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Instructions for using SITRAM products

On this page, you'll find all the instructions you need to safely use, maintain, and extend the lifespan of our products. By following these simple instructions, you'll be sure to enjoy SITRAM pressure cookers, Dutch ovens, frying pans, saucepans, and all our other cookware for many years to come.

Pressure cookers

Before using your pressure cooker, be sure to read the user and maintenance manual. This manual is full of important technical information and illustrations, and describes how to use your new pressure cooker in total safety.

Prior to any use, the regulator and steam valve openings should be checked and cleaned to ensure nothing blocks the steam.

When you are finished cooking, turn off the heat. There are several ways to depressurize your pressure cooker:

  • Models with 1 regulator position:
    Remove the regulator from the lid to release the steam.
  • Models with several regulator positions:
    Turn the regulator to the "depressurize" position (without removing it from the lid) to release the steam.
  • All models:
    Place the pressure cooker under cold running water or in a container of cold water for at least one minute.

Whichever method you choose, the pressure cooker will only unlock once the depressurization is complete.

Filling:
Never fill your pressure cooker more than ⅔ full, or ¼ full if you're making food that swells during cooking (e.g., dried vegetables).
Always add a little liquid (half a glass of water or stock, etc.) before putting your pressure cooker on the cooktop.

Closing the lid:
Make sure the lid is sealed and its regulator in the right position: for models with 1 position, the regulator must be pushed all the way down; for models with several positions, the regulator must be set to the cooking position.

You can then heat the cooker over high heat. The cooking time begins when steam starts to escape from the regulator. When this happens, you'll want to reduce the heat on the cooktop.

Download the user manuals for our various pressure cookers

Safety tips for all our cookware

  • Always turn the handle of the cookware towards the inside of the stove.
  • When cooking with gas, make sure the handle never comes into direct contact with the flame.
  • Never leave food unattended while it is cooking.
  • Never fill your cookware more than 3/4 full.
  • Do not use our cookware as a deep fryer.
  • Only use the booster function on an induction cooktop after gradually increasing the temperature.
  • Do not microwave our cookware.
  • Always keep hot cookware out of the reach of children.
  • Always use oven mitts or potholders when handling your cookware.

Other cookware

Uncoated stainless steel cookware (e.g., the "Rapsody" line)

  • Before the first use and after each use: wash the inside and outside of your cookware with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry.
    Do not use abrasive products or scouring pads.
  • For optimal heat distribution, only use your cookware on cooktops that are adapted to its size. Moreover, always be sure to place the cookware over the middle of the cooktop.
  • Wait until the water is hot or the food is cooked before adding salt, as high concentrations of salt can damage the surface of stainless steel.
  • Never heat your cookware when empty as this can lead to warping. Similarly, always wait until your cookware has cooled down before washing it.

Coated stainless steel cookware (e.g., the "Très Chic" line)

  • Before the first use and after each use: wash the inside and outside of your cookware with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry.
    Do not use abrasive products or scouring pads.
  • For optimal heat distribution, only use your cookware on cooktops that are adapted to its size. Moreover, always be sure to place the cookware over the middle of the cooktop.
  • To preserve the non-stick coating, only use non-metal utensils and do not cut food directly inside the cookware.
  • Never heat your cookware when empty, as this can damage the coating or lead to warping. Similarly, always wait until the cookware cools down before washing it.

Cookware made of pressed, forged, or cast aluminum (e.g., the "Rossini" and "Minéra" lines)

  • Before the first use and after each use: wash the inside and outside of your cookware with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry.
    Do not use abrasive products or scouring pads.
  • For optimal heat distribution, only use your cookware on cooktops that are adapted to its size. Moreover, always be sure to place the cookware over the middle of the cooktop.
  • To preserve the non-stick coating, only use non-metal utensils and do not cut food directly inside the cookware.
  • Never heat your cookware when empty, as this can damage the coating or lead to warping. Similarly, always wait until the cookware cools down before washing it.

