Not about cookware! This is about the grates above the stove where you place the cookware. I believe those are cast iron based on weight and texture.

My stove is that style with 5 gas burners and the top grate is split into 3 sections. They don't seem flat anymore since when I place a cooking pot on the stove, it rocks. Not a big deal for boiling pots, but a problem when I want to fry something and I want to use as little oil as possible. The oil just runs to one side depending on how the pan stays. I can rock the pan and the oil runs to the other side.

At this point I think the stove top is horizontal, but that is one thing I need to check.

Anyway, if the cast iron grates are not quite flat, can I take a hammer an smash them to try to straighten them? or is that going to damage them?

if that fails, I think I will try to buy replacements. it's a KitchenAid, I think the previous owner left the manual, hopefully I can find replacements parts.

Thanks

EDIT: it's like this

[www.kitchenaid.com]

Also a quick google search indicates that cast iron will break. You need heat if you want to bend it. So probably my plan will not work. I will probably buy new ones.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2023 05:00PM by gadje.

Cast iron is fragile. It is not malleable. If you hit it with a hammer, it will likely shatter.

Do you have a level? If so, why don’t you check the grates for flatness, and the stove top for level?

Quote
gadje
At this point I think the stove top is horizontal, but that is one thing I need to check...

If the "grate" rocks, that's not an issue with the stove-top.

But the problem may be exacerbated by a stove that's not level. Takes 30 seconds to use a level to check, and maybe 10 minutes to mess with the legs to re-level the stove unless the legs are embedded in the floor. Might as well knock that off first, before breaking/replacing the grates.

---

Happens all of the time to mine. There are little bumpers on the under side of mine, and one of them will wear off and fall out, causing it to rock. They sell replacements, and all is good again.

---

The grate does not rock. The frying pan rocks.

[www.appliancepartspros.com]

I was thinking to buy new grates but at this price no way. I would need both of those item 4 and item 5 is not available.

And if I go that route, I will probably end up with new burner caps, new knobs, it may be more cost effective to buy a new stove, LOL

Quote
gadje
The grate does not rock. The frying pan rocks.

Stoopit question: Have you checked to see whether the base of the frying pan is level?

I've had some warp.

---

Quote
Tiangou

Quote
gadje
The grate does not rock. The frying pan rocks.

Stoopit question: Have you checked to see whether the base of the frying pan is level?

I've had some warp.

Not a stoppit question at all. I did not specifically check this, but I think the pans are stable on granite. Also I have sauce pots with really heavy (1/2") base and those also rock.

I think I'll just get new rubber pads for the grates first (some are missing) but I think that will not solve the problem.

there are many sources for used appliance parts, especially with KA.
And don't discount looking at ebay nuther.
And that particular cooktop format was a big seller for KA (and brands they make).

I picked up the mobo pcb for our just out of warranty 7-year-old (at that time) Therma wall oven. $700 from Therma at the time, $70 from ebay.
Fiberglass oven door gasket $100/$50.
Shelf glass for Therma SxS $300/~$110.

---

!#$@@$#!

proofraed by OwEn the c@t.

Distortion is normal with cast iron. It's caused by uneven heat when it's cooling down during fabrication. It's usually worse when the part is new; subsequent heating and cooling during use reduces the amount of distortion. When I built engines, it was best to start out with a used block and crankshaft rather than new ones for that reason. They were cast iron.

---

Quote
gadje
The frying pan rocks.

Cool. Glad you like your frying pan!