• A build up of food deposits/residue may have formed on the pan which may originally be the result of an item of food being allowed to overcook in the pan. This can normally be cleaned by filling the pan with water and washing up liquid and leaving overnight. Then use a paste made up of bicarbonate of soda and water rubbed gently over the pan with a non-abrasive sponge (a non-stick scouring sponge). The non-stick coating should then be reconditioned with a little cooking oil wiped over the surface with a paper kitchen towel.
• The frying pan may have been overheated causing damage and discolouration to the non-stick coating. When pans are regularly overheated this will lead to a weakening of the non-stick coating. The red Thermo-Spot in frypans is a heat indicator and tells you when the pan has reached the perfect cooking temperature. When the spot turns solid red reduce the heat to maintain the temperature. Do not continue to heat the pan on a high heat as this will result in the pan and the non-stick surface becoming overheated.
• If cleaned in a dishwasher, after each use re-coat the non-stick interior with cooking oil to prevent the non-stick from drying out and ensure the best non-stick performance.

Excessive force on the outside of aluminium pots or frying pans resulting, for example, from them being dropped or hit may result in deformations of the pots/pans. (The pot/frying pan will not deform as result of cooking heat.)

Take care when placing pans on gas hobs as the number of support legs vary and small pans in particular may need a trivet, which most gas hob manufacturers will supply with their hob or can be bought from the separately.

To extend the life of the coating, you should use a small amount of oil when stir-frying or grilling. You do not need oil when boiling or stewing.

Depending on the range (check the packaging), most metal utensils can be used except knives, forks and whisks. However, care should be exercised when using any metal utensil. Avoid using sharp edged utensils and avoid cutting directly in the pan. Do not stab or gouge the non-stick surface.

Pans should NEVER be used in a microwave oven.