Great cook that I am, on my first use, I burnt 7-8 kernels; now I have a few black burnt spots. Best way to get rid of without ruining further?
931365
To remove burned-on food, fill the pan with enough warm, soapy water to cover the mess and let it sit for an hour. Then put the pan back on the burner and boil the soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. Let the water cool to the touch, then scrub with a nylon scouring pad. Wash out again with hot, soapy water, rinse and dry. Repeat for stubborn residue. Use a non-abrasive cleanser like Bon Ami Polishing Cleanser or Bar Keepers Friend for general cleaning, stain removal and keeping the cookware shiny as new. Don't use metal scouring pads or abrasive cleaners. Although they do an excellent job of removing stuck-on food, all stainless steel cookware makers caution that they will scratch the surface of the cookware. Instead, opt for nylon-net scouring pads, plastic or nylon brushes.
931366
Hi.I use pre-soaped SOS pads on the stainless. Burnt kernels come right off and its gentle enough so it does not scratch. I upgraded to the stainless popper for that reason, aluminum ones tend to stick more and scratch easily. Good luck!
1272463
I would just suggest from here on out, just use silicone spatulas to cook in it. I don't even use wooden stuff, just silicone. It's the gentlest on the surface. Always use just a little bit of oil, I usually cook with coconut oil or ghee. Sprays will damage the surface. And I always wait until the pan has cooled before washing. Sometimes I'll take a paper towel and just wipe it clean and leave it on the stove to cool. I also have a very gentle non-scratch dish sponge and as suggested, I use Dawn liquid soap. These were all on the packaging and it works pretty well for me. Hope that helps with the longevity of your pan! I would just suggest from here on out, just use silicone spatulas to cook in it. I don't even use wooden stuff, just silicone. It's the gentlest on the surface. Always use just a little bit of oil, I usually cook with coconut oil or ghee. Sprays will damage the surface. And I always wait until the pan has cooled before washing. Sometimes I'll take a paper towel and just wipe it clean and leave it on the stove to cool. I also have a very gentle non-scratch dish sponge and as suggested, I use Dawn liquid soap. These were all on the packaging and it works pretty well for me. Hope that helps... » Read More I would just suggest from here on out, just use silicone spatulas to cook in it. I don't even use wooden stuff, just silicone. It's the gentlest on the surface. Always use just a little bit of oil, I usually cook with coconut oil or ghee. Sprays will damage the surface. And I always wait until the pan has cooled before washing. Sometimes I'll take a paper towel and just wipe it clean and leave it on the stove to cool. I also have a very gentle non-scratch dish sponge and as suggested, I use Dawn liquid soap. These were all on the packaging and it works pretty well for me. Hope that helps with the longevity of your pan! « Show Less
1688419
The majority of the posts are positive. However, a few fuss about "breakage" and/or the heating element dying out after a couple of uses.What model is yours? I am begining to comprehend the proper uses and the best recipes, but "model numbers" are not given with the posts.MML
2137297
I have the exact same problem!! If I could return it I would. Not sure if I should throw it away or try cooking them twice? How long have you had yours?
316920
I have to agree with Michael...I sent mine back as it was scratched up, looked used and every time I plugged it in the controller smoked (I tried 8-10 times). Was afraid to even give it a whirl, so wouldn't recommend. My suggestion: invest in a 1600 watt portable induction cooktop and use your own clad induction ready cookware. With those you can use them as a slow cooker. It's the solution I finally came up with.I never took the opportunity to measure volume since, as I said, the controller smoked, even after leaving it plugged in for 30+ minutes 8-10 times. It did look to hold 4 qts. to the top, but would advise using only 2-3 qts., just in case it boiled over. I have to agree with Michael...I sent mine back as it was scratched up, looked used and every time I plugged it in the controller smoked (I tried 8-10 times). Was afraid to even give it a whirl, so wouldn't recommend. My suggestion: invest in a 1600 watt portable induction cooktop and use your own clad induction ready cookware. With those you can use them as a slow cooker. It's the solution I finally came up with.I never took the opportunity to measure volume since, as I said, the controller smoked, even after leaving it plugged in for 30+ minutes 8-10 times. It did look to hold... » Read More I have to agree with Michael...I sent mine back as it was scratched up, looked used and every time I plugged it in the controller smoked (I tried 8-10 times). Was afraid to even give it a whirl, so wouldn't recommend. My suggestion: invest in a 1600 watt portable induction cooktop and use your own clad induction ready cookware. With those you can use them as a slow cooker. It's the solution I finally came up with.I never took the opportunity to measure volume since, as I said, the controller smoked, even after leaving it plugged in for 30+ minutes 8-10 times. It did look to hold 4 qts. to the top, but would advise using only 2-3 qts., just in case it boiled over. « Show Less
93131
I lit the charcoal and closed it and let it burn the substance off. Then next day I used a grill brush on it. Cleaned off great.
