Whirlpool RCS2012RS 21-inch Electric Cooktop with Stainless Steel Surface Owner’s Manual

Whirlpool RCS2012RS 21-inch Electric Cooktop with Stainless Steel Surface

For questions about features, operation/performance, parts, accessories or service, call: 1-800-253-1301 or visit our website at www.whirlpool.com.
In Canada call 1-800-807-6777 or visit our website at www.whirlpool.ca.

COOKTOP SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others are 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 potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.”
These words mean:

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

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

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

State of California Proposition 65 Warnings:
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer.
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, injury to persons, or damage when using the cooktop, follow basic precautions, including the following:

• CAUTION: Do not store items of interest to children in cabinets above a cooktop – Children climbing on the cooktop to reach items could be seriously injured.
• Proper Installation – Be sure your cooktop is properly installed and grounded by a qualified technician.
• Never Use Your Cooktop for Warming or Heating the Room.
• Do Not Leave Children Alone – Children should not be left alone or unattended in area where cooktop is in use. They should never be allowed to sit or stand on any part of the cooktop.
• Wear Proper Apparel – Loose-fitting or hanging garments should never be worn while using the cooktop.
• User Servicing – Do not repair or replace any part of the cooktop unless specifically recommended in the manual. All other servicing should be referred to a qualified technician.
• Storage on Cooktop – 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.
• CAUTION: Do not store items of interest to children in cabinets above a cooktop – Children climbing on the cooktop to reach items could be seriously injured.
• Proper Installation – Be sure your cooktop is properly installed and grounded by a qualified technician.
• Never Use Your Cooktop for Warming or Heating the Room.
• Do Not Leave Children Alone – Children should not be left alone or unattended in area where cooktop is in use. They should never be allowed to sit or stand on any part of the cooktop.
• Wear Proper Apparel – Loose-fitting or hanging garments should never be worn while using the cooktop.
• User Servicing – Do not repair or replace any part of the cooktop unless specifically recommended in the manual. All other servicing should be referred to a qualified technician.
• Storage on Cooktop – 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.
• 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 cooktop and surfaces facing the cooktop.
• Use Proper Pan Size – This cooktop 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 cooktop service without breaking due to the sudden change in temperature.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• 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 Cooktop – If cooktop should break, cleaning solutions and spillovers may penetrate the broken cooktop and create a risk of electric shock. Contact a qualified technician immediately.

• Clean Cooktop 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 on.
  For units with coil elements –

• Make Sure Reflector Pans or Drip Bowls Are in Place – Absence of these pans or bowls during cooking may subject wiring or components underneath to damage.

• Protective Liners – Do not use aluminum foil to line surface unit drip bowls, except as suggested in the manual. Improper installation of these liners may result in a risk of electric shock, or fire.

• Do Not Soak Removable Heating Elements – Heating elements should never be immersed in water.

PARTS AND FEATURES

This manual covers different models. The cooktop you have purchased may have some or all of the items listed. The locations and appearances of the features shown here may not match those of your model.

Control Panel

• A. Surface cooking area locator
• B. Left rear control knob
• C. Right rear control knob
• D. Left front control knob
• E. Right front control knob

Cooktop

• A. Model and serial number plate (located on outside bottom of cooktop)
• B. Plug-in coil element with one-piece reflector bowl
• C. Control panel

COOKTOP USE

Cooktop Controls

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

The control knobs can be set to anywhere between HIGH and LOW. Push in and turn to setting.
The surface cooking area locator shows which element is turned on. Use the following chart as a guide when setting heat levels.

■       Bring liquid to a boil.

Medium High| ■       Hold a rapid boil.

■       Quickly brown or sear food.

Medium| ■       Maintain a slow boil.

■       Fry or sauté foods.

■       Cook soups, sauces and gravies.

■       High simmer or simmer without lids.

Medium Low| ■       Stew or steam food.

■       Simmer.

LOW| ■       Keep food warm.

■       Melt chocolate or butter.

■       Low simmer using lids.

REMEMBER:
When cooktop is in use, the entire cooktop area may become hot.

Power On Light
Each control knob will activate the POWER ON light. The light will glow red when any control knob is on.

