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Le Creuset 3-ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan with Poaching Insert 20cm
This dual-purpose pan combines Le Creuset's professional 3-ply construction with a specialist poaching insert, giving you two tools in one. The base is a fully functional 20cm sauté pan suitable for everyday cooking. Add the insert and you can poach up to 4 eggs simultaneously over gently simmering water—no vinegar swirls or temperature guesswork required.
Built with three bonded layers—stainless steel exterior, aluminium core, stainless steel interior—the pan distributes heat evenly throughout. The poaching insert sits above simmering water, cooking eggs gently with steam rather than direct heat. The individual molds hold each egg separately for consistent results, and the entire insert lifts out when cooking is complete.
Key features:
- Removable non-stick poaching insert: Individual molds for up to 4 eggs, cooks via gentle steam
- Dual functionality: Use base pan independently as a 20cm sauté pan
- 3-ply construction: Bonded stainless steel and aluminium for even heat distribution
- Pouring rim: Clean, drip-free pouring when draining or serving
- Versatile insert use: Also suitable for steaming vegetables or reheating delicate foods
- All hob compatible: Gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and induction
- Oven safe to 260°C: Both pan and insert suitable for oven use
- Dishwasher safe: Easy cleaning of both components
- Lifetime guarantee: Le Creuset's confidence in durability
Suitable for breakfast enthusiasts who want consistently cooked poached eggs, smaller households needing a compact sauté pan with specialist capability, or anyone wanting versatile cookware that serves multiple purposes.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset Poaching Pan
How does the poaching insert work?
Fill the base pan with approximately 2-3cm of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place the poaching insert on top, crack an egg into each mold, and cover with a lid if you have one. The eggs steam-cook over the simmering water for 3-7 minutes depending on how firm you want the yolks. The insert lifts out easily when done.
How many eggs can I poach at once?
The 20cm poaching insert has 4 individual molds, allowing you to poach up to 4 eggs simultaneously. This is ideal for serving multiple people or meal prepping.
Can I use the base pan without the insert?
Yes, the base is a fully functional 20cm sauté pan that works independently. Use it for sautéing, searing, simmering, or any cooking task you'd use a standard sauté pan for. The insert is entirely removable.
What else can I use the poaching insert for?
Beyond eggs, the insert works for steaming small portions of vegetables, reheating delicate foods, or cooking individual servings of custards or small desserts. Any food that benefits from gentle steam cooking can work in the molds.
Do eggs stick to the poaching insert?
No, while the pan itself is stainless steel, the insert has a non-stick coating. Fat is not required to cook beautiful poached eggs without breakage. A silicone spatula helps release cooked eggs gently.
Is 20cm large enough for everyday use?
The 20cm size (measuring the top diameter) is suitable for 1-2 portions when using the pan solo. It's a compact size ideal for smaller households, side dishes, or when you need a second pan alongside larger cookware. For family meals, a 24cm or larger pan might be more practical as your primary sauté pan.
Can I put the poaching insert in the oven?
Yes, both the base pan and the poaching insert are oven safe up to 260°C. This allows you to finish eggs under the grill for a crispy top, or use the insert for baking individual portions.
How do I clean the poaching insert?
Only the pan and lid are dishwasher safe, the non-stick insert will deteriorate faster if put in the dishwasher. We always recommend hand washing anything with a non-stick coating. For hand washing, soak in warm soapy water to loosen any stuck egg, then clean with a non-abrasive sponge. The individual molds can trap residue, so ensure you clean around the edges thoroughly.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Wash both the pan and insert in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly. You may optionally season the pan interior by rubbing a thin layer of vegetable or corn oil over the surface, heating gently, then wiping clean once cooled.
Poaching eggs: Fill the base pan with 2-3cm of water—enough to generate steam but not touching the bottom of the insert. Bring to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil). Lightly oil or butter each mold in the insert. Place the insert over the simmering water and crack one egg into each mold. Cover with a lid if available. Cook for 3-5 minutes for soft yolks, 5-7 minutes for firmer yolks. Lift the insert out and use a silicone spatula to release each egg.
Preventing sticking: Non-stick means you need little to no fat to make the perfect poached egg. Ensure eggs are at room temperature rather than fridge-cold, which can increase sticking.
Using as a sauté pan: Remove the insert entirely and use the base pan as you would any sauté pan. Preheat on medium heat before adding oil or butter. The 3-ply construction provides even heating suitable for searing, sautéing, or simmering.
Daily cleaning: Allow both components to cool slightly before washing. Don't plunge hot pans into cold water—thermal shock can cause warping. Only the pan and lid are dishwasher safe. For the non-stick insert we recommend hand washing. Use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Pay particular attention to cleaning around the individual molds where egg residue can accumulate.
Removing stuck-on food: Soak in warm soapy water to loosen residue. Avoid abrasive scourers that can scratch stainless steel.
Avoid: Letting the pan boil dry during poaching (maintain water level), using harsh abrasives on stainless steel surfaces, thermal shock from plunging hot pans into cold water, using the boost function on induction hobs except for boiling water.
Storage: Store the insert inside or alongside the pan. If stacking with other cookware, place a cloth between items to prevent scratching.
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
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 it.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage this item, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos of the damage are acceptable.
Does the lifetime guarantee cover accidental damage?
Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee covers manufacturing defects and material faults. Accidental damage is covered by our Half-Price Replacement policy for 2 years from purchase.
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.
Can I use this on induction hobs?
Yes, the 3-ply stainless steel construction works on all hob types including induction. Ensure the pan covers most of the induction zone for the hob to recognise it. Avoid using the boost function except for boiling water.
Can I poach fewer than 4 eggs?
Yes, simply fill only the molds you need. The unused molds won't affect cooking. You may need slightly less water in the base pan if poaching just 1-2 eggs.
What's the advantage over traditional poaching?
Traditional poaching requires maintaining specific water temperature, using vinegar, and creating a vortex to keep eggs together. The insert method is more forgiving—eggs cook gently over steam in individual molds with consistent results every time.
Do I need a lid for poaching?
A lid helps eggs cook more evenly and slightly faster by trapping steam. If you don't have a fitting lid, the eggs will still cook—they'll just take slightly longer and may need turning partway through.
Is the 20cm size too small for a main pan?
For 1-2 people, the 20cm is adequate. For families or as a primary sauté pan, consider whether you often cook for more than 2 people. The poaching function is the same regardless of pan size, but the solo sauté capacity is limited compared to 24cm or larger pans.
