Q: Why shouldn't I use bleach or chlorinated care products to clean my CRISTEL utensils?

It can be poisonous if ingested Bleach is a poison when ingested and it is, therefore, strongly advisable not to use it to clean utensils that come into contact with food. Pitting corrosion As with any chlorinated product, bleach can damage stainless steel through a reaction known as "pitting corrosion": in the event of contact, small holes will rapidly form that will make your utensil unusable. Any chlorinated cleaning products, including bleach, should never be used to care for your stainless utensils.

Q: CRISTEL applies Exceliss® to some of its non-stick products. What is it?

Exceliss ® is a non-sticking coating developed by an American company. CRISTEL selected Exceliss ® for its non-stick and mechanical resistance properties. Toughness and non-stick performance The Exceliss ® non-stick coating is applied to CRISTEL traditional stainless steel products. The coating is applied in three successive layers, which guarantee both the toughness of the coating and its non-stick performance. The first two layers are notably reinforced by "titanium" particles allowing a much better resistance to abrasion. PFOA-free Non-stick coatings are part of the PTFE family. CRISTEL chose a development and application process for the three layers that uses no PFOA – a solvent used by certain manufacturers that is considered to be dangerous to health and the environment.

Q: I scratched the Exceliss® non-stick coating on my CRISTEL frying pan. Does it present a health risk?

The Exceliss ® non-stick coating on CRISTEL frying pans and sauté pans is formed of three layers of non-stick coating which are sprayed onto the product's stainless body while white-hot. Even if your coating is scratched, you can carry on using it with no risk to your health. Only the performance of the non-stick coating is affected.

Question 1

I'm allergic to nickel. Can I use 18/10 stainless steel saucepans?

Accepted Answer

Nickel allergies are mainly observed during contact with jewellery that contains a thin layer of almost pure nickel used for protection. As the nickel is on the surface, it remains in direct and prolonged contact with the skin. It can therefore be released directly onto the skin under the effect of perspiration, causing allergic reactions in around 11% of the population (source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12415668/). This release is promoted by prolonged contact with jewellery such as earrings, watches or piercings, which are worn for hours or even continuously.

In the case of CRISTEL cookware, nickel is integrated into the stainless steel structure at a level of 10%. This structural integration makes the nickel highly stable. In addition, thanks to the high chromium content of the raw materials selected by CRISTEL, stainless steel naturally forms a very strong layer of chromium oxides on its surface, known as the “passive layer”, which protects it from external aggressions. This layer significantly limits the risk of nickel migration into food, and in the rare event that migration occurs, it is extremely low. As a result, the number of people affected by food-related allergic reactions is exceptional, to the point that no study has been able to identify a portion of the population concerned.

Therefore, even people who are allergic to nickel through skin contact are not allergic to 18/10 stainless steel cookware. You can use our products with complete peace of mind.

Question 2

What is the advantage of using 18/10 stainless steel for cookware?

Accepted Answer

The quality of the stainless steel selected by CRISTEL provides you with best material for cooking:

preserve the nutritional qualities of your food;
bring out the most subtle flavours of the dishes you prepare.

Question 3

Why shouldn't I use bleach or chlorinated care products to clean my CRISTEL utensils?

Accepted Answer

It can be poisonous if ingested

Bleach is a poison when ingested and it is, therefore, strongly advisable not to use it to clean utensils that come into contact with food.

Pitting corrosion

As with any chlorinated product, bleach can damage stainless steel through a reaction known as "pitting corrosion": in the event of contact, small holes will rapidly form that will make your utensil unusable.

Any chlorinated cleaning products, including bleach, should never be used to care for your stainless utensils.

Question 4

How can salt affect my stainless CRISTEL saucepans?

Accepted Answer

Table salt or sodium chloride contains very small amounts of chlorine.

Undissolved salt left in the bottom of your stainless saucepan can lead to the appearance of indelible marks.

These marks pose no health risks and will not hinder your use of your cookware, thanks to the thickness of stainless steel used in the manufacture of CRISTEL products.

Always put salt in boiling water and stir until it dissolves completely.

