Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick cookware is a kitchen essential that combines superior performance with ease of use. To get the most out of your investment, it's important to know how to properly care for and use these versatile pieces. In this blog, we'll share practical tips and expert advice on maintaining your cookware's non-stick surface, ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, these guidelines will help you enjoy the full benefits of your Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick cookware.
What is Toughened Non-Stick?
- 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 aluminum 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 disc 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. It is an ideal surface for healthier cooking with very little oil or fat.
- Optional heat-resistant glass lids are available to buy separately
- Handles are secured with stainless steel rivets
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. DO NOT condition the black exterior sidewall. 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.
- Occasional re-conditioning after this will help protect the surface and promote longer life.
Usage
Heat Zones & Sources
Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick 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 side walls 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 damage the pan base as well as the glass.
- Use MEDIUM and LOW heat settings on all heat sources for the majority of cooking, allowing the pan to heat gradually and evenly.
- For those times when searing meat, poultry, or fish is required, a medium to higher heat can be used initially, but once the pan is hot and the food is 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 the 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, such as 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 flavor 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.
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
- To protect your pans we recommend using Le Creuset Silicone Tools. You can also use wooden or heat resistant plastic tools.
- 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.
- 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 ovens (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.
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.
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 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 tough, reinforced non-stick 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:
- Use only 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 Guarantee.
- 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.
Misuse
The Le Creuset Lifetime Guarantee does not cover damage to the non-stick surface caused by overheating or scratching. 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 guarantee. Such damage is permanent and will result in the reduction of the non-stick release performance.
Toughened Non-Stick Glass Lids
- Add another dimension to your 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 flavor 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.
- Guarantee
- Le Creuset offers a Lifetime Guarantee on its Toughened Non-Stick products. The guarantee applies from the date of purchase for the lifetime of the original owner, whether a self purchase or received as a gift.
- The guarantee covers faulty workmanship and/or materials when the product is used in normal, domestic conditions and in accordance with the care and use instructions provided. It does not cover normal wear and tear, commercial use or misuse of the product.
- To claim under the guarantee please return the product, with proof of purchase, to the place of purchase or to the Le Creuset Head Office address for your country of residence.
- Defective cookware will be repaired or (if repair is not possible) replaced free of charge with a similar product or one of equivalent value if the original product is no longer in production.
Please note that in the case of a set, only the faulty item will be replaced. The following are excluded from the terms and conditions of the guarantee:
- Damage caused by normal wear and tear, accident, misuse, abuse or commercial use.
- Scratches, stains, discolouration, corrosion or damage from overheating, to the interior or exterior of the pan. This also includes the non-stick coating.
- Consequential damage is expressly excluded from this guarantee.
- Heat-resistant glass lids
- The guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.
By following these care and usage tips, you can ensure your Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick cookware remains a reliable and stylish part of your kitchen for years to come. Proper maintenance not only preserves the non-stick surface but also enhances your cooking experience, making meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. Treat your cookware with care, and it will reward you with exceptional performance and durability. Happy cooking!
