Whirlpool GJ8640XB, GJ8646XD, RC8600XB User Manual

Use And Care

GUIDE

A Note to You..............2

Important Safety

Instructions............. 3-4

Parts and Features .....5

Using Your

Cooktop.......................6

Caring for

Your Cooktop............10

3191687

If You Need
Assistance

or Service ..................13

Warranty....................16

In the U.S.A. for assistance or service,

call the Consumer Assistance Center.

1-800-253-1301

In Canada for assistance

or service, see page 15.

ELECTRIC CERAMIC COOKTOP

MODELS RC8600XB RC8640XB WBC430 IBC430

RC8608XD RC8646XD WBC441 IBC441
RC8600XD GJ8640XB GJ8646XD

A Note to You

Thank you for buying a WHIRLPOOL* appliance.

The Whirlpool Brand is committed to designing quality products that consistently perform for
you to make your life easier. To ensure that you enjoy years of trouble-free operation, we
developed this Use and Care Guide. It is full of valuable information about how to operate
and maintain your appliance properly and safely. Please read it carefully.

Also, please complete and mail in the Product Registration Card provided with your
appliance. The card helps us notify you about any new information on your appliance.

Please record your model’s information.

Whenever you call to request service for
your appliance, you need to know your
complete model number and serial number.
You can find this information on the model
and serial number label/plate (see diagram
in the “Parts and Features” section).

Please also record the purchase date of
your appliance and your dealer’s name,
address, and telephone number.

Keep this book and the sales slip together in a safe place for future reference.
It is important for you to save your sales receipt showing the date of purchase.
Proof of purchase will assure you of in-warranty service.

Model Number _________________________
Serial Number _________________________
Purchase Date _________________________
Dealer Name __________________________
Dealer Address ________________________
Dealer Phone __________________________

In the U.S.A., call our Consumer
Assistance Center toll free.

To find detailed product information, the location of the nearest Whirlpool dealer or authorized

servicer, to purchase an accessory item, or register your appliance on-line, please visit our

Web site at www.whirlpool.com

1-800-253-1301

In Canada, for assistance or service, see the ”If You Need
Assistance or Service” section.

In Canada visit our Web site at www.whirlpool.com

2

Important Safety Instructions

Your safety and the safety of others is very important.

We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your
appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will be preceded by the safety alert symbol and the

word “DANGER” or “WARNING.” These words mean:

You will be killed or seriously injured

wDANGER

wWARNING

All safety messages will identify the hazard, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury,
and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

if you don’t follow instructions.

You can be killed or seriously injured
if you don’t follow instructions.

WARNING – To reduce the risk of

fire, electrical shock, injury to persons, or
damage when using the cook-top, follow
basic precautions, including the following:

• CAUTION – Do not store items of

interest to children in cabinets above
a cook-top – Children climbing on
the cook-top to reach items could be
seriously injured.

• Proper Installation – Be sure your cook-

top is properly installed and grounded
by a qualified technician.

• Never Use Your Cook-Top for Warming

or Heating the Room.

• Do Not Leave Children Alone – Children

should not be left alone or unattended
in area where cook-top is in use. They
should never be allowed to sit or stand
on any part of the cook-top.

• Wear Proper Apparel – Loose-fitting

or hanging garments should never
be worn while using the cook-top.

– SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –

• User Servicing – Do not repair or

replace any part of the cook-top
unless specifically recommended in
the manual. All other servicing should
be referred to a qualified technician.

• Storage on Cook-Top – Flammable

materials should not be stored near
surface units.

• Do Not Use Water on Grease Fires –

Smother fire or flame or use dry
chemical or foam-type extinguisher.

• Use Only Dry Potholders – Moist or

damp potholders on hot surfaces may
result in burns from steam. Do not let
potholder touch hot heating elements.
Do not use a towel or other bulky cloth.

continued on next page

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• DO NOT TOUCH SURFACE UNITS

OR AREAS NEAR UNITS – Surface
units may be hot even though they are
dark in color. Areas near surface units
may become hot enough to cause
burns. During and after use, do not
touch, or let clothing or other flammable
materials contact surface units or areas
near units until they have had sufficient
time to cool. Among those areas are
the cook-top and surfaces facing the
cook-top.

• Use Proper Pan Size – This cook-top is

equipped with one or more surface units
of different size. Select utensils having
flat bottoms large enough to cover the
surface unit heating element. The use
of undersized utensils will expose a
portion of the heating element to direct
contact and may result in ignition of
clothing. Proper relationship of utensil
to burner will also improve efficiency.

