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Le Creuset Signature Stainless Steel 3 Piece Saucepan Set
This three-piece set provides the core sizes most kitchens use daily: 16cm, 18cm, and 20cm saucepans, each with its own matching lid. Built with Le Creuset's Signature series specifications and 3-ply construction—stainless steel exterior, aluminium core, stainless steel interior—heat distributes evenly throughout each pan for consistent results without hot spots.
Each pan features a helper handle opposite the main handle, providing a secure second grip when lifting full, heavy pans. Laser-etched volume markings inside eliminate the need for separate measuring jugs, whilst precision pouring rims ensure clean, drip-free pouring. Made in Portugal to exacting standards, these pans are designed for daily use across decades.
What's included:
- 16cm saucepan with lid: Approximately 1.9 litres—heating milk, small portions, rice for 1-2
- 18cm saucepan with lid: Approximately 2.8 litres—pasta sauces, vegetables for 2-3, small soups
- 20cm saucepan with lid: Approximately 4 litres—family sauces, cooking pasta, steaming vegetables for 4-6
Key features:
- 3-ply construction: Bonded stainless steel and aluminium for fast, even heat distribution
- Helper handles: Secure second grip on all pans for safe lifting when full
- Laser-etched markings: Permanent volume measurements inside each pan
- Precision pouring rim: Clean, drip-free pouring on all three sizes
- Graduated sizes: Cover most everyday cooking needs from small to family portions
- All hob compatible: Gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and induction
- Oven safe to 260°C: Finish dishes in the oven or keep warm
- Dishwasher safe: Easy cleaning of all six pieces
- Made in Portugal: Le Creuset Signature range manufacturing
- Lifetime guarantee: All three pans covered
Suitable for households setting up a new kitchen, cooks replacing mismatched pans with quality coordinated pieces, or anyone wanting professional-grade equipment that will last for decades of daily use.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset Saucepan Set
What sizes are included in this set?
The set includes three stainless steel saucepans: 16cm (approximately 1.9 litres), 18cm (approximately 2.8 litres), and 20cm (approximately 4 litres). Each comes with its own matching lid.
Which saucepan should I use for different tasks?
The 16cm works for making small portions of porridge, or cooking rice for 1-2 people. The 18cm is ideal for pasta sauces, small batches of soup, or vegetables for 2-3 people. The 20cm handles larger portions: family-sized sauces, cooking pasta, steaming vegetables for 4-6 people, or making stock.
What are the helper handles for?
The helper handle is a small secondary handle opposite the main handle. It provides a secure second grip point when lifting full, heavy pans, making it safer to move pans from hob to oven or to strain contents. This is particularly useful with the larger 18cm and 20cm sizes when full.
Do all three pans have lids?
Yes, each saucepan comes with its own matching stainless steel lid. The lids are designed to fit tightly to retain heat and moisture during cooking.
What are the laser-etched markings for?
Volume markings etched inside each pan help you measure liquids accurately without needing separate measuring jugs. This is particularly useful when following recipes that specify liquid quantities. The markings are permanent and won't wear off with use.
Is buying a set better value than individual pans?
Sets typically offer better value per piece than buying individually. However, only purchase a set if you'll use all three sizes. If you already own similar-sized pans or have limited storage, individual pieces might be more practical.
Can I use these on induction hobs?
Yes, the 3-ply stainless steel construction works on all hob types including induction. Match each pan to an appropriately sized ring for best results. Avoid using the boost function except for boiling water.
How do I store three saucepans efficiently?
You can nest the pans inside each other with lids stored separately, or stack them with lids on (lids turned upside down). If stacking, place a cloth or paper towel between each pan to prevent scratching the polished finish. The graduated sizes nest relatively well for space-efficient storage.
Are these suitable for making jam or preserves?
Yes, stainless steel is non-reactive and suitable for acidic foods. The 20cm pan works well for small batches of jam. However, dedicated preserving pans are typically wider and shallower for faster evaporation. For occasional jam-making, these work fine.
