Device to Put on a Stove Burner to Keep Food From Sticking

Background

• Stove top heat diffusers create a barrier between the bottom of a saucepan or skillet, and their main function is to redirect the heat more evenly across the cooking surface. Diffusers are available to fit standard-sized burners, generally 6 or 8 inches in diameter. On gas stoves, a diffuser also protects the bottoms of pots and pans from the intense heat generated by the open flame, thus extending the life of your cookware. A heat diffuser also gives you the option of using glass cookware, such as Anchor Hocking, Corning or Pyrexware, as well as clay or terra cotta cookware on your stove top with no danger of breakage.

Benefits

• Some cookware, particularly the more inexpensive brands made with thin aluminum, provide very little protection from the burner's intense heat. As a result, food sticks and burns very quickly and is sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to scrape off. A stove burner heat diffuser supplies an extra layer of metal under the cookware, offering the same protection as more expensive double-bottomed pans.

Types of Diffusers

• Stove top heat diffusers are available for use with conventional electric ranges, gas stoves and smooth-top stoves. Inexpensive types include the Simmer Ring, a perforated, graded aluminum disc that fits over any type of burner. Small legs provide clearance between the diffuser, and the center is flat to provide stability for saucepans and skillets. The Ring features a wooden stay-cool handle to facilitate safe removal of the unit from a hot burner. Other models include cast iron ring trivets that fit over gas burners, solid cast iron flame tamers with stay-cool aluminum handles, and solid steel discs that fit over the entire burner.

Considerations

• A diffuser also eliminates the need for a double boiler when making delicate sauces, melting chocolate or simply keeping foods warm for an extended period. On some stoves, even the lowest heat setting is too high to allow for gentle simmering; placing a heat diffuser on the burner makes gentle simmering possible. A heat diffuser also frees you from constant monitoring, as foods will not burn or boil over if you must leave them for a minute. Using a heat diffuser also eliminates the risk of fire when using pans with wooden or plastic handles.