RACO SmartStart Stainless Steel 5 Piece Set: First Use FAQ
By RACO Australia | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Avaliações de Produtos
Unpacking your RACO SmartStart 5 piece set? Get straight answers on first-use washing, induction setup, heat settings, and everyday care for stainless steel pans.
Quick answer
Before the first cook, wash each piece with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Then start on medium heat and let the pan heat gradually—stainless steel and induction both reward a little patience.
Why the first wash matters more than you think
New stainless steel can carry a light film from manufacturing and packing. A quick wash removes it so your first meal tastes like food, not factory. It also gives you a chance to check each piece for fit and finish before use.
Induction needs a flat base and the right pan size
The SmartStart set is induction-suitable, but the pan must sit flat on the cooking zone. If a pan wobbles, the induction coil may not connect properly. Match the pan base to the zone size—too small a pan on a large zone wastes energy and can heat unevenly.
Heat control: the habit that prevents sticking
Stainless steel is not non-stick, and that is fine once you learn to preheat. Start on medium, add oil after the pan is hot, and let the food release naturally before flipping. High heat is rarely needed for everyday cooking and can discolour the steel over time.
First-use questions, answered
- Do I need to season the pans before first use?
- No. Stainless steel does not require seasoning like cast iron. A wash and a light oil coating during cooking are enough. Skip the oven-seasoning step—it is not needed here.
- Can I put the set in the dishwasher?
- The catalog does not specify dishwasher suitability. Hand washing with warm soapy water and immediate drying is the safest routine to protect the high-polished finish. If you want to preserve the shine, treat hand washing as the default.
- How do I know if my induction cooktop is compatible?
- Place a pan on the zone and turn it on. If the cooktop does not detect the pan, the base may not be ferromagnetic or may be too small for the zone. The SmartStart set is induction-suitable, so check the zone size first. Test with the largest pan in the set before assuming a fault.
- What is the first thing I should cook?
- Start with something simple and oily, like sautéed vegetables or pancakes. These foods give you visual feedback on heat control without the pressure of a delicate sauce. Use the first cook to learn the pan, not to impress guests.
- How do I remove heat tint or rainbow marks?
- Heat tint is a normal oxide film on stainless steel. A little white vinegar or a stainless steel cleaner on a soft cloth can lift it. Avoid abrasive scouring pads on the polished exterior. Treat discolouration as cosmetic, not damage.
Product facts
- RACO SmartStart Stainless Steel Induction 5 Piece Cookware Set: Impact-bonded base for fast, even heat. Even heating reduces hot spots, so your first pancakes and sauces cook more predictably.
RACO SmartStart Stainless Steel Induction 5 Piece Cookware Set

