Caple C817C Ceramic Hob

Introduction

Congratulations on your new Caple hob. This manual provides essential information for correct installation and operation. Please read all safety instructions carefully before use and keep this manual for future reference.

Safety Instructions

General Warnings

• Electrical Shock Hazard (⚡): Disconnect the appliance from the mains electricity supply before any work or maintenance. Connection to a good earth wiring system is mandatory. Alterations must be made by a qualified electrician. Failure to comply can be fatal or cause serious injury.
• Cut Hazard (?): Panel edges are sharp. Handle with care to avoid injury or cuts.

Important Safety Instructions

• Read these instructions carefully before installing or using this appliance.
• Do not place combustible materials or products on the appliance.
• Make this information available to the installer.
• Install according to these instructions to avoid hazards.
• Installation and earthing must be done by a qualified person.
• Connect to a circuit with an isolating switch providing full disconnection from the power supply.
• Incorrect installation may invalidate warranty claims.
• Never leave the appliance unattended when in use, as pans may boil over and cause fires.
• Never use the appliance as a work or storage surface.
• Do not leave objects or utensils on the appliance.
• Do not use the appliance for warming or heating the room.
• Always turn off cooking zones and the hob after use.
• Do not allow children to play, sit, stand, or climb on the appliance.
• Do not store children's toys in cabinets above the appliance to prevent climbing risks.
• Do not leave children alone or unattended in the kitchen when the hob is in use.
• Persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities require supervision and instruction for safe use.
• Do not repair or replace parts unless specified; all other servicing by a qualified technician.
• Do not use a steam cleaner.
• Do not place or drop heavy objects on the hob.
• Do not stand on the hob.
• Do not use pans with jagged edges or drag pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
• Do not use harsh abrasive cleaning agents or scourers, as these can scratch the glass.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by Caple service or a qualified person.
• This appliance is intended for household and similar applications (e.g., staff kitchens, farm houses, hotels, B&Bs).

Hot Surface Hazard (?)

• Accessible parts become hot during use. Avoid touching until cool.
• Do not let body, clothing, or other items contact the ceramic glass until cool.
• Keep metallic objects (knives, forks, spoons, lids) off the hob surface.
• Keep children away from the appliance.
• Saucepan handles may be hot. Ensure handles do not overhang active cooking zones. Keep handles out of children's reach.
• Failure to follow these warnings can result in burns and scalds.
• The 'H' indicator shows a cooking zone is still hot.

Child Safety

• Children aged 8 and above, and persons with reduced capabilities, may use the appliance if supervised or instructed for safe use and aware of hazards.
• Children should not play with the appliance.
• Cleaning and user maintenance must not be done by children without supervision.

Fire Safety

• ⚠️ Fire Hazard: Never leave cooking with fat or oil unattended. Do not use water to extinguish fires; use a lid or fire blanket.
• Do not store items on cooking surfaces.
• ⚠️ Cracked Surface: If the glass/ceramic surface is cracked, switch off immediately to prevent electric shock.

Operational Notes

• The appliance is not intended for operation by external timer or separate remote control.

Environmental Protection

Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice. This appliance is marked according to the European directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Dispose of correctly to prevent negative consequences for the environment and human health. The symbol on the product indicates it is not household waste. Hand it over to the applicable collection point for recycling. Disposal must comply with local environmental regulations.

Declarations of Conformity

CE and UKCA declarations confirm compliance with applicable legislation, including Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).

Technical Fiche and Warranty

Technical Fiche

This appliance conforms to current energy regulations. For energy labelling data, visit the product page on www.caple.co.uk.

Warranty

Your appliance is covered by warranty. If the warranty card is missing, provide date of purchase, model, and serial number to your retailer. Registration can be completed online at www.caple.co.uk. Keep your warranty card safe and present it with proof of purchase for service. Spare parts are available from Caple Service and authorized centres.

Product Description

The Caple C817C is a ceramic hob featuring four cooking zones:

• Two zones with a maximum power of 1200W.
• Two zones with a maximum power of 1800W.

It includes a ceramic glass top and a control panel with ON/OFF and timer controls.

Control Panel and Operation

Control Panel Layout

The control panel features:

1. ON/OFF control
2. Power controls (for adjusting heat settings)
3. Keylock control (for locking/unlocking)
4. Timer controls

Working Principle

The ceramic hob uses resistance wire heating located beneath the glass. Power output is adjusted via the control panel.

