Construction Materials

• Pans that are completely flat are required to make good contact with the heating elements below the surface. They should be made of a heavy material like anodized, heavy or cast aluminum or heavy-duty stainless steel. Cast iron pans, both enamel-coated and plain designs, also work well on flat stove tops as long as the bottoms are smooth and free of paint, which may adhere to the cooktop surface. Avoid pots and pans with raised, textured or stenciled bottoms as these features interfere with the heat conduction between the burner top and cookware and are prone to scratching the smooth cook top.
  
  

Pan Sizes

• Most flat top stoves have stenciled outlines on the surface to indicate the appropriate pan size for each burner. The closer the pan is to the size of the heating element, the more even and consistent the heating process is. If pans are too small for the hidden burner, energy is wasted. Pans larger than the heat source beneath them will not heat on the outer edges and foods will cook unevenly.
  
  

Pan Maintenance

• For continued optimum performance of the pans, avoid using metal scrubbing tools to clean the bottoms, as this will mar the smooth finish and possibly scratch the glass or porcelain on the stove top. Be sure there are no particles of food stuck to the pan bottoms, as that will interfere with the heat-conduction process.
  
  

Stove Top Care

• Wipe up spills on the flat top before they dry to avoid having to scrub them. If food or liquid spills are stubborn, only use a nylon scrubber to remove them and do not use abrasive cleansers. Special powdered and liquid detergents are available that clean and shine cooktops without scratching. Never use products with flammable ingredients that could be ignited by hot, sub-surface burners.
  
  

Manufacturer Guidelines

• The best way to ensure your stove top is protected from cosmetic harm is to follow the guidelines provided with the range. These instructions normally provide brand names of recommended cookware and list types of pans to avoid. If these usage recommendations are ignored, the stove top warranty may be voided.