Coil Elements and Burner Bowls
Coil elements should be level for optimal cooking results. Burner bowls, when clean, reflect heat back to the cookware. They also help catch spills.
Cookware should not extend more than 1/2″ (1.3 cm) over the coil element. If cookware is uneven or too large, it can produce excess heat, causing the burner bowl to change color. For more information, see the “General Cleaning” section.

• Starting in June 2018 Whirlpool is equipping this product with new temperature-limiting coils pursuant to the updated standards in UL858. These new coils may vary cooking times compared to your old cooktop, e.g., a slightly longer time to boil large volumes of water.

NOTE: Before removing or replacing coil elements and burner bowls, make sure they are cool and the control knobs are in the Off position.

To Remove:

1. Push in the edge of coil element toward the receptacle. Then lift it enough to clear the burner bowl.

2. Pull the coil element straight away from the receptacle.

3. Lift out the burner bowl.

To Replace:

1. Line up openings in the burner bowl with the coil element receptacle.

2. Holding the coil element as level as possible, slowly push the coil element terminal into the receptacle.

3. When the terminal is pushed into the receptacle as far as it will go, push down the edge of the coil element opposite the receptacle.

Home Canning
When canning for long periods, alternate the use of surface cooking areas, elements or surface burners between batches. This allows time for the most recently used areas to cool.

• Center the canner on the grate or largest surface cooking area or element. On electric cooktops, canners should not extend more than 1/2″ (1.3 cm) beyond the surface cooking area or element.
• Do not place canner on 2 surface cooking areas, elements or surface burners at the same time.
• On ceramic glass models, use only flat-bottomed canners.
• On coil element models, the installation of a Canning Unit Kit is recommended. If a kit is not installed, the life of the coil element will be shortened. See “Assistance or Service” for instructions on how to order.
• For more information, contact your local agricultural department. Companies that manufacture home canning products can also offer assistance.

Cookware
IMPORTANT: Do not leave empty cookware on a hot surface cooking area, element or surface burner.
Ideal cookware should have a flat bottom, straight sides, and a well-fitting lid and the material should be of medium-to-heavy thickness.
Rough finishes may scratch the cooktop. Aluminum and copper may be used as a core or base in cookware. However, when used as a base they can leave permanent marks on the cooktop or grates.
Cookware material is a factor in how quickly and evenly heat is transferred, which affects cooking results. A nonstick finish has the same characteristics as its base material.
For example, aluminum cookware with a nonstick finish will take on the properties of aluminum.
Use the following chart as a guide for cookware material characteristics.

■       Suitable for all types of cooking.

■       Medium or heavy thickness is best for most cooking tasks.

Cast iron| ■       Heats slowly and evenly.

■       Good for browning and frying.

■       Maintains heat for slow cooking.

Ceramic or Ceramic glass| ■       Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

■       Heats slowly, but unevenly.

■       Ideal results on low to medium heat settings.

Copper| ■       Heats very quickly and evenly.
Earthenware| ■       Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

■       Use on low heat settings.

Porcelain enamel-on-  steel or cast iron| ■       See stainless steel or cast iron.
Stainless steel| ■       Heats quickly, but unevenly.

■       A core or base of aluminum or copper on stainless steel provides even heating.

General Cleaning

IMPORTANT: Before cleaning, make sure all controls are off and the cooktop is cool. Always follow label instructions on cleaning products.
Soap, water and a soft cloth or sponge are suggested first unless otherwise noted.

STAINLESS STEEL (on some models)
To avoid damage to stainless steel surfaces, do not use soap-filled scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, Cooktop Cleaner, steel-wool pads, gritty washcloths or abrasive paper towels.

Cleaning Method:
Rub in direction of grain to avoid damaging.

• Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish Part Number 31462 (not included):
  See “Assistance or Service” section to order.

• All-purpose cleaner: Rinse with clean water and dry with soft, lint-free cloth.

COOKTOP CONTROLS
To avoid damage to the cooktop controls, do not use steel wool, abrasive cleansers or oven cleaner.
To avoid damage, do not soak knobs.
When replacing knobs, make sure knobs are in the Off position. On some models, do not remove seals under knobs.

Cleaning Method:

• Soap and water:
  Pull knobs straight away from control panel to remove.

• Dishwasher:
  Pull knobs straight away from control panel to remove.

EXTERIOR PORCELAIN ENAMEL SURFACES (on some models)

Food spills containing acids, such as vinegar and tomato, should be cleaned as soon as the entire appliance is cool. These spills may affect the finish.