Question 5

Despite my efforts, the my CRISTEL stainless steel products have lost their shine. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

CRISTEL recommends the use of Renox Inox to care for and restore stainless steel products. It removes traces of lime scale and deposits left by dry vegetables.

Find Renox Inox at the CRISTELStore.

Question 6

What is 18/10 stainless steel?

Accepted Answer

CRISTEL frying pans and saucepans are made of the best quality 18/10 stainless steel. The stainless steel used to make them contains:

18% chrome which gives the steel its rust-resistance;
10% nickel which considerably improves the material's taste neutrality.

Question 7

Accepted Answer

Question 8

How should I care for the non-stick coating on my CRISTEL cookware?

Accepted Answer

do not use metal utensils – use nylon utensils instead;
always cook on low or medium heat and, importantly, never place non-stick Exceliss^® cookware under the grill;
do not use abrasive cleaning products or pads;
avoid using oil spray, which is not recommended as micro-drops can impregnate the surface and form build-ups.

Question 9

CRISTEL applies Exceliss® to some of its non-stick products. What is it?

Accepted Answer

Exceliss^® is a non-sticking coating developed by an American company.

CRISTEL selected Exceliss^® for its non-stick and mechanical resistance properties.

Toughness and non-stick performance

The Exceliss^® non-stick coating is applied to CRISTEL traditional stainless steel products.
The coating is applied in three successive layers, which guarantee both the toughness of the coating and its non-stick performance.
The first two layers are notably reinforced by "titanium" particles allowing a much better resistance to abrasion.

PFOA-free

Non-stick coatings are part of the PTFE family.
CRISTEL chose a development and application process for the three layers that uses no PFOA – a solvent used by certain manufacturers that is considered to be dangerous to health and the environment.

Question 10

I scratched the Exceliss® non-stick coating on my CRISTEL frying pan. Does it present a health risk?

Accepted Answer

The Exceliss^® non-stick coating on CRISTEL frying pans and sauté pans is formed of three layers of non-stick coating which are sprayed onto the product's stainless body while white-hot.

Even if your coating is scratched, you can carry on using it with no risk to your health.

Only the performance of the non-stick coating is affected.

Question 11

My Exceliss® non-stick base sticks since I cleaned my CRISTEL frying pan in the dishwasher. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Dishwasher detergents are often very aggressive. To prevent the Exceliss^® non-stick coating on your CRISTEL frying pan or sauté pan sticking after washing in the dishwasher, we recommend rubbing in a little oil using a paper towel to restore its non-stick qualities.

Question 12

My Exceliss® non-stick coating is worn and my CRISTEL frying pan is sticking. What can I do to save it?

Accepted Answer

We have developed a very high performance anti-adhesive. However, overheating caused by excessively high temperatures can damage it and cause it to lose its effectiveness. That's why CRISTEL proposes to remake the coating of its anti-stick stainless steel utensils.

New coating

The recoating service gives you a new non-stick coating for your frying pan, sauté pan or wok, for a reasonable price.

CRISTEL's service aims to let you enjoy your product for as long as possible while reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing.

Why throw away the stainless body of CRISTEL non-stick products when it will practically never wear out.

Question 13

My non-stick frying pan is very dirty and it sticks, how should I clean it?

Accepted Answer

People often worry about damaging the non-stick coating on their cookware by cleaning too vigorously. A layer of fat can form on the surface over time.

To solve this problem, we recommend cleaning your cookware by scrubbing it with a paste made of equal quantities of sodium bicarbonate and water, using a soft abrasive pad or vegetable brush and circular movements.

Rinse well with cold water and dry.

Never use Renox care products or other stainless care products on non-stick cookware – they could damage the coating.

Question 14

A non-stick or stainless steel interior?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to choose – take both!

the all-stainless steel CRISTEL frying or sauté pan to sear meat and leave it to simmer;
the all-stainless steel CRISTEL frying or sauté pan if you want to grill your dish;
the non-stick CRISTEL frying or sauté pan for food such as eggs, fish or potatoes that require the use of more oil or fat to prevent sticking.

