Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to several common questions about Lifetime Cookware.  We also encourage you to view the use and care help videos using the link above.

Can I fry an egg without oil?

Yes, but it takes some practice.  The easiest solution is to use a small amount of Pam cooking spray on a cold pan.  As the pan preheats, the pam droplets will become a thin even coating.  When the pan is preheated, add eggs.  As the fried egg cooks, the bottom will solidify, at which point it can be slid around the pan or flipped over.  If cooking scrambled eggs, wait until the bottom layer has solidified before stirring.

Eggs do not contain oil the way that meat does, so using Pam as a helper makes it much easier.  Oil is actually extracted from meats as you cook, reducing this unnecessary consumption of oil.  This extracted oil is what helps meat not stick, bacon is a good example.

Click here to watch the How To Cook Eggs help video.

Can I "hard boil" eggs without water?

Yes, easily.  If you are cooking other meats or vegetables, try adding a whole egg on top for the fun of it!  The steam created by the minimal moisture in your meat or vegetables will be sufficient to cook an egg.  You'll even notice that the gray around the yolk is pleasantly missing.

If cooking a pan full of just eggs, add 1/8 inch water to the bottom of the pan.  Steam can also be created using nothing more than a wet paper towel, but 1/8 inch of water is quick and easy.  You can cook as many eggs as will fit in the pan with the lid on.

Click here to watch the How To Cook Eggs help video.

Can I still cook "regular" with oil and water if desired?

Yes, of course.  Just cook as you would with typical stainless cookware.  However due to the multi-layer construction, high heat is too much for anything except boiling, so stay between medium and low for best results.

What is the recommended cooking time for various meats and vegetables?

Please see the Recipes link above for a quick reference guide to common meats and vegetables.

Can my favorite family recipe be converted to the waterless and greaseless method?

You may find that your favorite recipe tastes better when the meat portion is prepared greaseless and the vegetable portion is prepared waterless, then combined.  Nearly all recipes can be adjusted this way. 

Do I need to use water to cook rice or pasta?

Yes, use the normal amount of water.

Why is the lid/cover stuck, is it damaged?

The vapor seal that allows you to cook waterless can be very strong.  When the temperature inside the pan decreases, a vacuum seal is created that can usually be released with little to no resistance.  If a simple twist and pull does not remove the lid, turn up the heat to a slightly warmer setting.  The expanding air inside will release the lid.  Note that if the pan has been sitting cold, and the contents are now cold, it may take a few minutes.  If the contents are mostly liquid, such as cold soup, it will take as long as boiling a similar amount of water.  Similarly, do not place a hot lid face down on a glass top stove, as a vacuum can be created that is difficult to release.

I cooked rice and then washed my pan in the dishwasher. The pan looks discolored and has a funny looking pattern in the bottom of it. Did I damage the pan?

No, the pan is not harmed.  This does happen when cooking some foods, it is normal.  The stainless steel is simply not all the way clean yet, although it is usually fine to cook with.  No foods or particles will permanantly stick to surgical grade stainless steel, but there may be residue remaining from cooking, minerals left from evaporated water, or perhaps even dishwasher detergent.  These can be removed too.  Any pan can be restored to nearly new looking with a little Bar Keepers Friend powder, a stainless cleaner.  Use some powder, a little water, and rub in circles using a paper towel, then rinse/wash as normal.  This is also the solution for stubborn water spots.  Only use Bar Keepers Friend on the inside of the pan, not the polished outside surface.

Are all Lifetime products dishwasher safe?  What kind of dishwasher detergent should I use?

Yes, all products can go in the dishwasher, except electric plugs.  However, it is not recommended to put the cookware handles, or the rubber suction cup base of the Kitchen Kutter, in the dishwasher.  While it will not ruin it immediately, repeatedly dishwashering the rubber suction cup will degrade its ability to adhere to the counter top.  This is not covered under the Lifetime warranty.  Recommended cleaning for the Kitchen Kutter is to put the cutting cones in the dishwasher, the crank too if necessary, and wipe the base clean with a wet rag or paper towel. 

Use a dishwasher detergent that is phosphate-free, such as Cascade Complete.  This distinction will be noted on the packaging of all common brands.  Phosphates contribute to the "cloudy" appearance of glasses put in the dishwasher.  The same thing will happen to your cookware, handles and knobs.  Keep your cookware, and the rest of your dishes, looking great with phosphate-free dishwasher detergent!

My handles are becoming discolored after putting them in the dishwasher, why?

It is not recommended to put detachable handles in the dishwasher, as it simply takes up more room.  For short handles and knobs, using a phosphate-free dishwasher detergent will help keep the handles and knobs looking their best.  Water quality varies, and lime buildup on handles may cause them to look faded or turning white over time.  Interestingly enough, placing your handles and knobs in actual lime juice, or lemmon juice, will help break up these deposits so they can be wiped clean.  A little mineral oil will also help restore the lustre of old handles.  As Lifetime Cookware lasts a very long time, and is made from high contrast surfaces like polished stainless steel with black handles, so it is common to notice this type of mineral buildup over time.  Cheap pans are usually thrown away before this buildup is noticiable.

I just want to replace my handles, can I order new ones?

Yes, current generation handles can be purchased from an authorized Lifetime Cookware distributor.  Often it is possible to put new style handles on older Lifetime sets.  For warranty claims and older style handles, please contact Regal Ware Inc. to determine the correct handle for your cookware year.

Can I use a cover on the gourmet skillets?

Yes, but it is typically unnecessary.  Matching gourmet skillet covers are available, but gourmet skillets are generally sold without covers because they are not intended to be waterless pans.  They do not have the same vapor seal lip that waterless pans do.  They are intended to be used for quick breakfast foods such as eggs and pancakes, where the lighter weight and curved sides makes flipping eggs in the air easier if you are daring!  If you are simply trying to temporarily cover up the skillet, any Lifetime cover will do.

Why are gourmet skillet handles not detachable?  Do they get hot?

You may be inclined to flip eggs and pancakes in the gourmet skillets, so the handles are permanently attached to avoid accidentally detaching it while performing manuvers.  The handles are hollow and do not get hot.  If the flame from a gas stove is creaping around the side of the pan and touching the handle, it will get hot, but that is using way too much gas.  Remember that medium to low temperatures are all that is necessary.

How does the Lifetime Warranty work?

All Lifetime Cookware sets are shipped with a warranty card.  It is important to fill out and return this card to Regal Ware, Inc. as instructed.  Lifetime Cookware lasts a very long time and may have changed hands one or more times.  Filling out your warranty card ensures that you are recorded as the original owner and entitled to the warranty.

To contact the warranty department, please visit the corporate website located here:

http://www.lifetimecookware.com/lten/CustomerCare/Lifetime_Warranty.htm