Home Appliances UseAndCare G U I D E A Note to You ......................... 2 Cooktop Safety .................... 3-5 Getting to Know Your Cooktop ......................... 6 Controls .................................. 7 Using .................................. 7 Caring for ............................ 8 Coil Elements ......................... 9 Installing ............................. 9 Using ................................ 11 Caring for .......................... 13 Ceramic Surface Units.........
A Note to You Thank you for buying a WHIRLPOOL® appliance. Because your life is getting busier and more complicated, WHIRLPOOL cooktops are easy to use, save time, and help you manage your home better. To ensure that you enjoy years of trouble-free operation, we developed this Use and Care Guide. It is full of valuable information about how to operate and maintain your appliance properly and safely. Please read it carefully.
Cooktop Safety Your safety is important to us. This guide contains safety statements under warning symbols. Please pay special attention to these symbols and follow any instructions given. Here is a brief explanation of the use of the symbol. wWARNING This symbol alerts you to such dangers as fire, electrical shock, burns, and personal injury.
C O O K T O P S AF E T Y •Do not wear loose or hanging garments when using the cooktop. They could ignite if they touch a hot surface unit and you could be burned. •Use only dry pot holders. Moist or damp pot holders on hot surfaces could result in burns from steam. Do not let pot holder touch hot heating elements. Do not use a towel or bulky cloth for a pot holder. It could catch on fire. •Do not heat unopened containers. They could explode.
CO O K TO P SAFETY Grease •Grease is flammable. Do not allow grease to collect around cooktop. Wipe spillovers immediately. •Do not use water on grease fires. Never pick up a flaming pan. Smother flaming pan by covering with a well-fitted lid, cookie sheet, or flat tray. Flaming grease outside of pan can be extinguished with baking soda or, if available, a multipurpose dry chemical or foam-type extinguisher.
Getting to Know Your Cooktop This section contains captioned illustrations of your cooktop. Use them to become familiar with the location and appearance of all parts and features. To help you find information on specific parts and features quickly, page references are included. Optional grill cover accessory (p.n. RCM50DB/Q) (pp. 25, 26, 29) Air grille Optional griddle accessory (p.n. RCM40DB) (pp. 30-33) Optional ceramic surface unit accessory (p.n. RCM30DB/DQ) (pp.
Controls Using Your cooktop’s easy-to-use controls will work for all of the accessories. Please review this section before cooking with your cooktop to learn the few basics you’ll need to use them correctly. Until you get used to the settings, use the following as a guide for surface element cooking. SETTING HI • To start foods cooking. • To bring liquids to a boil. 7-10 • To hold a rapid boil. • To fry chicken. 5-6 • Most frying, including pancakes. • To cook large amounts of vegetables.
CONTROLS Caring for controls NOTE: Let cooktop cool before cleaning. Use this chart to help you clean your control knobs and panel. 8 PART WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN Control knobs Sponge and warm, soapy water OR Dishwasher • Turn knobs to OFF and pull straight away from control panel. • Wash, rinse, and dry well. Do not soak. • Do not use steel wool or gritty cleansers. They may damage the finish. • Replace knobs. Make sure all knobs point to OFF.
Coil Elements Installing You can install extra coil elements in the left basin (Model RC8720ED) or both basins (Model RC8700ED) of your cooktop. To get the coil element accessory, order Part Number RCM10DB/DQ from a Whirlpool service company or dealer (see Step 2 on page 38) or call the Whirlpool Consumer Assistance Center toll-free 1-800-253-1301. To install: Terminal receptacle Terminal plug 1. Make sure the control knobs are turned off. 4.
COIL ELEMENTS To remove: Terminal receptacle 1. Make sure the control knobs are turned off and the cooktop is cool. Tab Opening 2. Lift up on the “tab” located on the accessory until the top of the accessory clears the opening of the cooktop by about two inches. Lifting the accessory too high while still set firmly in receptacle could damage the terminal plug. 10 3. To pull out the accessory, hold it by the sides and slide away from the terminal receptacle. Lift out when fully unplugged.
CO IL ELEM EN TS Using Cookware tips • Select a pan that is about the same size as the surface unit. • NOTE: For best results and greater energy efficiency, use only flat-bottomed cookware that makes good contact with the surface units. Cookware with rounded, warped, ribbed (such as some porcelain enamelware), or dented bottoms could cause severe overheating, which damages the cookware and/or surface unit.
COIL ELEMENTS Home canning information Energy saving tips To protect your cooktop: • Use flat-bottomed canners/pans for best results. • Use the largest surface unit for best results. Also, use a canner/pan which can be centered over the surface unit and which does not extend more than one inch outside surface unit area. Large diameter canners/pans, if not properly centered, trap heat and can cause damage to the cooktop.
CO IL ELEM EN TS Caring for coil elements Your coil element cooktop is designed for easy care. You can do most cleaning with items found around your home. Cleaning your coil element cooktop whenever spills or soiling occurs will help to keep it looking and working like new. NOTE: Let cooktop cool before cleaning. Removing elements and reflector bowls Removing 1. Make sure all surface units are off and cool before removing surface units and reflector bowls. 3.
