Home Canning
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface
cooking areas, elements or surface burners between batches.
This allows time for the most recently used areas to cool.
Center the canner on the grate or largest surface cooking
area or element. On electric cooktops, canners should not
extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) beyond the surface cooking
area or element.
Do not place canner on 2 surface cooking areas, elements or
surface burners at the same time.
On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners.
On coil element models, the installation of a Canning Unit Kit
is recommended. If a kit is not installed, the life of the coil
element will be shortened. See "Assistance or Service" for
instructions on how to order.
For more information, contact your local agricultural
department. Companies that manufacture home canning
products can also offer assistance.
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. 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.
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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
Follow manufacturer's instructions.
Ceramic glass
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
See stainless steel or cast iron.
enamel-on-
steel or cast
iron
Stainless steel
Heats quickly, but unevenly.
A core or base of aluminum or copper
on stainless steel provides even
heating.