Check for 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.
Use the following table 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.
May leave aluminum residues which
■
may be diminished if cleaned
immediately after cooking.
Cast iron
Heats slowly and evenly.
■
Good for browning and frying
■
Maintains heat for slow cooking.
■
Rough edges or burrs may scratch
■
the cooktop.
Ceramic or
Follow manufacturer's instructions.
■
ceramic glass
Heats slowly but unevenly.
■
Ideal results on low-to-medium heat
■
settings
May scratch the cooktop.
■
Copper
Heats very quickly and evenly.
■
May leave copper residues which
■
may be diminished if cleaned
immediately after cooking.
Can leave a permanent stain or bond
■
to the cooktop if overheated.
Earthenware
Follow manufacturer's instructions.
■
Use on low heat settings.
■
May scratch the cooktop.
■
Porcelain enamel
See stainless steel or cast iron.
■
on steel or cast
Porcelain enamel bakeware without a
■
iron
metal base may bond to the cooktop
if overheated.
Stainless steel
Heats quickly but unevenly.
■
A core or base of aluminum or
■
copper on stainless steel provides
even heating.
12
Use flat-bottomed cookware for best cooking results and
energy efficiency. The cookware should be about the same size
as the cooking area outlined on the cooktop. Cookware should
not extend more than 1/2" (13 mm) outside the area.
Home Canning
Canning can be performed on a glass smooth-top cooking
surface or traditional coil element cooktop. When canning
for long periods, alternate the use of surface cooking areas
or elements between batches. This allows time for the most
recently used areas to cool.
Center the canner on the largest surface cooking area or
■
element. On electric cooktops, canners should not extend
more than 1/2" (13 mm) beyond the surface cooking area
or element.
Do not place canner on 2 surface cooking areas or
■
elements at the same time.
On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners
■
to avoid damage to the cooktop and elements.
For more information, contact your local agricultural
■
extension office or refer to published home canning guides.
Companies that manufacture home canning products can
also offer assistance.