How to Cook on a Smooth-Top Electric Stove
Many people choose to use electric stoves because of their reliable radiant heat. They're easier to use than gas stoves, which often can't be regulated at low heats for gentle simmering or slow cooking. Over the past 30 years, choices in electric cook tops have included coil burners and smooth-top electric ranges. Because of the problems involved in cleaning coil burners when there's a spill or boil-over and the need to replace the drip pans when rusted or crusted with burnt-on food, many people prefer smooth-top ranges. Both styles cook with radiant heat, but the smooth-top electric top features heating elements that are positioned underneath the smooth glass surface, presenting a seamless cook top that cleans up more easily. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Glass, ceramic, copper or stainless steel pots and pans
- Glass cleaner or cleaner especially made for smooth-top electric stoves
- Soft mesh scrubber
Instructions
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Read the manufacturer's instructions for your particular smooth-top electric stove. Some manufacturers suggest you not use cast-iron frying pans or other very heavy pans, as dragging them along the stove top might scratch the surface.
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Cook as you would on any electric stove, allowing plenty of time for the burner to warm up. If you are accustomed to a gas range, you will find it takes more time for liquids to boil, or for oil to become hot enough for sauteing or frying. You will find that, once a low heat is established, your stove will hold food at a very low heat for as long as required.
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Lift, rather than slide, metal or glass pots from burner to burner so that your cook top does not scratch.
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Clean your cook top after every use. Use the cleaner recommended by your manufacturer, or just clean with soap and water, rinse well and polish with a glass cleaner. Do not spray cleaner directly on the surface, but use a soft cloth with the glass cleaner sprayed on the cloth.
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Use a gentle (nylon net or plastic mesh) scrubber for burnt-on food, working in a circular motion with light pressure until the food is removed. Do not use scouring powder, metal scrubbers or metal knives or spatulas to loosen the burnt-on material.
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Tips & Warnings
Heavy stock pots and cast-iron utensils can be used on your smooth-top electric range if you are very careful. Set them down very carefully and never slide them on the burner.
Never use cleaner on your burners or other parts of the cook top when it is still warm. Allow it to cool completely, or the cleaner will discolor the cook top.
Remember that the burners are hot long after they're turned off. Most models have a light that indicates the stove top is still hot.
