KitchenAid 36-Inch 5 Element Electric Cooktop, Architect® Series II Use & Care Manual

COOKTOP USE

Ceramic Glass

(on some models)

The surface cooking area will glow red when an element is on. 
Some parts of the surface cooking area may not glow red when 
an element is on. This is normal operation. The burner will cycle 
on and off to maintain the selected heat level. It will also 
randomly cycle off and back on again, even while on High, to 
keep the cooktop from extreme temperatures. 

It is normal for the surface of light colored ceramic glass to 
appear to change color when surface cooking areas are hot. As 
the glass cools, it will return to its original color. 

Cleaning off the cooktop before and after each use will help keep 
it free from stains and provide the most even heating. On 
cooktops with light colored ceramic glass, soils and stains may 
be more visible, and may require more cleaning and attention. 
Cooktop cleaner and a cooktop scraper are recommended. For 
more information, see “General Cleaning” section.

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Avoid storing jars or cans above the cooktop. Dropping a 
heavy or hard object onto the cooktop could crack the 
cooktop.

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To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not leave a hot lid on the 
cooktop. As the cooktop cools, air can become trapped 
between the lid and the cooktop, and the ceramic glass could 
break when the lid is removed.

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For foods containing sugar in any form, clean up all spills and 
soils as soon as possible. Allow the cooktop to cool down 
slightly. Then, while wearing oven mitts, remove the spills 
using a scraper while the surface is still warm. If sugary spills 
are allowed to cool down, they can adhere to the cooktop 
and can cause pitting and permanent marks.

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To avoid scratches, do not slide cookware or bakeware 
across the cooktop. Aluminum or copper bottoms and rough 
finishes on cookware or bakeware could leave scratches or 
marks on the cooktop.

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Do not cook popcorn in prepackaged aluminum containers 
on the cooktop. They could leave aluminum marks that 
cannot be removed completely.

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To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not allow objects that 
could melt, such as plastic or aluminum foil, to touch any part 
of the entire cooktop.

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To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not use the cooktop as a 
cutting board.

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Use cookware about the same size as the surface cooking 
area. Cookware should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) 
outside the area.

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Use flat-bottomed cookware for best heat conduction and 
energy efficiency. Cookware with rounded, warped, ribbed or 
dented bottoms could cause uneven heating and poor 
cooking results.

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Determine flatness by placing the straight edge of a ruler 
across the bottom of the cookware. While you rotate the ruler, 
no space or light should be visible between it and the 
cookware.

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Cookware designed with slightly indented bottoms or small 
expansion channels can be used.

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Make sure the bottoms of pots and pans are clean and dry 
before using them. Residue and water can leave deposits 
when heated.

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To avoid damage to the cooktop, do not cook foods directly 
on the cooktop.

Home Canning

When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface 
cooking areas or elements between batches. This allows time for 
the most recently used areas to cool.

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Center the canner on the largest surface cooking area or 
element. Canners should not extend more than ½" (1.3 cm) 
beyond the surface cooking area or element.

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Do not place canner on 2 surface cooking areas or elements 
at the same time.

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On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners.

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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.

A

B

C