Question 15

How do I send my product back (returning via the Coliposte postal service)?

Accepted Answer

Our ordering system (which you can access by clicking the button below) lets you:

Determine the type of product to be recoated (frying pan, sauté pan, etc.);
Find out the cost of recoating;
Make a secure payment.

Once you have confirmed your order, you will receive a "Retour Colissimo" label (pre-paid postage label) by e-mail.

You should then:

Carefully pack your product(s) to be recoated;
Print out the pre-paid "Retour Colissimo" label and stick it on the package;
Leave your package at a Post Office or Colissimo drop-off point of your choice, free of charge

IMPORTANT: Recoating service is only available in France.

Question 16

How much does recoating cost?

Accepted Answer

The non-stick coating renewal service costs roughly one third of the price of a new product of the same diameter from the Mutine removable collection.

Our ordering system will give you the precise cost for recoating your cookware.

IMPORTANT: Recoating service is only available in France.

Question 17

What is recoating?

Accepted Answer

Ambient conditions or poor use can damage your non-stick coating. To avoid having to throw away the whole product, CRISTEL makes it possible to replace only the damaged part – the coating.

Recoating involves removing the used non-stick coating on a saucepan, frying pan, sauté pan, pancake pan, etc. in order to replace it with a new coating. Recoated products can therefore be used once again, while extending the life of the more durable parts, i.e. the body and handle of your cookware.

Recoating saves natural resources (raw materials, energy, etc.) and therefore contributes to protecting the environment. CRISTEL was the first manufacturer to develop this process in 2005.

IMPORTANT: Recoating service is only available in France.

Question 18

What are the special terms and conditions for the recoating service?

Accepted Answer

Selection of the product to be recoated

When you place your order, be sure to specify the correct product type (frying pan, sauté pan, etc.) and diameter.

Upon receipt of the product, CRISTEL will check that it corresponds to that specified in the order. In the event of an error:

If the price difference is in CRISTEL's favour and does not exceed €10, CRISTEL will retain the excess;
If the product cannot be recoated or if the price difference is not in CRISTEL's favour, your product will be returned in its current state and you will be reimbursed with a deduction of €15.

Withdrawal period

You have the right to a 14-day withdrawal period as of the date the order was placed.

If you have not yet sent back your product to be recoated, CRISTEL will fully reimburse your order.
If you have already posted your product, CRISTEL will send it back to you and reimburse the order, with a deduction made for return costs incurred.

You can read all the terms and conditions that apply to use of the recoating service in the CRISTEL online General Terms and Conditions of Sale.

IMPORTANT: Recoating service is only available in France.

Question 19

How long will it take before I receive my recoated product?

Accepted Answer

The dispatch lead time for recoated products is a maximum of four weeks following the date of receipt of your product at CRISTEL's workshops.

IMPORTANT: Recoating service is only available in France.

Question 20

Can my product be recoated?

Accepted Answer

In order for recoating to be possible, your non-stick product must:

Be made by CRISTEL;
Not be dented;
Belong to one of CRISTEL's "recoatable" collections:
- All collections with removable handles (excepted COOKWAY) ,
- Most collections with fixed handles (Casteline, Strate, Mutine, Mercure and Opale).

Our ordering system will help you to establish whether your product belongs to one of these collections and can be recoated.

IMPORTANT: Recoating service is only available in France.

Question 21

Accepted Answer

Question 22

Accepted Answer

Question 23

Accepted Answer

Question 24

Is this possible to remove the non-stick coating to get a full stainless steel fyingpan?

Accepted Answer

We can apply a non-stick coating to a fully stainless steel item.

However, the reverse process—removing a non-stick coating to obtain a fully stainless steel product—is technically impossible.
Indeed, in order to apply the non-stick coating, we need to prepare the interior surface of the product so that the coating adheres properly.

This preparation involves sandblasting the surface to make it more adhesive.
Unfortunately, our polishing processes cannot remove this surface preparation.
Moreover, we do not apply a non-stick coating to a product that has already been treated, as it would become unusable.

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