Before Using Your New Ceramic Hob

• Read the 'Safety Warnings' section carefully.
• Remove any protective film from the ceramic hob surface.

Using the Touch Controls

• Controls respond to touch; no pressure is needed.
• Use the ball of your finger, not the tip.
• A beep confirms each touch registration.
• Ensure controls are always clean, dry, and not covered by objects (like utensils or cloths). Even a thin film of water can make controls difficult to operate.

Starting Cooking

• When power is on, the hob enters standby mode (indicators light briefly then go out).
• Touch the ON/OFF control to turn on. All indicators will show '-'.
• Place a suitable pan on the desired cooking zone.
• Ensure the pan base and cooking zone surface are clean and dry.
• Select a heat setting using the '+' or '-' controls.
• If no heat setting is selected within 1 minute, the hob will automatically switch off.
• Heat settings can be modified at any time during cooking.

Finishing Cooking

• Turn off a cooking zone by scrolling down to '-' or touching '+' and '-' together.
• Turn off the entire hob by touching the ON/OFF control.

Residual Heat Warning (♨️)

The 'H' indicator shows a cooking zone is still hot. It disappears when the surface cools to a safe temperature. This feature can also be used for energy saving by utilizing residual heat for subsequent cooking.

Locking and Timer Controls

Locking the Controls (?)

• Lock controls to prevent unintended use (e.g., by children).
• When locked, all controls except ON/OFF are disabled. The ON/OFF button can still be used in an emergency.
• To Lock: Touch the lock control; the timer display will show 'Lo'.
• To Unlock (?): Ensure the hob is turned on. Touch and hold the keylock control for 5 seconds.

Over-Temperature Protection

A temperature sensor monitors the hob's internal temperature and automatically stops operation if an excessive temperature is detected.

Auto Shutdown Protection

This feature automatically switches off a cooking zone if it is forgotten. Default shutdown times vary by power level (e.g., Power Level 1-3: 8 hours; Power Level 4-6: 4 hours; Power Level 7-9: 2 hours).

Timer Control

The timer can be used in two ways:

• Minute Minder: The timer counts down but does not turn off any cooking zone when the set time is up.
• Zone Timer: Sets a cooking zone to turn off automatically after the set time. The maximum timer duration is 99 minutes.

Using the Timer as a Minute Minder

• Ensure the hob is turned on.
• Set the time using the '+' or '-' timer controls (1-minute increments, or 10-minute increments by holding the control). The timer automatically returns to 0 if the setting exceeds 99 minutes.
• To cancel the timer, touch '+' and '-' together; the display will show '--'.
• Once set, the timer counts down immediately, showing the remaining time. The timer indicator flashes for 5 seconds.
• A buzzer sounds for 30 seconds when the set time is finished.

Setting the Timer to Turn One Cooking Zone Off

• Touch the power setting for the desired cooking zone. A red dot next to the power level indicator will illuminate.
• Set the time using the '+' or '-' timer controls (1-minute increments, or 10-minute increments by holding). The timer automatically returns to 0 if the setting exceeds 99 minutes.
• To cancel the timer, touch '+' and '-' together; the display will show '--'.
• Once set, the timer counts down immediately, showing the remaining time. The timer indicator flashes for 5 seconds.
• When the timer expires, the corresponding cooking zone will switch off automatically.
• To change the time after setting, restart from step 1.

Cooking Guidelines

General Cooking Tips

• Be cautious when frying; oil and fat heat up very quickly and can ignite spontaneously at high temperatures.
• Reduce the temperature setting when food comes to the boil.
• Using a lid reduces cooking times and saves energy.
• Minimise liquid or fat to shorten cooking times.
• Start cooking on a high setting and reduce it once the food is heated through.

Simmering

Simmering occurs below boiling point (around 85°C) with gentle bubbles. It is ideal for developing flavours in soups and stews without overcooking. Egg-based and flour-thickened sauces should also be simmered.

Searing Steak

1. Bring meat to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.
2. Heat a heavy-based frying pan.
3. Brush steak with oil, add a little oil to the hot pan, and place the steak in the pan.
4. Turn the steak only once during cooking. Cooking time varies (approx. 2-8 minutes per side) depending on thickness and desired doneness. Press the steak to gauge firmness.
5. Rest the steak on a warm plate for a few minutes before serving to relax and tenderize it.

