food flavor and nutrient level. Sealed Burner Assembly Using the Simmer Plate The Simmer Plate has been specifically designed for simmering and holding food at the lowest safe temperature. The Simmer Plate is to be used by setting the burner to its lowest setting. The Simmer Plate has been specifically designed for simmering only. The Simmer Plate must be removed when cooking. To install your Simmer Plate locate the five feet on the bottom, align with the five longest fingers on the cooktop grate then set the plate on top of the grate. When correctly installed, the Simmer Plate will rest about 1/2 inch above the top surface of the grate and will be locked in place to prevent turning. Your Simmer Plate has a non-stick coating for easy cleaning. Take care in using abrasives on the non-stick coating, as it will scratch. Some wearing may occur on top of the Simmer Plate offset fingers, this is normal with use. NOTE: Non-stick coatings if used at high temperatures can be harmful to birds. Avoid keeping pets (birds) in your kitchen during cooking. Simmer Plate Grate Stabilizer Feet Simmer Plate WARNING: To avoid electrical shock or burns, turn off all controls and ensure the cooktop is cool before cleaning. IMPORTANT: Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents, waxes, polishes, or commercial cooktop cleaners to clean the cooktop. Read and follow the CARE AND CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS to ensure that proper cooktop operation and appearance will be maintained throughout the lifetime of the product. Several materials and finishes are used in the cooktop. Each material and finish must be properly cleaned according to the following recommendations. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in permanent damage to the cooktop. Cleaning Tips WARNINGS: 1. Before cleaning the cooktop, ensure that all burners are turned off and that all components are cool enough to safely touch. 2. After cleaning, reassemble all components before attempting to operate the cooktop. Proper cleaning is necessary to maintain cooktop performance and appearance, while also ensuring safe operation. The cleaning effort necessary to maintain the cooktop varies according to the type and amount of cooking. For example, more frequent cleaning is required if the cooktop is used often for frying or other high temperature operations. Clean the cooktop thoroughly prior to operating it the first time. For initial and everyday cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge lightly dampened with a solution of warm water and hand dishwashing liquid to clean all components. IMPORTANT: 1. To keep the cooktop looking its best, clean it after every use as soon as all components are cool enough to safely touch. Also, quickly wipe up spills that occur while cooking, being careful not to touch any hot areas. Spills that remain on hot burner components will be very difficult to clean, especially if allowed to burn on. Spills of certain foods, such as tomatoes, citrus juices, vinegar, alcohol, and milk, are very harmful if allowed to stand for any length of time. Therefore, save time while also maintaining a new appearance by cleaning regularly and shortly after spills occur. 2. Use the mildest cleaner or procedure available to perform the cleaning operation. 3. Use only a sponge, soft cloth, fibrous or plastic brush, and nylon pad for cleaning. Avoid the use of abrasive cleaners such as steel wool. 4. Always dry components completely before using the cooktop. 5. The use of brand names is intended only to indicate a type of cleaning agent or cleaning implement. All products listed by name must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Use of a brand name does not constitute an endorsement, nor does omission of a particular brand imply that a product is inferior. Recommendations for cleaning specific cooktop components are summarized below: IMPORTANT: The grates, burner caps, and spill-over areas on the cooktop, unlike other porcelain enamel appliances in your home, are exposed to extremely high temperatures in a matter of seconds. In addition to this extreme thermal shock, the grates are subjected to mechanical shock when utensils are placed on or slid across them. Finally, spillovers introduce foods with high acidity to all of the porcelain components. Due to these severe operating conditions, all porcelain enamel components on the cooktop will undergo an inevitable change in appearance with use. Meticulous care and cleaning will slow but not eliminate this natural and expected aging process. Treating the porcelain components with care will slow the natural deterioration that takes place with cooktop use. Please follow these guidelines to keep the porcelain parts looking their best: 1. Do not use utensils having rough bottoms, as this can result in permanent damage to the top surfaces of the porcelainized grates. 2. Do not drop utensils onto the grates or drag heavy pots across the tops of the grates. 8