The Tefal Ingenio are, without a doubt, everything that a cooker with space problems and looking for the highest performance and durability can wish for. Some pans are loaded with the best technologies of Tefal, which have been added a removable handle.
What do they get out of this? Convert these Ingenio into a tray for the oven, or that we can serve it directly on the table, or that we can put a lid on it and store it in the fridge as if it were a tupperware. Buying these pans means buying several products at the same time. And the best thing is that we are facing the highest range of Tefal in terms of the quality of the pans.
There are six different finishes for these Tefal Ingenio and there are big differences between them. In this complete analysis we are going to see each one of them and simplify it so that you find the perfect one for you.
As we said, the Tefal R&D department has wanted the food to go directly from the vitro to the oven, from the oven to the table and what is left, directly to the refrigerator. Isn’t it cool? Let’s see its characteristics in a short video.
VIDEO
FINISHED DIFFERENCES.
RANGE WITH ALUMINUM AND TITANIUM EXTERIOR (Salvo Essential)
- Tefal Ingenio Essential : It is the most basic finish. The non-stick is the Powerglide instead of the Titanium, it is built in high-thickness standard aluminum and the outer coating is enameled, that is, if making an omelette, the egg jumps out of the pan, it will stick. IMPORTANT : this finish is not induction compatible .
- Tefal Ingenio Performance : Here we are already talking about high-end. Constructed of high thickness aluminum. The non-stick is Titanium Pro (Six non-stick layers and one of titanium). This is up to twice as durable as the previous range’s Titanium Force. The outer coating is also non-stick
- Tefal Ingenio Expertise : At the top of the range, the Expertise is situated. This is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the entire Tefal range. It is made of high thickness aluminum. The non-stick is the best of the French firm: Titanium Excellence (seven non-stick layers and two of titanium). These two layers of titanium make it up to three times stronger than the Performance finish. The outer coating is also non-stick so nothing sticks on the outside either. Everything is taken care of in this Ingenio Expertise Set. They are, in our opinion, the best pans on the market. Includes pans, saucepans and WOK so you can forget about kitchenware for the next 15 years.
RANGE WITH STAINLESS STEEL AND TITANIUM EXTERIOR
- Tefal Ingenio Preference : Here the changes are not limited to the titanium layers, as they do not vary. The non-stick surface is still seven-layer Titanium Excellence and two-layer Titanium. The main difference is the material, because although the core is made of aluminum, the exterior is covered with stainless steel. As we know, this gives the pans a special resistance to any type of bump or dent, in addition to withstanding any type of scratch. These are some of the most complete pansthat you can find in the market. Whenever we analyze a frying pan, what we value most positively is its durability and resistance, and in that sense, stainless steel together with titanium is the undisputed winner. With these Preference pans you won’t have to worry about changing them for many, many years.
- Tefal Ingenio Creation : This is already the whim of Tefal. This material is exactly the same as the Preference finish and shares the same characteristics. However, what changes is the texturing of the stainless steel. This set of pans has a really attractive surface, like a honeycomb. They have an old touch and manage to combine the best features and performance with a classic touch that, to tell the truth, they fit them perfectly. If you are concerned about design, these pans are really pretty. If you are concerned about quality and price, you will make a better purchase with the preference finish.
MATERIALS
These Ingenio de Tefal pans are made of aluminum, like the vast majority of pans. And we remember that the aluminum surface heats up very quickly and distributes the heat very well. On the other hand, at its base it has a 4.5 mm ferritic disc that makes them compatible with glass-ceramics, induction and gas, except for the most basic finish Essential, which is not compatible with induction.
If you don’t have, and will never have, induction, it’s great that Tefal offers us this option to avoid unnecessary expenses. Aluminum is lighter than stainless steel, making it easy to operate with one hand. On the other hand, stainless steel is more resistant than aluminum, which allows it to better withstand the blows it may receive and withstand scratches.
NON-ADHERENT
Tefal is a firm that does not use the Teflon trademark for its pans. It is the world’s No. 1 in sales of cookware, and that allows them to create their own non-stick surface. We remember that they have three different qualities, from worst to best: Powerglide, Titanium Force, Titanium Pro and Titanium Excellence.
We recommend at least the non-stick Titanium Pro, since from there it comes with a multilayer titanium coating layer that makes them ultra resistant. Either of those two non-sticks will be great.
