How to better use my product
Is non-stick cookware oven proof?
Only frying pans, saucepans or saute pans from the Ingenio range can go in the oven, thanks to their detachable handles (ensure that the detachable handle is removed). Utensils should never be used in a microwave or convection oven.
Thermo-Spot®: To what temperature does the frying pan need to be heated for the temperature indicator to change colour?
For frying pans: between 140 °C and 195 °C
For crepe pans: between 165 °C and 240 °C
This is the optimum temperature for frying and searing food. This indication helps you cook healthier and at an ideal temperature.
General recommendations
• Use plastic or wood utensils, with some ranges, you can use certain metal utensils with the exception of knives and whisks (Refer to the recommendations for use indicated on the packaging or in the instructions included with the product).
• Avoid cutting directly in the pans.
• Do not gouge the non-stick surface. Slight surface marks or abrasions are normal and will not affect the cookwares performance.
• After cooking, do not let pans boil dry and do not leave empty pans on a heated burner.
• Always select the proper electric burner size or adjust the gas burner so the flame only touches the bottom of the pan and does not climb up the sides.
• Never leave pans unattended while cooking.
• Let pans cool before cleaning.
• Wash the frying pan in hot water and washing-up liquid to remove any dust. Dry it and rub a little cooking oil into the non-stick coating before using for the first time. Remove any excess oil.
• Wash and dry your kitchenware after each use.
Why can a pan turn gondola-shaped?
A pan warps under thermal shock (an overheated empty pan, a hot pan in contact with cold water or placed on a cold surface, etc.).
Before cleaning the pan, let it cool to room temperature.
A warped pan will give poor cooking results.
Can I put my pans into the microwave?
Pans should NEVER be used in a microwave oven.
What type of utensils should I use?
You should refer to the recommendations for use indicated on the packaging or in the instructions included with the product.
Depending on the range, most metal utensils can be used except knives, forks and whisks. However, care should be exercised when using any metal utensil. Avoid using sharp edged utensils and avoid cutting directly in the pan. Do not stab or gouge the non-stick surface.
However, to extend the life of your frying pans and saucepans, we strongly recommend that you do not use metal. Choose plastic or wood.
Is it useful to cook at high temperatures with my non-stick cookware?
No. Cooking at high temperature does not result in a significant decrease in cooking time and certainly does not contribute to the quality of the food, so cooking at medium temperatures is highly recommended. Another reason for this recommendation is that high temperature cooking might damage the non-stick coating.
Can I cook in it without oil?
To extend the life of the coating, you should use a small amount of oil when stir-frying or grilling. You do not need oil when boiling or stewing.
Why is the pan discolored after use?
• Overheating can cause brown or blue stains.
• Food films, if not removed, will cause discoloration on the pot when it is reheated.
• Large amounts of iron content in your water may cause your pot to look rusty.
How can I prevent foods sticking when cooking?
Non-stick cookware:
Non-stick utensils are specially designed so that food does not stick. However, the pan or pot has to be properly maintained.
For that purpose, please observe the following tips: slightly oil the pan before first use and then wash and dry it, repeat the process from time to time if you wash the pan regularly in the dishwasher.
It is also necessary to avoid overheating and scratches, in particular due to use of metal accessories (spatulas, ladles) and/or due to cleaning with a scouring sponge.
Ceramic cookware:
The non-stick properties of the ceramic coating are a lot more limited, both in terms of performance and duration, than those of the classic (PTFE) coating. We recommend cooking with more fat as well as washing more vigorously with slightly more washing-up liquid. For baked-on food, we recommend leaving your kitchenware to soak in soapy water, possibly with a little white vinegar.
Over time, the ceramic base will become stained without it being possible to remove the marks. This will not impair the performance of the kitchenware in any way and does not present any danger for health.
