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Le Creuset 3-ply Essentials Fry Pan Set 24cm + 28cm Uncoated
This essential frying pan set delivers professional-quality cooking performance with two versatile sizes that cover most kitchen needs. The 24cm pan handles single portions, omelettes, and smaller tasks, whilst the 28cm pan accommodates family meals, batch cooking, and larger ingredients. Both feature Le Creuset's advanced 3-ply construction, where premium-grade stainless steel and aluminium are bonded together in three layers, creating exceptional heat distribution from base to rim.
The uncoated stainless steel interior is specifically designed for searing meat and fish at high temperatures, developing fond (flavourful browned bits) for making pan sauces, and achieving restaurant-quality browning that non-stick pans cannot deliver. Stylish design meets superb cooking results, with helpful features like an all-around pouring rim that prevents drips when transferring liquids or sauces. Suitable for all cooktops including induction, oven and dishwasher safe, backed by Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee.
What's included:
- 24cm Frying Pan: Perfect for single portions, omelettes, sautéing vegetables, or smaller cooking tasks
- 28cm Frying Pan: Ideal for family meals, steaks, chicken breasts, stir-fries, and batch cooking
Key features:
- 3-ply multi-layer construction: Premium stainless steel and aluminium bonded for fast, even heat distribution
- Uncoated stainless steel interior: Ideal for high-heat searing, browning, and developing fond for sauces
- Even heating base to rim: Multi-layer technology spreads heat gently throughout entire pan
- All-around pouring rim: Drip-free pouring from any angle
- Universal cooktop compatibility: Suitable for all heat sources including induction
- Oven and grill safe to 260°C: Start on hob, finish in oven for maximum versatility
- Dishwasher safe: Easy cleaning (hand wash recommended for optimal appearance)
- Freezer compatible: Versatile storage options
- Professional performance: Fast, even heat distribution ideal for everyday cooking
- Lifetime guarantee: Le Creuset's confidence in exceptional quality and durability
This frying pan set suits anyone seeking professional-quality cookware that delivers superior cooking results, from home cooks developing their skills to experienced chefs appreciating the precision control uncoated stainless steel provides.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset 3-ply Fry Pan Set
What's included in this frying pan set?
The set includes two uncoated stainless steel frying pans: 24cm and 28cm. This combination covers most cooking needs. The 24cm pan is perfect for single portions, omelettes, small sautés, and everyday cooking tasks. The 28cm pan handles family meals, larger proteins like chicken breasts or steaks, stir-fries, and batch cooking. Having both sizes means you can choose the most appropriate pan for each task, improving cooking efficiency and results.
What is 3-ply construction?
3-ply construction bonds three layers of metal together: premium-grade stainless steel forms the cooking surface and exterior, with an aluminium core sandwiched between. Aluminium conducts heat excellently whilst stainless steel provides durability and compatibility with all cooktops. This bonded construction spreads heat evenly and gently throughout the entire pan from base to rim, eliminating hot spots and ensuring consistent cooking results. The multi-layer technology delivers professional performance suitable for everyday home cooking.
Why are these pans uncoated?
The uncoated stainless steel interior is specifically designed for high-heat searing of meat and fish, developing fond (flavourful browned bits stuck to the pan) for making pan sauces, achieving restaurant-quality Maillard browning impossible with non-stick, and withstanding higher temperatures than coated pans. Uncoated stainless steel lasts indefinitely with proper care, never needs replacing, and provides superior results for techniques requiring high heat. It's the professional's choice for searing and browning.
Are these suitable for induction hobs?
Yes, the pans are suitable for all cooktops including induction, gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen. The 3-ply construction with stainless steel exterior ensures efficient induction compatibility. The multi-layer technology ensures even heat distribution regardless of heat source, delivering consistent results whether you're using induction, gas, or electric.
Can I use these in the oven?
