What is Cook-N-Dine? 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 8-10 gauge stainless steel to electrical heat. The new 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.
FAQ's about Cook-N-Dine
1. How does Cook-N-Dine work?
When the Cook-N-Dine unit is turned on, the stainless steel table surface divides into three different temperature sections. The center of the surface sinks down slightly and forms a shallow pit, where the main cooking takes place. This pit reaches temperatures up to 430 degrees Farenheit, depending on what cooking temperature you set. Around the cooking center, a ring about 3.5 inches wide forms and becomes the "warming area," where the temperature is about 50% lower than the set cooking temperature. The remaining space around the edge of the table remains completely cold and can be used as a dining area. Whatever portion of your meal you choose to prepare first, when it has finished cooking simply push it into the warming area until the rest of the meal is done.
2. How long does Cook-N-Dine take to warm up?
To reach the basic warm-up temperature (setting the switch to # 3) it needs roughly 1.5 - 2 minutes. Always warm-up Cook-N-Dine before setting the actual cooking temperature.
3. 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).
4. What can I cook with the Cook-N-Dine?
The answer is, anything and everything! Whether it's the whole family gathering for a hefty breakfast or friends assembling for a five-course gourmet meal, the Cook-N-Dine can be used to cook, fry, sear, bake, and saute all types of food right in the center of attention- without anyone having to slave away in the kitchen and away from the fun.
5. Can I cook thick steaks?
Absolutely! Just follow the basic rules for cooking steaks:
set temperature to 8; when reached, sear meat for 2-3 min. from each side; lower temperature to 7 and cook 3-5 min. on each side to desired doneness; let steaks rest in the warming area for 4-5 minutes.
6. What happens if I burn the cooking surface?
All residues can easily be removed by pouring a little water around the surface while still warm, just like you usually clean your stainless cookware. Use a non-scratch spatula (we think wood works best) 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 with the grain of the metal.
For heavy duty jobs add a small amount of "Barkeeper's Friend"
(www.barkeepersfriend.com) to the water and use as directed on the package.
Wipe off with paper towels and shine with a few drops of plain vegetable oil.
7. 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. For security reasons you should not operate Cook-N-Dine in rainy conditions.
8. How do I clean and shine my Cook-N-Dine?
see 6. To remove whitish "blind spots" or bluish stains, 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.
9. Does the metal rust?
Cook-N-Dine is manufactured of type 304, food grade 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.
10. How come the center bows down?
That's a secret and, that's why Cook-N-Dine is patented. 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 surface.
11. Do I have to marinate all 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.
12. 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.
13. 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-covered ends
- Regular wood spatulas; great for cleaning, too
- Flexible plastic spatulas (very thin; require a little practice)
- Plastic spatulats or palet knifes
- Scoops as used for wok cooking, made from no-scratch material
- Flat whisk, non-scratch, to blend your sauces together With all plastic items you have to make sure they are heat resistant.
14. Can I use Cook-N-Dine outside, even when it is freezing?
Sure you can. Absolutely no problem.
15. How can I create a whole menu with several different items?
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 item, and so on, until everything is ready to eat.
16. How can I eliminate those bluish discolorings, which remain after cleaning?
See 8. Cleaning
17. 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 be too much for your taste, just have the surface "buffed up" by a professional.
18. How do I level the table?
Simply pour a little water in 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 until leveled (see assembly instructions).
19. How do I make the cable "invisible"?
You can cut two notches in the upper and lower part of the stand, so you can guide the cable through the inside down to the foot, where it exits.
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.
20. Can I install the table on my yacht?
Of course, provided your generator produces 1800W and sufficient AMPs
(230V/8 AMP). 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.
21. Is Cook-N-Dine available in 220V?
Yes, it is. Just make sure to specify that when you order.
22. 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.
23. 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 standard cooktops are shipped UPS; all other items require trucking.
24. 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. 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.
