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Le Creuset 3-ply Stainless Steel Saucepan: Professional Quality with Close-Fitting Lid
This Le Creuset saucepan delivers professional kitchen performance through thoughtfully engineered 3-ply construction and a close-fitting lid that transforms everyday cooking. Available in four versatile sizes from 14cm to 20cm, each pan combines multi-layered stainless steel and aluminium for rapid, even heating with a precision-fitting lid that locks in moisture, flavour, and nutrients. From fresh tomato sauce to creamy Béchamel, vegetables to rice, this is foundational cookware designed for daily use.
This professional saucepan combines Le Creuset quality with practical design features:
- 3-ply construction bonds premium stainless steel and aluminium in three layers for rapid, even heat distribution throughout the base and sides
- Close-fitting lid creates a seal that locks in moisture, flavour, and nutrients whilst reducing evaporation
- Four versatile sizes - 14cm, 16cm, 18cm, 20cm - covering small sauces to family meals
- Helper handles on 16cm, 18cm, and 20cm models allow safe two-handed lifting when full (14cm has single handle only)
- Precision pouring rim ensures clean, drip-free pouring of liquids
- All hob compatibility including gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and induction
- Oven safe to 260°C including lid and handles, allowing hob-to-oven cooking
- Rapid heating gets you cooking quickly, essential for busy weeknight meals
- Dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning, though hand washing preserves appearance
- Freezer compatible for make-ahead meal preparation
- Lifetime guarantee from Le Creuset demonstrates construction confidence
The 3-ply technology represents genuine engineering rather than marketing claims. The aluminium core conducts heat rapidly and distributes it evenly throughout the entire pan base and up the sides, eliminating the hot spots common in thinner, single-layer cookware. This bonded construction ensures gentle, even cooking that prevents burning whilst reducing energy consumption - you can use lower heat settings and still achieve excellent results.
The close-fitting lid transforms cooking performance. By creating a seal, it traps steam and moisture inside the pan, reducing evaporation and allowing you to use less cooking liquid. This keeps vegetables vibrant and nutrient-rich, makes rice and pasta cook more efficiently, and intensifies flavours in sauces and reductions. The lid is oven safe alongside the pan, enabling one-pot hob-to-oven dishes.
Size selection depends on your cooking needs. The 14cm handles small portions, sauces for 1-2 people, and heating milk - compact with a single handle. The 16cm suits side dishes and vegetables for 2-3 people, adding a helper handle for easier lifting. The 18cm accommodates vegetables for 3-4 people, rice, and pasta sides. The 20cm handles main dishes, pasta for four, soups, and one-pot meals for 4-6 people. The helper handles on larger sizes prove invaluable when pans are full of hot liquid or heavy ingredients.
The precision pouring rim is carefully designed to direct liquids cleanly when you tilt the pan, preventing drips down the exterior that cause mess and waste. This seemingly small detail improves daily usability significantly when draining pasta water, pouring sauces, or transferring stock.
Suitable for those building foundational cookware collections, anyone seeking quality pans that last decades, cooks who value even heating and moisture retention, busy families who need rapid-heating cookware, and as exceptional wedding or housewarming gifts backed by Le Creuset's reputation.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset 3-ply Saucepan
What does 3-ply construction mean?
The 3-ply construction bonds premium-grade stainless steel and aluminium together in three layers. The aluminium core conducts heat rapidly and evenly, whilst the stainless steel inner and outer layers provide durability and compatibility with all hobs. This multi-layered technology spreads heat gently through the entire pan, eliminating hot spots.
How does the close-fitting lid help with cooking?
The close-fitting lid creates a seal that locks in moisture, flavour, and nutrients. This reduces evaporation, keeps food moist, and allows you to use less liquid when cooking. The trapped steam helps vegetables retain vitamins and makes rice and pasta cook more efficiently.
Can I use this on my induction hob?
Yes, these saucepans are suitable for all cooktops including induction. The 3-ply stainless steel construction is fully induction compatible. Ensure you use an appropriately sized hob ring - if the ring is too large, the induction hob may not recognise the pan.
Is this oven safe and to what temperature?
Yes, the saucepan and lid are oven safe up to 260°C, including the handles. This allows you to start dishes on the hob and finish them in the oven, or use the saucepan for oven-braising. Always use oven gloves when handling hot cookware. Not suitable for microwaves.
Which size should I choose?
14cm suits small portions, sauces, heating milk for 1-2 people. 16cm is ideal for side dishes, vegetables for 2-3 people, small sauce quantities. 18cm handles vegetables for 3-4 people, rice, pasta sides. 20cm accommodates main dishes, pasta for 4, soups, one-pot meals for 4-6 people. Consider your household size and typical cooking quantities.
Can I use metal utensils with this pan?
Yes, metal utensils can be used with care on stainless steel cookware. However, avoid harsh scraping or knocking metal utensils on the rim. Le Creuset recommends silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic tools for best results and to maintain the pan's appearance over time.
