RACO SmartRelease+ 30cm Covered Saute: What to Cook and How
By RACO Australia | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Product Reviews
A practical buying guide to the RACO SmartRelease+ 30cm covered saute: what it cooks well, how to use its 4.3L depth, and when a different pan suits you better.
Quick answer
Buy the RACO SmartRelease+ 30cm covered saute if you want one deep nonstick pan for weeknight braises, one-pan pasta, shallow frying and cooktop-to-oven dishes. Skip it if you mainly need a lightweight toss pan or a small pan for one or two eggs.
Why the 4.3L depth changes what you can cook
A 30cm saute with a lid and 4.3L capacity sits between a frypan and a Dutch oven. The straight-ish sides hold more liquid and food than a frypan of the same diameter, so you can simmer a sauce, wilt a full bunch of greens or stir pasta without ingredients climbing out.
That depth is also the main trade-off: it is heavier and bulkier than a standard frypan, and tossing food by flicking the pan is harder. Treat it as a cooking vessel you stir with a spoon, not a wok.
Nonstick and induction: what to expect in daily use
The SmartRelease+ nonstick coating is the reason to choose this pan for eggs, fish, sticky sauces and cheese-heavy dishes. It also means you should use silicone, wood or plastic utensils and avoid high-heat searing that can shorten coating life.
For induction cooktops, the pan's suitability depends on the base; check the product listing for the induction symbol before buying. If you cook on gas or electric, the same pan works, but keep the heat moderate to protect the coating.
Where a covered saute beats a frypan or a pot
Use the lid when you want steam to finish the food: braising chicken thighs, softening onions, cooking rice-style one-pan meals or melting cheese over a sauce. Without the lid, it works as a deep frypan for bacon, sausages, stir-fries and pan-fried noodles.
It does not replace a large stockpot for boiling pasta or a small saucepan for sauces. If those are your main tasks, buy those pans first and add the saute later.
Decision rules for buying and using this saute
- Choose this pan if: You cook for three or more people and want one deep nonstick pan for braises, one-pan pasta, shallow frying and oven finishing. Check your oven's maximum temperature and the pan's handle rating before putting it under the grill.
- Choose a frypan instead if: You mainly flip omelettes, toss vegetables or cook quick single servings and want a lighter pan. A 24–28cm frypan is easier to handle for fast, high-heat cooking.
- Choose a pot instead if: You mostly boil large volumes of water, make stock or cook rice in quantity. A covered saute is not a stockpot; match the pan to the liquid volume you actually use.
- Check induction compatibility: Confirm the pan carries an induction-compatible base marking before buying for an induction hob. If the listing does not state induction suitability, ask the retailer before purchase.
- Protect the nonstick coating: Use silicone, wood or plastic utensils, wash by hand where possible and avoid preheating an empty pan on high heat. Store with a protective pad or paper towel between pans to prevent scratches.
Product facts
- RACO SmartRelease+ Nonstick 30cm/4.3L Covered Saute: SmartRelease+ nonstick coating, PFOA free with no lead or cadmium. Food releases more easily and you can cook with less oil, but the coating still needs gentle utensils and moderate heat.
RACO SmartRelease+ Nonstick 30cm/4.3L Covered Saute - RACO SmartRelease+ Nonstick 30cm/4.3L Covered Saute: 30cm covered saute with 4.3L capacity and a lid. The size suits family portions and one-pan meals, while the lid lets you braise and steam rather than only fry.
- RACO SmartRelease+ Nonstick 30cm/4.3L Covered Saute: Designed for cooktop-to-oven dishes. You can start on the hob and finish in the oven, provided you check the handle and lid are oven-safe for your temperature.
Who should buy it
Best for
- Home cooks who want one deep nonstick pan for family-sized one-pan meals
- Cooks who braise, steam and finish dishes in the oven
- Induction cooks who have confirmed the pan's base is compatible
Not for
- Buyers who want a light pan for fast tossing and flipping
- Cooks who mainly boil pasta or make stock in large quantities
- Anyone who needs a small pan for one or two portions
