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Le Creuset 3-ply Non-Stick Omelette Pan: Professional Construction Meets Effortless Release
This 20cm omelette pan from Le Creuset combines professional 3-ply construction with a robust non-stick coating, delivering the even heating necessary for perfect eggs alongside the convenience of easy food release. The multi-layered stainless steel and aluminium base eliminates hot spots that cause uneven cooking, whilst the metal utensil-resistant coating withstands daily use. Ideal for omelettes, the 20cm size also handles fried eggs, pancakes, small portions, and quick sautés.
This thoughtfully engineered pan delivers practical advantages through quality construction:
- 3-ply construction bonds premium stainless steel and aluminium for rapid, even heat distribution that prevents hot spots
- Metal utensil-resistant non-stick coating withstands careful use of metal tools whilst providing effortless food release
- 20cm size perfect for 2-3 egg omelettes, fried eggs, pancakes, or small portions for one
- Sloped sides make folding and sliding omelettes onto plates easy and clean
- Precision pouring rim ensures clean pouring of excess fat or liquids
- All hob compatibility including gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and induction
- Oven safe to 260°C including handle for finishing dishes under the grill or keeping warm
- Fat-free cooking option - the non-stick coating allows cooking without added fats if desired
- Dishwasher safe though hand washing extends coating life
- Lifetime guarantee from Le Creuset on construction quality
The 3-ply technology addresses a common problem with cheaper non-stick pans - hot spots. Thin pans develop areas of intense heat that cause sticking and burning despite non-stick coatings. The aluminium core in Le Creuset's construction conducts heat rapidly and distributes it evenly across the entire base, making the non-stick coating work properly whilst protecting it from heat damage. The stainless steel layers provide durability and hob compatibility, particularly important for induction cooking.
The non-stick coating is engineered to resist metal utensils when used with care - occasional contact with metal spoons or spatulas won't damage it. However, Le Creuset recommends silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic tools for maximum coating longevity. Never use knives, sharp implements, or electric beaters directly in the pan.
Critical for non-stick longevity: use only low to medium heat. Non-stick coatings degrade when exposed to high temperatures, losing their properties and potentially releasing fumes. The excellent 3-ply heat distribution means medium heat provides sufficient cooking temperature even for tasks like frying or searing. This heat limitation protects your investment and ensures years of non-stick performance.
The 20cm size is specifically designed for omelettes - large enough for a proper 2-3 egg omelette yet small enough to maintain the curved shape whilst cooking. The sloped sides facilitate the folding technique and allow omelettes to slide cleanly onto plates. This size also excels at fried eggs, small pancakes, heating leftovers, or sautéing vegetables for one person.
Suitable for breakfast enthusiasts who cook eggs regularly, anyone seeking convenient non-stick cooking with professional heat distribution, those building quality cookware collections, and as practical gifts for students or anyone setting up a kitchen.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset Non-Stick Omelette Pan
What does 3-ply construction mean for a non-stick pan?
The 3-ply construction bonds premium-grade stainless steel and aluminium together in three layers beneath the non-stick coating. The aluminium core conducts heat rapidly and evenly, whilst the stainless steel layers provide durability and hob compatibility. This multi-layered base spreads heat gently and evenly, preventing hot spots that can damage non-stick coatings and cause food to stick or burn.
Can I use metal utensils with this non-stick pan?
While Le Creuset's Toughened Non-Stick range has a stronger coating than most other non-stick pans, we would still say it's best not to. If you do use metal utensils, avoid harsh scraping or knocking against the rim. We recommend silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic tools for maximum coating longevity. Never use knives, sharp tools, or electric beaters.
Why can I only use low to medium heat with this pan?
Non-stick coatings degrade when exposed to high heat, losing their non-stick properties and potentially releasing fumes. The excellent 3-ply heat distribution means low to medium heat provides sufficient cooking temperature for all tasks including frying and searing. This heat limitation protects the coating and ensures long-lasting performance.
Can I use this on my induction hob?
Yes, this pan is suitable for all cooktops including induction. The 3-ply stainless steel construction is fully induction compatible. Use an appropriately sized hob ring (20cm pan needs approximately 20cm ring) and avoid the induction 'boost' function which is only for rapidly heating large water volumes.
Is this oven safe and to what temperature?
Yes, the pan is oven safe up to 260°C including the handle. However, remember the low-medium heat limitation still applies - high oven temperatures may damage the non-stick coating. Use for finishing dishes or keeping food warm rather than high-temperature oven cooking. Always use oven gloves when handling.
What makes this suitable specifically for omelettes?
The 20cm size is ideal for 2-3 egg omelettes, the sloped sides make folding and sliding omelettes onto plates easy, and the non-stick coating ensures clean release without tearing. The even heat distribution from 3-ply construction prevents hot spots that cause uneven cooking or burning, crucial for delicate egg dishes.
Should I use oil or butter with non-stick pans?