Stainless steel cookware:
A preheated pan and lower flames are the keys to stick-free stainless steel cooking. Preheat your pan on low or medium heat for one to two minutes. You can test to see if your pan is ready by dropping a few drops of water on the pan and seeing if the water bounces around. After properly preheated, pour in 2-3 teaspoons of oil or enough to cover the bottom of the cooking surface. Before adding food, it's best to pat it dry of any moisture and allow it to reach room temperature. When adding food, make sure that there is an even sizzling sound when your food touches the pan. This indicates that your food is cooking on contact and creating a natural barrier to prevent sticking. Allow food to cook without disturbing it until the correct doneness is achieved. The natural sugars in your food caramelize on the cooked surface, developing great flavors and lifting your food off of the cooking surface naturally. If the sound that food makes on initial contact with the pan is more of a crackle than a sizzle, your heat is too high, and sticking may occur.
NEVER USE non-stick cooking sprays.
Why is there a bluish discolouration after the first use?
This discolouration is a normal reaction with stainless steel and heat. It is very simple and easy to clean. Either use stainless steel/copper cleaner, or just pour a little lemon juice or vinegar into the pan and wipe it clean with a paper towel or cloth.
Will the stainless steel handles get hot?
Made of thick stainless steel, the handles conduct heat very slowly. However, side handles can get hot faster than long handles as they are close to the pan's body. Therefore, always make sure the element you're cooking on does not exceed the size of the pan. The time spent over the heat source and the temperature setting also determines how long the handles will remain cool to the touch. Stainless steel handles attached to lids will heat up faster than side handles. For oven use, all handles will definitely get hot. It is recommended to use oven gloves when handling hot handles to avoid burning your hands.
Will salt damage my cookware?
Yes. To avoid the formation of small white dots or pits, bring liquids to a boil before adding salt, then stir well. Or, add salt after food has started to cook. Pitting does not interfere with cooking performance but can diminish the beauty of the stainless steel.
Why does my stainless steel pan have a white film on the inside and how do I clean it?
This white film is caused by minerals in the water or from the starch released by certain foods during the cooking process. Either use stainless steel/copper cleaner or just pour a little lemon juice or vinegar into the pan and wipe it clean with a paper towel or cloth.
Why are there scratches and/or pit marks in my stainless steel cookware after using them just a few times?
It is possible to get scratches on the stainless steel cookware especially when using metal utensils. However scratches do not affect the performance of the cookware. We suggest using wooden or plastic utensils when cooking. We recommend not using a potato masher directly into the cookware. Add salt to water only after it has come to a boil. When salt grains are deposited on steel when cold, they will attack the steel as the heat causes them to melt. We also suggest cleaning them with a stainless steel/copper cleaner at least once a month to keep your cookware looking brilliantly shiny.
Maintenance and cleaning
How do you clean a pan or pot?
Non-stick cookware:
Cleaning by hand in soapy water is enough.
The pan must be cleaned each time it's used to remove the film of grease that can stay on the surface. If the pan is only wiped with a paper towel or rinsed in water, the film won't be fully removed and may cook the next time you use the pan: stains may appear.
Non-stick pans must not be cleaned with scouring powders or scouring pads. A nylon sponge is ideal for both the interior and exterior of the pan.
Ceramic cookware:
We recommend to wash the ceramic pan manually, with water and a mild detergent. In this way, it's the most effective.
If the pan might not be clean enough during the normal dishes, you could add a splash of vinegar and water into the pan and heat it. The water / vinegar mixture will clean cook the pan. After this, rinse the pan well, dry and rub with a little bit of sunflower oil for example. And your pan will be as new.
If the base is stubborn dirt, you can wet the pan soak first with hot water and a good degreasing dishwashing detergent. Next, if necessary, you can clean the pan with a plastic scouring pad and some liquid abrasive cleaning detergent.
Hard anodised cookware:
To prolong the life of your pan, we recommend hand washing with a non-abrasive sponge.
An exterior coating protects your cookware from the harmful consequences of dishwashing. It is therefore extremely important not to damage this coating and we recommend that you avoid the use of scouring pads (Scotch Brite).
In case of dishwasher use, it is preferable to use gentle detergents such as a liquid or gel.
Moreover, a too intensive use of the dishwasher is not recommended.
Washing by hand without scouring pads extends the life time of your cookware.
