In general, flat-bottomed cookware that will remain flat (won't warp) throughout cooking, regardless of material, will perform well on glass-ceramic cooktops.

Heat tint is a mottled rainbow-like discoloration on stainless steel that is caused by excessive heat. Heat tint can usually be removed with a commercial stainless steel cleaner commonly found in supermarkets.

In some localities water contains minerals and alkalines which may be deposited on the inside surface of aluminum pans, causing some discoloration. This does not affect the use of the utensil nor the food prepared in it. Stains or discolorations that may appear on aluminum utensils can be removed by boiling a solution of two to three tablespoons of cream of tartar, lemon juice or vinegar to each quart of water in the utensil for five to ten minutes. Then scour lightly with a soap-filled scouring pad.

Yes. Don't place chilled utensils over high heat or soak hot utensils in cold water. Do not begin cooking frozen foods in a hot pan. Extreme temperature changes may warp the pan because of uneven expansion and contraction of the metal. Long periods of high heat also cause metal utensils to warp.

Basically the procedures for cooking are the same rules to be followed for regular fry pans. Medium and low heats should be used. Preheat the pan for about one and one-half minutes over medium low or medium heat. Then add food and turn the heat lower. (Many meats are first browned on both sides over medium heat; then the heat is reduced to finish cooking.) High temperatures cause food residues to burn on, affecting the non-stick characteristics.

Most manufacturers attach handles and knobs in such a way that they can be easily replaced. It is suggested that the specific manufacturer be contacted for replacement parts should the consumer choose to replace a damaged part rather than discard the utensil. Glass or glass-ceramic utensils that are chipped or cracked should be discarded.

Heat absorption is the transferring of heat from the air and vapor to the food. The food absorbs heat from the vapor around it. In addition, where the food is in contact with the cookware, heat transfer by conduction also occurs.

"Clad" usually means the bonding of one metal to the surface of another, such as copper or aluminum to stainless steel, in a way that takes advantage of characteristics of both metals. For instance, copper or aluminum may be bonded to the exterior of stainless steel to improve heat conductivity. while the inside surface retains the easy-to-clean, scratch-resistant properties of stainless steel.

Before using the first time, wash the utensil with hot sudsy water. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and dry immediately. Then apply a film of cooking oil or shortening to the inside surface with a cloth or paper toweling. Solid shortening is more effective than oil when greasing a bakeware pan for baking cakes. However, silicone-coated bakeware does not require pre-seasoning.

Yes. Any type of solid shortening or cooking oil may be used when cooking with nonstick utensils. Except for eggs and baked goods with a high sugar content, no shortening or oil is needed to keep food from sticking. This is a definite advantage to people on low-fat diets.

Nonstick finishes on some pans may be marred by the sharp edge of a spatula or the point of a fork. For this reason, follow manufacturer's instructions as to the type of kitchen tools to be used on a nonstick utensil. Some reinforced nonstick coatings such as Excalibur and Quantum permit the use of metal utensils, however cutting with a knife is not recommended.

Most cookware and bakeware can be cleaned safely in an automatic dishwasher. However, water with high mineral content, as well as certain detergents can darken some surfaces, stain aluminum or copper, and remove the "seasoning" from cast iron and from nonstick surfaces. Hard anodized aluminum will discolor in a dishwasher. Check the manufacturers instructions before washing your utensils in an automatic dishwasher.

No. Food and Drug Administration scientists have confirmed that these coatings are safe for human use.

Wash it in hot sudsy water, using a nylon scrubber. Most nonstick finishes are dishwasher-safe. Re-conditioning with a light application of cooking oil is recommended after dishwasher use.