Marianne Martinez
Matfer Bourgeat pans are made of carbon steel and are designed for performance and longevity in professional kitchen environments. However, some users have reported warping issues with these pans. Warping can occur due to rapid temperature changes, such as placing a cold pan on a hot stove or submerging a hot pan in cold water. Additionally, the use of high heat, especially on flat-top stoves, can cause warping due to differential heating and thermal expansion. While Matfer pans are generally well-regarded for their heat retention and conductivity, the occurrence of warping may be a cause for concern for some users.
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What You'll Learn
Matfer Bourgeat pans can arrive warped
To prevent warping, it is recommended to avoid extreme temperature changes and heat the pans gently, especially when using a flat-top or induction cooktop. Users should also avoid placing a cold pan on a hot flat-top, as the temperature differential can cause warping. When using an induction burner, it is suggested to bring the pan up to medium-high heat slowly, starting with low or medium-low heat first.
If a Matfer Bourgeat pan arrives warped, it can be unwarped using heat and a rubber mallet. The pan is heated up on an induction cooktop, placed on a heat-resistant surface, and hammered with a rubber mallet until it becomes flat again. This process can be repeated as needed to achieve the desired level of flatness.
It is important to note that some warping may be unavoidable over time, especially when cooking on electric or induction stovetops. Pans that have warped once are also more prone to warp again. However, with proper care and gentle heating, the likelihood of warping can be reduced.
If you receive a warped Matfer Bourgeat pan, you can contact their customer service for assistance. Matfer Bourgeat offers a limited lifetime warranty on their black carbon steel cookware, so they may be able to provide a replacement or a solution to the warping issue.
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Pans may warp due to temperature change
To prevent warping due to temperature change, it is recommended to warm pans gently so that the heat has time to spread to the sides of the pan. On an induction or glass cooktop, it is suggested to bring the pan up to medium-high heat slowly, spending some time on low, medium-low, and medium heat first. Additionally, when using a flat-top, it is important to avoid thermal shock by not placing a cold pan on a hot surface, as this can also cause warping.
If a Matfer pan does warp, it is possible to unwarp it using heat and a rubber mallet. The pan is heated up on an induction cooktop and then placed on a heat-resistant surface. A rubber mallet is then used to hammer on the convex side of the pan, which helps to flatten it. This process may need to be repeated a few times until the pan is flat enough.
It is worth noting that some users have reported receiving Matfer pans that were already warped upon purchase. In these cases, it may be a result of the manufacturing process, such as the stamping or tempering process. Matfer Bourgeat offers a limited lifetime warranty on their cookware, so customers can contact their customer service for support if they encounter any issues with warping.
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Warping can be caused by rapid heating
Matfer Bourgeat pans are made of black carbon steel and designed for performance and longevity in professional kitchen environments. However, carbon steel pans are prone to warping, and this can be caused by rapid heating.
Carbon steel is not very thermally conductive, with a rating of 15-30 W/mK, compared to 400-415 W/mK for copper. This means that when a carbon steel pan is placed on a hot flat-top, the bottom of the pan heats up much faster than the sides. This creates a temperature difference of over 100˚ between the bottom and the sides, and the bottom expands more than the sidewalls, causing the pan to warp. Pans with thicker bases are less prone to warping, as they retain heat better and heat up more evenly.
Induction burners can also cause pans to warp, as they apply heat very rapidly, causing some parts to warm up faster than others. Matfer Bourgeat recommends that if you are using their black carbon steel pan on an induction or glass cooktop, you should bring the pan up to medium-high heat slowly, spending 15-20 seconds on low, medium-low, and medium heat first.
In addition, cooling a hot pan too quickly can also cause warping. This can happen when a hot pan is placed in a sink and filled with cold water. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid doing this and to allow pans to cool down slowly.
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Pans can be flattened with a hammer
Firstly, heat the pan on low for several minutes. Then, place the pan on a flat, durable surface, such as a concrete floor or workbench. It is recommended to place a towel down between the pan and the flat surface, as well as another towel directly on top of the warped metal, to act as a cushion. If the pan is warped so that the crown is on the outside, you will need to rest the lip of the pan on a flat surface so that the handle does not touch the surface. If the pan is warped so the crown is on the inside, cut the wood to fit inside the pan.
Next, take a hammer and start pounding the metal flat. It is recommended to use a nylon hammer to avoid marking the pan. For heavily warped pans, try the wood block method. Place a wooden block on the metal and hammer it, distributing the blows to the metal. You can also use a 2x4 piece of wood and hammer all over its entire length while revolving the pan so that the entire pan surface is hammered.
It is important to note that this method is best for pans that are not severely warped. Warped pans are more prone to warping again, and the pan metal will develop a warp "memory". Straightened pans will warp more easily than those that were never warped. At some point, the pans will need to be replaced.
To prevent pans from warping, avoid exposing them to high heat for too long. Do not put a hot pan in a sink full of water, and avoid deglazing a lot with cold water, as this can warp cheap pans. Additionally, ensure that your burner is not too small for the pan, as this can cause concentrated heat in the centre of the pan, leading to warping.
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Warping can be caused by burner size
Warping of Matfer pans can be caused by a variety of factors, and one of the key factors is burner size. If the burner is too small for the pan, heat is concentrated in the centre, causing the middle of the pan to rise higher than the edges. This issue is more common with electric burners but can also occur with gas burners.
To prevent warping due to burner size, it is important to ensure that the pan is the appropriate size for the burner. The pan should be placed on the burner so that the heat is distributed evenly across the entire surface of the pan. Additionally, it is recommended to heat pans gradually, especially when using induction or electric burners, to prevent thermal shock and reduce the risk of warping.
While burner size can be a contributing factor, other factors such as rapid temperature changes, the cooling method, and the manufacturing process can also cause warping in Matfer pans. Some users have reported warping after only a few uses, while others have found that their pans remain flat even after extended periods of use.
To minimise the risk of warping, it is recommended to avoid extreme temperatures and sudden temperature changes when using Matfer pans. Users should also be cautious when cooling hot pans, as running cold water directly into a hot pan or placing it in a sink filled with water can cause warping.
Although warping can be frustrating, it is important to note that minor warping may not significantly affect the pan's performance. As long as the pan maintains decent contact with the heat source and does not pool oil excessively, it can still be used for cooking various dishes. However, if warping becomes severe, it can be corrected by flattening the pan or seeking professional metalworking services.
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Frequently asked questions
Matfer pans are made of carbon steel, which is not very thermally conductive. This means that the bottom of the pan gets hotter than the sides, and the resulting temperature difference causes the pan to warp. Pans are also more prone to warping when exposed to very high heat or when they are cooled quickly by running cold water in them or putting them in a sink of water.
Pans are less likely to warp if they are heated gently, spending 15-20 seconds on low, medium-low, and medium heat first. Pans should also not be cooled quickly by running cold water in them or putting them in a sink of water.
Warped pans can be flattened with a hammer or mallet. To flatten a pan, heat it up and place it on a thick dry towel on a heat-resistant surface. Place another dry towel over the pan and hammer on the convex side until it is flat.
