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CERAN® FAQ

The Material

Special glass-ceramic cooktop panels heat food more efficiently than conventional cooktops. Just 4mm thick, they conduct heat directly to the cookware with almost no loss of energy.

What is glass-ceramic?
Glass-ceramic is a durable long-lasting material. It exhibits only minimal expansion. Between -100º and 700º C, expansion is nearly zero.

How durable is glass ceramic?
Extremely tough and durable glass-ceramic easily stands up to physical, thermal and chemical wear in the kitchen. Even a 4lb pan dropped from a height of 6 inches will not break a CERAN® glass ceramic cooktop panel.

Should sudden temperature changes be avoided?
No. Glass ceramic is extremely resistant to temperature changes.

How were glass-ceramics for cookers developed?
Glass-ceramics were originally developed for use in space. As a result of their many favourable properties, people saw the material as ideal for use in the kitchen, and it was adapted to the high demands of everyday use.

Is there just one standard size of CERAN® cooking zones?
As a result of the many shapes available, everyone's tastes and needs are taken into account. Small cooking zones are designed for the single person, the small family or older people; while cooktops with larger and more cooking zones (for example, 5 or more cooking zones) are better suited for a large family.

Can I also use the cooking surface as a work space?
You can use your CERAN® cooking surface as additional work space. You should make sure, however, that you do not cut directly on the cooking surface. Always use a suitable cutting board and make sure that the cooking zones are cooled off. Naturally, the surface must be washed after the work process in order to prevent it from becoming scratched or dirty.

Are there also gas/electric cooking zones?
Thanks to the latest technological developments, you can now enjoy two types of energy in one cooking surface. By combining gas burners (above or below the glass-ceramic surface) and electric heating elements, there are no limits to your cooking flexibility.

Colours and Patterns

What decorative possibilities do CERAN® Cooktop panels offer?
The possibilities are almost endless. SCHOTT offers CERAN® cooktop panels in over 1000 patterns and 27 colours. New shades are constantly being added to the range.

Where can I buy CERAN® cooking surfaces with multicolor surface decorations?
Your local appliance dealer will be able to provide information on the current product line.

Are there CERAN® cooking surfaces which match the color of my kitchen?
As a result of the various surface patterns and colors which your dealer offers, you can incorporate the CERAN® cooking surface into the color scheme of your kitchen.

How do you recognise the cooking zones?
Cooking zones are clearly outlined, making it possible to position cookware with absolute precision.

Heating systems

What type of ceramic hobs are available?
A complete range of cooking systems is available. Gas, electric, or a combination of the two. The perfect response to customers' individual preferences and requirements.

Standard ceramic hobs contain radiant electric systems with the option to have one or two hologen elements. A halogen system is a radiant system with integrated halogen technology offering the additional advantage of virtually instant heat and brilliant light when switched on. With an induction system, heat is induced in the base of the pan by magnetic effects, which means that cookware must have a metallic base. You can check whether your cookware is suitable by using a magnet.

Safety

What is the purpose of the temperature limiters?
Temperature limiters in the heating elements prevent overheating of the cooking zone. As soon as the temperature has reached a certain level, the supply of power is interrupted.

What is the purpose of the heat indicator display?
The heat indicator light warns you if a cooking zone is still hot. But it also gives you an indication as to where residual heat can be used to warm or to finish cooking food.

What part of the panel heats up?
The cooking zones only. The unheated areas around the pans stay relatively cool since glass-ceramic does not conduct heat well horizoontally.

How do the sensors work?
Modern sensor technology, which is used in many models, recognises whether there is a pot or pan on the cooking zone. If the pot is removed, the cooking zone automatically turns off and thereby prevents unnecessary continued heating of the cooking zone.

What is the purpose of the main safety switch?
The main safety switch on the cooker immediately turns off the energy supply, for example, in situations in which delay would be dangerous. Unpleasant surprises can be prevented in this manner.

How safe are the gas cooking appliances?
A thermoelectric lighting safety device effectively prevents risk. In the event of a malfunction, the gas supply is instantly turned off. Gas burners also have heat indicator lights to help prevent accidental burns.

Cookware

What type of cookware is best suited for CERAN® cooking surfaces?
Stainless steel and enamelled steel produce the best results. Pots and pans should have a thick, stable bottom (a sandwich bottom, for example), which is tapered slightly inward. This expands slightly during heating and then lies flat on the cooking surface. As a result, you can save energy and improve your cooking results.

What size cookware should be used on the CERAN® cooking surface?
You should always match the size of the cookware to the diameter of the respective cooking zone. By doing this, you can save energy and achieve optimal cooking results.

What cookware is not really suitable?
Glass ceramic, because it has poor heating properties and therefore results in unsatisfactory cooking results. In principle, you can use glass cookware on your CERAN® cooking surface, although it is preferable to use glass-ceramic cooking vessels; however, you must make sure they are flame-proof. In order to prevent scratches on the cooking surface, the bottom of the cookware should not have ridges. Take care with aluminium: if traces are not immediately removed with an appropriate cleaning agent they may burn onto the surface and mar its appearance.

Why should the bottom of the cookware be clean and dry?
The bottom of each pot should be clean, dry and, above all, free of ridges, to prevent any residue from burning onto the cooking surface. This also prevents scratches and other damage, such as lime deposits from hard water.

Cleaning

How do I care for my CERAN® cooking surface?
Clean your CERAN® cooking surface regularly - it is best to do so after every use, once it has cooled, with a cleaning agent which is suitable for CERAN® cooking surfaces and a paper towel. Then wipe with a damp cloth and dry. In this way, the smooth, even surface will remain as beautiful as it was on the first day.

What do I do if something boils over?
If you have an accident and food spills over, take the pot or pan off the heating zone immediately and remove any residue with a cleaning scraper. As soon as the cooking zone has cooled, clean it with a cleaning agent which is suitable for CERAN® cooking surfaces. Do not forget: After cleaning, wipe the cooking surface with a damp cloth and then rub it dry.

Why is a scraper so important?
It's the best way to remove all traces of boiled-over liquids or spilled food (especially those containing sugar) while still hot.

Which cleaning agents are appropriate for CERAN® cooking surfaces?
SCHOTT checks cleaning agents for their suitability with regard to CERAN® cooking surfaces. Some agents which are available on a retail basis bear the phrase: "Suitable for CERAN® glass ceramic cooking surfaces". We will gladly send you a current list of cleaning agents, all of which we have checked and found to be appropriate products.

Damage

Possible surface damage.
Scratches, chips, stains and alteration of the pattern.

Does such damage have serious consequences?
In general, the function of the cooktop panel is not affected. The only thing altered is its appearance.

How can traces of wear be removed?
Traces of wear can usually be removed by repeatedly cleaning the cooktop panel with an appropriate product.

What should be done in the event of problems?
Should the cooktop panel be broken by force, or if cracks or other defects appear, immediately inform the customer service centre of the company that manufactured your cooking appliance. Warning! Safety cannot be assured in the event of such breakage or damage.

Contact

SCHOTT UK Ltd

Sales Office
Drummond Road
Astonfields Industrial Estate
Stafford ST16 3EL
United Kingdom
 +44 (0)1785 223166
 +44 (0)1785 223522
E-mail
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