Suburban stove won't simmer

[GerryW]

My solution is a circle of metal under the pot. The piece I use is perforated like the Coleman Camping toaster. Works well.

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by GerryW

My solution is a circle of metal under the pot. The piece I use is perforated like the Coleman Camping toaster. Works well.

Yup, a diffuser plate. We have a cast iron one left over from when my great grandmother canned veggies on a wood stove. They still make them.

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by geewizard

Is it normal for the Suburban cooktop to be hard to adjust to a simmer?
Ours seem to be either on high or off and seems very sensitive to adjust to a simmer.

You have to fool it. After lighting the burner, let it run high for 30 sec. or so to heat up. Then s-l-o-o-o-w-l-y turn the knob towards "off." You will see the flame die down. Stop it where you want it. Takes a couple of times to master the technique but it works. As dalford noted, it will be susceptible to blow outs.