Clad-Cookware Techniques

Preparation Techniques

• Wash clad cookware before the first use. Clean with hot water and a mild liquid dish washing detergent. Scrub the cookware with a soft sponge or cloth. Dry it thoroughly after washing. Do not coat the cookware with a nonstick cooking spray; it leaves a difficult-to-remove residue behind and may cause food to stick to the pan.

Cooking Temperature

• Keep the heat on low to medium and lower than you normally use with other pans. Food should sizzle when it hits the pan; if it sounds like a crackle, the heat is too high and the food may stick. Preheat the pan for one to two minutes before adding food. The pan is ready when it feels warm to the touch. Pour a cold oil into the bottom of the preheated pan to prevent food from sticking. Clad cookware is oven and broiler safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Most clad cookware is induction safe, but always check with the manufacturer to protect the cookware from damage.

Cooking Tools

• Only use wooden, plastic, silicone or nylon cooking tools with clad cookware. Metal utensils may harm the interior finish. Do not cut foods directly on the pan with a knife or other sharp utensil.

Cleaning Techniques

• Allow clad cookware to cool completely before cleaning it. While clad cookware is dishwasher safe, hand washing it preserves the finish. Soak the pan in warm water to remove stuck-on food. Wash the pan with warm water and a mild liquid detergent. Scrub the pan with a soft sponge or cloth, but never use a steel wool pad, as it can scratch the finish.

Stain-Removal Techniques

• Do not allow clad cookware to have prolonged contact with acidic foods or water with a high chlorine or iron content; these may cause staining on the finish. If the cookware overheats or boils dry, blue stains may appear. Salt may also cause staining; add salt to the pan only once liquids reach a boil. Cleaning the cookware with a non-abrasive cleanser formulated for stainless steel removes most stains. After cleaning the pan, polish the cookware with a polish recommended for stainless steel.