COIL ELEMENTS Replacing 1. Make sure all surface units are off and cool before replacing surface units and reflector bowls. 2. Line up openings in the reflector bowl with the surface unit receptacle. 3. Hold the surface unit as level as possible with the terminal just started into the receptacle. Push the surface unit terminal into the receptacle. 14 4. While terminal is pushed into the receptacle as far as it will go, push down the edge of the surface unit opposite the receptacle.
CO IL ELEM EN TS Cleaning chart Use this chart to clean all parts of your coil element cooktop. PART WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN Surface units No cleaning required • Spatters or spills will burn off. • Do not immerse in water. Chrome reflector bowls Warm, soapy water and a nonabrasive, plastic scrubbing pad • Wash, rinse, and dry well. • Clean often. • Do not use gritty or harsh cleansers.
Ceramic Surface Units Installing You can install ceramic surface units in the left basin (Model RC8720ED) or both basins (Model RC8700ED) of your cooktop. NOTE: The pictures in this section show the ceramic surface unit installed in the left basin, where the receptacle is in the front wall of the basin.
CERAM IC SU RFACE U N ITS To remove: Terminal receptacle 1. Make sure the control knobs are turned off and the cooktop is cool. Tab Opening 3. To pull out of the terminal, hold accessory by the sides and slide away from the terminal receptacle. Lift out when fully unplugged. NOTE: Do not stack accessories where they may fall or be damaged. Never store other materials on top of a glass-ceramic accessory since this could damage or mar the surface. 2.
C ER A M IC S U R F A C E UNIT S Using Cooking on the ceramic glass cooktop is almost the same as cooking on coil surface units. There are, however, a few differences: • The surface unit will glow red when it is turned on. You will see the element cycling on (glowing red) and off – even on HI setting – to maintain the proper temperature setting you have selected. • Sliding metal pans on ceramic glass cooktop surface could leave marks.
CERAM IC SU RFACE U N ITS Home canning information center over surface unit 1" 1 inch maximum overhang Pan 1" Flat Bottom Surface unit • Acceptable canning pots should not be oversized and must have a flat bottom. • Use the largest surface unit for best results. Also, use a canner/pan which can be centered over the surface unit. • Start with hot water. This reduces the time the control is set on high. Reduce heat setting to lowest position needed to keep water boiling.
C ER A M IC S U R F A C E UNIT S Caring for ceramic surface units This cooktop is designed for easy care. However, ceramic cooktops need to be maintained differently than standard electric open-coil elements. Foods spilled directly on the cooktop will not burn off as on open-coil elements. Because of this, the surface should be dust free and soil free before heating. Your cooktop has been prepolished at the factory for improved protection and cleanability.
CERAM IC SU RFACE U N ITS Cleaning tips What to use: • Cooktop Polishing Creme with paper towel or clean, damp sponge – This creme has been developed especially for cleaning and protecting your cooktop. When using, follow instructions on container. • Razor scraper – Use to remove cookedon soils from your ceramic cooktop. To avoid scratches, keep the razor blade as flat against the cooktop as possible. Store razor blades out of reach of children. Steps to follow: 1.
C ER A M IC S UR F A C E UNIT S Cleaning chart PART WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN Exterior surfaces (other than control panel and cooktop)/ area under cooktop Sponge and warm, soapy water • Wash, wipe with clean water, and dry well. • Use nonabrasive, plastic scrubbing pad on heavily soiled areas. • Do not use gritty or harsh cleansers. They may damage the finish. NOTE: Do not allow foods containing acids (such as vinegar, tomato, or lemon juice) to remain on surface. Acids may remove the glossy finish.
Grill Installing The grill is made up of two black grill grates, a grill element, and two grill-rocks. To get the grill accessory, order Part Number RCM20DB from a Whirlpool service company or dealer (see Step 2 on page 38) or call the Whirlpool Consumer Assistance Center toll-free 1-800-253-1301. To install: Terminal receptacle Terminal plug 1. Make sure the control knobs are turned off. Grill-rocks Handle 3. Position the grill element with the terminal plug towards the terminal receptacle.
GRILL To remove: 1. Make sure the control knobs are turned off and the grill is cool. 2. Remove the grill grates. 3. Pull the grill element away from the receptacle until it is unplugged. Remove the grill-rocks. NOTE: Lifting the element too high while the plug is still in the receptacle could damage the plug.
G RILL Using Before you use the grill for the first time: 1. Wash with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry. Never use a metal scrubbing pad or gritty cleanser on the grill; these will damage the nonstick surface. 2. After cleaning, lightly wipe the cooking surface with cooking oil. This will prevent the food from sticking. Grilling tips Choosing meat • Do not cover the entire cooking surface with meat. Leave space between the food items to help smoke and steam clear away quickly.
GRILL Grilling tips (continued) • If meat begins to cook too quickly, turn the grill control knob to a lower setting. • Grease drippings will ignite occasionally to produce harmless puffs of flame for a second or two. This is normal while cooking. If you have too many flare-ups: you need to clean the grill interior, you have not trimmed the meat properly, or there is too much fat in the meat. • The grill element should glow a bright cherry red.
