Thank you for choosing Le Creuset Forged Hard-Anodized cookware.

Please read this information before using your new pan for the first time, it will help you care for your pan and to achieve the best possible cooking results.

Le Creuset Forged Hard-Anodized 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 disk that provides extra strength and stability to the pan and makes it suitable for use on ALL HEAT SOURCES including the latest induction stovetops. 

Both the interior and exterior of each pan are finished with one of the most modern, durable nonstick finishes available providing superb release of food and easy cleaning - every day. 

Optional heat-resistant glass lids are available to buy separately. 

Le Creuset Forged Hard-Anodized  are:

• Completely multi-functional for use on any stovetop, under any broiler, or in any domestic conventional or fan assisted oven (not suitable for use in microwave ovens). See guidelines below.
• Dishwasher safe. See guidelines below.
• Covered by a 10-year warranty. See later section for details. 

Forged Hard-Anodized  Finish

Le Creuset’s special strengthening process and internally reinforced nonstick surface combine to create a new, unique, durable finish for extra strength and superb cooking results.  

Before First Use

• Remove all packaging and labels. Wash the pan in hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Condition the interior nonstick 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. 

Using your pan 

• Heat zones  - 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. 

On any glass-topped stove 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 

• Cooking heats to use  - 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 nonstick cooking surface. See section on details of misuse.

• 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.

DO NOT leave the pan unattended during this time or allow the dry nonstick surface to overheat as permanent damage may occur.

• Food storage and marinating  - Do not store raw, marinating or cooked foods in the pan. Ingredients may cause damage to the surface.

*    Tools to use   - Le Creuset Silicone Tools are recommended. 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 nonstick 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 nonstick surface. 

Hand-held electric or battery operated beaters, should not be used on the nonstick surface. 

• Oven Use  - The maximum oven temperature for use is 260˚C / 500˚F  
• Broiler use  - When used under a hot broiler there should be a minimum distance of 5cm (2 inches) between the heat source and the top rim of the pan.
• Handles  - Always use an oven mitt or silicone Cool Tool when handling a hot pan during and after cooking. 

Cleaning and storing your pan  

• Cool the pan for a few minutes before cleaning. Do not plunge into, or fill with, cold water when hot.
• ONLY recommended nonstick 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 nonstick 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 Forged Hard-Anodized 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 325˚F

MIS-USE OF THE NONSTICK SURFACE

The Le Creuset 10-year guarantee does not cover damage to the nonstick surface caused by overheating or scratching.

Overheating:    Damage from overheating during cooking is instantly recognisable. The nonstick surface becomes discolored 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 warranty. Such damage is permanent and will result in a reduction of the nonstick release performance.

Warranty

Le Creuset offers a 10-year warranty on its Forged Hard-Anodized products. The warranty applies from the date of purchase of the original owner, whether a self-purchase or received as a gift. 

The warranty 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 warranty please return the product, with proof of purchase, to Le Creuset of America, Inc.

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 warranty:

• Damage caused by normal wear and tear, accident, misuse, abuse or commercial use.
• Scratches, stains, discolouration, corrosion or damage from over-heating to the interior or exterior of the pan.
• Consequential damage is expressly excluded from this warranty.

The warranty does not affect your statutory rights.