The non-stick coating allows fat-free cooking if desired - preheat on medium for 2 minutes then add food. However, a small amount of fat improves flavour, aids browning, and helps maintain the non-stick coating's performance over time. For omelettes, a small knob of butter is traditional and recommended.
Can this go in the dishwasher?
Whilst dishwasher safe, hand washing in hot soapy water is strongly recommended to extend the non-stick coating's life. Dishwasher use over prolonged periods may cause damage to the non-stick surface due to harsh detergents and high temperatures. Hand washing takes moments and preserves performance.
How do I prevent the non-stick coating from degrading?
Use only low to medium heat, never high heat. Avoid overheating the empty pan. Use silicone, wooden, or plastic utensils preferably. Hand wash rather than dishwasher. Never use cooking sprays which leave residue that builds up. Allow the pan to cool before washing. These practices ensure years of non-stick performance.
What's the advantage of 3-ply over regular non-stick pans?
Regular thin non-stick pans develop hot spots that cause sticking and uneven cooking despite the coating. The 3-ply aluminium core distributes heat evenly across the entire base, making the non-stick coating work better and last longer. You also get the durability and versatility of stainless steel construction.
What We've Learned About Non-Stick Cookware Since 1972
After five decades of selling non-stick pans, we've learned that construction quality beneath the coating matters enormously. Cheap thin pans develop hot spots that cause sticking despite non-stick coatings. Le Creuset's 3-ply construction addresses this fundamental problem - the aluminium core distributes heat evenly, making the non-stick coating perform as intended.
The critical mistake we see customers make is using high heat with non-stick pans. "More heat cooks faster" seems logical but actually damages non-stick coatings permanently. The 3-ply construction's excellent heat distribution means medium heat provides sufficient temperature for all cooking tasks. This requires patience initially but protects your investment and produces better results.
Metal utensil resistance doesn't mean metal utensils are preferable - it means occasional contact won't ruin the coating. We recommend silicone tools for maximum coating longevity. And whilst dishwasher safe, hand washing takes thirty seconds and significantly extends non-stick performance. These small habits make quality non-stick pans last for years rather than months.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before First Use: Remove all labels and packaging. Wash thoroughly in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry completely. This removes any manufacturing residue.
Preheating: Place the pan on an appropriately sized hob ring (20cm ring for this 20cm pan) and heat on low to medium for 1-2 minutes. Never use high heat. Add a small amount of fat if desired, then add food.
Temperature Limitation - Critical: Use only low to medium heat, never high heat. Non-stick coatings degrade when exposed to high temperatures. The 3-ply construction's excellent heat distribution means medium heat provides sufficient cooking temperature even for frying and searing.
Fat-Free Cooking: To cook without fat, preheat on medium for approximately 2 minutes, then add food directly. However, a small amount of butter or oil improves flavour and coating longevity.
Never Use Cooking Sprays: Cooking sprays contain additives that build up on non-stick surfaces, creating sticky residue that causes sticking. Use butter or oil instead.
Utensil Selection: Le Creuset silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic tools are recommended. Metal utensils can be used with care - no harsh scraping or knocking against the rim. Never use knives, sharp tools, electric beaters, or blenders in the pan.
During Cooking: Never leave the empty pan unattended on heat - this can damage the coating. Avoid dragging or sliding the pan across hob surfaces. Use appropriately sized hob rings to prevent handle and side damage.
Induction Hob Use: Never use the 'boost' function - it's only for rapidly heating large water volumes and can damage the coating. Use standard induction settings on low to medium power.
Oven Use: Oven safe to 260°C, but remember the low-medium heat limitation still applies. Use for finishing dishes or keeping warm rather than high-temperature roasting. Place on shelf or rack, never on oven floor. When using under grill, maintain at least 5cm gap between heat source and pan.
After Cooking: Allow the pan to cool for a few minutes before washing. Never plunge hot pans into cold water or fill hot pans with cold water - thermal shock can damage both the pan and coating.
Daily Cleaning: Hand wash in hot soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth. This is strongly recommended over dishwasher use. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Hand washing takes moments and significantly extends coating life.
Stubborn Residue: For stuck-on food, soak in warm soapy water briefly, then clean with a soft sponge. Never use abrasive scourers, steel wool, or harsh chemicals that can damage the coating.
Dishwasher Use: Whilst dishwasher safe, prolonged dishwasher use may damage the non-stick surface due to harsh detergents and high temperatures. Hand washing is strongly recommended.
Storage: Store with care. If stacking with other cookware, place a soft cloth or paper towel between pans to prevent scratching the non-stick surface.
Avoid: High heat (most critical), cooking sprays, thermal shock (hot to cold water), harsh abrasives, sharp implements, electric beaters, overheating empty pan, dragging across hob surfaces.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality cookware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Plus Le Creuset's Lifetime Guarantee on construction (non-stick coating wear is normal use)
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've cooked with the pan.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage this pan, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos of the damage are acceptable.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
