Product FAQs
Cookware - Pots and Pans
Is non-stick cookware oven proof?
Only frying pans, saucepans or saute pans from the Ingenio range can go in the oven, thanks to their detachable handles (ensure that the detachable handle is removed). Utensils should never be used in a microwave or convection oven.
Thermo-Spot®: To what temperature does the frying pan need to be heated for the temperature indicator to change colour?
For frying pans: between 140 °C and 195 °C
For crepe pans: between 165 °C and 240 °C
This is the optimum temperature for frying and searing food. This indication helps you cook healthier and at an ideal temperature.
The base of my pan is not even and has become wobbly - why?
- The pan has been used on too high a heat or the wrong source of heat for the pan which has resulted in the pan base becoming warped and distorted.
- Also never put cold water into a hot pan or plunge hot cookware in cold water. Sudden changes of temperature may cause the metal to warp, resulting in an uneven base.
The non-stick coating in my frying pan is now sticking - why?
- 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.
What is the service life of the non-stick coating?
It is difficult to give a number of years, because the service life will differ depending on the conditions of usage and frequency of use. To extend its service life, you should protect it from unnecessarily high temperatures and refrain from heating a pan empty. A medium to low heat is sufficient. Do not store cooked food for a long time (one day or longer).
How can the consumer be aware of the fact that Tefal cookware does not contain PFOA?
Tefal, as part of its commitment to Quality, has included "Health and Environment" Eco information on its non-stick Tefal products. This commitment guarantees the absence of PFOA, lead and cadmium in Tefal coatings and the guarantees that our non-stick products are harmless for the environment and the consumer. This Eco information is based on the regular analysis conducted by independent laboratories in many countries (INERIS in France, ASAHI GLASS FLUOROPOLYMERS in UK, FABES Labs in Germany, MB Labs in Canada, SGS in China). This commitment can be found on the website of the Tefal brand, as well as the packaging of cookware with non-stick Tefal coating.
Will the non-stick coating wear off?
It is very rare for the non-stick coating to wear off under normal household use. Proper use and care will allow for better performance over time. Most cases of non-stick wearing have evidence of overheating, scratching and/or abrasive cleaning.
Do you use cadmium or lead in your Tefal cookware?
There is neither cadmium nor lead in the non-stick coatings and enamel of our Tefal cookware. All of our cookware has been designed and manufactured without lead or cadmium for more than 20 years. You can find this Eco information on the packaging of all our products with Tefal/ non-stick coating.
Can a scratched non-stick pan be recoated?
No, the non-stick coating must be applied during the initial manufacturing process.
Cookware - Wok
How to avoid scratches?
Don't cut any of the food whilst it is on the appliance. Only use wooden, plastic or non-stick utensils. Never use metal utensils as they can damage the non-stick coating of your appliance.
Cookware - Bakeware and Ovenware
Do you use cadmium or lead in your Tefal cookware?
There is neither cadmium nor lead in the non-stick coatings and enamel of our Tefal cookware. All of our cookware has been designed and manufactured without lead or cadmium for more than 20 years. You can find this Eco information on the packaging of all our products with Tefal/ non-stick coating.
How can the consumer be aware of the fact that Tefal cookware does not contain PFOA?
Tefal, as part of its commitment to Quality, has included "Health and Environment" Eco information on its non-stick Tefal products. This commitment guarantees the absence of PFOA, lead and cadmium in Tefal coatings and the guarantees that our non-stick products are harmless for the environment and the consumer. This Eco information is based on the regular analysis conducted by independent laboratories in many countries (INERIS in France, ASAHI GLASS FLUOROPOLYMERS in UK, FABES Labs in Germany, MB Labs in Canada, SGS in China). This commitment can be found on the website of the Tefal brand, as well as the packaging of cookware with non-stick Tefal coating.
Will the non-stick coating wear off?
It is very rare for the non-stick coating to wear off under normal household use. Proper use and care will allow for better performance over time. Most cases of non-stick wearing have evidence of overheating, scratching and/or abrasive cleaning.
Electrical Cooking - Rice Cooker
Why is steam leaking during use?
The lid is not closed properly, the micropressure valve is not fitted correctly or the gasket may be damaged. Stop cooking, unplug the Rice Cooker and check everything is correctly fitted.
Electrical Cooking - Grill
The appliance began cooking in manual mode (red indicator) without this mode being selected. Why?
You started cooking before preheating had finished.
To rectify this: turn off the appliance, remove the food, restart the appliance and then return to the programme selection and wait until preheating has finished before cooking the food.
If the problem persists despite adhering to the advice above: the appliance may need to be repaired.
Beverage - Kettle
Does my heating element need special care?
Yes: never rub the heating element with a cloth or any abrasive material. Descaling is quite enough to clean it.
How can I clean the scale filter in my kettle?
The filter is made up of a grid that retains the particles of tartar. It is important to clean it regularly by brushing it or soaking it in a container with a descaling solution (diluted vinegar or citric acid).
How do I clean the body of the kettle?
