After a few uses the stainless steel / aluminum (whatever it is) lining has turned brownish on the bottom. Is this normal? Should I stop using it?
426310
I have used Hot Shots for over 30 years - the earlier ones did get stained but the two new ones I just got (for different rooms) have not done so yet. Might be the water. Occasionally, one would burn out because it was accidently turned on without water.
426311
Hi, S. I just looked at mine and it is like that only in the bottom where water has been sitting that didn't evaporate or get poured out completely. Are you making sure it's dry after each use? I suspect it may just be staining from gross minerally stuff in the water, but I'm no scientist.
426312
I'm pretty sure it's mineral build-up from your water. Try letting a diluted vinegar solution sit in it (not hot) for 30 minutes or so, clean it out with a sponge or rag, then rinse. You don't need anything super abrasive but sometimes a little elbow grease is required.
426313
My current HotShot is new and this has not happened. However, my older one (still in use 10 yrs at office) darkened and I have not experienced any problems as a result. I would not be worried if it happened with my new one but the questions should be put to Sunbeam. Other responses offer good suggestions, IMHO.
426314
Mine did't turn brown, but it does get lime deposits after a while. Soaking in vinegar and water might help.
426315
After you cleaned the unit, try using only filtered water to minimize the problem.
1074923
I don't know, I'm not a metals expert (how would you know?). I can say that after 2 years of use it still looks descent, like stainless steel, on the outside--- but is stained, grungy & rusty on the inside (and we always use biodegradable liners).
452164
When I worked in my Mother's Restaurant, we cleaned all of the Stainless Steel with Club Soda! I know it sounds strange, but they all shined like new afterward, and no fingerprints! Hope this helps!
929241
We have had ours for well over a year, in constant use, and the bottom, directly above the heat element, has discolored to nearly black. In addition there are brown-ish rust colored areas on the outside anywhere water drops tend to accumulate. Our water is known to have a measurable iron content, so it is hard to say if the pot is corroding or if the water is depositing iron salts onto the metal. Either way it is not harmful in any way. Iron oxide is not toxic, and any corrosion would confined to the very surface where it presents no hazard of "rusting though".
102359
The body is definitely non-ferrous; to me it looks and feels more like stainless than aluminum. The bottom is a ferrous metal, perhaps cast iron, clad by the same material as the body. No rusting or corrosion of any kind observed (also pointing to stainless as the product; aluminum kettles usually develop pitting). We do not let the pot boil to empty and we measure the water so that after use the pot is empty.
1747789
I am definitely having an issue with the coating. I have submitted a question to Circulon for a replacement. My pans were bought Dec 2nd, 2013. The main problem i've had is with -- of all the pans -- the stockpot, which we use mostly for boiling things, sauces, soups. The coating seems to be coming off more and more, and it isn't inside the grooves, it is on top. We do use metal utensils, but you are supposed to be able to use that.. and it's not like we are frying in the pan (though, again, it says metal utensil safe). I'm wondering if we somehow got a bad batch, as so many people seem to say the coating stay. I am definitely having an issue with the coating. I have submitted a question to Circulon for a replacement. My pans were bought Dec 2nd, 2013. The main problem i've had is with -- of all the pans -- the stockpot, which we use mostly for boiling things, sauces, soups. The coating seems to be coming off more and more, and it isn't inside the grooves, it is on top. We do use metal utensils, but you are supposed to be able to use that.. and it's not like we are frying in the pan (though, again, it says metal utensil safe). I'm wondering if we somehow got a bad batch, as so many people seem to... » Read More I am definitely having an issue with the coating. I have submitted a question to Circulon for a replacement. My pans were bought Dec 2nd, 2013. The main problem i've had is with -- of all the pans -- the stockpot, which we use mostly for boiling things, sauces, soups. The coating seems to be coming off more and more, and it isn't inside the grooves, it is on top. We do use metal utensils, but you are supposed to be able to use that.. and it's not like we are frying in the pan (though, again, it says metal utensil safe). I'm wondering if we somehow got a bad batch, as so many people seem to say the coating stay. « Show Less
1750432
not really sure since I have not yet ran into that problem. However, it sounds like the coating is just wearing off.
1428553
Stainless is better for you than aluminum or teflon coated. Sticking can be an issue but I have not found it to be with the two brands of stainless I own. Cleans up like a charm and heats evenly. Keep a can of stainless steel cleaner or a Mr Clean Eraser to make it shine. Enjoy your new stainless!
615086
No the inner lining including the bottom, is all one piece and made of aluminum. It does not bother me. I do not see how that affects the food in the inner pot. It does get dirty and stained easily which I keep clean by adding some vinegar to the water inside every now and then.
1047984
@TJL Bates: I bought this set when I was forced to change my cookware because we transitioned to an induction cooktop. I have been nothing but thrilled (and I'm an avid home chef)! I use metal utensils all the time with this cookware! Admittedly, I avoided doing so at first, but eventually habit and mindlessness took over. I've seen some superficial marks on the cookware immediately after cooking, but nothing significant that didn't also come off after cleaning. If you like your cookware to look brand new after lots of use, then maybe avoid metal utensils, but if you're just asking for durability of everyday use I think you'll be very happy with this cookware set, however you may use it! BTW- make the very small investment in a bottle of Bartender's Friend (an excellent Stainless Steel cleaner if you're not familiar) and practically anything you do to this or any other cookware will virtually disappear.
1476371
For me, it didn't rust, but the metal on the bottom inside became splotchy and discolored. And it happened after the first time of use. You can see what it looks like here: http://tinypic.com/r/zv6h3d/5 (I still use it though.)
2145830
according to WearEver, just the first time of use. washing it in a mild detergent with a soft sponge shall also keep the ceramic in excellent shape. don't ever try cooking anything on high heat as for many foods, you don't need it. The bottom of this cookwear is the only problem as it changes color from use as it is harder to clean with the groves in the bottom of the pans. you will see a "brown" color appear after some useage on an electric stove.
2170611
Well, the inside of the bottom (where the water goes) "looks" like is has some kind of coating to me. Others have mentioned this as well in their reviews. Personally, I have been using it for over a year now and it still looks like it did when I bought it. So, don't know what the coating is but it looks like it's there to stay and not coming off like the Aluminum Bialetti's do. Hope this helps.
1970256
Try a stainless steel pad, very gently. I cut mine down and did not have that problem.
1788504
I am thinking of getting one too - I am just reading ingesting small amounts of rust isn't harmful, and various cleaning techniques can help (baking soda, bottle brushes). I think I will take the risk and just make an extra effort to make sure it's dry when it's not in use. I can't imagine that it's made of any but food-grade stainless steel...
992099
It's stainless steel so I wouldn't worry about that.... It doesn't look porous @ all...but I'm no professional...I have some and I'm not worried
609729
The wire is stainless steel, however even that will pit in an acid environment. I've gotten pitting in my steel pans from wine sauces or vinegar so there's no escaping it. I would be certain to rinse after using and wash promptly. I certaining wouldn't leave it (or any metal material) in an acid environment for long.