Frigidaire PCFD3670AF Complete Owners Guide - Page 17

Cookware properties are a factor in how quickly and evenly heat is distributed, which affects cooking results. A non-stick finish has the same characteristics as its base material. For example, a nonstick finish on aluminum cookware will take on the properties of aluminum. Always use a utensil for its intended purpose. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some utensils were not designed to be used in the oven or on the cooktop. Refer to the following chart as a guide to the physical properties of cookware. 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 glass-ceramic • Follow the manufacturer's instructions. • Heats slowly but unevenly. • Best results with low to medium heat settings. Copper • Heats very quickly and evenly. Earthenware • Follow the manufacturer's instructions. • Use low heat settings. Porcelain enameled steel or cast iron • See stainless steel or cast iron. Stainless steel • Heats quickly but unevenly. • Stainless steel cookware with an aluminum or copper core or bottom provides even heating. 17 USING THE COOKTOP Operating the cooktop burners WARNING Fire Hazard • Do not allow the burner flames to extend beyond the edge of the pan. • Turn off all knobs when the range is not in use. CAUTION Do not place plastic items such as salt and pepper shakers, spoon holders or plastic wrappings on top of the cooktop when it is in use. These items could melt or ignite. Potholders, towels or wood spoons could catch fire if placed too close to the flame. All the appliance's control and monitoring devices are located together on the front panel. The burner controlled by each knob is shown by a marking on the bottom left of the knob (see "Control panel"). The appliance is equipped with an electronic ignition device that generates small sparks at regular intervals, necessary for the combustion of the gas. Simply press the knob and turn it counter-clockwise until the burner lights. If the burner does not light in the first 15 seconds, turn the knob to and wait 5 minutes before trying again. After lighting, keep the knob pressed in for a few seconds to allow the thermocouple to heat up. The burner may go out when the knob is released: in this case, the thermocouple has not heated up sufficiently. Wait a few moments before repeating the operation and keep the knob pressed in longer. IMPORTANT If it is turned off by accident, a safety device will trip, shutting off the gas supply, even if the gas tap is open. Return the knob to and wait at least 5 minutes before lighting it again.