Nordic Ware Pans: Dishwasher-Safe?

Nordic Ware's aluminium baking pans are not dishwasher-safe. The company recommends hand-washing the pans with mild detergent to ensure their longevity. While dishwasher use will not affect the safety or baking performance of the pan, it will cause cosmetic discolouration and may shorten the life of the non-stick coating.

Nordic Ware pans are not dishwasher-safe

Dishwasher use can also shorten the life of the non-stick coating on some Nordic Ware pans, so hand washing is preferable. If you do choose to put your Nordic Ware in the dishwasher, avoid using harsh chemicals and detergents as these can harm the pan and/or coating.

Some Nordic Ware products are made of aluminium, which is reactive to acidic ingredients such as vinegar and tomatoes. It is also worth noting that aluminium should not be left to soak in water as it will discolour over time.

To summarise, while it may be tempting to put your Nordic Ware pans in the dishwasher, it is best to stick to hand washing to avoid discolouration and potential harm to the coating.

Hand-washing is recommended

While Nordic Ware pans are technically dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is recommended. This is because the harsh chemicals in dishwasher detergents can cause discolouration of the pans. This discolouration is merely cosmetic and will not affect the performance or safety of the pan. However, if you want to maintain the original look of your Nordic Ware pans, it is best to hand wash them with warm, soapy water.

Hand washing your Nordic Ware pans will also help to prolong their lifespan. While dishwasher detergents can be harsh on the pans, causing scratches and removing the seasoning, hand washing with mild detergent will help to preserve the coating and maintain the non-stick surface. This is especially important for the Naturals® Nonstick Baker's Half Sheet, as dishwasher use can shorten the life of the non-stick coating.

Additionally, hand washing allows you to better control the cleaning process and avoid potential damage. Metal utensils and scouring pads can scratch the surface of the pans. By hand washing, you can choose to use nylon, wood, or silicone utensils that are safer for your Nordic Ware pans.

Finally, hand washing can also help prevent any unpleasant tastes from transferring to your food. While the discolouration caused by dishwasher detergents is mostly cosmetic, it can also affect the taste of your food if not thoroughly rinsed away. By hand washing your Nordic Ware pans, you can ensure that no residue is left behind that could affect the flavour of your dishes.

Avoid harsh chemicals when washing

To ensure the longevity of your Nordic Ware pans, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals and detergents when washing. These products can be too strong and may cause discolouration and corrosion.

Dishwasher detergents, for example, contain sodium carbonate, which is corrosive to aluminium. This can cause your pans to turn grey and develop a film that may come off into your food the next time you use them. While this discolouration is merely cosmetic and will not affect the performance or safety of the pan, it can be unsightly.

Instead, hand wash your pans with warm or hot soapy water and a soft sponge or brush. For stuck-on food, a soak in hot water will help loosen it, and a nylon, wood, or silicone brush or sponge can help scrub it off without scratching the pan. For very tough stains, you can apply Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser or a paste made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Discolouration is cosmetic and won't affect baking

Although dishwasher use is not advised for Nordic Ware pans, rest assured that any discolouration caused by the cleaning agents in automatic dishwasher detergent is purely cosmetic and will not impact the performance or safety of the pan.

Nordic Ware's Naturals® Baker's Half Sheet and Quarter Sheet are made of pure aluminum, which provides superior heat conductivity and produces consistently evenly browned baked goods. These premium pans have lifetime durability and will never rust. The encapsulated galvanized steel rims also prevent warping.

While discolouration won't affect the pan's performance, it is recommended to hand wash your Nordic Ware pans with warm, soapy water to avoid it. If you do choose to put your Nordic Ware in the dishwasher, avoid using harsh chemicals and detergents as they can remove the seasoning and possibly harm the pan and/or coating.

To restore some of the shine to your discoloured Nordic Ware, you can use a metal polish such as Weiman Cookware and Sink.

Pans are made from natural aluminium

Nordic Ware pans are made from natural aluminium. This means that they are not dishwasher-safe. While using the dishwasher to clean these pans will not affect their performance, it will cause them to become discoloured.

Aluminium is a reactive metal, and the cleaning agents used in automatic dishwasher detergent will cause the pans to turn a dark grey colour. This discolouration can be difficult to remove, even with scouring pads and "elbow grease".

To avoid discolouration, Nordic Ware recommends hand-washing their natural aluminium pans with warm, soapy water. To avoid scratching the pans, nylon, wood, or silicone utensils are recommended. Metal utensils and scouring pads may scratch the pans, although this will not affect their performance.

Natural aluminium pans work well with parchment paper, silicone baking mats, and traditional butter or shortening and flour methods. When roasting savoury foods such as vegetables, butter or cooking oil can be used.

Aluminium is also reactive to acidic ingredients such as vinegar and tomato products, which may darken, pit, or corrode the pan over time.

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