Cleaning Method:

• Glass cleaner, mild liquid cleaner or nonabrasive scrubbing pad:
  • Gently clean around the model and serial number plate because scrubbing may remove numbers.

COIL ELEMENTS

Cleaning Method:

• Damp cloth: Make sure control knobs are off and elements are cool.

Do not clean or immerse in water. Soil will burn off when hot. For more information, see “Coil Elements and Burner Bowls”.

BURNER BOWLS

Cleaning Method:
Chrome only
It is not recommended to wash chrome bowls in a dishwasher.

• Solution of 1 cup (125 mL) ammonia to 1 gal. (3.75 L) water: Soak for 20 minutes, then scrub with stainless steel-wool pad.
• Oven cleaner: Follow product label instructions.
• Mildly abrasive cleanser: Scrub with wet scouring pad.

Porcelain enamel only

• Dishwasher

TROUBLESHOOTING

Try the solutions suggested here first in order to avoid the cost of an unnecessary service call.

Nothing will operate

• Has a household fuse blown, or has a circuit breaker tripped?
  Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an electrician.

• Is the cooktop wired properly?
  See Installation Instructions.
  Cooktop will not operate

• Is the control knob set correctly?
  Push in knob before turning to a setting.

• On some ceramic glass models, is the “Cooktop Lockout” set?
  See “Cooktop Lockout” section.

• On coil element models, is the element inserted properly?
  See “Coil Elements and Burner Bowls” section.

Excessive heat around cookware on cooktop

• Is the cookware the proper size?
  Use cookware about the same size as the surface cooking area, element or surface burner. Cookware should not extend more than 1/2″ (1.3 cm) outside the cooking area.

Cooktop cooking results not what expected

• Is the proper cookware being used?
  See “Cookware” section.

• Is the control knob set to the proper heat level?
  See “Cooktop Controls” section.

• Is the appliance level?
  Level the appliance. See the Installation Instructions.

• On coil element models, is the element inserted properly?See “Coil Elements and Burner Bowls” section.

ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE

Before calling for assistance or service, please check
“Troubleshooting.” It may save you the cost of a service call. If you still need help, follow the instructions below.
When calling, please know the purchase date and the complete model and serial number of your appliance. This information will help us to better respond to your request.
If you need replacement parts
If you need to order replacement parts, we recommend that you use only FSP® replacement parts. FSP® replacement parts will fit right and work right because they are made with the same precision used to build every new WHIRLPOOL® appliance.
To locate FSP® replacement parts in your area, call us or your nearest Whirlpool designated service center.

In the U.S.A.

Call the Whirlpool Customer eXperience Center toll free: 1-800-253-1301 or visit www.whirlpool.com.

Our consultants provide assistance with:

• Features and specifications on our full line of appliances.
• Installation information.
• Use and maintenance procedures.
• Accessory and repair parts sales.
• Specialized customer assistance (Spanish speaking, hearing impaired, limited vision, etc.).
• Referrals to local dealers, repair parts distributors and service companies. Whirlpool designated service technicians are trained to fulfill the product warranty and provide after-warranty service, anywhere in the United States.
  To locate the Whirlpool designated service company in your area, you can also look in your telephone directory Yellow Pages.

For further assistance
If you need further assistance, you can write to Whirlpool Corporation with any questions or concerns at:

Whirlpool Brand Home Appliances Customer eXperience Center 553 Benson Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692
Please include a daytime phone number in your correspondence.

Accessories

• Canning Unit Kit
  (coil element models)
  Order Part Number 242905

• All-Purpose Appliance Cleaner
  Order Part Number 31682

• Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
  (stainless steel models)
  Order Part Number 31462

• Gas Grate and Drip Pan Cleaner
  Order Part Number 31617

In Canada

Call the Whirlpool Canada LP Customer eXperience Centre toll free: 1-800-807-6777.

Our consultants provide assistance with:

• Features and specifications on our full line of appliances.
• Use and maintenance procedures.
• Accessory and repair parts sales.
• Referrals to local dealers, repair parts distributors, and service companies. Whirlpool Canada LP designated service technicians are trained to fulfill the product warranty and provide after-warranty service, anywhere in Canada.

