The Caple C816C is a ceramic hob designed for domestic cooking, offering a sleek and modern addition to any kitchen. Its primary function is to provide a controlled heat source for various cooking tasks, from gentle simmering to rapid boiling and searing. The hob operates by applying resistance wire heating directly to the bottom of cookware, ensuring efficient and responsive temperature adjustments.
Function Description
The C816C ceramic hob features four cooking zones, allowing for multiple dishes to be prepared simultaneously. Each zone's power output can be precisely adjusted using the intuitive touch controls located on the front panel. The hob is designed for ease of use, with controls that respond to the touch of a finger, eliminating the need for applied pressure. A distinct beep confirms each touch input, providing clear feedback to the user.
A key safety feature is the ON/OFF control, which allows the user to power the entire hob on or off with a single touch. When the hob is first turned on, a buzzer sounds, and all indicators light up briefly before entering standby mode, signified by a "-" display. To begin cooking, users simply place suitable cookware on the desired cooking zone and select a heat setting using the dedicated power controls. If no heat setting is chosen within one minute, the hob automatically switches off, preventing accidental operation and saving energy. Heat settings can be modified at any point during cooking, offering flexibility and control over the cooking process.
The hob incorporates several safety and convenience features. The "H" indicator for residual heat warning is particularly useful, illuminating to show which cooking zones are still hot to the touch after use. This serves as a crucial safety reminder and can also be utilized as an energy-saving function, allowing users to keep food warm or heat further pans using residual heat.
An auto shutdown protection mechanism is built into the hob, automatically turning off a cooking zone if it is left unattended for an extended period. The default shutdown times vary depending on the power level selected, ranging from 8 hours at lower settings to 2 hours at higher settings. This feature enhances safety by preventing prolonged, unsupervised operation.
Usage Features
The C816C hob is equipped with a locking function to prevent unintended use, especially by children. When activated, the keylock control disables all other controls except the ON/OFF button, ensuring that the hob cannot be accidentally turned on or adjusted. To lock the controls, users touch the lock control, and the timer display will show "Lo." To unlock, the keylock control must be touched and held for 5 seconds. In an emergency, the hob can always be turned off using the ON/OFF button, even when locked.
An over-temperature protection system monitors the internal temperature of the hob. If an excessive temperature is detected, the hob automatically stops operation, safeguarding against potential damage and ensuring user safety.
The hob also features a versatile timer control that can be used in two ways: as a minute minder or to automatically turn off one or more cooking zones. When used as a minute minder, the timer does not affect the cooking zones; it simply provides an audible alert when the set time expires. To set the minute minder, users ensure the hob is on and then use the timer controls to adjust the time. The minute minder indicator will flash, and a buzzer will sound for 30 seconds when the time is up.
For automatic zone shutdown, users select the desired cooking zone and then set the timer. A red dot next to the power level indicator illuminates, confirming the zone is selected for timed cooking. When the cooking timer expires, the corresponding cooking zone switches off automatically. The timer can be set for up to 99 minutes, and adjustments can be made by touching the controls for single-minute increments or by touching and holding for 10-minute increments. The timer display shows the remaining time, flashing for 5 seconds after setting.
Choosing the right cookware is essential for optimal performance and to prevent damage to the ceramic surface. Cookware should have a smooth, flat base that sits flush against the glass and matches the size of the cooking zone. Pans with jagged edges or curved bases should be avoided, as they can scratch the glass. Users are advised to always lift pans off the hob rather than sliding them to prevent scratches.
Maintenance Features
Maintaining the Caple C816C ceramic hob is straightforward, with specific guidelines for different types of soiling. For everyday marks like fingerprints or non-sugary spills, users should switch off the hob, apply a hob cleaner while the glass is still warm (but not hot), rinse, and wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towel before switching the power back on. It's crucial to note that even when the "H" indicator is off, the surface may still be hot, so extreme care is advised.
For boilovers, melts, or hot sugary spills, immediate action is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the glass. These should be removed as soon as possible using a fish slice, palette knife, or razor blade scraper, holding the tool at a 30° angle to scrape the spill to a cooler area of the hob. After scraping, the residue should be cleaned up with a dishcloth or paper towel, followed by the everyday cleaning steps. Users are warned about the sharp blade of the scraper and advised to store it safely.
If spills occur on the touch controls, the hob may beep and turn itself off, and the controls may become unresponsive. To resolve this, the hob should be switched off, the spill soaked up, and the control area wiped with a clean, damp sponge or cloth. It is important to ensure the area is completely dry before turning the hob back on to restore full functionality. Heavy-duty scourers, some nylon scourers, and harsh abrasive cleaning agents should be avoided as they can scratch the glass. Leaving cleaning residue on the hob can also stain the glass.
The appliance is intended for household and similar applications, including staff kitchen areas, farmhouses, hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast environments. It is not designed to be operated by an external timer or separate remote control system. Regular checks of the power supply cord by authorized technicians are recommended, and any damage to the cord must be replaced by Caple service or similarly qualified personnel to avoid hazards.