Stainless steel cookware:
For daily cleaning, warm soapy water is sufficient. We recommend you to clean your pan thoroughly after each use as food films left on the pan may cause discoloration and sticking.
To get rid of stuck-on food or discoloration and stains from using too high a heat, we recommend cleaning your product with a stainless steel/copper cleaner. This can be used on the interior, as well as the exterior.
If your water has high iron content, you may notice a rusty discoloration. Use stainless steel/copper cleaner to remove this.
Is it dishwasher-safe?
Some parts are dishwasher-safe and other parts aren't.
Dishwasher compatibility:- Pot/frying pan part: To extend the life of your product, we recommand hand washing only. In case of dishwasher use, it is preferable to use gentle detergents such as liquid, gel, or powder, not tablet nor sachet. Certains parts may become dulled and discolored due to action of corrosive detergents. Our guarantee does not cover this type of wear.
- Special handle (such as wood or removable handles like Ingenio): NO, hand washing only, recommanded with a non-abrasive sponge.
- Cooking lid (excluding knob of magnet-types): YES.
- Detachable lid knobs of magnet-types: NO, it may result in rusting.
- Storage seal lid: NO, it may result in deformation.
To prolong the life of your pan, we recommend hand washing with a non-abrasive sponge. For dishwasher use, it is preferable to use gentle detergents such as a liquid or gel.
How do I remove burned food from my stainless steel cookware?
To remove burned food stains from stainless steel cookware, place cold water in the utensil and bring the water to a boil. Allow the water to cool before washing. A good cleaner may be used to complete the cleaning. The use of steel wool, a steel brush or scratchy cleaner on the polished surface is not recommended.
Technical support
The handle on my pan seems to have loosened slightly, what can I do about this?
Handles and knobs may loosen after a time due to the continual heating and cooling of the fixing. If this occurs, carefully re-tighten using an appropriate screwdriver, but do not over-tighten.
The non-stick coating in my frying pan is now sticking - why?
• A build up of food deposits/residue may have formed on the pan which may originally be the result of an item of food being allowed to overcook in the pan. This can normally be cleaned by filling the pan with water and washing up liquid and leaving overnight. Then use a paste made up of bicarbonate of soda and water rubbed gently over the pan with a non-abrasive sponge (a non-stick scouring sponge). The non-stick coating should then be reconditioned with a little cooking oil wiped over the surface with a paper kitchen towel.
• The frying pan may have been overheated causing damage and discolouration to the non-stick coating. When pans are regularly overheated this will lead to a weakening of the non-stick coating. The red Thermo-Spot in frypans is a heat indicator and tells you when the pan has reached the perfect cooking temperature. When the spot turns solid red reduce the heat to maintain the temperature. Do not continue to heat the pan on a high heat as this will result in the pan and the non-stick surface becoming overheated.
• If cleaned in a dishwasher, after each use re-coat the non-stick interior with cooking oil to prevent the non-stick from drying out and ensure the best non-stick performance.
The base of my pan is not even and has become wobbly - why?
• The pan has been used on too high a heat or the wrong source of heat for the pan which has resulted in the pan base becoming warped and distorted.
• Also never put cold water into a hot pan or plunge hot cookware in cold water. Sudden changes of temperature may cause the metal to warp, resulting in an uneven base.
My pan seems unstable on my hob - why?
Take care when placing pans on gas hobs as the number of support legs vary and small pans in particular may need a trivet, which most gas hob manufacturers will supply with their hob or can be bought from the separately.
The edge of the pot/frying pan is deformed.
Excessive force on the outside of aluminium pots or frying pans resulting, for example, from them being dropped or hit may result in deformations of the pots/pans. (The pot/frying pan will not deform as result of cooking heat.)
Various topics
Does Tefal/T-fal cookware contain PFOA?
NO. Cookware items with Tefal/T-fal non-stick coating do not contain PFOA. This is regularly checked by independent laboratories, which verify the absence of PFOA in the finished products. Since 2003, tests have regularly been performed by these independent laboratories in many countries (Aromalyse and Ianesco in France, TüvSud in Hong Kong and SGS in China). These tests have systematically proven the absence of PFOA in products with Tefal/T-fal non-stick coating.