Yes, both pans are oven and grill safe up to 260°C. This versatility allows you to start dishes on the hob (searing a steak) and finish in the oven, use them for oven-based recipes, or brown dishes under the grill. When grilling, maintain at least 6.5cm distance from the heat source. Always use oven gloves when handling hot pans. The oven-safe capability makes these pans significantly more versatile than basic frying pans.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Wash both pans in hot soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. This removes any manufacturing residue and prepares the stainless steel surface for cooking.
Preventing sticking: Whilst uncoated, these pans perform beautifully when used correctly. Preheat the pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding oil or butter. Add adequate fat for the food you're cooking. Allow proteins to develop a proper sear before attempting to flip—properly seared food releases naturally from stainless steel. The 3-ply construction's even heating helps prevent sticking when these techniques are followed.
Heat settings: Medium or low heat provides the best results for most cooking, including frying and searing. The 3-ply construction's excellent heat distribution means you rarely need high heat. Medium heat is usually sufficient even for searing meat. Using excessively high heat can cause food to stick and may damage the pan over time.
Choosing the right pan size: Use the 24cm pan for single portions, 1-2 eggs, small sautés, or when you want ingredients to have direct pan contact rather than steaming in a too-large pan. Use the 28cm pan for family meals, multiple chicken breasts or steaks, stir-fries, or batch cooking. Using appropriately sized pans improves cooking results and efficiency.
Cooking techniques: These uncoated pans excel at searing meat and fish to develop a flavourful crust, sautéing vegetables at high heat, deglazing to create pan sauces from fond, shallow frying, and any technique requiring direct high-heat contact. After searing proteins, deglaze the pan with wine, stock, or cream to create quick pan sauces using the flavourful fond stuck to the bottom.
Hob use: For best results, use an appropriately sized hob ring that matches the pan base. This ensures even cooking and reduces risk of damage to the pan or handles. Never drag pans across glass or ceramic hobs—always lift to move, preventing scratches on both the pan and hob surface.
Oven use: Both pans are oven safe to 260°C. Start dishes on the hob and finish in the oven, or use for entirely oven-based recipes. Always use oven gloves when handling hot pans. When grilling, maintain at least 6.5cm distance between the pan and heat source to prevent damage.
Utensils: Use Le Creuset silicone tools, wooden utensils, or heat-resistant plastic implements. Whilst stainless steel is durable, metal utensils can scratch the surface over time. Silicone and wooden tools preserve the pan's appearance whilst providing effective cooking performance.
Cleaning: Allow pans to cool before washing—never plunge hot stainless steel into cold water as thermal shock can cause warping. For everyday cleaning, wash in warm soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely to prevent water spots. For stuck-on food, soak in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes before washing.
Removing stubborn residue: For burnt-on food or stubborn residue, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, apply to affected areas, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge. For particularly stubborn fond, simmer water in the pan for 5-10 minutes to loosen, then scrub. Never use steel wool or harsh abrasive cleaners that can scratch stainless steel.
Preventing discolouration: Stainless steel can develop rainbow-coloured heat discolouration or white calcium deposits from hard water. Heat discolouration is cosmetic and doesn't affect performance. Remove it by rubbing with vinegar or a stainless steel cleaner. Calcium deposits wipe away with vinegar. These issues are normal with stainless steel and don't indicate defects.
Dishwasher use: Whilst dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to maintain optimal appearance. Dishwashers can cause water spotting and may dull the finish over time. If using a dishwasher, remove pans promptly and dry by hand to minimize spotting.
Storage: Ensure pans are completely dry before storing to prevent water spots. If stacking, place paper towels or pan protectors between pans to prevent scratching. The all-around pouring rim provides some separation when stacking, but protection is still recommended. Store in a dry cupboard or hang from pan racks.
Maintaining performance: With proper care, these 3-ply stainless steel pans last decades. Preheat properly, use appropriate heat levels, clean thoroughly after each use, and dry completely. These simple steps maintain the pans' professional performance and appearance for years of cooking excellence.
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. We stock Le Creuset because their commitment to quality and craftsmanship aligns with our standards.
Le Creuset Lifetime Guarantee
These frying pans come with Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects when used and cared for according to instructions. This demonstrates Le Creuset's confidence in the exceptional quality and durability of their 3-ply stainless steel cookware.