For further assistance
If you need further assistance, you can write to Whirlpool Canada LP with any questions or concerns at:
Customer eXperience Centre Whirlpool Canada LP
200 – 6750 Century Ave. Mississauga, Ontario L5N 0B7
Please include a daytime phone number in your correspondence.

WHIRLPOOL® MAJOR APPLIANCE LIMITED WARRANTY

ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE. PROOF OF PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE.
Please have the following information available when you call the Customer eXperience Center:

• Name, address, and telephone number
• Model number and serial number
• A clear, detailed description of the problem
• Proof of purchase, including dealer or retailer name and address

IF YOU NEED SERVICE:

1. Before contacting us to arrange service, please determine whether your product requires repair. Some questions can be addressed without service. Please take a few minutes to review the Troubleshooting section of the Use and Care Guide or visit producthelp.whirlpool.com.
2. All warranty service is provided exclusively by our authorized Whirlpool Service Providers. In the U.S. and Canada, direct all requests for warranty service to:

Whirlpool Customer eXperience Center
In the U.S.A., call 1-800-253-1301. In Canada, call 1-800-807-6777.
If outside the 50 United States or Canada, contact your authorized Whirlpool dealer to determine whether another warranty applies.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

WHAT IS COVERED

For one year from the date of purchase, when this major appliance is installed, operated, and maintained according to instructions attached to or furnished with the product, Whirlpool Corporation or Whirlpool Canada LP (hereafter
“Whirlpool”) will pay for factory specified replacement parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship that existed when this major appliance was purchased or, at its sole discretion, replace the product. In the event of product replacement, your appliance will be warranted for the remaining term of the original unit’s warranty period.
YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Service must be provided by a Whirlpool designated service company. This limited warranty is valid only in the United States or Canada and applies only when the major appliance is used in the country in which it was purchased. This limited warranty is effective from the date of original consumer purchase. Proof of original purchase date is required to obtain service under this limited warranty.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

1. Commercial, non-residential, multiple-family use, or use inconsistent with published user, operator, or installation instructions.
2. In-home instruction on how to use your product.
3. Service to correct improper product maintenance or installation, installation not in accordance with electrical or plumbing codes, or correction of household electrical or plumbing (e.g., house wiring, fuses, or water inlet hoses).
4. Consumable parts (e.g., light bulbs, batteries, air or water filters, preservation solutions).
5. Defects or damage caused by the use of non-genuine Whirlpool parts or accessories.
6. Conversion of products from natural gas or propane gas.
7. Damage from accident, misuse, abuse, fire, floods, acts of God, or use with products not approved by Whirlpool.
8. Repairs to parts or systems to correct product damage or defects caused by unauthorized service, alteration, or modification of the appliance.
9. Cosmetic damage including scratches, dents, chips, and other damage to the appliance finishes, unless such damage results from defects in materials and workmanship and is reported to Whirlpool within 30 days.
10. Discoloration, rust, or oxidation of surfaces resulting from caustic or corrosive environments including, but not limited to, high salt concentrations, high moisture or humidity, or exposure to chemicals.
11. Food or medicine loss due to product failure.
12. Pickup or delivery. This product is intended for in-home repair.
13. Travel or transportation expenses for service in remote locations where an authorized Whirlpool servicer is not available.
14. Removal or reinstallation of inaccessible appliances or built-in fixtures (e.g., trim, decorative panels, flooring, cabinetry, islands, countertops, drywall) that interfere with servicing, removal, or replacement of the product.
15. Service or parts for appliances with original model/serial numbers removed, altered, or not easily determined.

The cost of repair or replacement under these excluded circumstances shall be borne by the customer.

DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO ONE YEAR OR THE SHORTEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. Some states and provinces do not allow limitations on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so this limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

DISCLAIMER OF REPRESENTATIONS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY
Whirlpool makes no representations about the quality, durability, or need for service or repair of this major appliance other than the representations contained in this warranty. If you want a longer or more comprehensive warranty than the limited warranty that comes with this major appliance, you should ask Whirlpool or your retailer about buying an extended warranty.

LIMITATION OF REMEDIES: EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. WHIRLPOOL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

®/™ ©2018 Whirlpool. All rights reserved. Used under license in Canada.
Printed in U.S.A.

References

• Shop Kitchen Appliances: Washing Machines, Dryers & More | Whirlpool
• Shop Kitchen Appliances: Washing Machines, Dryers & More | Whirlpool

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