How to Use Stainless Steel Cookware
Our Classic 3-ply Stainless Steel and Signature 3-ply Stainless Steel ranges are perfectly suited to everyday cooking and comprise a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Having Stainless Steel pieces in your kitchen is essential to rounding out your collection. You can lean on these versatile casseroles and pans for their ability to heat up quickly and conduct heat efficiently for that perfect sear. Stainless Steel cookware is extremely durable and can simplify everyday meal preparation, withstanding higher temperatures without scorching.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of this range and why 3-ply Stainless Steel pots and pans should be a staple to cook with in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step with 3-ply Stainless Steel
The performance-driven designs of our 3-ply Stainless Steel cookware help you to master any culinary challenge with ease. Follow the easy steps below to get started, then explore these cooking techniques for further know-how and inspiration.
Before first use
Remove all labels and packaging, wash pans in hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly, and you’re ready to cook! This cookware material does not need to be seasoned before nor after use.
The right heat setting
Our 3-ply Stainless Steel cookware is suitable for all stovetops including induction, and goes in the oven too. It’s fast-heating, so use low to medium heat.
Test the temperature
Use the water droplet test. If cold water droplets evaporate instantly on the surface, your cookware is ready to use.
Cooking guidelines
When cooking in an uncoated pan, use enough oil or fat to cover the base. Never allow the fat to becoming smoking-hot.
You asked, we answered! Read through these helpful FAQs to get your cooking with Stainless Steel off to a great start.
Benefits and Key Features
3-ply Stainless Steel is built to last a lifetime and can be used on a daily basis. Here are some of our favourite features and benefits of this popular cookware range.
3-ply construction
The 3-ply construction from base to rim makes this range our fastest cookware to heat. Its responsive aluminium core (encapsulated between two stainless steel layers and not exposed to food) provides consistent heat and cooks food evenly. The exterior is crafted from 18/10 stainless steel, making it compatible with induction hobs.
Different interior options
For ultimate versatility, we offer coated and uncoated interiors on select pieces. Uncoated surfaces are ideal for searing and caramelising, while non-stick surfaces release food easily and are a great choice for lower-fat cooking.
Comfortable, secure handles
Oven-safe to 260°C, both the long side handles and easy-grip helper handles are designed for comfort, balance, and control. In addition, the hollow-shaped long handle stays cool enough so that no oven glove is needed when the product is used on the hob.
Tight-fitting lids
Classic 3-ply Stainless Steel features a sleek lid with a generously-sized loop handle for easy lifting even with oven gloves. The Signature range lid is embossed with our iconic three-ring design and a Stainless Steel knob. Both lid styles allow for minimum moisture loss while cooking.
Capacity markings
Selected pieces, such as deep casseroles, feature practical etched capacity markings which help to save time during preparation and cooking.
Reassuring lifetime guarantee
Our 3-ply Stainless Steel ranges are designed with durability in mind. With the proper use and care, they’ll produce a lifetime of delicious meals, day after day.
Be Inspired to Cook
Try some of our favourite recipes for Stainless Steel cookware below.
Explore our Range
Stainless Steel 101: Answering your questions
#1. Can Stainless Steel go in the oven?
Our Stainless Steel cookware is oven-proof to 260°C and can be used in all types of conventional ovens.
#2. Can you use Stainless Steel for frying?
Uncoated Stainless Steel cookware is ideal for pan-frying and searing ingredients to perfection. It particularly excels at searing meat, poultry, and seafood at higher temperatures due to its heat-responsive aluminium core.
#3. Will food stick to the surface?
To prevent foods from sticking, always use a low to medium heat setting to cook with and avoid overheating. Ensure that uncoated Stainless Steel pans have oil/fat to cover the base of the pan. However, when searing meat, although it will seem as if it is “sticking” to the pan at the beginning, the meat will release itself when perfectly seared. And if residues are left, you can simply deglaze it to prepare a delicious sauce to go with your meat, which will also very easily remove the residues.
Non-stick pans can be used with little to no oil/fat thanks to their excellent food release properties.
#4. Do you need to season Stainless Steel?
Condition the inner surface of Stainless Steel pans with a non-stick interior before first use, and repeat if cleaned in the dishwasher. Rub a film of cooking oil over the surface of the pan. Heat the pan for two minutes over a medium setting, then cool and rinse with hot water. Dry thoroughly.
#5. How do you maintain Stainless Steel?
Although dishwasher-safe, we recommend hand washing as it is gentler than harsh dishwasher detergents. Simply allow to cool then wash in hot soapy water, cleaning with a soft nylon brush or pad. For more tips, head over to our page on how to clean Stainless Steel cookware.
Stainless Steel cookware has established itself as a kitchen workhorse due to its versatility and fast and even heat conduction – it’s a great place to start your Le Creuset collection. Taking the time to familiarise yourself with this premium material and how to best use it will make all the difference when you start cooking with it.
More to Explore
Discover how to get the best out of your 3-ply Stainless Steel cookware, including top tips on cleaning, usage, cooking techniques and more.