1341994
After the third time that I used my WSM, I got little flakes falling from the inside of the lid, onto the cooking grates. Since then, I have given the inside of the lid a quick wipe with a paper towel, soon after I finish smoking, while it is warm and moist. Everything I have read recommends that you clean the cooking grates after every use, with crumpled aluminum foil or wire grate cleaning tool. It is easy to do. I like to wipe the water bowl. I don't get it shiny clean, but I don't line it with foil and it usually gets a lot of grease drippings in it, which I like to remove. I don't know how much harm would come if you didn't wipe the bowl. After the third time that I used my WSM, I got little flakes falling from the inside of the lid, onto the cooking grates. Since then, I have given the inside of the lid a quick wipe with a paper towel, soon after I finish smoking, while it is warm and moist. Everything I have read recommends that you clean the cooking grates after every use, with crumpled aluminum foil or wire grate cleaning tool. It is easy to do. I like to wipe the water bowl. I don't get it shiny clean, but I don't line it with foil and it usually gets a lot of grease drippings in it, which I like to remove. I don't know... » Read More After the third time that I used my WSM, I got little flakes falling from the inside of the lid, onto the cooking grates. Since then, I have given the inside of the lid a quick wipe with a paper towel, soon after I finish smoking, while it is warm and moist. Everything I have read recommends that you clean the cooking grates after every use, with crumpled aluminum foil or wire grate cleaning tool. It is easy to do. I like to wipe the water bowl. I don't get it shiny clean, but I don't line it with foil and it usually gets a lot of grease drippings in it, which I like to remove. I don't know how much harm would come if you didn't wipe the bowl. « Show Less
493038
I think I may have used a bit of olive oil when I sauteed something. The unit didn't last long - very disappointing - would not purchase again. Sorry...
1309063
My problem was similar to yours - burnt pasta sauce. I soaked the inside of the pot with hot water and the new Dawn Ultra. The next morning the bottom scrubbed clean but left a dark stain. The stain was completely removed using the Dormond product. Cheers.
873123
Yes mine is now blackish. I don't know if I'm not adding enough oil to it or what but food does stick :(
1669731
sorry, can't help--never had hot spots or burning of food. i've only had it for months tho so who knows.
1153398
One method that works for me is to pour a table spoon or two of a high temperature oil such as grapeseed, canola or sunflower oil into the pan and get it very hot. Then wipe out the pan until it is dry with a big wad of paper towel. BE CAREFUL! The oil is VERY hot! This generally frees up anything clogging the surface and restores the non-stick properties. Again, TAKE CARE with doing this! Then before each use, a wipe with a paper towel with a little oil on it will keep it seasoned. As others have mentioned, high heat for normal cooking with these pans isn't necessary but they will clog after a lot of use. One method that works for me is to pour a table spoon or two of a high temperature oil such as grapeseed, canola or sunflower oil into the pan and get it very hot. Then wipe out the pan until it is dry with a big wad of paper towel. BE CAREFUL! The oil is VERY hot! This generally frees up anything clogging the surface and restores the non-stick properties. Again, TAKE CARE with doing this! Then before each use, a wipe with a paper towel with a little oil on it will keep it seasoned. As others have mentioned, high heat for normal cooking with these pans isn't necessary but they will clog... » Read More One method that works for me is to pour a table spoon or two of a high temperature oil such as grapeseed, canola or sunflower oil into the pan and get it very hot. Then wipe out the pan until it is dry with a big wad of paper towel. BE CAREFUL! The oil is VERY hot! This generally frees up anything clogging the surface and restores the non-stick properties. Again, TAKE CARE with doing this! Then before each use, a wipe with a paper towel with a little oil on it will keep it seasoned. As others have mentioned, high heat for normal cooking with these pans isn't necessary but they will clog after a lot of use. « Show Less
2041889
I'm using a wire brush. Spray it with a high heat cooking oil after it cools . . .
415700
We just bought ours and washed it for first time tonight. Before packing her first lunch, we noticed the black smudges, mostly in grooves and near edges though also some on flatter portions of the pieces. After scrubbing and scraping, it mostly is coming off. It looks like something burned or remnants from manufacturing (since ours is brand new). I emailed the company for information; we'll see if they replace.
2134076
I used the "heat pan and scrub like heck all over the cooking surface with paper towel and coarse salt" method. Act like you are attempting to grind the salt into the stainless steel. It worked very well on this pan.
837882
You are supposed to preheat it with out the kernals in it. Then shut it off and add kernals. There are no guarantees that all the kernals will pop though. Good luck and read the instructions if you have them.
2099041
On the older models I used oil with no problem. On the newer models I have not used oil and they still burn. Used two inserts last night. They have changed something with the popcorn maker. I have time to return one, and will. Now I have to find a new one. I had really liked this one for years, but there is something wrong. I even reduced the time of cooking to under 2 minutes to 1 minute 38 seconds, Still had a burned cup and popcorn. Also I take the tab and pull the cup out to cool and it is melted into the plastic on the bottom.