A Funny Problem With Our Stove

Nevermind

ron.dittmer wrote:
If I change the knobs from plastic to metal, then my wife will complain that the knobs are too hot to handle.... :)

Change them to metal, & give her an oven mit for her birthday. ;)

I guess you'll just have to live with the look for a while, then. You'll have to replace the whole shootin' match soon enough since that much overhang of a hot skillet will eventually also ruin the porcelain surface of the stovetop.

When purchasing the next one, stainless would last better though it too can discolor from the heat of oversized pans. Dunno what more to say!

I appreciate all the thoughts and ideas.

I still lean toward a fixed heat shield, a vertical wall made of aluminum, formed with nice rounded sides and smooth edges.

Maybe drill two holes through the area where the label is so any cracked porcelain would be hidden.

Maybe a curved aluminum shield screwed to the small burner grate itself. But if doing that, I know my wife will complain her cooking griddle has a cold zone. It would naturally force her to use the larger burner. But you never force a chef to comply. :)

Couple thoughts:
1. Replace the knobs with heat resistant generic phenolic knobs.
2. Have custom made knobs machined from heat resistant teflon rod. If the knobs were 2-3" tall the pan would bump into the knob. This might work with aluminum rod.

One more- extend the knob shaft 2-3" and put the stock knob on top.

Norm

If I change the knobs from plastic to metal, then my wife will complain that the knobs are too hot to handle.... :)

An interesting method for the DIYer would be to buy your last set of replacement plastic knobs, get them scanned with a 3D Scanner, edit as necessary with a CAD program, and have them printed on a 3D metal printer to stainless steel. Here's a place that will print for $6 + $8 per cm**3: link and has links to free CAD programs.

It is a poor design so don't blame the cook. Just change the knobs to metal ones. Many appliance repair shops will have a selection of different knobs you can choose from. May even have some nice vintage stainless knobs that won't melt.

Totally different approach, but if you have hookups (or don't mind running genny) get an electric griddle. We used similar stove top griddles and then tried a Presto electric. It is much easier to use - better temp control, grease drainage and clean-up - and we can take it outside with an extension cord.

FlyBy8 wrote:
Ron,

Tell us how you solved this problem. First time out in out new camper, fried the knobs along with the bacon.

Frustrating, isn't it? Sorry but I still do not have a solid solution as of yet.

I had considered mounting a heat shield deflector the same height as the grate, but am concerned my wife will not like it. Being a porcelain finish, I also can't drill holes to mount anything without cracking the finish. I could if the stove top was stainless like the newer ones are.