Control Guide

5
The grates will stop once they are moved to their vertical (fully
open) position. A 20" (50.8 cm) minimum clearance from the
countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets/appliances is
needed to fully open the grates.
Be sure to return the grates to their normal (down) position once
cleaning is complete.
The grates are removable for cleaning.
To attach the grates to their hinges, insert the grate slot over the
hinge pin on the side of the cooktop. Be sure to keep the grate
angled above the cooktop to avoid scratching the cooktop until the
grate is seated on the hinge pin. Then position the grate down
onto the cooktop.
A. Grate slot
B. Hinge pin
Although the burner grates are durable, they will gradually lose
their shine and/or discolor due to the high temperatures of the gas
flame.
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
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.
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 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.
� 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
Ceramic glass
� Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
� 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-on-
steel or cast
iron
� See stainless steel or cast iron.
� Porcelain enamel bakeware without the
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.
For best results, the cookware should be centered above the
burner with the bottom sitting level on the grate. The flame should
be adjusted so that it does not extend up the sides of the pan.
Home Canning
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface
burners between batches. This allows time for the most recently
used areas to cool.
� Center the canner on the grate above the burner.
� Do not place canner on 2 surface burners at the same time.
� 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.