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Le Creuset Signature Stainless Steel Uncoated Frying Pan 26cm
This 26cm frying pan from Le Creuset's Signature range combines premium brushed stainless steel with professional 3-ply construction. Three bonded layers—stainless steel exterior, aluminium core, stainless steel interior—distribute heat evenly throughout the entire pan for consistent cooking without hot spots. The classic sloped sides make it easy to slide a spatula under food and facilitate tossing or flipping.
The uncoated stainless steel interior allows for high-heat searing and develops fond (the flavourful browned bits on the pan bottom) essential for building flavour. At 26cm diameter, this is an excellent everyday size: large enough for most daily tasks from frying eggs to searing steaks, yet manoeuvrable enough for frequent use. Made in Portugal to Signature range specifications with the brushed finish that coordinates with Le Creuset's iconic aesthetic.
Key features:
- 3-ply construction: Bonded stainless steel and aluminium throughout for fast, even heat distribution
- Uncoated surface: Ideal for searing, browning, and developing fond for flavour
- Brushed finish: Premium Signature range finish that coordinates with your collection
- Sloped sides: Easy spatula access and effortless tossing or flipping
- 26cm diameter: Versatile everyday size suitable for 2-3 portions
- All hob compatible: Gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and induction
- Oven safe to 260°C: Start on hob, finish in oven or under grill
- Dishwasher safe: Though hand washing preserves the brushed finish longer
- Made in Portugal: Signature range manufacturing standards
- Lifetime guarantee: Le Creuset's confidence in manufacturing quality
Suitable for cooks wanting professional-grade equipment for everyday tasks, households seeking one reliable pan for morning eggs through to evening steaks, or anyone building a coordinated Le Creuset collection that combines functionality with timeless design.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset Signature Frying Pan
What's the difference between a frying pan and a sauté pan?
Frying pans have sloped sides that make it easy to slide a spatula under food and flip or toss ingredients. Sauté pans have straight sides and usually come with a lid. Frying pans are better for quick cooking where you need to turn food frequently. The sloped sides also allow moisture to evaporate efficiently.
Why choose an uncoated pan over non-stick?
Uncoated stainless steel allows for higher heat searing and develops fond (the flavourful browned bits on the pan bottom) which forms the base for pan sauces. It's more durable than non-stick coatings and safe at higher temperatures. However, it requires more oil or butter and proper preheating technique to prevent sticking.
Will food stick to this pan?
Stainless steel is not non-stick, so food can stick if the pan isn't properly preheated or lacks sufficient fat. Preheat the pan on medium heat, add oil or butter, and let it heat until it shimmers before adding food. Protein will release naturally once it's properly seared - if it's sticking, it's not ready to turn.
Is 26cm a good everyday size?
The 26cm is an excellent everyday size, suitable for 2-3 portions. It's large enough for most daily cooking tasks - frying eggs, searing chicken breasts, sautéing vegetables - without being unwieldy. For larger families or batch cooking, you might want a 28cm or 30cm as well.
Can I use this on induction hobs?
Yes, the stainless steel construction makes it suitable for induction. Ensure you use an appropriately sized ring - the pan should cover most of the induction zone for the hob to recognise it. Avoid using the 'boost' function except for boiling water.
Is 26cm the base diameter or the top diameter?
Pan sizes typically refer to the top diameter. The 26cm measurement is the diameter at the rim. The base will be slightly smaller due to the sloped sides. The overall width including handle is 27.6cm.
Can I put this in the oven?
Yes, it's oven safe up to 260°C. This allows you to start cooking on the hob and finish in the oven - useful for dishes like frittatas or achieving a crispy top on hash browns.
How do I remove stuck-on food?
For light stuck-on food, deglaze the warm pan with water. For stubborn residue, soak in warm soapy water, then use a non-abrasive scrubber or a cream cleaner designed for stainless steel finishes. We stock these from Le Creuset and Demeyere.
What's the difference between Signature and 3-Ply ranges?
The main difference between Signature and 3-Ply ranges is the finish. The brushed finish of the Signature range is more expensive to manufacture but the construction and quality of both ranges are equal.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly. You may optionally season the pan by rubbing a thin layer of vegetable or corn oil over the interior surface, heating it gently until the oil begins to smoke, then wiping clean with paper towels once cooled. This initial seasoning can improve early performance but isn't essential for stainless steel.
Cooking technique: Preheat the pan on medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding oil or butter. The pan is ready when a drop of water forms a ball and rolls across the surface. Add fat and let it heat until shimmering before adding food. Use medium to medium-high heat for most cooking - stainless steel is efficient and doesn't require maximum heat. Protein will release naturally when properly seared; if it's sticking firmly, it's not ready to turn.
Using the sloped sides: The sloped design makes it easy to slide a spatula under food at an angle. When tossing vegetables or flipping food, use a quick jerking motion - the sloped sides guide food up and over. This is particularly useful for sautéed vegetables, fried potatoes, or pan-fried fish.
Daily cleaning: Allow the pan to cool for a few minutes before washing. Don't plunge hot pans into cold water - thermal shock can warp even quality cookware. Wash in warm soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge. The pan is dishwasher safe, though hand washing preserves the brushed finish longer.
Removing stuck-on food: For light residue, deglaze the warm pan with a splash of water - the liquid will loosen stuck bits. For stubborn residue, soak in warm soapy water, then use a non-abrasive scrubber or a cream cleaner designed for stainless steel finishes. We stock these from Le Creuset and Demeyere.
Removing discolouration: Rainbow-coloured heat marks or white calcium deposits are harmless. Remove them by applying vinegar or lemon juice on a paper towel and wiping the marks away.
Avoid: Leaving the empty pan over high heat (can cause discolouration), thermal shock from cold water on hot pans (can cause warping), adding salt directly to the dry pan surface (dissolve it in liquid first), using the boost function on induction hobs except for boiling water, sliding the pan on glass hobs (always lift).
Storage: Hang from the handle if possible, or stack with a cloth or paper towel between pans to prevent scratching the brushed finish.
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. The robust stainless steel construction makes accidental damage unlikely.
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.
Is this dishwasher safe?
Yes, though hand washing is gentler and helps maintain the brushed finish. If using a dishwasher, avoid harsh detergents and allow the pan to cool completely before loading.
What's the best way to prevent food sticking?
Proper preheating is crucial. Heat the empty pan on medium for 2-3 minutes, add oil or butter, wait until it shimmers, then add food. Don't move food too early - protein especially will release naturally when it's properly seared. Using sufficient fat also helps.
Can I use metal utensils?
Yes, stainless steel is durable enough for metal utensils. Avoid scraping harshly or banging utensils on the rim, but normal stirring and turning with metal tools is fine.
What tasks is this pan best for?
It excels at searing steaks, chops, and chicken breasts, frying eggs and bacon, sautéing vegetables, pan-frying fish, making omelettes, and browning mince. The sloped sides make it particularly good for tasks requiring frequent turning or tossing.
Can I make a pan sauce in this?
Yes, uncoated stainless steel is ideal for pan sauces. After cooking protein, pour off excess fat but leave the fond (browned bits). Add liquid (wine, stock, water) to the warm pan and scrape with a wooden spoon. The fond dissolves, creating the base of your sauce.
Will the brushed finish wear off over time?
No, the brushed finish is the actual surface texture of the stainless steel, not a coating. It won't wear off, though it may develop a patina with use. Hand washing helps maintain the original appearance longer than dishwasher use.
