do you have to preheat the pan every time you use it? Mine came with a card that read, bring 2 inches of water to a boil,discard, then make your meal
442908
I am trying to think why the company suggest this.I can't come up with anything.even if I brown meat I don't pre heat the pan,,and have not had any problems..sounds odd to me,,,,,
442909
I have had mine for a couple years now, I have never ever preheated it. I use it mostly for soup and spaghetti
442910
No Way :) Perhaps for the first time, but I use this INCREDIBLE TOOL often, never preheat, and it's amazing. Never have burned ANYTHING..I do cook stuff at a lower heat now, but -- as expensive as this pot IS-- it's well worth the price!
1890824
You have to be careful that the pan does not get too hot, but it doesn't smoke. After preheating the pan, then I lower the heat to cook the food.
1063176
I've noticed that when I refill food I have to push to 'start now' (if I am refilling at meal time) or it gets confused. It's like it needs a reset every time you take the cover off. Otherwise it works ok for me. I don't know if there is an online manual.
722671
I'd say it depends on what you're cooking. If you're re-hydrating meals it will be able to boil enough water easily. If you're trying to cook meat on it I'd suggest something else since you'll probably only fit one piece of meat on it at a time. You could perhaps try a stir-fry type meal in a pan but the only thing I've done with it is boil water for coffee and to re-hydrate a pre-packaged meal. One of those was enough for 3 of us but we're kind of tiny people. However, I don't see it having an issue boiling enough water to make 2 dehydrated meals at once.
1241555
With cast iron, you have to season by rubbing some oil on the inside of the pan & putting on a low heat burner for a bit before you use it. It needs to be done a few times - you will see it build up & more so the more you use it & never let it soak in water!!! This is a pre-seasoned pan (so you DON'T have to do the seasoning). I got it as a gift & it was shipped to that person - so, never got to see the pan or any of the literature that came with it - you will need to ask the manufacturer how they season it & what is used in the process of the seansoning. Sorry I couldn't help you more. Thanks, D.Wertz With cast iron, you have to season by rubbing some oil on the inside of the pan & putting on a low heat burner for a bit before you use it. It needs to be done a few times - you will see it build up & more so the more you use it & never let it soak in water!!! This is a pre-seasoned pan (so you DON'T have to do the seasoning). I got it as a gift & it was shipped to that person - so, never got to see the pan or any of the literature that came with it - you will need to ask the manufacturer how they season it & what is used in the process of the seansoning. Sorry I couldn't help you more.... » Read More With cast iron, you have to season by rubbing some oil on the inside of the pan & putting on a low heat burner for a bit before you use it. It needs to be done a few times - you will see it build up & more so the more you use it & never let it soak in water!!! This is a pre-seasoned pan (so you DON'T have to do the seasoning). I got it as a gift & it was shipped to that person - so, never got to see the pan or any of the literature that came with it - you will need to ask the manufacturer how they season it & what is used in the process of the seansoning. Sorry I couldn't help you more. Thanks, D.Wertz « Show Less
1651496
It is automatic. If you want less, save the residue to reheat. If you want more you would have to make two servings. There is no way to stop the procedure mid-way that I know of. I have three of these machines and two models have an option to add more water.
2213081
A lot of people suggest preheating cast iron before cooking. Especially when making pizza that is not possible since I spread the dough on the pan. I say no, not required.
1678859
No. The first one I had worked every time, for seven years. I only boiled water, nothing else. My first one finally died two years ago. I bought a second one, and it works every time. I only boil water. I don't cook with it, or heat any other liquid. I use it at work to boil water for tea or hot chocolate. I unplug it after each use, and don't leave water sitting in it over the weekend. I use it at work from September to June, never over the summer.
504653
No preheat needed, just add a little oil, load with food items, microwave for recommended time, and let set to finish cycle. It's been an amazing device for meat, fish, and poultry! I'm not a shill... just a well fed buyer, with a happy wife. ~Paulhttp://www.microhearth.com/index.cfm
2017823
Yes but you still need to pre-heat it/let it get hot like usual before cooking
848232
Yes, I personally like to use a little oil/spray before cooking. Keeps the pan in new condition and food tastes better.
1502702
Jack, I didn't notice that effect with the one I'm using, I would guess perhaps the problem migth be happening due to overheat the pan ! Since I bought it I took very serious the recomendation not to heat it too much and not too fast. Hope this help
2111136
I e-mailed the distributor and explained the problem of having something that I couldn't use and they e-mailed me not only the directions but recipes. It's easy to use once you know what you have. Hope you have as much success as I did. I use it very often and really like the convenience and the fact that it doesn't heat up my kitchen. I live on the desert so hate anything that adds heat. Good luck
1863007
I always run water throught it when I first get any coffee pot! Then I run coffee through it and run water again through it! I guess you call it a little prep before I actually drink it!
1273431
You have to learn to cook with stainless... you need to heat up the pan first than add a little oil. If you do it right you almost never have any problems, put hot water in the pan once you are done cooking. You may have to clean up a pan every once in a while, just use Barkeepers Friend as said.
1640678
I do not, I am very careful not to put any thing hot on it, if I do I have a pot holder on the bottom. I do use the extra space while getting everything ready for cooking.
1473154
You need to cook with boiling water..some meals require you to add to boiling water and then reduce heat to simmer for 15-18 minutes. Hope this is helpful.