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9.
The Hotplate
The cast iron hotplate is operated manually and is machined
Fig. 9.1
flat to give the best all-over contact with the AGA saucepans,
grill pan, frying pan and kettle.
The boiling plate is the hottest with the simmering
plate being cooler. The hotplate can be used completely
independently from the ovens.
The whole hotplate area can be used for cooking and several
pans can be accommodated on the plate at any one time. The
hotplate is set very slightly above the top plate to minimise
scratching as the pans are pulled to one side to simmer.
The chrome insulated cover is brought down over the
hotplate when it is heating up or not in use. When the
hotplate is 'ON' the insulated cover will be warm. We strongly
advise not to put anything such as kettles, saucepans or
baking tins directly onto the insulated cover because it will
Fig. 9.2
show any scratches - invest in a chef's pad to protect the
surface if the cover is to be used as a resting place!
Keep the hotplate clear of any burnt on food or crumbs
by brushing with the wire brush, supplied with your AGA.
Cleaning details can be found "Cleaning & Caring" on page
33.
Hotplate Controls
The boiling plate setting
Fig. 9.1
(
)
(heat up time approx 35 mins - 40 mins)
The hottest setting, the boiling plate setting is used for
boiling, grilling, stir-frying, making toast - indeed anything
that requires a high heat. Green vegetables keep their
colour when boiled quickly here, or use a steamer over the
saucepans to cook more than one vegetable at once.
When stir-frying or cooking anything that is inclined to splash
we would recommend using an AGA Splash Shield which will
protect the insulated cover from splatter, making cleaning
a doddle! Just wash the Splash Shield in hot soapy water or
place in a dishwasher between two dinner plates.
Please be advised the boiling plate setting is too hot to cook
food directly on it.
The simmering plate setting
Fig. 9.2
(
)
(heat up time approx 20 mins)
The simmering plate setting is the cooler of the two settings
and so is used for recipes that require a lower heat such as,
making sauces, scrambling eggs, heating milk, slow frying,
simmering soups and root vegetables. In addition, it can
be used to cook on directly as a form of griddle - invaluable
for toasted sandwiches, quesadillas, drop scones, searing
scallops and even a non-fat fried egg! Slow cooked toast can
be made on the simmering plate setting, no need to use the
AGA toaster here.
13
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