Product Support & Manuals

Ranges/Stoves

1. What is the difference between a drop-in cooktop and a slide-in cooktop?

   Both drop-in cooktops and slide-in cooktops can be used in an island, peninsula or a traditional setting. The main difference is that a drop-in cooktop will have the controls on the top while the slide-in will have them on the front. A slide-in cooktop will require special installation.

2. What is the difference between a slide-in range and a freestanding range?

   A slide-in range is designed to slide in and fit flush with your countertop. This is ideal for an island peninsula, and can also be used in a regular setting to showcase a decorative backsplash. With a slide-in range, cooktop and oven controls are at the front of the appliance. A freestanding range is used in traditional installations (against the kitchen wall), and typically has a backsplash with a clock and controls that are on the front, the top, or the backsplash.

3. What is a BTU and how do I know when I should use high or low BTUs?

   A BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1˚F. BTUs are used as a measurement of the heating power of gas cooktops or ovens. To decide how much BTU capacity you’d like in your appliance, consider the following:

   • The higher the BTU capacity, the hotter the cooktop or oven can get. For everyday cooking, 9,000 BTUs is generally sufficient.
   • If you plan to do a lot of high-heat cooking—such as sautéing or stir-frying—you might find that you want 12,000 BTUs or more. Commercial burners can be as high as 20,000 BTUs, and some designed for home use can have 15,000 BTUs. With that kind of heat, you can bring eight quarts of water to a boil in six minutes.
   • You may also want a higher degree of precision for low-heat cooking. Some burners, for example, can go down to 5,000 BTUs and cycle on and off, allowing you to simmer a dish without scorching it.
   • Consider cooking surfaces with various burner and/or element configurations to offer you the greatest degree of flexibility in your cooking.

4. How do I know if my cookware is compatible with an induction cooktop?

   For cookware to work on an induction surface, it must be magnetic and have a completely flat bottom. In general, most stainless steel and cast iron cookware will work. Here's a simple test: Try sticking a magnet to the bottom of your pan. If the magnet sticks, that cookware should work; if it doesn’t, most likely the cookware is not compatible with an induction cooktop surface. 
   
   Cookware made of aluminum, copper, or glass is not compatible with an induction cooktop. In addition, some types of stainless steel may not work on an induction surface, or may heat very slowly. 

5. What does Real Stainless Steel mean?

   Frigidaire’s Real Stainless Steel is true stainless steel that has been treated with a protective coating that reduces fingerprints and smudges, making it much easier to clean.

6. My gas range was recently installed, but only the oven is working—not the burners. What should I do?

   Each gas range has a shut-off valve, which supplies gas to the surface burners. To check that this valve is open and working, follow these steps:

   1. Remove the lower drawer.
   2. Locate the shut-off valve in the right rear of the drawer compartment.
   3. Check that the tab of the shut-off valve is facing toward the right.

    

   When the tab on the valve is facing right, your range should work.

7. Why does the surface light indicate “On” after I’ve turned off my cooktop?

   The light will stay on until the cooktop has cooled down.

8. How do I set my oven or range to self-clean?

   To self-clean your oven, follow these simple steps:

   1. Remove the oven racks.
   2. Set your oven control to clean
   3. Select a cleaning time or choose a cleaning level: light, medium, or heavy soiled. For typical cleaning needs, we recommend that you select a cleaning time of three hours or choose the medium soiled setting.
   4. Select Start. (To set a delayed start, see your use and care manual.)

    

   Note: For safety reasons, the oven door will remain locked until the oven cools down. When it is sufficiently cool, the door will automatically unlock.

9. My range door is open and in the locked position. How can I close it?

   To close an open door when it’s in the locked position and the door is open, press and hold the oven door light switch while following these simple steps:

   1. Program the oven to self-clean.
   2. Wait 20 seconds.
   3. Cancel self-clean.
   4. 4.Wait 20 seconds.

    

   You should then be able to close the door.

10. How can I clean my range grates?

    If you have cast iron grates, follow these steps:

    1. Wash the grates in the dishwasher.
    2. Coat the grates with a thin layer of cooking oil.
    3. Bake the grates in the oven on 350˚F for 10 minutes.

     

    If you have porcelain-coated grates, simply place them in the dishwasher and coat any unfinished areas with a thin layer of cooking oil after washing.

11. How do I clean my burners/elements?

    Keep your burner components clean by using a mild non-granular cleaner, such as ammonia or a degreaser. This will ensure that the gas ports do not get blocked. When putting the parts back together, always make sure the burners and caps are level and firmly set in place.

12. How do I clean my ceramic smooth cooktop?

    We recommend our Cerama Bryte cleaner, which is specialized for our products. You can purchase a complete cleaning kit from our Frigidaire web page, found in the accessories section of the site.

13. How do I keep my racks gliding smoothly?

    To keep your oven racks gliding smoothly when you’re removing or inserting them, we recommend applying cooking oil along their outer edges.