G RILL Grill chart Preheat on HI for 5 or 10 minutes for best flavor. Cooking times and control settings are approximate due to differences in meats and electrical voltage. Use the following chart as a guide to determine which cooking times and settings work best for you. You may need to adjust the cooking times to get the taste and/or doneness you want. SETTING COOKING TIME (in minutes) COMMENTS Steak ( ⁄ - ⁄ ") • Rare • Medium • Well-done HI HI HI 9-12 12-19 16-23 Turn after half the time.
GRILL FOOD SETTING COOKING TIME (in minutes) Fish • Steaks (1") 10 20-30 Brush with butter. Turn after half the time. • Fillets (1⁄2") (with skin on) 10 10-15 Start skin side down. Brush with butter. Turn after half the time. • Shrimp (skewered) 10 8-12 Turn and brush with butter or marinade often. Garlic bread HI 2-4 Turn after half the time. Hot dog and hamburger buns 10 2-3 COMMENTS Caring for grill NOTE: Let cooktop cool before cleaning.
G RILL PART WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN Grill-rocks Warm, soapy water and a nonabrasive plastic scrubbing pad OR Dishwasher Bristle brush Oven cleaner • Wash, rinse, and dry well. Clean often or after any large build-up of grease. You can wash grill-rocks in a dishwasher instead if you have first removed burned-on soil. • For heavy soil, soak in hot, soapy water mixed with cleanser, such as household ammonia. • Stubborn spots, such as burned-on sauces, can be scrubbed with a stiff bristle brush.
Griddle Installing You can install a griddle accessory on the left basin of your cooktop (and in the right basin of model RC8700ED). To use this accessory you must have grill accessory Part Number RCM20DB. To get the griddle accessory, order Part Number RCM40DB from a Whirlpool service company or dealer (see Step 2 on page 38) or call the Whirlpool Consumer Assistance Center toll-free 1-800-253-1301. Terminal receptacle 1.
G RIDDLE Using Before using the griddle for the first time: 1. Wash griddle in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry well. 2. Preheat griddle for five minutes at the settings shown in the “Griddle chart” on page 32. 3. After preheating, lightly wipe the top of the griddle with cooking oil. This prevents sticking. You don’t have to grease the griddle every time you use it. Do not use shortening or butter to grease the griddle.
G R I DD L E Griddle chart doneness you want. Also, low voltage and elements not close enough to the griddle may affect the cooking times and control settings. Preheat for five to ten minutes at the settings listed below. Do not preheat on HI.
G RIDDLE Caring for griddle NOTE: Let cooktop cool before cleaning. You must clean your griddle after each use to keep the finish in good shape. PART WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN Griddle Warm, soapy water and a nonabrasive plastic scrubbing pad • Wash once griddle has cooled. Do not put a hot griddle in cold water. • For heavy soil, use a nonabrasive scrubbing pad. NOTE: Do not wash in a dishwasher. Strong detergents can remove some of the nonstick finish.
Vent Using The built-in vent system removes cooking vapors, odors, and smoke from foods prepared on the cooktop, grill, and griddle. The vent system will go on by itself when the grill element or griddle is being used. wWARNING To turn on the vent system yourself: Cut Hazard Do not put hands into vent when fan or controls are on. Doing so can result in serious cuts. • Turn the vent fan knob to ON. • You can manually control the vent fan only when using the coil or ceramic surface units.
V EN T VEN T Caring for vent Air grille wWARNING Removal tab Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect the electrical supply before servicing the cooktop. Turn fan and cooktop controls off before cleaning the vent system. Do not put hand into vent when fan or controls are on. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, electrical shock, serious injury, or cuts. Vent Filter NOTE: The vent fan system turns on by itself when the grill or griddle is used.
Troubleshooting Most cooking problems often are caused by little things you can find and fix without tools of any kind. Check the lists below and on the next page before calling for assistance or service. If you still need help, see “Requesting Assistance or Service” on page 38. If nothing operates, check the following: Is the cooktop wired into a live circuit with the proper voltage? (See Installation Instructions.
TRO U BLESH O O TIN G PROBLEM CAUSE Cooking results are not what you expected (continued) • The recipe you are using may need to be altered to improve the taste or appearance of the food. • You are using a pan that is not the correct type or size. Refer to a reliable cookbook or recipe for recommended pan type and size. • The cooking utensil is too large or too small for the surface unit being used. Pan should be the same size or slightly larger than the surface unit being used.
Requesting Assistance or Service Before calling for assistance or service, please check “Troubleshooting” on pages 36-37. It may save you the cost of a service call. If you still need help, follow the instructions below. 1. If you need assistance* … Call the Whirlpool Consumer Assistance Center telephone number. Dial toll-free from anywhere in the U.S.A.: 1-800-253-1301 and talk with one of our trained consultants.
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION MAJOR APPLIANCE WARRANTY ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY For one year from the date of purchase, when this major appliance is operated and maintained according to instructions attached to or furnished with the product, Whirlpool Corporation or Whirlpool Canada LP (her eafter “Whirlpool”) will pay for FSP® replacement parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship. Service must be provided by a Whirlpool designated service company. ITEMS WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR 1.