Thread: Never heat an empty pan? Induction & stainless steel

Doug Weller wrote:
> My Le Creuset tri-ply saute pan says 'never heat an empty pan'.
> My single induction burner says the same thing.
>
> So I can't cook pancakes in the Le Crueset pan or on the induction burner?
> That doesn't sound right.

Says nothing about heating an empty pan, says not to "over heat". I
can't see why you couldn't use your pan for pancakes, just don't over
heat the pan... it's not advisable to cook pancakes on a smoking hot
pan regardess which pan.

http://www.lecreuset.com/en-us/Care-...ainless-Steel/

I wouldn't choose that type of cookware for pancakes anyway, the high
sides of a saute pan would just get in the way of flipping, and round
cookware is not the best configuratioin for pancakes, squar/
rectangular is best... get an inexpensive cast iron or heavy cast
aluminum griddle... I much prefer the cast aluminum, same as waffle
irons (there is no iron in modern waffle irons -- cast iron is for the
Neanderthals, or Golds Gym).... there are excellent electric griddles
for home use, thermostatically controled, non stick if you like, very
inexpensive, typically under $40.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ct_id=10779323

Doug Weller wrote:
> My Le Creuset tri-ply saute pan says 'never heat an empty pan'.
> My single induction burner says the same thing.
>
> So I can't cook pancakes in the Le Crueset pan or on the induction burner?
> That doesn't sound right.
>
> Doug

Doesn't the butter, oil, or whatever count? I hope so.

--
Jean B.

Doug Weller wrote:
> My Le Creuset tri-ply saute pan says 'never heat an empty pan'.
> My single induction burner says the same thing.
>
> So I can't cook pancakes in the Le Crueset pan or on the induction
> burner? That doesn't sound right.

Don't you put butter in there to melt?

nancy

"Doug Weller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> My Le Creuset tri-ply saute pan says 'never heat an empty pan'.
> My single induction burner says the same thing.
>
> So I can't cook pancakes in the Le Crueset pan or on the induction burner?
> That doesn't sound right.
>

Probably written by a lawyer. Overheating an empty pan can cause warping,
but I always pre-heat and add some fat and cook. Tri-ply pans are more
prone to layer separation from overheating that anything that could happen
to a solid aluminum or cast iron pan. Just us common sense.

Pancakes are best made on a flat griddle though.

Nancy Young wrote:
> Doug Weller wrote:
>> My Le Creuset tri-ply saute pan says 'never heat an empty pan'.
>> My single induction burner says the same thing.
>>
>> So I can't cook pancakes in the Le Crueset pan or on the induction
>> burner? That doesn't sound right.
>
> Don't you put butter in there to melt?
>
> nancy
>
>
I always add whatever fat I'm using to an already-hot pan.