Whirlpool RY160LXTB Owners Manual - Page 6

COOKTOP USE Cooktop Controls WARNING Fire Hazard Turn off all controls when done cooking. Failure to do so can result in death or fire. Control knobs must be pushed in before turning them to a setting. The controls can be set anywhere between HI and LO. Use the following chart as a guide when setting heat levels. SETTING RECOMMENDED USE HI ■ To start foods cooking. ■ To bring liquids to a boil. Medium High Between HI & MEDIUM ■ To hold a rapid boil. ■ To quickly brown or sear meat. MEDIUM ■ To fry poultry or meat. ■ To maintain a slow boil. Medium Low Between MEDIUM & LO ■ To cook gravy, pudding or sauce. ■ To stew or steam food. LO ■ To simmer food. ■ To keep foods warm. REMEMBER: When range is in use or (on some models) during the Self-Cleaning cycle, the entire cooktop area may become hot. Cooktop On Indicator Lights The Cooktop On lights above the control knobs indicate which surface elements are turned on. A Cooktop On indicator light will glow when its corresponding surface element is turned on. Home Canning When canning for long periods, alternate the use of elements between batches. This allows time for the most recently used areas to cool. ■ Center the canner on the element. Canners should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) beyond the element. ■ Do not place canner on 2 elements at the same time. ■ For more information, contact your local agricultural department. Companies that manufacture home canning products can also offer assistance. 6 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 or grates. 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. Cookware with nonstick surfaces should not be used under the broiler. 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. Coil Elements and Burner Bowls Coil elements should be level for optimal cooking results. Burner bowls, when clean, reflect heat back to the cookware. They also help catch spills. Cookware should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) over the coil element. If cookware is uneven or too large, it can produce excess heat, causing the burner bowl to change color. For more information, see the "General Cleaning" section. NOTE: Before removing or replacing coil elements and burner bowls, make sure they are cool and the control knobs are in the Off position.