Jenn-Air Convertible and Non-Convertible Cooktops

Safety Precautions

Always follow these safety guidelines when operating your cooktop:

• Ensure proper installation and grounding by a qualified technician.
• Never use the appliance for room warming or heating.
• Keep children supervised and away from the appliance during use.
• Wear appropriate apparel; avoid loose or hanging garments.
• Only authorized Jenn-Air Service Contractors should perform repairs or servicing.
• Store flammable materials away from surface units.
• For grease fires, smother flames or use a dry chemical/foam extinguisher; do not use water.
• Use only dry potholders. Avoid contact with hot heating elements.
• Use cookware with flat bottoms that fully cover the heating element to ensure efficiency and prevent hazards.
• Never leave surface units unattended at high heat settings.
• Ensure drip pans are in place on conventional element ranges.
• Do not use aluminum foil to line drip pans or grill basins.
• Use only approved glazed cookware (glass, glass-ceramic, ceramic) suitable for temperature changes.
• Turn utensil handles inward to prevent burns and ignition.
• Do not soak or immerse removable heating elements in water.
• Keep items of interest to children out of cabinets above the cooktop to prevent climbing hazards.
• Surface units and surrounding areas can become hot; allow sufficient cooling time before touching.
• Do not cook on a broken glass-ceramic surface; contact a service contractor.
• Clean glass-ceramic cooktops with caution, being mindful of steam burns and potential fumes from cleansers on hot surfaces.
• Do not operate with a damaged cooking element until repaired.
• Keep all switches OFF when the unit is not in use.

About Your Jenn-Air Cooktop

Your Jenn-Air cooktop offers versatile food preparation, including countertop grilling with a patented integral ventilation system. This manual provides instructions for optimal use, maintenance, and cooking results.

For questions, contact: Consumer Services Department, Jenn-Air Company, 3035 Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46226-0901.

Ventilation System

The built-in system removes cooking vapors, odors, and smoke, ensuring a more comfortable kitchen environment.

Using the Ventilation System

• Operate manually via the on/off switch near the grille.
• It operates automatically when the grill element is in use.
• The fan can also be used to cool baked items or remove strong kitchen odors.

Cleaning the Ventilation System

Surface Area: The ventilation grille lifts off for easy cleaning with mild detergents. The permanent filter can be cleaned in a sink or dishwasher. Ensure the filter is placed at an angle for optimal effectiveness. The ventilation chamber can be cleaned with paper towels or a damp cloth.

Under Counter: Check and empty the grease jar periodically. The serial plate should not be cleaned.

Surface Controls

Variable heat controls offer flexibility. Controls are push-turn type: push down before turning. A red indicator light signals when a surface heating element is ON.

Control Locations

The cooktop has four control locations, typically corresponding to the left rear, left front, right front, and right rear heating elements or grill.

Suggested Control Settings

Settings vary based on cookware, food type, and quantity. General guidelines are provided:

• HI: Fast cooking, boiling liquids, preheating oil, most grilling.
• 7-10 (Medium High): Fast frying, browning, maintaining rapid boil, oil temperature.
• 5-6 (Medium): Double boiler, sautéing, slow boil.
• 3-4 (Medium Lo): Continuing cooking, maintaining serving temperatures.
• LO-2: Simmering, melting butter/chocolate.

Cleaning Control Knobs

Knobs can be washed in warm soapy water or a dishwasher. Do not use abrasive materials. Reattach by aligning the flat part of the knob opening with the shaft spring.

Using Cooktop Cartridges

Various cartridges (conventional coil, glass-ceramic, solid element, induction) can be installed. Ensure controls are OFF before installation or removal. Cartridges should be cool before removal. Store cartridges properly to prevent damage.

Conventional Coil Cooktop

For best results and efficiency, use cookware with flat bottoms that cover the heating element evenly. Avoid utensils that extend more than 1 inch beyond the element. Do not use wire trivets or heat-retarding pads. Avoid large diameter canners or utensils except for boiling water or canning, as they can cause damage.

Cleaning the Conventional Coil Cooktop

Normal cleaning can be done without removing the cartridge. Avoid immersing the cartridge in water. Clean terminals with an S.O.S. pad if dirty, ensuring they are dry before reinsertion. Heating elements can be unplugged for cleaning drip pans; do not immerse elements in water. Drip pans should be cleaned frequently. For stubborn stains, use recommended cleansers or soak. Stainless steel areas require specific cleaning methods (see page 12).

Home Canning

Canning should be done on the conventional coil element only. Use flat-bottomed canners. Follow specific procedures for bringing water to a boil, positioning the canner, and using reliable canning recipes. Be cautious of steam burns.

