MEC products are versatile, and they can be used on a wide variety of heat sources. The list below tells you which heat sources need a heat diffuser and which don’t. You can get a heat diffuser to go with your MEC order here.

You can use MEC on the following surfaces WITHOUT a heat diffuser:

• Gas stove
• Oven
• Open flame
• As a slow-cooker insert
• Outdoor grill
• Solar oven

With these natural heat sources heat is steadily and evenly spread, so there is no need for a diffuser in these cases – provided you keep the heat setting between low and medium-low throughout the cooking process.

You can use MEC WITH a heat diffuser on the following heat surfaces:

• Wood stove
• Ceramic/Glass Cooktop
• Induction stove

A diffuser is needed with these heat sources because electric heat is sporadic and uneven. A diffuser in these cases help spread the heat out evenly to the 100% natural pot.

What is the maximum temperature in an oven (+ wood fired oven)?

In the oven (both types), the recommended max temperature is 450 Degrees Fahrenheit. Start at lowest temperature (~250 Degrees F) and increase to desired temperature after 5-10 minutes.

If you have an electric stove, the first thing you need is a heat diffuser to ensure the heat distributes evenly to your MEC product. Here are some other important things to note for cooking on an electric stove:

If You Have a Glass/Ceramic Cooktop, Keep These Points in Mind:

• Initially, cooking your meals may take slightly longer. For the first few uses, you may turn the stove up to the medium heat setting (or slightly past) if the pot is more than half-full — after cooking for 5 minutes on low. However, as the pot becomes accustomed to cooking on lower heat with multiple uses, you do not need to go past medium-low. 
• Some ceramic/glass burners have multiple ring sizes in a single burner (for example: one burner with a 6 inch, 8 inch, and 12 inch diameter ring). Avoid this kind of burner, because these give off too much heat regardless of the setting. 
• For a heat diffuser, we recommend using the ILSA or the SimmerMat. In just a few instances, one may work better than another depending on your stove. It is hard to pre-determine which diffuser will work best for your specific stove; however, this will become evident once you start using the diffuser. Incompatibility occurs due to the interaction between the diffuser and the chemicals of the stovetop material. 
• You will know if the diffuser is incompatible if you experience much longer-than-usual cooking times and/or a foul smell while cooking. In this instance, first try reducing the heat. If these issues persist, try a different diffuser. If the issue continues after trying different diffusers, then it might be worth investing in a hot plate with a cast-iron top or a portable gas stove for cooking.