8
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 surrounding areas to cool.
■ Center the canner on the grate or largest surface cooking
area or element. Canners should not extend more than 1 in.
(2.5 cm) outside the cooking area.
■ Do not place canner on two surface cooking areas, elements
or surface burners at the same time.
■ On ceramic glass models, only use flat-bottomed canners.
■ On coil element models, the installation of a Canning Unit Kit
is recommended. If not installed, the life of the coil element
will be shortened. See “Assistance or Service” for ordering
instructions.
■ For more information, contact your local U.S. Government
Agricultural Department Extension Office. Companies who
manufacture home canning products can also offer
assistance.
Cookware
IMPORTANT: Never leave empty cookware on a hot surface
cooking area, element or surface burner.
Ideal cookware should have a flat bottom, straight sides, a well-
fitting lid and the material should be of medium-to-heavy
thickness.
Cookware material is a factor in how quickly and evenly heat is
transferred, which affects cooking results. A non-stick finish has
the same characteristics as its base material. For example,
aluminum cookware with a non-stick finish will take on the
properties of aluminum.
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.
■ Rough surfaces may scratch cooktop.
Ceramic or
Ceramic glass
■ Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
■ Rough surfaces may scratch cooktop.
■ 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
enamel-on-
steel or cast
iron
■ See stainless steel or cast iron.
Stainless steel
■ Heats quickly, but unevenly.
■ A core or base of aluminum or copper
on stainless steel provides even
heating.
*Aluminum and copper may be used as a core or base in
cookware. When used as a base it can leave permanent marks
on the cooktop or grates.