Simply wipe the outside with a clean cloth (with a drop of vinegar if necessary). Never use abrasive products, scouring powder, detergents or other maintenance products because they may discolour the plastic. Take care never to put the kettle, power lead, plug or electrical base in water!
How do I descale my kettle?
Descale regularly, preferably at least once a month and more often if you live in a very hard water area.
To descale your kettle:
• Use commercial 8° white vinegar:
- Fill the kettle with 1/2 l of vinegar,
- Leave it to act for 1 hour without heating.
• Citric acid:
- Boil 1/2 litre water,
- Add 25 g citric acid and leave to act for 15 min.
• A specific descaling product for plastic kettles: follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Empty your kettle and rinse it 5 or 6 times.
Start again if necessary.
To descale your filter (depending on model):
• Soak the filter in white vinegar or diluted citric acid.
• Never use descaling method other than the recommended one.
My kettle does not turn off.
Check that the lid of your kettle is closed and the filter is in place.
If so, please take your kettle to an authorised repairer.
The inside of my kettle is brown or black.
In some regions where the water contains high levels of iron, the natural lime deposit inside your kettle may take on a brown or black colour.
In kettles with a plastic tank, the water tastes of plastic.
This usually happens when the kettle is new; pour away the water from the first few uses. If the problem persists, fill the kettle to its maximum level and add 2 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda. Boil the kettle, pour away the water and rinse the kettle.
The water is cloudy.
This phenomenon is normal in hard water regions. It is caused by the calcium and magnesium carbonate present in the water.
Tip: regular descaling will be necessary.
What can I do to keep my kettle in good condition?
During use:
Follow the instructions in the user manual: keep to the filling level and only fill with water
After use:
Always empty the excess water from your kettle
Maintenance:
Descale regularly, at least once a month and more often if you live in a hard water area
What should I be careful about when using my kettle?
• Do not use the kettle with wet hands or if you have bare feet.
• Do not leave the power cord hanging over the edge of a table or work surface to avoid any risk of the kettle falling.
• Always be aware while the appliance is operating, paying special attention to the steam coming out of the spout, which is very hot.
• Also pay attention to the fact that the body of a stainless steel kettle becomes very hot during operation. Do not touch the kettle other than by the handle.
• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• If the power cable is damaged, it should be replaced by the manufacturer, its after-sales service or a similarly qualified person to avoid any danger.
Why does my kettle switch off before it has boiled?
Generally caused by scale build-up inside: read the instruction leaflet carefully on how to descale your kettle (depending on model).
Alternatively, the kettle may have accidentally been used without water or with insufficient water (an element must always be covered by water), causing the safety cut-off device to operate. Reset in the following way:
Wait 5 minutes for the kettle to cool and then refill with water.
Push the on/off switch and after about 15 minutes the kettle will automatically reset itself and start to boil.
Why has my plastic kettle discoloured?
Do not place the kettle near a window as the plastic parts can be discoloured by sunlight.
Why does the kettle wobble slightly on the base?
The 360 degree base must rotate freely.
Why is my kettle noisy?
This can be due to the high efficiency element design which heat the water.
Why is my kettle leaking?
You may have overfilled the kettle causing water to either leak down the outsides of the kettle when boiling or water to get into the internal steam vent which means water will appear at the base of the kettle on the work surface. Only ever fill your kettle up to the Maximum mark. Also the condensation on the lid may have dripped down on to the work surface.
What should I do before using the device for the first time?
Prior to first use, rinse the interior of your kettle and bring water to a boil once or twice
Can I boil liquid other than water?
You can only use water in the product. If you boil liquids other than water, it may result in leakage, spillage or damage.
Can I boil mineral water?
You can boil mineral water. If there are many minerals in the water, the stainless steel will easily stain (Depending model). We recommend that you periodically clean your kettle.
The cord won't come out.
It isn't a cord-reel type. Please remove and extend the part wound around the plate manually.
The plug is hot and it's concerning me.
Because power consumption is high, it may omit some heat. Use a power plug exclusively for the kettle. If there is enough heat that it could cause a burn or if the plastic is deformed, please stop use, and arrange a repair and inspection.
Can it keep water warm?
Electric kettles boil the necessary amount for the necessary time and are not usually equipped with features to keep water warm. It boils water very quickly so there is no need to keep water warm.
A short time after I turn it off, I can hear a metallic sound.
The internal parts may make noises with the change in temperature. There is nothing wrong with it.
Can I put more water in than the full-line and boil it?
It may look like there is more space for water, but if you put in over the maximum it was designed for, it may leak when the water boils. Please do not overfill the kettle.
What is the minimum amount I can boil in ml?
It is depending the kettle size, never use even if the water is below the minimum line on the kettle window.
Can I leave the remaining hot water after boiling in the kettle?
To reduce water staining and prevent leakage from the kettle tipping over, we recommend that you empty the kettle after use.
After boiling, there are drops of water on the power plate. Is that okay?
