Whirlpool SC8720EDB Owners Manual - Page 15

SURFACE BURNERS Using Cookware tips No one brand of cookware is best for all people. Knowing something about pan materials and construction will help you select the correct cookware for your needs. • NOTE: For best results and greater fuel efficiency, use only flat-bottomed cookware in good condition. • The pan should have straight sides and a tight-fitting lid. • Choose medium to heavy gauge (thickness) pans that are fairly lightweight. • The pan material (metal or glass) affects how fast heat transfers from the surface burners through the pan material and how evenly heat spreads over the pan bottom. Choose pans that provide the best cooking results. • IMPORTANT: Do not allow large pans to contact or extend over the control knobs. Heat trapped between large pans and control knobs could possibly damage the control knobs. • IMPORTANT: Leave a minimum of 11⁄2" between the side of the pan and surrounding surfaces, such as countertop backsplash or side walls. This allows heat to escape, avoiding possible damage to these areas. • Handles should be made of a sturdy, heatresistant material and be securely attached to the pan. • Pans should be easy to clean. Check to be sure there are no crevices, rough edges, or areas where food might collect. • Be sure pans do not tip, whether they are full or empty. • Use cookware only as it was intended to be used. Follow pan instructions. This is very important for glass cookware because some should be used only in the oven. Other pans are marked as flameware and may be used on the surface burners. Home canning information The larger diameter of most water-bath or pressure canners combined with high heat settings for long periods of time can cause damage to the cooktop. To protect your cooktop: • For best results, use a canner which can be centered over the surface burner. • Do not place canner on two surface burners at the same time. Too much heat will build up and will damage the cooktop. • Start with hot water. This reduces the time the control is set on HI. Reduce heat setting to lowest position needed to keep water boiling. • Refer to your canner manual for specific instructions. Energy saving tips Although the energy used for cooking is usually a very small percentage of the total energy used in the home, cooking energy can be used efficiently. Here are some tips to help you save energy when using your cooking product: • Use pans with flat bottoms, straight sides, and tight-fitting lids. • Cook with a minimum of liquid or fat to help shorten cooking time. • Preheat pans only when recommended and for the shortest time possible. • Start food on higher heat settings, then set surface burner control on LO to finish cooking. • Turn on the surface burner only after placing filled pan on the burner grate. • Plan your meals for the most efficient use of the cooktop. • Cover pans. 15