NON-ADHERENT QUALITY
- POWERGLIDE (in Essential finish) : Tefal standard non-stick surface, with good non-stick and medium resistance. Be careful not to scratch the surface.
- Titanium Force (in So Intensive finish) : This non-stick surface is equipped with a single layer of titanium, which gives it up to two times more resistance than Powerglide.
- Titanium PRO (in Performance finish) : Here we are talking about a true quality surface. It consists of six non-stick layers coated with a layer of titanium, which makes it twice as durable as the previous Titanium Force.
- Titanium Excellence (in Expertise and Preference finish) : This is the best that Tefal has created since its inception. A seven-layer non-stick surface, reinforced with no less than two layers of titanium. With this they achieve a resistance and durability up to three times higher than the Titanium Pro. Thus, the difference between the Powerglide and the Titanium Excellence is abysmal.
And the thing is, Tefal is one of the brands that, together with Teflon, do know how to make effective non-stick products . On the other hand, to avoid damaging them, we must avoid metallic utensils . They are very resistant, but if we cut a steak on the pan with a knife, it is possible that we end up deteriorating it prematurely, especially in the Powerglide finish. Therefore, it is best to use silicone or wooden utensils.
In the case of finishes with Titanium, these pans are really permissive to abuse. Its non-stick layer is very well protected by a layer of titanium and by two in the case of Titanium Excellence.
As we can see in this image , the modularity of the Ingenio is absolute. We can use it to cook in the vitro or induction, then remove the handle and put it in the oven to finish the gratin, and then put the tupper and store it in the refrigerator for the next day. It is simply perfect.
HEALTH
We know that there are many people who are concerned about their health, and since pans are used on a daily basis, it can be a major source of poisoning. No problem on that side with these Tefal Ingenio. Not even the entry-level nonstick uses PFOA, so they will be safe pans as long as the surface is not damaged. We remember: if you scratch them and the aluminum is visible, you have to change them.
TECHNOLOGIES
Well, here Tefal has turned upside down and made some « Full Equipe « pans . First of all, the patented removable handle makes it easy to put on and take off. In addition, this handle is tremendously resistant, since you can load the pan up to 10 kg. TEN KILOS ! How has it not occurred to anyone before? These Ingenio are the perfect pans!
In addition, they have the well-known Thermospot system in all their ranges, a red surface in the center of the pan that alerts us when the pan is at 180º and ready to cook.
Of course, these pans are totally dishwasher safe. However, we personally advise washing them by hand. Not because they will spoil in the dishwasher, which is impossible; We prefer it because it is so non-stick that when you finish cooking, put them under water and wipe them, they will be impeccable. Forget rubbing, just water and a napkin.
ARE THEY WORTH IT?
As we said, Tefal is the world’s No. 1 manufacturer of household items, and it knows how to do things. And these Ingenio are excellent and very resistant. So much so that Tefal offers no less than a 10-year warranty. Its non-stick surface works really well and is very durable. They have Thermospot, support 10 kg, can be put in the oven, dishwasher and refrigerator. And the best thing, when you want to store them, when you remove the handle they will occupy like a single casserole.
Therefore, this is one of the times that we can say that a brand has hit the nail on the head with a great idea. 10-year warranty and 10 kg of resistance. A 10 for these pans? At a good price, yes.
There are several possible combinations to find the ideal game.
ADVANTAGES OF THE TEFAL INGENIO PAN:
- Its modularity, this is the main and best feature. They can be put to several different uses and all with the same outstanding performance.
- Titanium resistance ensures non-stick and durability (* Except Essential finish)
- Extreme ease of storage.
- Very easy to wash by hand and in the dishwasher
- They are really light, perfect for one-handed operation.
DISADVANTAGES OF THE TEFAL INGENIO PAN:
- Incompatibility with induction cookers with the Essential finish.
- Although most include two handles, some finishes include only one. This can prevent you from using two pans at the same time, so you will have to buy an additional handle, which is inexpensive.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED
We understand that if you are evaluating these Tefal Ingenio it is because you are looking for high-end pans. If you have no problem increasing your budget, for little more you already have the Rolls Royce of the pans, the famous Le Creuset iron skillet.
On the other hand, if you want to assess a cheaper option, you may be interested in reading the article on Tefal sensory pans. They are excellent pans, also made of Titanium but cheaper because they do not have removable handles.