• Never Leave Surface Units Unattended

at High Heat Settings – Boilover causes
smoking and greasy spillovers that
may ignite.

• Glazed Cooking Utensils – Only certain

types of glass, glass/ceramic, ceramic,
earthenware, or other glazed utensils
are suitable for cook-top service without
breaking due to the sudden change in
temperature.

• Utensil Handles Should Be Turned

Inward and Not Extend Over Adjacent
Surface Units – To reduce the risk of
burns, ignition of flammable materials,
and spillage due to unintentional
contact with the utensil, the handle of
a utensil should be positioned so that it
is turned inward, and does not extend
over adjacent surface units.

• Do Not Cook on Broken Cook-Top –

If cook-top should break, cleaning
solutions and spillovers may penetrate
the broken cook-top and create a risk
of electric shock. Contact a qualified
technician immediately.

• Clean Cook-Top With Caution – If a

wet sponge or cloth is used to wipe
spills on a hot cooking area, be careful
to avoid steam burn. Some cleaners
can produce noxious fumes if applied
to a hot surface.

For units with ventilating hood –

• Clean Ventilating Hoods Frequently –

Grease should not be allowed to
accumulate on hood or filter.

• When flaming foods under the hood,

turn the fan off. The fan, if operating,
may spread the flame.

– SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –

4

Parts and Features

This section contains captioned illustrations of your cooktop. Use them to become familiar
with the location and appearance of all parts and features.

CLEANTOP

*
ceramic glass
cooktop

Dual-size
surface
cooking area

(Models
RC8640XB,
RC8646XD,
GJ8640XB,
and
GJ8646XD)

Model and serial number plate

(on bottom of outer box)

Dual element
control panel

(Models RC8640XB,
RC8646XD, GJ8640XB,
and GJ8646XD)

Dual-size surface
cooking area

†

(Models RC8640XB,
RC8646XD, GJ8640XB,
and GJ8646XD)

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Standard control
panel

(Models RC8600XB,
RC8600XD, and RC8608XD)

Surface cooking
area marker

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Control panel

Hot surface indicator light

Standard control
panel

(Models WBC430, IBC430,
WBC441, and IBC441)

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Left rear

control knob

Right rear

control knob

Left front

control knob

Right front

control knob

Surface

cooking area

marker

Hot surface

indicator light

†

On models WBC441 and IBC441, the right rear surface cooking area features a halogen element.

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control knob

Right rear

control knob

Left front

control knob

Right front

control knob

Surface

cooking area

control knob

Right rear

control knob

control knob

Right front

control knob

cooking area

marker

HOT
SURFACE

Hot surface

indicator light

HOT
CHAUD

Hot surface

indicator light

Left rear

Left front

Surface

marker

5

Using Your Cooktop

S

N

In This Section

Page

Using the surface cooking areas ...... 6

Cookware tips...................................... 9

Characteristics of

cookware materials ............................ 9

To obtain the best cooking results possible, you must operate your cooktop properly. This
section gives you important information for efficient and safe use of your cooktop.

wWARNING

Fire Hazard
Turn off all controls when done cooking.
Failure to do so can result in death or fire.

Using the surface cooking areas

ORCONSUMERA

F

Push in control knobs before turning

them to a setting. You can set them any­where between HI and OFF (or MAX. and 0).

CALL1- 800-253- 1

301

CE

Page

Surface cooking area
markers

The solid dot in the surface cooking area
marker shows which surface cooking area
is turned on by that knob.

Hot surface indicator light

The Hot Surface Indicator Light on the
cooktop surface will glow when any of the
surface cooking areas are turned on. The
Indicator Light will continue to glow as
long as a surface cooking area is too hot
to touch, even after all control knobs are
turned off.

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Models RC8640XB,
RC8600XB, RC8646XD,
RC8600XD, RC8608XD,
GJ8640XB, GJ8646XD

HOT
SURFACE

Models WBC430,
IBC430, WBC441,
and IBC441

6

USING YOUR COOKTOP

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Until you get used to the settings, use the following as a guide. For best results, start
cooking at the high setting; then turn the control knob down to continue cooking.

SETTING

HI OR MAX.

• To start food cooking.

• To bring liquid to a boil.

MED-HI OR 6-8

• To hold a rapid boil.

• To quickly brown or sear meat.

