Introduction
Le Creuset Toughened Non–Stick pans are manufactured from premium materials that will provide the best in durability and cooking performance.
Each pan is made from heavy gauge, forged aluminium that has been specially treated to provide a strong, toughened finish that will withstand the demands of everyday use. Each pan spreads heat evenly and efficiently, so there are no hot spots in your cooking.
The specially constructed base incorporates a magnetic, stainless steel disk that provides extra strength and stability to the pan and makes it suitable for use on all heat sources including the latest induction hobs.
Both the interior and exterior of each pan are finished with one of the most modern, toughened non–stick finishes available providing superb release of food and easy cleaning – every day.
Optional heat–resistant glass lids are available to buy separately.
Instructions for use The recommendations for care and use apply to all Le Creuset toughened non–stick products.
BEFORE FIRST USE
Remove all packaging and labels. Wash the pan in hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
Condition the interior non–stick cooking surface. Do not condition the black exterior sidewall.
Rub a film of vegetable or corn oil over the entire cooking surface using a pad of kitchen paper towels. Rinse the pan with hot water, dry thoroughly. The pan is now ready for use.
Occasional re–conditioning after this will help protect the surface and promote longer life.
HEAT SETTINGS
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 around the sidewalls of the pan.
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 excessive surface temperatures will damage the non–stick cooking surface. See section on details of misuse.
DO NOT
Don't leave the pan unattended during this time or allow the dry non–stick surface to overheat as permanent damage may occur.
Don't slide the pan on any glass–topped hob as this may cause damage to the pan base as well as to the glass. Always lift the pan on and off, or across the surface.
Don't store raw, marinating or cooked foods in the pan. Ingredients may cause damage to the surface.
Metal tools, spoons or balloon whisks may be used with care, but should not be used harshly or scraped over the non–stick surface. Do not knock these on the top rim of the pan. Le Creuset Silicone Tools are recommended. You can also use wooden or heat resistant plastic tools.
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, should not be used on the non–stick surface.
OVEN USE
The maximum oven temperature for use is 260°C / 500°F.
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.
HANDLES
Always use a dry oven glove or cloth when handling a hot pan during and after cooking.
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.
TOTAL FAT–FREE COOKING
If this is required pre–heat the pan on a medium heat setting for approximately 2 minutes before adding the food.
Cleaning and care
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 pan is dishwasher safe but washing by hand is so simple thanks to the toughened non–stick surface that this method is recommended. Simply wash with hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
If the pan is regularly washed in the dishwasher some darkening of the rivets and 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.
Each time the pan is cleaned in the dishwasher, the cooking surface should be re–conditioned with vegetable or corn oil, before the next use.
Le Creuset heat–resistant glass lids
Add another dimension to cooking with your Le Creuset Toughened Non–Stick pan by using a Le Creuset heat–resistant glass lid – available separately.
The see–through glass lid allows you to check the recipe without disturbing the cooking progress or temperature. It retains moisture and flavour and also acts as a self–baster, or converts the pan to one for poaching, braising or casseroling.
The lids are oven–safe up to 220°C / 425°F/ Gas Mark 7.
Mis–use of the non–stick surface The Le Creuset 10–year guarantee does not cover damage to the non–stick surface caused by overheating or scratching.
OVERHEATING
Damage from overheating during cooking 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 caused by heavy use of metal tools is not covered by the guarantee. Such damage is permanent and will result in a reduction of the non–stick release performance.