Use, Care & Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know to maintain your David Burke cookware and achieve professional results in your kitchen. From first use to daily care and troubleshooting.

Before First Use

Proper preparation ensures optimal performance and longevity of your David Burke cookware. Follow these simple steps before using your pans for the first time.

1

Remove Protective Packaging

Carefully remove all labels, stickers, and protective packaging materials from your cookware. Some stainless steel pieces may have a protective film that needs to be peeled off.

2

Wash Thoroughly

Wash your cookware in warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth. This removes any factory oils, polishes, or residues from manufacturing and shipping. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

3

Dry Completely

Dry your cookware immediately with a soft, clean towel. This prevents water spots, especially on stainless steel surfaces, and ensures your pans are ready for their first use.

4

Season Non-Stick Surfaces (Optional)

For Black Cube and GeoClad collections, you may optionally season the pan by heating it on medium-low, adding a small amount of cooking oil, and wiping it around the surface with a paper towel. This enhances the non-stick properties.

Cooking Guide

Why You Don't Need High Heat

David Burke cookware features superior heat conductivity thanks to tri-ply construction and commercial-grade materials. This means your pans heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly, eliminating the need for high heat settings that can damage your cookware and food.

Black Cube & GeoClad Collections

  • Preheat: 1-2 minutes on medium-low
  • Cooking: Low to medium heat for most tasks
  • Searing: Medium to medium-high (never max heat)
  • Use minimal oil or butter for best non-stick performance

Stainless Steel Collection

  • Preheat: 2-3 minutes on medium
  • Cooking: Medium heat for sautéing and frying
  • Searing: Medium-high heat after proper preheat
  • Use adequate fat to prevent sticking with proteins

Pro Tip: The Water Droplet Test

To know when your stainless steel pan is properly preheated, place a small droplet of water in the pan. If it forms a ball and rolls around (the "mercury ball" effect), your pan is ready. This ensures proper temperature for searing and prevents sticking.

Cleaning Instructions

Daily Cleaning

Proper daily cleaning maintains the performance and appearance of your David Burke cookware. All collections are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to extend the life of your pans.

Hand Washing (Recommended)

  • • Allow cookware to cool before washing
  • • Use warm, soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth
  • • Avoid abrasive scrubbers on non-stick surfaces
  • • Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately
  • • For stubborn food, soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes

Dishwasher Safe

  • • All David Burke cookware is dishwasher safe
  • • Use bottom rack for larger pieces
  • • Avoid harsh detergents with bleach or citrus
  • • May cause slight dulling of exterior finish over time
  • • Hand washing extends the life of non-stick coatings

Deep Cleaning & Restoration

Over time, stainless steel cookware may develop discoloration, water spots, or stubborn stains. These can be easily removed with the right techniques to restore your pans to like-new condition.

Removing Water Spots & Stains

White chalky residue or rainbow discoloration on stainless steel is caused by mineral deposits or overheating. Here's how to remove them:

  1. 1.Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in the pan
  2. 2.Bring to a boil and let simmer for 5 minutes
  3. 3.Pour out the liquid and let the pan cool
  4. 4.Wash with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly

Restoring Shine with Bar Keepers Friend

For stubborn stains and to restore the original shine to your stainless steel cookware:

  1. 1.Wet the stained area with water
  2. 2.Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder on the surface
  3. 3.Rub gently in circular motions with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge
  4. 4.Let sit for 1 minute, then rinse thoroughly and dry

Removing Burnt-On Food

If food becomes burnt onto your cookware, don't worry—it can be removed without damaging the surface:

  1. 1.Fill the pan with water and add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda
  2. 2.Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes
  3. 3.Let cool, then use a wooden spatula to gently scrape away residue
  4. 4.Wash normally with dish soap and water

Stovetop Compatibility

All David Burke cookware collections are compatible with all cooktop types, including induction. The tri-ply construction ensures even heat distribution regardless of your heat source.

CollectionGasElectricGlass/CeramicInductionOven Safe
Black CubeUp to 500°F
GeoClad CeramicUp to 450°F
Stainless SteelUp to 600°F
AirFlow BakewareN/AN/AN/AN/AUp to 450°F

Note: When using on glass or ceramic cooktops, avoid sliding cookware to prevent scratching the surface. Always lift pans when moving them. For induction cooktops, ensure the pan size matches the burner size for optimal efficiency.

Troubleshooting

Why is food sticking to my pan?

Food sticking is almost always caused by improper temperature or technique. Here are the most common causes and solutions:

  • Overheating: Using heat that's too high damages non-stick coatings and causes proteins to bond with stainless steel. Use medium or lower heat settings.
  • Insufficient preheating: For stainless steel, allow 2-3 minutes for proper preheating. Use the water droplet test to check readiness.
  • Not enough fat: While non-stick pans need minimal oil, stainless steel requires adequate butter or oil, especially when cooking proteins.
  • Moving food too soon: When searing meat, let it develop a crust before flipping. It will naturally release when ready.

Why does my stainless steel have rainbow discoloration?

Rainbow-colored stains on stainless steel are caused by overheating and are completely normal. This discoloration doesn't affect performance and can be removed using the vinegar method or Bar Keepers Friend described in the Deep Cleaning section above. To prevent it, avoid using excessively high heat.

Can I use metal utensils on Black Cube non-stick?

Yes! The innovative Black Cube technology features raised stainless steel pixels that make it safe to use metal utensils without damaging the non-stick coating. However, we still recommend using silicone, wood, or nylon utensils to maximize the longevity of your cookware. Avoid sharp knives or cutting in the pan.

White chalky residue after washing?

White spots or film on your cookware are mineral deposits from hard water. This is harmless and easily removed by boiling a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in the pan for 5 minutes, then washing normally. Using filtered water or drying immediately after washing can prevent this buildup.

My pan handle gets hot on the stovetop

All-metal construction means handles can become hot during extended stovetop use, especially at higher temperatures. Always use a potholder or oven mitt when handling cookware that has been on the heat for more than a few minutes. The stay-cool handles are designed to minimize heat transfer, but safety precautions should always be taken.

How do I know if my cooktop is induction?

Induction cooktops use magnetic fields to heat cookware and will only work with magnetic materials. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of your David Burke cookware (which it will—all our collections are induction compatible), it will work on induction. Induction cooktops typically have a smooth glass surface and no visible heating elements or flames.