Stir-Frying

1. Use a compatible flat-based wok or large frying pan.
2. Have all ingredients and equipment ready; stir-frying is quick. Cook large quantities in smaller batches.
3. Preheat the pan briefly and add two tablespoons of oil.
4. Cook meat first, set aside and keep warm.
5. Stir-fry vegetables until hot but crisp. Reduce the cooking zone setting, return meat to the pan, and add sauce.
6. Stir gently to heat through.
7. Serve immediately.

Heat Settings Guide

These settings are guidelines and may vary based on cookware and quantity. Experiment to find the best settings.

Installation

Work Surface Preparation

• Cut the work surface according to the dimensions shown in the diagrams.
• Ensure a minimum of 50mm space around the cutout.
• If using fixing clips, the work surface must be at least 30mm thick. If less, add a heat-resistant strip to the underside.
• Use heat-resistant work surface material to prevent deformation from heat radiation.

Ventilation Requirements

• ⚠️ Ensure Adequate Ventilation: The ceramic hob must be well ventilated. Air inlet and outlet must not be blocked.
• A minimum clearance of 25mm is required from the bottom of the hob to any wooden insert or cupboard base.
• Ventilation holes around the hob must not be blocked by the worktop.
• The rear wall and surrounding surfaces must withstand a temperature of 90°C.
• The hob should not be mounted next to cooling equipment, dishwashers, or rotary dryers.
• Worktop sandwich layers and adhesive must be heat resistant to avoid damage.

Installation Dimensions

Refer to diagrams for specific cutout and clearance dimensions (e.g., L, W, H, D, A, B, X, and ventilation clearances C, E).

Fixing Brackets

• Place the unit on a stable surface during installation.
• Do not apply force to protruding controls.
• Fix the hob using the provided brackets, screwing them to the bottom of the hob. Adjust bracket positions to suit worktop thickness.
• Ensure brackets do not touch the inner surfaces of the worktop after installation for proper securing.

After Installation

• Ensure the power supply cable is not accessible through cupboard doors or drawers.
• Ensure adequate fresh air flow to the base of the hob.
• If installed above a drawer or cupboard, a thermal protection barrier must be fitted below the hob.
• The isolating switch must be easily accessible.

Connecting to the Mains Power Supply

• ⚠️ Connection Warning: Power supply must comply with relevant standards and use a single-pole circuit breaker.
• If the cable is damaged or needs replacement, it must be done by an after-sales technician.
• For direct mains connection, an omnipolar circuit breaker with a minimum 3mm gap between contacts is required.
• The installer must ensure correct electrical connection and compliance with safety regulations.
• The cable must not be bent or compressed.
• Check the cable regularly and have it replaced by authorized technicians only.
• The bottom surface and power cord are not accessible after installation.

Cleaning and Maintenance

General Cleaning

• Everyday Soiling (fingerprints, marks, food stains): Switch off the hob. Apply a hob cleaner while the glass is still warm (not hot). Rinse and wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Switch power back on.
• Boilovers, Melts, Sugary Spills: Remove immediately with a fish slice, palette knife, or scraper suitable for ceramic glass hobs. Caution: be aware of hot cooking zone surfaces. Switch off the hob at the wall. Hold the blade/utensil at a 30° angle and scrape to a cool area. Clean the residue. Remove melts and sugary food as soon as possible, as they can damage the glass surface if left to cool. Scrapers are very sharp; use with extreme care and store safely.
• Spillovers on Touch Controls: Switch off the hob. Soak up the spill. Wipe the touch control area with a clean, damp sponge or cloth. Wipe completely dry with paper towel. Switch power back on. Note: Controls may not function if wet.

Important Cleaning Notes

• Even when the power is off, cooking zones may still be hot; take extreme care.
• Avoid heavy-duty scourers, nylon scourers, and harsh/abrasive cleaning agents, as they can scratch the glass. Always check cleaner suitability.
• Never leave cleaning residue on the hob, as it may stain the glass.

Troubleshooting

Further Assistance

For more information or advice, contact Caple service by telephone at 0117 938 7420 or email at service@caple.co.uk.

Technical Specification

Contact Information

Caple Service
Fourth Way
Avonmouth
Bristol BS11 8DW
T: 0117 938 1900
E: service@caple.co.uk
W: www.caple.co.uk