Whirlpool GJC3034RC Use and Care Guide - Page 10

COOKTOP USE Ceramic Glass (on some models) The surface cooking area will glow red when an element is on. It will cycle on and off, at all settings, to maintain the selected heat level. It is normal for the surface of white or biscuit ceramic glass to appear to change color when surface cooking areas are hot. As the glass cools, it will return to its original color. Wiping off the cooktop before and after each use will help keep it free from stains and provide the most even heating. On cooktops with white or biscuit ceramic glass, soils and stains may be more visible, and may require more cleaning and care. For more information, see "General Cleaning" section. s Do not store jars or cans above the cooktop. Dropping a heavy or hard object onto the cooktop could crack the cooktop. s Do not leave a hot lid on the cooktop. As the cooktop cools, air can become trapped between the lid and the cooktop, and the ceramic glass could break when the lid is removed. s For foods containing sugar in any form, clean up all spills and soils as soon as possible. Allow the cooktop to cool down slightly. Then, while wearing oven mitts, remove the spills while the surface is still warm. If sugary spills are allowed to cool down, they can adhere to the cooktop and can cause pitting and permanent marks. s Do not slide cookware or bakeware across the cooktop. Aluminum or copper bottoms and rough finishes on cookware or bakeware could leave scratches or marks on the cooktop. s Do not cook popcorn in prepackaged aluminum containers on the cooktop. They could leave aluminum marks that cannot be removed completely. s Do not allow objects that could melt, such as plastic or aluminum foil, to touch any part of the entire cooktop. s Do not use the cooktop as a cutting board. s 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 s Make sure the bottoms of pots and pans are clean and dry before using them. Residue and water can leave deposits when heated. s 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. s 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. s Do not place canner on 2 surface cooking areas, elements or surface burners at the same time. s On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners. s 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 ordering instructions. s 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, 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 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 C A. Surface cooking area B. Cookware/canner C. ½" (1.3 cm) Maximum overhang s 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. s 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. s Cookware designed with slightly indented bottoms or small expansion channels can be used. Aluminum Cast iron Ceramic or Ceramic glass Copper s Heats quickly and evenly. s Suitable for all types of cooking. s Medium or heavy thickness is best for most cooking tasks. s Heats slowly and evenly. s Good for browning and frying. s Maintains heat for slow cooking. s Follow manufacturer's instructions. s Heats slowly, but unevenly. s Ideal results on low to medium heat settings. s Heats very quickly and evenly. 10