|
|
|
The innovative Cook-N-Dine product line by CDS, Germany, is
based on the patented invention of a compact electrical
cook-top, which uses the physical reaction of specially formed
and pressed stainless steel to electrical heat.
The high-tech heating element causes a temporary thermal
expansion of the steel down towards the heat source thus forming
a shallow cooking surface. Cook-N-Dine is safe to operate and
easy to use, manufactured for carefree daily use.
1. How long does it take to warm up?
To reach the basic warm-up temperature (setting the switch to 5)
it needs about max.
2 minutes. NOTE: Always warm-up Cook-N-Dine before setting the
actual cooking temperature!
2. How long does it take to reach cooking temperature?
That depends on the set cooking temperature; the higher the
temperature the longer (max. 2.5 minutes).
3. Can I cook big steaks?
Absolutely! Just follow the basic rules for cooking steaks:
set temperature to 9 (380 F); when reached, depending on the
thickness, sear meat for 2-3 minutes on each side; lower
temperature to 7 and cook 3-5 minutes on each side to desired
doneness; let steaks rest in the outer warming area for 4-5
minutes (or wrap in aluminum foil) before serving, so all juices
will re-distribute evenly throughout the meat.
4. Do I need to install ventilation or a vent hood?
That strictly depends on your personal preferences. Since you
will hardly use any cooking oils, the vapors are not laden with
fat like in traditional cooking. All you will produce is a
little clean steam while moisture evaporates from the food.
5. Why does the center bow downwards?
That's a secret and, that's why Cook-N-Dine is worldwide
patented. However, part of the secret is that different
pressures are applied to the metal while manufacturing the
cooktop. This causes the steel to behave differently in
different areas of the one-piece stainless steel surface.
6. What do I do when the food sticks to the surface?
Relax and wait a little bit. As the food releases it own juices
while cooking it usually comes loose all by itself.
7. Which cooking tools are best to use?
We have tried most everything on the market and came up with the
following items:
- Tongs are great. Just get some with plastic- or silicone-tip
ends
- Regular wood spatulas; great for cleaning, too
- Flexible nylon spatulas (very thin; require a little practice)
- Plastic/nylon palette spatulas
- Scoops similar to those for wok cooking, made from non-scratch
material or with silicone tips
- Flat whisk, non-scratch, to blend sauces together
Note: With all "plastic" items you use, please make sure they
are heat resistant!
8. Do I have to marinate the food before I can cook it?
Not at all. It is just one way to keep the use of cooking fat as
low as possible, because you don't have to add any additional
cooking fat.
9. How can I create a whole menu with several different
courses?
Whichever portion of the meal you like to prepare first (usually
that which needs the most cooking time) - when almost finished
cooking simply push it into the warming area. Then cook your
next items, and so on, until everything is ready to eat.
10. What happens if I burn the cooking surface?
Usually, all residues, even burnt-in, can easily be removed by
pouring a little water around the surface while it is still
warm, just like you usually clean your stainless cookware. Use a
non-scratch spatula (we think wood spatulas with a straight edge
work best for cleaning) to carefully loosen the residues bit by
bit.
To eliminate the last traces (if any) use a non-scratch small
cleaning sponge (i.e. Dobie by ScotchBrite) and work THE WHOLE
SURFACE with the grain of the metal for an overall even result.
For heavy duty jobs add a small amount of "Barkeeper's Friend"
(www.barkeepersfriend.com) to the water and use with a rag or
paper towels as directed on the package. Wipe off the remains
with paper towels, clean with water and shine with a few drops
of plain vegetable oil.
11. How do I clean and shine my Cook-N-Dine?
see 10) To remove whitish "blind spots" or bluish decolorations,
wait until the cooktop has cooled off. Cut a lemon in half,
squeeze lightly and polish with the cut side of the lemon. Clean
with a little water and shine using a few drops of plain
vegetable oil (we sometime use a quick spray of original "Pam")
and a paper towel or soft rag. Make sure to remove any surplus
oil to prevent staining your clothes.
12. How do I remove scratches from the surface?
Over time the cooking surface will become "worn" and get tiny
scratches from regular use. Many people like that and refer to
it as "patina". Should it get to much for your taste, just have
the surface "buffed up" by a professional.
13. What if it starts raining while using Cook-N-Dine
outside?
Switch your Cook-N-Dine unit off, unplug it and move it to a dry
place. Do not switch back on before the unit is completely dry
again. For safety reasons you should not operate Cook-N-Dine in
rainy conditions.
14. Will the metal rust when left outside?
Cook-N-Dine is manufactured of type 304, German stainless steel,
one of the best alloys available worldwide, which does not rust.
However, when you live near saltwater, where the air contains a
lot of moisture and salt, minor oxidation can occur over time.
Use a regular stainless steel cleaner to solve that.
15. Can I use Cook-N-Dine outside, even when it is freezing?
Sure you can. Absolutely no problem. No heat is lost since the
food is in direct contact with the
heat source.
16. How do I level the table?
Simply pour a little water into the middle of the warm cooking
center. Should the liquid accumulate "off" center, take pliers
or your fingers and adjust the nuts underneath the foot disk
until leveled (see assembly instructions).
17. How can I hide the connection cable?
You can cut two notches in the upper and lower part of the stand
of Cook-N-Dine tables, and can guide the cable through the
inside of the stand down to the bottom.
If you do not intend to move your table you can drill an opening
into the foot within the stand perimeter and direct the cable to
an outlet underneath or close to the foot.
18. Can I install the table on my yacht?
Of course, provided your generator produces 1800W and a minimum
of 16 AMP. You can electrify the table from underneath the foot
disk, which can be bolted to your deck. Or insert the stand into
a receptacle hole in your deck.
19. Is Cook-N-Dine available in 230V?
Yes, it is. Just make sure to specify that when you order.
20. Can I operate Cook-N-Dine in my RV?
Yes, you can, provided your hook-up or load generator produces a
minimum of
16 AMP on 115V (8 AMP on 230V) and 1800 Watt.
21. How is Cook-N-Dine delivered?
Kitchen carts and the Teak Table come fully assembled. Steel and
laminate tables come in three pieces (top, stand, foot) and a
threaded rod which holds it together. Assembly time is less than
5 minutes; no tools required. Portables and built-in cooktops
are shipped UPS; all other items require trucking.
22. Who is CDS?
CDS Creativ Design Schacht is a German design and manufacturing
company of bodywork components for the automobile industry.
Founded in Stendal in the eastern part of Germany in 1887, the
company is family owned and operated in the third generation out
of Munich, Germany.
The completely new and different Cook-N-Dine product line was
developed and recently added under the supervision of the
present owner, Paul Schacht, a mechanical engineer and
industrial designer by profession and a passionate gourmet cook
as a hobby.
ABOUT CDS
|