Can a scratched non-stick pan be recoated?
No, the non-stick coating must be applied during the initial manufacturing process.
Will the non-stick coating wear off?
It is very rare for the non-stick coating to wear off under normal household use. Proper use and care will allow for better performance over time. Most cases of non-stick wearing have evidence of overheating, scratching and/or abrasive cleaning.
How can the consumer be aware of the fact that Tefal/T-fal cookware does not contain PFOA?
Tefal/T-fal, as part of its commitment to Quality, has included "Health and Environment" Eco information on its non-stick Tefal/T-fal products. This commitment guarantees the absence of PFOA, lead and cadmium in Tefal/T-fal coatings and the guarantees that our non-stick products are harmless for the environment and the consumer. This Eco information is based on the regular analysis conducted by independent laboratories in many countries (INERIS in France, ASAHI GLASS FLUOROPOLYMERS in UK, FABES Labs in Germany, MB Labs in Canada, SGS in China). This commitment can be found on the website of the Tefal/T-fal brand, as well as the packaging of cookware with non-stick Tefal/T-fal coating.
We read and we hear that non-stick coatings are dangerous for health - is this true?
There is, at the moment, much confusion about non-stick coatings, which are sometimes related to PFOA. However, Tefal/T-fal non-stick coatings are made of PTFE, the abbreviation of the scientific name Polytetrafluoroethylene, and this material is recognised as harmless by public health agencies in Europe and in the United States. PFOA and PTFE are two completely different elements. In summary, cookware with Tefal/T-fal non-stick coatings are made of PTFE and do not contain PFOA. Furthermore, for more than 20 years, Tefal/T-fal made a commitment not to use lead or cadmium in the whole of its cookware range in order to serve as a guarantee of the harmlessness of all its products.
What is PFOA?
PFOA is the standard English abbreviation of perfluorooctanoic acid. On its finished products, Tefal/T-fal's commitment is to guarantee the absence of PFOA, lead and cadmium and to guarantee that its products with Tefal/T-fal non-stick coating are harmless for the environment and the consumer.
Do you use cadmium or lead in your Tefal/T-fal cookware?
There is neither cadmium nor lead in the non-stick coatings and enamel of our Tefal/T-fal cookware. All of our cookware has been designed and manufactured without lead or cadmium for more than 20 years. You can find this Eco information on the packaging of all our products with Tefal/T-fal non-stick coating.
What is the Tefal/T-fal non-stick coating made of, and is it safe?
Tefal/T-fal non-stick coating is a technical coating made from a polymer name polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is PTFE which gives the cookware the non-stick properties. Public health authorities in Europe and in the USA (ANSES, EFSA, FDA) demonstrated that PTFE is an inert substance which does not chemically react with food, water or domestic cleaning products. It is totally harmless in case of ingestion. These Public health authorities confirmed the harmlessness of PTFE non-stick coatings in cookware. In fact, PTFE is so safe that it is frequently used in the medical profession to coat pacemakers and the tiny tubes made to replace arteries. It is also used for surgical procedures for the benefit of patients with severe kidney disease, and some joint prostheses are also partly coated with PTFE.
Which type of pans are suitable for use on an Induction Hob?
The quick way to check whether your pans work on an induction hob is to do the magnet test on the pans. This is easy, if a magnet will stick to the base of the pans they will work on a commercial induction hob.
What is the service life of the non-stick coating?
It is difficult to give a number of years, because the service life will differ depending on the conditions of usage and frequency of use. To extend its service life, you should protect it from unnecessarily high temperatures and refrain from heating a pan empty. A medium to low heat is sufficient. Do not store cooked food for a long time (one day or longer).
Where can I buy accessories, consumables or spare parts for my appliance?
Please go to the “Accessories” section of the website to easily find whatever you need for your product.
What are the warranty conditions of my appliance?
Find more detailed information in the Warranty section of the website.
