Are you using it on a gas or electric stove? I use mine on a gas stove, covers 2 burners. Now i do have to watch which burners(I have one 'super" burner for fast high heat)i use but if i keep the flame the same on my reg. burners it works fine. If you are trying to use it on electic butners maybe your burners aren't heating evenly. They may have hot spots. do you notice areas on your normal pans the seem to scorch or stick? I've had and used mine for years-it was great when i had a large family to cook for. We did pancakes, grilled sandwiches, all kinds of tings on it