Whirlpool WCG55US0HB - User Manual

This document is a user manual for a Whirlpool gas cooktop, providing comprehensive instructions for its operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It emphasizes safety, proper assembly, and efficient cooking practices to ensure a long lifespan for the appliance.

The cooktop is designed for household use and offers a range of features aimed at enhancing the cooking experience. Key usage tips cover essential aspects such as propane gas conversion, proper placement of burner heads and caps, lighting the burners, and cleaning them effectively. For those using liquid propane, the manual advises calling a licensed professional to install the included conversion kit, highlighting the importance of correct setup for safety and performance.

Proper assembly of the burners is crucial, and the manual provides detailed diagrams and instructions based on specific model numbers (WCG51US0D, WCG75US0D, WCG51US6D, WCG9). It explains how to correctly install burner caps and bases, ensuring that each burner has the right size head and cap. The FlexHeat™ burner, for instance, has a unique design where the electrode aligns with a semicircle notch in the head, rather than inserting into a hole, a detail that is important for correct assembly. The manual also clarifies that burner caps and heads are included with the cooktop and stresses the importance of matching burner head size to cap size and aligning the burner head hole with the electrode. For WCG9 series models, an extra "Melt" cap is provided for the smallest burner, designed for delicate simmering tasks.

Lighting the burners is a straightforward process: push in the knob, turn it counterclockwise to IGNITE, wait for a flame, and then adjust to the desired setting between Hi and Lo. In case of a power failure, the burners can be lit manually using a lit match.

The cooktop incorporates several innovative features to improve cooking versatility and convenience. The FlexHeat™ burner is a dual-burner system offering both fast boiling (Power range) and precise simmering (Simmer range). The Power range is ideal for large quantities of food or quick boiling, while the Simmer range, with its small flame, is perfect for slow cooking and holding a simmer. The Accusimmer® and Accusimmer® Plus burners are specifically designed for simmering sauces, with the knob position closer to "Melt" providing a more delicate simmer level. The Accusimmer® Plus, available on WCG9 series models, includes a dedicated "Melt" cap for melting chocolate, butter, or achieving an even more delicate simmer. The SpeedHeat™ burner, located on the left rear for 30" models and the center for 36" models, is optimized for rapid boiling, searing, and frying.

A significant convenience feature is the EZ-2-Lift™ Hinged Cast Iron Grates. These grates pivot upward and toward the back of the cooktop, providing easy access for cleaning underneath. They stop in a vertical, fully open position, requiring a minimum clearance of 20" (50.8 cm) from the countertop to the bottom of upper cabinets or appliances. The grates are also removable for thorough cleaning. The manual emphasizes returning the grates to their normal (down) position after cleaning and provides instructions for attaching them to their hinges, ensuring proper alignment to avoid scratching the cooktop.

Maintenance and cleaning are thoroughly addressed, with specific recommendations for different surface types. Control knobs (plastic) should be cleaned with soap and water or in the dishwasher, ensuring they are in the OFF position before removal. Burner grates can be cleaned with a nonabrasive plastic scrubbing pad and mild abrasive cleanser, soap, and water, or in the dishwasher after removing burnt-on food. The manual advises against banging grates together or against hard surfaces to prevent chipping. Burner caps should be cleaned with a nonabrasive plastic scrubbing pad and mild abrasive cleanser, soap, and water, and should not be placed in the dishwasher or reassembled when wet. Burner bases require clean holes for proper ignition and flame, with instructions to clean clogged burner ports using a straight pin, needle, or small-gauge wire, and to gently clean the igniter with a damp cloth. Porcelain enamel and stainless steel cooktop surfaces should be cleaned with nonabrasive scrubbing pads, glass cleansers, or specific affresh® cleaners, rubbing in the direction of the grain for stainless steel. The manual explicitly warns against using scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, steel wool pads, gritty washcloths, or abrasive paper towels on stainless steel.

The manual also provides guidance on cooking with the cooktop, including selecting the proper flame size to match cookware and avoid energy waste. It warns against letting the flame extend beyond the edge of the pan and turning off all controls when not cooking. A chart guides users on ideal cookware materials, noting that aluminum and copper cookware may leave permanent marks on grates or the cooktop. For canning, it advises alternating burner use, centering the canner on the grate, and not placing it on two burners simultaneously.

Troubleshooting tips cover common issues such as burners not operating, uneven or noisy flames, and excessive heat around cookware. It provides solutions ranging from checking power supply and gas connections to cleaning burner ports and ensuring correct burner head and cap placement. Illustrations help users identify normal versus abnormal flame appearances, distinguishing between natural gas and propane gas flames.

Finally, the manual includes information on optional accessories, such as a Gourmet Griddle for cooking meats, pancakes, and sandwiches, and coordinating knobs and gray grates for the White Ice and Black Ice Collection, allowing users to enhance their cooktop's functionality and aesthetic. The warranty information details what is covered and not covered, emphasizing the importance of professional installation and maintenance, and providing contact information for customer service in both the U.S. and Canada.

Whirlpool WCG55US0HB Specifications

General

Style	grate
Color	black
Griddle	no
Continuous Grates	continuous
Ignition	electric
Number of Cooking Zones	4
Number of Burners	4
Downdraft Vent	no
Control Type	analog
Child Lock	no
Wi-Fi	none
Fuel	natural gas