Glass-Ceramic Cooktop

Use cookware that matches the heating element size and conducts heat well. Flat-bottomed, heavy-duty aluminum and stainless steel are recommended. Glass-ceramic retains heat longer than conventional coils.

Selecting Proper Cooking Utensils

Use flat-bottomed cookware. Test flatness with a ruler. Avoid utensils with irregular bottoms or rims. Be cautious with cast ironware due to potential impact damage. Large utensils may require conventional coil or induction cartridges.

Cleaning the Glass-Ceramic Cooktop

Ensure cookware bottoms are clean and dry before use. Wipe the surface with a clean damp cloth before each use. Use correct heat settings and cookware size to prevent boil-overs. Clean spills carefully, even when hot, to avoid burns. ❗ IMPORTANT: Do not use as a cutting board, do not place plastic items on it, do not use if broken, avoid sliding aluminum or heavy metal utensils, do not cook food directly on the surface, avoid aluminum foil or disposable pans, and do not allow pans to boil dry. Do not use unrecommended cleansers or immerse cartridges in water.

Daily Care

After the cooktop cools, remove spills or spatters. For general cleaning, use water with mild detergents like Ivory, Joy, baking soda, or Bon Ami. For burned-on spills, use a paste of baking soda or recommended cleansers and scrub with a paper towel or nylon scrubber. For stubborn spots, a single-edge razor blade can be used at a 30° angle. For moderate to heavy stains, a paste of Bar Keepers Friend can be applied and left overnight.

Grilling

The grill accessory includes grates, a grill element, and grill-rocks. Ensure controls are OFF before installation. Grill-rocks support the element, and grates sit on top.

Using the Grill

Wash and dry grates before first use. Precondition grates and grill-rocks with oil or non-stick coating. Preheat the grill on HI for 5 minutes. Trim excess fat from meats. Avoid excessive grease or drippings that cause flame-ups, as this may void the warranty. Grease drippings may cause minor flame puffs. NEVER LEAVE GRILL UNATTENDED DURING OPERATION.

Should excess grease cause sustained flame-up: Immediately turn the heat control OFF, turn on the FAN manually, and remove the meat.

❗ IMPORTANT: Do not use aluminum foil or charcoal/wood chips in the grill area. Clean grill-rocks frequently. Do not cover grates completely with meat.

Grill Guide

A table provides suggested settings, cooking times, and procedures for various foods like steak, pork chops, chicken, fish, etc.

Cleaning the Grill

Grill Grates: Clean after each use with detergent and a plastic scrubber, or in a dishwasher if burned-on residue is removed. For heavy soil, soak in hot, soapy water with ammonia. Do not use metal brushes or abrasive pads. Do not clean in a self-cleaning oven.

Grill-Rocks: Clean frequently. Use detergent and a plastic scrubber or wash in the dishwasher. For stubborn spots, use a stiff bristle brush. Oven cleaner can be used for burned-on soil.

Grill Element: Should not be immersed in water. Most soil burns off. Clean the terminal block with a soapy S.O.S. pad and dry thoroughly.

Porcelain Drain Pan: Clean with soapy water or cleansers. For stubborn soil, use oven cleaner and let soak overnight.

Griddle

To Use

Wash and dry the griddle before first use. Place grill-rocks and element in the grill basin, then place the griddle over the element with drain holes in front. Preheat as noted. Season with butter or oil after preheating, but do not preheat a seasoned griddle. Use nonmetallic spatulas.

Cleaning

Clean the griddle after each use to maintain its finish. Wash with soap or detergent in hot water. Remove all food residue. For tacky films, use a plastic scrubber and nonabrasive cleansers. Do not wash in a dishwasher.

Griddle Guide

A table provides suggested settings and approximate cooking times for items like sausage patties, bacon, hamburgers, etc.

*For best results, preheat for 10 minutes.

Accessories

Plug-in Grill Assembly: Converts cooktop to a grill. Includes element, grill-rocks, and grates. Models A150 (Standard) and A151 ("Energy-Saver").

Storage Tray: Model A350, for storing grill assemblies and cartridges.

Complete Cooking with Jenn-Air Cookbook: Model A905, offers recipes and tips.

Plug-in Canning Element: Model A145, allows use of oversized or rippled-bottom utensils for canning.

Cooktop Cartridges

Available types include Black Glass-Ceramic (No. A120/A120-8), Conventional Coil (No. A100), Solid Element (No. A105), and Black & White Induction (No. A130R/A135R, A130F/A135F).