MED OR 5

• To maintain a slow boil.

• To fry poultry or meat.

• To make pudding, sauce, or gravy.

MED-LO OR 2-4

• To stew or steam food.

• To simmer food.

LO OR 1

• To keep food warm. Set the heat higher or lower within the

LO (or 1) band to keep food at the temperature you want.

• To maintain liquid just below simmer.

• To melt chocolate or butter.

Using the dual-size surface
cooking areas

(Models RC8640XB, RC8646XD,
GJ8640XB, and GJ8646XD)

You can use the left front and right rear
surface cooking areas as either small
diameter, lower wattage elements (center
area marked “DUAL ELEMENT”) or large
diameter, full wattage elements (entire
element to outer ring edge).

To use only the inner area of the element
(for smaller pans):

• Push in and turn the control knob to the

left (counterclockwise) to the desired
setting in the area marked “SINGLE.”

RECOMMENDED USE

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Use inner ring
alone for smaller pans

Use all rings for

larger pans

To use the entire element (for larger pans):

• Push in and turn the control knob to the

right (clockwise) to the desired setting in
the area marked “DUAL.”

NOTE: You can turn the control knob in

either direction to reach “OFF.”

7

USING YOUR COOKTOP

Using the ceramic glass
cooktop

Cooking on the ceramic glass cooktop
is almost the same as cooking on coil
elements. There are, however, a few
differences:

• The portion of the surface cooking area

in use will glow red when the element is
turned on. You will see the element cycling
on and off – even on the HI (or MAX.)
setting – to help the area stay at the
temperature setting you choose.

• Models WBC441 and IBC441: The right

rear surface cooking area features a
halogen element. This element lights up
as soon as you turn it on, and is brighter
than conventional coil elements.

• Make sure the bottom of the cookware

is clean and dry before cooking. Food and
water particles left on the bottom can leave
deposits on the cooktop when it is heated.

• Wiping off the cooktop before and after

each use will help keep the surface free
from stains and give you the most even
heating. See the “Caring for Your Cooktop”
section for care and cleaning suggestions.

• Do not cook foods directly on the

cooktop.

• Lift cookware onto and off of the cooktop.

Sliding cookware on the cooktop could
leave permanent marks on the cooktop.

• Do not cook popcorn that comes in

prepackaged aluminum containers on the
cooktop. The container could leave
aluminum marks on the cooktop that
cannot be removed completely.

• Do not use the cooktop as a cutting

board.

• Do not allow anything that could melt,

such as plastic or aluminum foil, to come
in contact with the cooktop while it is hot.

• Dropping a heavy or hard object on the

cooktop could crack it. Be careful when
using heavy skillets and large pots. Do not
store jars or cans above the cooktop.

• Sugary spills and soils should be

removed as quickly as possible to avoid
pitting of the surface.

Home canning information

• Use the entire surface (“DUAL” setting)

of the left front surface cooking area for
best results.

• Use flat-bottomed canners on all types

of cooktops, especially ceramic glass.
Canners with rippled or ridged bottoms do
not allow good contact with the surface.

• Center the canner over the largest

surface cooking area. Do not place on two
surface cooking areas at the same time.

• The type of material the canner is made

of determines the length of heating time.
Refer to the “Characteristics of cookware
materials” chart later in this section for
more information.

• When canning for long periods of time,

allow elements and the surrounding
surfaces to cool down.

• Alternate use of the surface cooking

areas between batches or prepare small
batches at a time.

• Start with hot water, cover with a lid,

and bring to a boil; then reduce heat to
maintain a boil or required pressure levels
in a pressure canner.

• For up-to-date information on canning,

contact your local US Government
Agricultural Department Extension Office
or companies who manufacture home
canning products.

8

USING YOUR COOKTOP

Characteristics of cookware materials

The pan material affects how fast heat transfers from the surface cooking area through the
pan material and how evenly heat spreads over the pan bottom. Choose pans that provide
the best cooking results.

Aluminum

Cast iron

Ceramic or
ceramic glass

Copper

Earthenware

Porcelain enamel-on-steel
or enamel-on-cast iron

Stainless steel

• Heats quickly and evenly.

• Use for all types of cooking.

• Medium to heavy thickness is best for most cooking.

• Used as a core or base in cookware to provide even heating.

• Heats slowly and evenly.

• Good for browning and frying.

• Maintains heat for slow cooking.

• Can be coated with porcelain enamel.