Cast iron cookware (e.g., the "Sitrabella" line)

BEFORE THE FIRST USE

  • Carefully clean the cookware with soapy water, then rinse and dry.
  • Coat the inside and rims with cooking oil.

USE
Cast iron cookware distributes heat perfectly, which is why you should cook it over low heat.
Caution: Overheating can damage the enamel and cause food to stick.

  • Do not use abrasive products or scouring pads.
  • Never leave empty cookware on a hot cooktop or in the oven.
  • Do not use sharp or metal utensils on enameled surfaces.
  • Do not use the cookware as a deep fryer.
  • For optimal performance, use the cookware on a cooktop that is adapted to its size.
  • The cookware should cover the entire cooktop to prevent its handles from overheating.
  • Enameled cast iron cookware can be used on induction cooktops but must be heated gradually.
  • Preheat the cookware for 5 minutes at 1/3 of the desired temperature before turning up the heat.
  • Avoid the booster function on induction cooktops.
  • Always handle your cookware with care to prevent damage to the base or to the cooktop (avoid sliding, place it down gently, etc.).
  • Never heat your cookware when empty, as this can damage the coating or lead to warping. Similarly, always wait until the cookware cools down before washing it.

MAINTENANCE

  • Wash with soapy water, rinse, dry, then add some oil to the inside. Do not use abrasive products to clean your cookware.
  • You can wash your cookware in the dishwasher, but do so sparingly as extended dishwasher use can damage the enamel.
  • Do not soak your cookware for too long in water, and never dunk hot cookware into cold water.
  • Store in a warm, dry place.
  • Misuse, acidic foods, and storage in an unsuitable place can cause your cookware to rust. If this happens, rewash the product as described above.

Enameled steel cookware (e.g., the "Vermilion" line)

  • Before the first use and after each use: wash the inside and outside of your cookware with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry.
    Do not use abrasive products or scouring pads.
  • For optimal heat distribution, only use your cookware on cooktops that are adapted to its size. Moreover, always be sure to place the cookware over the middle of the cooktop.
  • To preserve the non-stick coating, only use non-metal utensils and do not cut food directly inside the cookware.
  • Never heat your cookware when empty, as this can damage the coating or lead to warping. Similarly, always wait until the cookware cools down before washing it.

Cookware with removable handles (e.g., the "Sitramovable" line)

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

  • Always keep hot cookware out of the reach of children.
  • For the safety of everyone, always turn the handle of your cookware towards the inside of your stove.
  • Always use oven mitts or potholders when handling your cookware.
  • Please note: Our removable handles may only be used on SITRAM's Sitramovible line.
  • Make sure the handle is secure before moving your cookware. Do not use a handle that was dropped as its click-on system may have been damaged.
  • Never put the handle in the dishwasher or oven as this can affect its click-on functionality.
  • Make sure the handle does not come into direct contact with the heat source; we recommend removing it while your food is cooking.

BEFORE THE FIRST USE
Clean the inside and outside of your cookware with hot water, some dishwashing liquid, and a sponge (scouring powders and metal sponges are not recommended).

USE

  • Use cooktops of the right size and place the cookware over the middle of the cooktop to optimize performance and prevent the handles from overheating.
  • SITRAM cookware is not microwave-safe.
  • Never preheat cookware for too long while empty.
  • Never fill more than 3/4 full.

CLEANING

  • Clean the inside and outside of your cookware with hot water, some dishwashing liquid, and a sponge (scouring powders and metal sponges are not recommended).
  • If the cookware has an induction base, wipe the base dry after each wash.
  • Do not dunk hot cookware into cold water.

PRESERVING THE NON-STICK QUALITIES OF YOUR COOKWARE

  • Never heat induction cookware over high heat while empty as this can deteriorate its non-stick coating and cause its base to warp.
  • Use silicone, wooden, plastic, or nylon utensils on non-stick surfaces.
  • Never cut your food directly on the non-stick surface.