Why shouldn't I add salt directly to the stainless steel surface?
Undissolved salt crystals sitting on stainless steel can cause pitting corrosion over time. Always add salt to hot cooking liquid or food where it dissolves immediately, rather than sprinkling it directly onto the dry or cold stainless steel surface. This simple practice maintains the pan's appearance.
Can this go in the dishwasher?
Yes, both the saucepan and lid are dishwasher safe. However, hand washing with warm soapy water helps preserve the exterior finish and appearance longer. If using the dishwasher, harsh detergents may cause some discolouration over time, though this doesn't affect cooking performance.
What does the Le Creuset lifetime guarantee cover?
Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. It doesn't cover damage from misuse, accidents, normal wear and tear, or damage from improper care such as thermal shock. Contact Le Creuset directly with proof of purchase if you experience manufacturing defects.
Why does the care guide say not to plunge hot pans into cold water?
Sudden temperature changes (thermal shock) can warp metal cookware. Always allow pans to cool for a few minutes before washing. This practice maintains the flat base essential for even heating, particularly important on induction and electric hobs where warped pans won't make proper contact.
Do I need to use high heat with this pan?
No, the 3-ply construction's excellent heat distribution means medium or low heat produces best results, even for frying and searing. Let the pan heat gradually, then cook as normal. High heat can cause food to stick and may discolour the exterior over time. Lower heat gives better control and results.
What We've Learned About Cookware Since 1972
After five decades of selling cookware, we've learned that a properly fitting lid transforms cooking performance more than most cooks realise. The Le Creuset close-fitting lid creates a seal that retains moisture and flavour - particularly important for vegetables where you want to preserve nutrients and avoid waterlogged results. This simple feature turns a good pan into a versatile workhorse.
The 3-ply construction represents genuine value for everyday cooking. The aluminium core conducts heat rapidly and evenly - far superior to thin single-layer pans where hot spots cause burning. Combined with the lid's moisture retention, these pans transform everyday tasks like cooking rice, steaming vegetables, or making sauces from frustrating to straightforward.
Size selection matters. Many customers buy too large, then find the pan unwieldy for daily use. The 16cm or 18cm handles most everyday cooking for 2-4 people, whilst the 20cm suits larger families or batch cooking. The 14cm excels at sauces and small portions. Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee demonstrates these pans endure - proper care means they'll outlast multiple sets of cheaper alternatives.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before First Use: Remove all labels and packaging from both pan and lid. Wash thoroughly in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry completely. This removes any manufacturing residue.
Preheating: Place the empty pan on an appropriately sized hob ring and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes. The pan is ready when a drop of water forms a ball that rolls across the surface. Add fat or liquid, then add food. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Using the Lid: Place the lid on the pan during cooking to retain moisture, speed cooking, and preserve nutrients. The close-fitting design creates a seal that reduces evaporation. Remove carefully using the lid handle - steam will escape when lifted.
Cooking Temperature: Use medium or low heat for best results. The 3-ply construction's excellent heat distribution makes high temperatures unnecessary. Let the pan heat gradually, then adjust heat as needed during cooking. The rapid heating means you'll reach cooking temperature quickly even on medium settings.
Adding Salt: Never sprinkle salt directly onto the dry or cold stainless steel surface. Always add salt to hot cooking liquid or food where it dissolves immediately. This prevents pitting corrosion and maintains appearance.
Using Metal Utensils: Metal utensils can be used with care. Avoid harsh scraping or banging utensils against the rim. Le Creuset silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic tools provide best results and maintain appearance.
Hob Ring Selection: Use the most appropriately sized ring for your pan size. If the ring is too large, heat concentrates in the centre causing hot spots. On induction hobs, wrong-sized rings may prevent the hob from recognising the pan.
Oven Use: Both pan and lid are oven safe to 260°C including handles. Place on a shelf or rack, never directly on the oven floor. When using under the grill, maintain at least 5cm gap between heat source and pan top. Always use oven gloves when handling.
After Cooking: Allow the pan and lid to cool for a few minutes before washing. Never plunge hot cookware into cold water or fill hot pans with cold water - thermal shock can cause warping.
Daily Cleaning: Wash pan and lid in warm soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth. For stubborn residue, soak briefly then clean. Whilst dishwasher safe, hand washing preserves the exterior finish longer.
Stubborn Stains: For burnt-on food, fill with warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid, bring to a simmer, then allow to cool and wash normally. For discolouration, specialist stainless steel cleaners restore shine.
Drying and Storage: Dry thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots. Store with care - placing paper towels between stacked pans prevents scratching. Store the lid separately or nested carefully to avoid scratching surfaces.
Avoid: Never heat empty pans excessively. Don't use the induction 'boost' function except for rapidly heating large water volumes. Don't use harsh abrasives that could scratch the surface. Don't leave unattended on heat.
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 this product
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 saucepan.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage this saucepan, 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.
