Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do before using my stainless steel cookware for the first time?

Before first use, wash your cookware in hot, soapy water then rinse and dry immediately to prevent water spots.

Insert battery into the battery socket located in the handle of each piece of cookware and lock into place. Push the button located at the end of the handle and watch for the red indicator light to begin flashing. The flashing light lets you know the technology is activated.

What are some tips on taking care of my cookware?

Wash your cookware after each use with hot, soapy water then rinse and dry immediately to prevent water spots. Clean your cookware thoroughly after each use. Food films left on the cookware may cause discoloration and sticking.

If food sticks or if discoloration and staining occurs from excessive use of high heat, we recommend cleaning your cookware with a non-abrasive cleanser such as Bar Keeper’s Friend.  

Never use metal utensils as they will scratch the stainless steel finish. We recommend wooden or heat resistant plastic utensils.

Never use scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive cleansers, bleach and/or oven cleaners on your cookware as they will scratch or discolor the finish of your cookware.

Turn power source off when cookware is not in use to prolong battery life. (Expected battery life for this product is over 1 ½ years for cookware use of 2 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What are some cooking tips you can share regarding Kenzen Cookware?

Activate technology when you are ready to begin cooking.

For optimal performance, we recommend low to medium heat except when boiling, in which case a high heat setting would be used. 

When frying, sautéing or searing, preheat the cookware on low heat for 1 or 2 minutes then add the food. This will keep sticking to a minimum.

It is best to add salt after food liquid has started cooking or boiling. This will help prevent the small white dots or pits from forming on the surface of your cookware.

For best results, cook on a burner that is close to the diameter of the pan you are using. When cooking on a gas burner, adjust the flame so it does not flare up on the sides on the pan. Overheating can cause heat tint, which is a molted rainbow color discoloration.

To avoid salt damage, do not add salt to until the liquid begins to boil. Salt may cause white dots or pitting to occur. Salt damage will not interfere with the performance of the cookware, only the beauty of it.

What is Heat Tint?

Heat tint is a rainbow-like discoloration on stainless steel that is caused by the use of excessive high heat. It can easily be removed with the use of a non-abrasive cleaner such as Bar Keeper’s Friend which may be used on the interior and the exterior of the cookware. 

To use Bar Keeper’s Friend on your stainless steel cookware, use a soft cloth or sponge and water and make a paste.

Heat tint will not interfere with the cooking performance of the cookware, only the beauty of it.

What temperatures should I use when cooking on the stove top?

For best results, we recommend using low to medium heat when cooking with 5-ply stainless steel as high heats are not necessary and may cause discoloration. (See What is Heat Tint.)

Use medium to medium-high heat when sautéing or frying, this includes stir fry.

Use low heat for warming, simmering and preparing sauces.

When frying without natural fats add oil, butter, or margarine to the cookware when it is cold then preheat over low heat 1 or 2 minutes before adding food.

Use high heat only for boiling.

What causes food to stick?

• Is your cookware clean?
• Is your heat setting too high?
• Is your burner level?

Note: Low to medium heat is recommended for optimal cooking performance when cooking with stainless steel cookware.

Is Kenzen Cookware oven-safe?

Kenzen Cookware is intended for range-top use only. We do not recommend use in the oven. This is due to the battery compartment contained in the handle.

What is salt damage and how does it occur?

Salt may cause white dots or pitting to occur. Salt damage will not interfere with the performance of the cookware, only the beauty of it. To avoid salt damage, do not add salt until the liquid begins to boil.

How do I clean my cookware to keep it looking new?

Always allow cookware to cool completely before cleaning. Wash in warm soapy water with dishcloth or sponge. Rinse in hot water and immediately dry thoroughly to prevent water spots. Although the cookware is dishwasher safe, we recommend hand washing to preserve the original finish. Prolonged exposure to or excessive high heat may damage or cause your cookware to discolor. To recondition the finish of your cookware or to remove stubborn spots or stains, we recommend you use a non-abrasive cleanser such as Bar Keeper’s Friend. Do not use abrasive cleaners as they will scratch and dull the surface of your cookware.