Why are these made in Portugal rather than China?
Le Creuset manufactures in different facilities worldwide depending on the product line. The Signature range is made in Portugal to different specifications than some other stainless steel lines. Both facilities meet Le Creuset's quality standards and carry the same lifetime guarantee.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels from all six pieces. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly. The pans are ready to use without seasoning.
Choosing the right size: Use the 16cm for tasks requiring precision like making small portions. The 18cm is your everyday workhorse for most sauces and side dishes. Save the 20cm for larger quantities, pasta cooking, or when you need headroom to prevent boiling over.
Using helper handles: When lifting full pans, grip both the main handle and helper handle. This distributes weight evenly and reduces strain, particularly important when moving hot, full pans to the sink or oven. Always use oven gloves on both hands when both handles are hot.
Reading volume markings: The laser-etched markings inside each pan show volume measurements. Add ingredients until the liquid reaches your desired marking. These are particularly useful when recipes specify exact liquid quantities for rice, pasta, or sauces.
Cooking technique: Preheat on medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding ingredients. The 3-ply construction heats efficiently—you rarely need maximum heat settings. For tasks like reducing sauces, the graduated sizes let you choose the optimal surface area for your evaporation needs.
Daily cleaning: Allow pans to cool slightly before washing. Don't plunge hot pans into cold water—thermal shock can cause warping even in quality cookware. All six pieces are dishwasher safe. For hand washing, use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. The helper handles can trap water if inverted—shake pans dry or wipe thoroughly. For white calcium marks or rainbow discolouration, use a touch of vinegar or lemon juice on some paper towel and the marks will melt away, no scrubbing needed.
Removing stuck-on food: Soak in warm soapy water to loosen residue. For stubborn marks, use a cream cleaner designed for cleaning stainless steel. Avoid abrasive scourers that can scratch stainless steel. The laser-etched markings are permanent and won't be affected by cleaning.
Avoid: Leaving empty pans over high heat (can cause discolouration), thermal shock from cold water on hot pans, adding salt directly to dry pan surfaces (dissolve in liquid first), using the boost function on induction except for boiling water, stacking hot pans directly on each other.
Storage: Nest the pans inside each other with lids stored separately for maximum space efficiency, or stack with lids on if you have more cupboard space. Place cloths or paper towels between nested pans to prevent scratching. Store lids upright in a lid rack if available, or nest them similarly.
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 them and don't like them?
Return them anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if they don't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've cooked with them.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage any item in the set, 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 buy individual pans from this range?
Le Creuset typically sells these as a set, though individual Signature range saucepans may be available separately. If you only need one or two sizes, contact us to check individual availability.
Do the lids fit tightly or do they have steam vents?
The lids fit tightly to retain heat and moisture, which is ideal for simmering and reducing sauces. They don't have dedicated steam vents—if you need to release steam, tilt the lid slightly during cooking.
Are these suitable for gas hobs?
Yes, they work excellently on gas. The 3-ply construction means heat spreads efficiently even with the concentrated heat of gas flames. Choose appropriately sized burners to avoid flames extending up the sides of the pans.
How heavy are these pans when full?
The 16cm is manageable with one hand when full. The 18cm and especially the 20cm become quite heavy when full—this is where the helper handles prove their worth, allowing secure two-handed lifting. The weight reflects the quality construction.
Can I use metal utensils in these pans?
Yes, stainless steel is durable enough for metal utensils. Avoid harsh scraping or banging on the rim, but normal stirring and turning with metal implements is fine and won't damage the pans or affect the volume markings.
Will the volume markings wear off over time?
No, the markings are laser-etched into the stainless steel, making them permanent. They won't fade, wear off, or be affected by dishwasher use, abrasive cleaning, or years of daily use.
What's the difference between Signature and other Le Creuset stainless steel 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.