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'm not satisfied with the pans?
Return them to us, even if you've used them for cooking. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items—if they don't meet your cooking needs or expectations, we'll refund you in full. This applies whether you've used one pan or both.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage either pan (for example, warping from thermal shock or damage from improper use), we'll replace it at half the current retail price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos are acceptable. This supplements Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee, which covers manufacturing defects.
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.
Are these dishwasher safe?
Yes, the pans are dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended to maintain optimal appearance. Stainless steel can develop water spots in dishwashers, and the finish may dull slightly over time with repeated dishwasher use. Hand washing in warm soapy water and drying thoroughly maintains the best appearance whilst being almost as convenient as dishwasher cleaning.
How do I prevent food from sticking?
Preheat the pan properly over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding fat. Add adequate oil or butter for what you're cooking. Allow proteins (meat, fish, eggs) to develop a proper crust before attempting to flip—properly seared food releases naturally when ready. Don't move food around constantly; let it cook undisturbed. The 3-ply construction's even heating helps prevent sticking when these techniques are followed. Uncoated stainless steel requires different technique than non-stick but delivers superior browning results.
What's the pouring rim feature?
The all-around pouring rim allows drip-free pouring from any angle. Whether you're left or right-handed, you can pour pan juices, sauces, or excess fat without drips running down the outside of the pan. This thoughtful design detail improves cooking convenience and reduces mess, particularly useful when deglazing or making pan sauces.
Does Le Creuset offer a guarantee?
Yes, Le Creuset 3-ply Stainless Steel cookware comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects when used and cared for according to instructions. This covers issues like base separation, handle defects, or material failures—but not damage from misuse such as overheating, thermal shock, or dropping. The lifetime guarantee demonstrates Le Creuset's confidence in their exceptional quality and durability.
Can I use metal utensils with these pans?
Whilst stainless steel is more durable than non-stick coatings, Le Creuset recommends using silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic utensils to maintain optimal appearance. Metal utensils can scratch stainless steel over time, though these scratches are cosmetic and don't affect performance. If you prefer metal utensils for certain tasks, the pans will withstand occasional use, but silicone and wooden tools preserve appearance better.
Why choose uncoated over non-stick pans?
Uncoated stainless steel excels at high-heat searing and browning that non-stick cannot achieve, develops fond for making restaurant-quality pan sauces, withstands higher temperatures without coating degradation, lasts indefinitely rather than requiring eventual replacement, and works with metal utensils if needed. Non-stick pans excel at low-fat cooking and delicate foods like eggs. Many serious cooks own both types, using each for its strengths. These uncoated pans deliver professional results for techniques requiring high heat and browning.
What's the difference between 24cm and 28cm?
The 24cm pan suits single portions, 1-2 eggs, small sautés, single chicken breasts or fish fillets, and tasks where you want ingredients to have direct pan contact. The 28cm pan handles family meals serving 3-4 people, multiple chicken breasts or steaks, stir-fries, batch cooking, and larger quantities. The size difference significantly affects cooking results—too large a pan for small quantities causes steaming rather than searing, whilst too small a pan overcrowds food. Having both sizes ensures you always use the most appropriate pan.
How does 3-ply compare to single-layer pans?
3-ply construction provides dramatically better heat distribution than single-layer stainless steel, eliminating hot spots that cause uneven cooking and sticking, faster and more responsive heating than single-layer, even heat from base to rim rather than just the base, and professional-quality performance. Single-layer stainless steel pans are significantly cheaper but provide inferior cooking results. The 3-ply construction justifies the premium price through superior performance and cooking consistency.
Can I use these for eggs?
Yes, though uncoated stainless steel requires proper technique for eggs. Preheat the pan thoroughly, add adequate butter or oil, and allow eggs to set before attempting to move them. For frequently cooking eggs, many cooks prefer non-stick pans. However, with practice, these pans produce excellent results for omelettes, fried eggs, and scrambled eggs, with superior browning compared to non-stick. The key is proper preheating and adequate fat.
