Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels, wash pans in hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly. Condition the interior non-stick cooking surface. Rub a film of vegetable or corn oil over the entire surface using a pad of kitchen paper towels. Rinse the pan with hot water, dry thoroughly. The pan is now ready for use.
DO NOT condition the black exterior sidewall.
Usage recommendations: Le Creuset Essential Non-Stick Ceramic pans are completely multifunctional for use on any hob, under any domestic grill, or in any domestic conventional or fan-assisted oven (not suitable for use in microwave ovens).
Always match the pan base size to the hob heat zone it is to be used on. Gas flames must always be confined to the base area and NEVER extend up and around the sidewalls of the pan. On any glass topped hob always lift the pan on and off, or across the surface. Never slide the pan as this may cause damage to the pan base as well as to the glass.
Use MEDIUM and LOW heat settings for the majority of cooking on all heat sources, allowing the pan to heat gradually and evenly. For those times when searing of meat, poultry or fish is required a medium to higher heat can be used initially, but once the pan is hot and the food added, the heat should be lowered.
The pan should NEVER be used on a maximum or high heat setting either for pre-heating or cooking as the excessive surface temperatures will damage the non-stick cooking surface.
Induction Hob Cooking: Always match the diameter of the stainless steel disc in the base of pan to the induction hob cooking zone. Using a pan with a small stainless steel disc on too large a cooking zone may result in a weaker magnetic field being created and reduced heat output. In some cases the hob may not “recognise” the pan and no heat will be generated.
DO NOT use the boost function for longer than is required to bring the pan’s contents to a boil. The boost function should only be used for rapid heating of large quantities of water e.g. for boiling pasta or vegetables.
During cooking, you may notice some slight noise being generated in the pan by the induction hob. This will not damage the pan or affect cooking performance.
Oils and fats: Add a little oil or fat to the cooking surface before heating begins. This will improve the flavour and browning of foods. At no time should the oil or fat be allowed to become smoking hot. If this should occur cool the pan before proceeding.
See our smoking point info for more advice on suitable oils when cooking: What is a Smoke Point?
Fat-free Cooking: When cooking with no added fat or oil, pre-heat the pan on a medium setting for approximately 2 minutes before adding the food.
DO NOT leave the pan unattended during this time or allow the dry non-stick surface to overheat as permanent damage may occur.
Food storage and marinating: Do not store raw, marinating or cooked foods in the pans. Ingredients may cause damage to the surface.
Tools to use: You can use wooden or heat-resistant plastic tools. Do not knock tools on the top rim of the pan. Knives, or utensils with sharp edges, should never be used to cut foods on the non-stick surface. Hand held electric or battery operated beaters or blenders should not be used on the non-stick surface.
Oven Use: Suitable for use in all types of conventional oven (not suitable for microwave ovens). Oven safe to 260°C/500°F (220°C/425°F/Gas Mark 7 if the pan is used with a Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick heat-resistant glass lid).
Grill Use: When used under a hot grill there should be a minimum distance of 5cm (2 inches) between the heat source and the top rim of the pan.
Overheating: Damage from overheating is instantly recognisable. The non-stick surface becomes discoloured and in severe cases detaches from the pan in the form of blistering or peeling.
Scratching: Score marks or severe scratching by heavy use of metal utensils is not covered by the warranty. Such damage is permanent and will result in the reduction of the non-stick release performance.
To prevent damage to the exterior, interior and rim use suitable cookware protectors in between products when stacking for storage.
Cleaning and Storage: Cool the pan for a few minutes before cleaning. Do not plunge into, or fill with, cold water when hot.
ONLY recommended non-stick cleaning pads should be used on the non-stick surfaces. DO NOT use any metal, harsh abrasive or very stiff pads/washing up brushes, or abrasive cleaning agents on ANY of the surfaces.
The essential non-stick ceramic coating offers excellent food release and is therefore very easy to clean. To maintain the appearance and performance of the non-stick coating, we recommend washing by hand in hot soapy water rather than cleaning in the dishwasher. This will prolong the life of the non-stick surface and enhance cooking performance.
If the non-stick pan is cleaned in the dishwasher only use domestic strength dishwashing detergent (we recommend non-lemon varieties). The cooking surface should be re-conditioned with vegetable or corn oil before each subsequent use.
Please note, prolonged, regular dishwashing may eventually mark or discolour any item of cookware and affect the release properties of non-stick surfaces. This is regarded as normal wear and tear and is not covered by the Lifetime Warranty. If the pan is regularly washed in the dishwasher some darkening of the outer ring of the base may occur or a powdery white deposit may form. This is normal and will not affect the performance of the pan. The surface dulling or white deposits can be removed by carefully cleaning the affected areas with a gentle nylon pad and a little water and washing up detergent. Afterwards rinse and dry thoroughly.
Handles: Handles are secured to each pan with stainless steel rivets. Always use a dry oven glove or cloth when handling hot pans during and after cooking.