• Heats slowly and unevenly.

• Use on low to medium settings.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

• Heats very quickly and evenly.

• Used as a core or base in cookware to provide even heating.

• Can be used for cooktop cooking if recommended by the

manufacturer.

• Use on low settings.

• See cast iron and stainless steel.

• Heats quickly but unevenly.

• A core or base of aluminum or copper on the cookware

provides even heating.

• Can be coated with porcelain enamel.

Cookware tips

• Select a pan that is about the same size as

the surface cooking area. Cookware should
not extend more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) outside
the area.

• For best results and greater energy

efficiency, use only flat-bottomed cookware
that makes good contact with the surface
cooking area. Cookware with rounded,
warped, ribbed (such as some porcelain
enamelware), or dented bottoms could cause
uneven heating and poor cooking results.

• Cookware designed with slightly indented

bottoms or small expansion channels can
be used.

• Cookware with a non-stick finish has

heating characteristics of the base material.

• Check for rough spots on the bottom of

metal or glass cookware which will scratch
the ceramic glass surface.

• Use flat bottom cookware for best heat

conduction from the surface cooking area to
the cookware. Determine flatness with the
ruler test. Place the edge of a ruler across
the bottom of the cookware. Hold it up to the
light. No light should be visible under the ruler.
Rotate the ruler in all directions and look for
any light.

• Do not leave empty cookware, or cookware

which has boiled dry, on a hot surface cooking
area. The cookware could overheat, causing
damage to the cookware or the surface
cooking area.

9

Caring for Your Cooktop

In This Section

Page

Cleaning the cooktop and

control panel ..................................... 10

How to keep your cooktop looking

like new ..............................................12

Cleaning the control knobs ............. 11

Your cooktop is designed for easy care. You can do most cleaning with items found around
your home. Cleaning your cooktop whenever spills or soiling occurs will help to keep it looking
and operating like new.

wWARNING

Explosion Hazard

Do not store flammable materials such as gasoline near this
appliance.

Doing so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

Cleaning the cooktop and control panel

This cooktop is designed for easy care.
However, ceramic glass cooktops need to
be maintained differently than standard
electric open-coil elements. Foods spilled
directly on the cooktop will not burn off as
on open-coil elements. Because of this, the
surface should be dust free and soil free
before heating.

Your cooktop has been prepolished at
the factory for improved protection and
cleanability. The Cooktop Polishing Creme
included with your cooktop, paper towels or
a sponge, and a single-edge razor blade in
a holder are all you need to clean your
cooktop. For proper cleaning methods,
please review “Cleaning tips” on the next
page. Follow them after each use to ensure
top performance and to preserve that
uniquely elegant look.

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NOTE: Let cooktop cool before cleaning.

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Cleaning tips

What to use:

• Cooktop Polishing Creme included with

your cooktop with paper towel or clean,
damp sponge – This creme has been

developed especially for cleaning and
protecting your cooktop. When using,
follow instructions on container.

CARING FOR YOUR COOKTOP

Steps to follow:

1. Most spills can be wiped off easily using

a paper towel or clean, damp sponge as
soon as the Hot Surface Indicator Light
goes off.

2. For stubborn spills, rub Cooktop

Polishing Creme into cooked-on soil
using a paper towel. If some soil remains,
leave some creme on the spot(s) and
follow Step 3.

3. Carefully scrape spots with the razor

scraper.

4. Finish by polishing entire cooktop with

Cooktop Polishing Creme and a paper
towel.

• Razor scraper – Use to remove cooked-

on soil from your ceramic glass cooktop.
To avoid scratches, keep the razor blade
as flat against the cooktop as possible.

Store razor blades out of reach of
children.

Cleaning the control knobs

1. Make sure all control knobs are turned to

OFF.

2. Pull the control knobs straight off. Do not

remove seals under knobs. They keep
moisture and soil out of cooktop.

3. Wash control knobs with sponge and

warm, soapy water. Rinse well and dry
with a soft cloth. Do not soak.

4. Replace control knobs by pushing them

firmly into place. Make sure all knobs
point to OFF.

NOTE: When cleaning, never use steel

wool, abrasives, or commercial oven
cleaners, which may damage the finish.

Models RC8640XB,
RC8600XB,
RC8646XD,
RC8600XD,
RC8608XD,
GJ8640XB,
GJ8646XD

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SURFACE

Models WBC430,
IBC430, WBC441,
and IBC441

11