The Princess House Vida Sana® 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware is a versatile and innovative cooking system designed for healthy and efficient meal preparation. This collection is backed by a limited lifetime warranty for the cookware itself and a 10-year warranty for the Nutri-Steam Valve®, covering defects in material, construction, or workmanship under normal domestic household use.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Vida Sana® cookware is to facilitate healthy cooking by retaining more of the food's natural flavors, vitamins, and minerals. It achieves this through its unique Nutri-Seal™ cooking process, which allows for cooking with very little water and no added fats or oils. The cookware is designed to create a vapor seal that locks in steam, making it energy-efficient and reducing cooking times. It offers flexibility for both healthy cooking methods and traditional cooking such as boiling, simmering, searing, and oven baking.
Important Technical Specifications:
- 5-Layer Construction:
- Interior Layer: Made of 18/10 stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and will not alter the flavor of foods. This layer features an exclusive Elite Satin finish for superior food release and easy cleaning.
- Exterior Layer: Made of 18/0 magnetic stainless steel, designed to work with all cooking surfaces, including induction, electric, gas, and ceramic cooktops.
- Core: A 3-layer aluminum core forms the body of the cookware, providing outstanding, even heat distribution and energy efficiency.
- Steam-Seal® Lid: Constructed from 18/10 stainless steel and tempered glass, featuring an elegant hand-cut design. The lid, in conjunction with the Nutri-Steam Valve®, locks in vapor and moisture.
- Nutri-Steam Valve®: This innovative valve signals when the cookware reaches the proper temperature for cooking (Steam Whistle position). It offers the option to position the valve for healthy cooking (Steam-Seal®) or traditional cooking (Steam Release).
- Handles: Ergonomic handles feature seamless rivets for easy cleaning of the interior surface.
- Oven Safety: The cookware is oven safe up to 350°F with glass lids and up to 450°F without lids. It is also broiler safe without lids. It is NOT safe for microwave use.
Usage Features:
- Nutri-Seal™ Cooking Process:
- Vegetables: Add vegetables and ½ cup of water per pound. Cover with the Steam-Seal® lid and set the Nutri-Steam Valve® to the Steam Whistle position. Cook at medium-high heat until the whistle sounds. Then, turn the valve one click to the right to the Steam-Seal® position and turn off the heat completely to create the steam seal. Do not remove the lid during cooking.
- Greaseless Cooking of Meats: Preheat the empty cookware over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes without the lid. Test readiness by adding a few water droplets; if they sizzle and evaporate, heat longer; if they bead and dance, it's ready. Add meat (no oils or fats needed), reduce to medium heat, and sear one side for 4-5 minutes. Use tongs or a spatula to turn. Cover with the lid, turn the valve to the Steam-Seal® position, and reduce heat to medium-low. Do not remove the lid during cooking.
- Greaseless Cooking of Fish: Preheat empty cookware over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes without the lid, testing readiness with water droplets as described for meats. Add fish and pour ½ cup of liquid (e.g., lemon or orange juice) over it. Cover with the lid, turn the valve to the Steam-Seal® position, and reduce heat to medium-low to low. Do not remove the lid.
- Traditional Cooking: For methods requiring liquids or oils/fats and a lid, start cooking with the Nutri-Steam Valve® in the Steam Whistle position at medium heat. When the whistle sounds, turn the valve two clicks to the right to the Steam-Release position. This allows steam to gradually escape, ideal for soups, stews, broth, and sauces that simmer for longer periods.
- Burner Selection: Always select a burner that is the same size or smaller than the diameter of the pan's base. For gas stoves, ensure the flame does not extend over the sides of the pan.
- Utensil Compatibility: Safe for use with all utensils, including metal, but silicone, nylon, or wood tools are recommended to maintain the interior surface's beauty.
- Temperature Adjustment: Temperature settings vary by stovetop, so preheating and cooking times may need adjustment.
Maintenance Features:
- Before First Use: Wash cookware in hot soapy water with ½ cup of white vinegar, rinse, and dry thoroughly. This removes manufacturing oils or polishing compounds that could otherwise stain or discolor the cookware.
- Cookware Vessel Cleaning: Can be washed by hand or placed in the dishwasher. Wash in hot soapy water, rinse, and dry immediately to avoid water spots. For stuck-on foods, use a Princess House® Specialty Microfiber Non-Scratch Sponge or a non-abrasive sponge/pad. For starch stains or discolorations, use Princess House® Earth Friendly Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, sponges, or pads.
- Steam-Seal® Lid Cleaning: Should be washed by hand in hot soapy water, rinsed, and dried immediately. Dishwasher use may discolor the valve over time. Use a Princess House® Specialty Microfiber Non-Scratch Sponge for stuck-on foods.
- Nutri-Steam Valve® Cleaning: Typically requires no additional cleaning. If it stops whistling due to trapped food residue, it can be disassembled for deeper cleaning. To disassemble, hold the valve cap on top of the lid and turn the valve ring on the underside. Unscrew all components, hand wash in hot soapy water, rinse, and dry before re-assembling. Ensure proper alignment of components during re-assembly.
- Troubleshooting:
- Steam escaping from lid/valve: Rotate or spin the lid gently to create a better seal, or reduce heat. High temperatures cause liquids to evaporate quickly, leading to steam escape.
- Water droplets around valve: Caused by high heat and rapid evaporation. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- No whistle from Nutri-Steam Valve®: Food residue may be trapped. Clean by allowing hot water to flow through in the Steam Whistle setting, or disassemble and clean thoroughly as described above.
- No water left: Cooking at too high a temperature or insufficient liquid for the amount of food. Use medium-low heat and ensure the valve is in the Steam-Seal® position.
- Food sticking: Not enough water for vegetables, or heat too high. For meats, the surface may not have been hot enough. For fish, insufficient liquid. Refer to cooking charts for guidance.
- White spots/pits inside pan: Caused by undissolved salt. Add salt only after water boils or food reaches cooking temperature. Do not store food in cookware for long periods.
- White film: Minerals in water or starches in food. Remove with Princess House® Earth Friendly Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner.
- Water spots: Rinse cookware with hot water and dry immediately. Remove with Princess House® Earth Friendly Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner.
- Food on glass lids: Fill pan halfway with water, place lid on, bring to boil, cool, then wash. Use a soft bristle toothbrush for particles stuck between lid and stainless steel rim.
- Burned-on grease/food: Use Princess House® Earth Friendly Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner with a microfiber sponge or soft cloth, rubbing in a circular motion. Alternatively, fill the pan halfway with water, bring to a boil, cool, and then wash.
- Bronze bottom: Caused by high heat or boiling dry. Remove with Princess House® Earth Friendly Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner.
- Safety Precautions:
- Always use potholders or mitts when handling hot cookware, lids, knob, and valve.
- Steam from the valve is very hot; do not place hands directly in front of it. Use the wings to move the valve safely.
- Do not immerse hot lids in water. Allow lids to cool before washing.
- Do not place hot lids on hot surfaces.
- Avoid impact with hard objects. Do not use chipped, cracked, or scratched lids.
- Never allow cookware to boil dry or remain dry on a hot burner.
- Food Storage: Do not store food in cookware for long periods, especially salty or highly acidic foods, as this may cause staining or pitting.