Electric stove burners typically don't display precise temperature settings like gas stoves or ovens with temperature indicators. Instead, they often use a simple numbering system like the 0 to 10 scale you mentioned, where 0 is "off," and 10 is the highest heat setting.
The actual temperatures produced by electric stove burners can vary based on factors such as the brand and model of the stove, the size and type of the burner, the cookware being used, and the ambient temperature in the kitchen. However, as a rough estimation, here's a general guideline for the approximate temperatures associated with each number on the dial:
- 0: Off (no heat)
- 1 to 2: Very low heat, suitable for keeping food warm or melting butter/chocolate gently.
- 3 to 4: Low to medium-low heat, good for simmering sauces or slow cooking.
- 5 to 6: Medium heat, suitable for general cooking tasks like sautéing vegetables or frying.
- 7 to 8: Medium-high to high heat, suitable for boiling water or searing meat.
- 9 to 10: Very high heat, ideal for quickly bringing water to a boil or achieving a rapid, intense sear.
Keep in mind that this is a general guide, and the specific temperatures can still vary between different stove models. If you need more precise temperature control for certain recipes, you might consider using a separate kitchen thermometer or investing in an induction cooktop with precise temperature settings.