Electric kettles are designed to turn off when they sense steam. This steam may condense and drops of water may fall from the bottom of the handle. This is not a fault. It will also not cause any fault with your kettle.
The power switch doesn't work.
Immediately after boiling, the sensor that automatically turns the power off will be hot, and the power switch may not operate. Wait until the sensor has cooled and then try again.
Which material is used for the heating element at the bottom?
The heating element is made of food-grade stainless steel (SUS304).
Which material is used for the body of stainless steel kettles?
The bodies of stainless steel kettle are made of food-grade stainless steel (SUS304).
Which material is used for the body of plastic kettles?
The bodies of plastic kettle are made of food-grade polypropylene (PP).
Which material is used for the filter and filter holder?
Kettle filters and filter holders are made of food-grade polypropylene (PP).
Why is it important to descale the kettle regularly?
If the resistance or the heating element is scaled, the heat produced is only partially transferred to the water for heating. On the other hand, scale favours the appearance of rust.
What is the minimum amount of water i can boil?
We recommend to fill the kettle with a minimum of 300 ml of water. Do not fill above the maximum volume.
A slight "ticking" sound occurs periodically when the water temperature exceeds 90°C (80°C for some digital kettles).
This is normal, the sound comes from the electronic board.
The integrated software manages the On/Off operation of the electronic board periodically when the water temperature exceeds at least 80°C.
After removing the electrostatic film, there are white marks on the LCD screen when the kettle is first plugged in (depending on the model).
This is normal. For LCD screens, an electrostatic phenomenon occurs when the film is peeled off the screen.
The white traces will disappear after a few seconds and there is no risk to the proper functioning of the screen.
We suggest that you remove all film and packaging before plugging in the kettle.
Linen Care- Steam Generator Sub
How can I avoid shiny marks on fabric?
Shiny marks can appear on some fabrics, especially on dark coloured fabrics. We would advise ironing dark clothes inside out and using the correct temperature.
If ironing mixed-fibre fabrics, set the temperature for the most fragile fibre.
Important: The iron takes longer to cool down than to heat up. We recommend that you start with fabrics to be ironed at a low temperature.
Steam Iron Sub
How do I clean the anti-calc valve on my iron?
If your iron has an anti-calc system, you should clean the anti-calc valve once a month.
To do this:
- Unplug the iron and leave it to cool for 30-45 minutes.
- Empty the water and remove the valve, holding it by the top.
- Let the anti-calc valve soak for 4 hours in a glass of commercially available white vinegar or natural lemon juice, then thoroughly rinse the anti-calc valve under tap water.
- Reposition the anti-calc valve into your iron. Warning! Never touch the end of the anti-calc valve.
How do I prevent brown spots from the iron appearing on the clothing?
This may be due to the use of chemical descaling agents or additives in the water for ironing. Never use this type of product in the water tank (see our recommendations regarding water to be used). Some residues could also been present in the steam chamber or on the soleplate; use the self cleaning function (Depending model). All linen, especially new garments, must be washed and rinsed thoroughly to remove any soap and chemical deposits before you iron them. If these are not removed by washing they may appear later out of the soleplate in the form of small brown or white spots or streaks on your linen.
How do I descale my steam iron?
Never use any descaling agent or vinegar when rinsing the boiler: they could damage it.
- Self-cleaning: heat the iron, unplug it, remove the anti-calc valve and spray the iron over the sink.
- Cleaning the anti-calc valve: Remove the antiscale valve and soak the valve in a cup of white vinegar or plain lemon juice for 4 hours.
How does the “Auto-stop” function work (depending on model)?
The electronic system cuts the power and the auto-stop light flashes if the iron is not moved for more than 8 minutes (on its heel rest or base) or is left flat for more than 30 seconds. To turn the iron back on, gently shake it until the light goes out.
How can I avoid shiny marks on fabric?
Shiny marks can appear on some fabrics, especially on dark coloured fabrics. We would advise ironing dark clothes inside out and using the correct temperature.
If ironing mixed-fibre fabrics, set the temperature for the most fragile fibre.
Important: The iron takes longer to cool down than to heat up. We recommend that you start with fabrics to be ironed at a low temperature.
Floor Care - Cordless Handstick Cleaner
When charging the vacuum cleaner, the light(s) flash very quickly.
The correct charger is not being used or the charger is faulty.
Talk to an Approved Service Centre to change the charger.
Your device stops during operation and the light/s flash very quickly.
Your device may be overheating.
Turn the device off and let it cool for at least 1 hour.
If the problem persists, contact Customer Service.
Kitchenware - Spatulas
The spatula melted while cooking
For silicone/nylon spatulas, here are some precautions to prevent melting:
- Spatulas are heat resistant, but there are limits. Avoid exposing it to excessively high temperatures, as they may melt. The temperature should not exceed the recommended one.
- Do not leave the spatula on a hot surface, such as the edge of a pan or a hob. Keep it away from heat sources.
- Avoid using the spatula to scrape the surface of a pan or cutting food directly in the pan while cooking.