Pan Handles: Oven-Safe?

Whether a pan's handle is oven-safe depends on the material it is made of. Metal and ceramic pans are generally oven-safe, but plastic, rubber, and wooden handles are not. Plastic handles can melt and even create harmful fumes when burned. Wood releases moisture in the oven, causing the handle to shrink and possibly burn. Manufacturers usually specify whether a pan is oven-safe, and some pans have an oven-safe symbol or text on the bottom.

Pans with metal handles are generally oven-safe

It is important to note that not all metal pans are oven-safe. Some non-stick pans, for instance, may not be suitable for oven use due to the chemicals used in the coating, which could leach into the food at high temperatures. Additionally, some metal pans may have plastic, wooden, or silicone elements in their handles or lids, which are not oven-safe. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully examine the entire pan for any non-metal components before placing it in the oven.

To ensure the safety of your cookware and food, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or symbols on the pan indicating its oven-safe temperature limit. It is also important to use heat protection, such as oven mitts or pot holders, when handling pans in or out of the oven, even if they have stay-cool handles.

Plastic handles can melt and create fumes

Plastic handles on pans can melt in the oven and create harmful fumes. Cheaper plastics tend to melt at around 100°C, but some studies suggest that certain plastics can withstand temperatures of up to 180°C. As a general rule, it's best to avoid putting pans with plastic handles in the oven, as melting plastic can cause health hazards.

The plastic quality used to make the handles is an important factor to consider. If you know the type of plastic used, you can look up its melting point. Most plastics can withstand a temperature of 100°C, so this is a safe temperature setting for pans with plastic handles. Alternatively, you can bake at a lower temperature than the melting point of the handles.

If you don't know the type of plastic, you can follow some tricks to prevent the handles from melting. One method is to wrap wet paper towels around the handles and then cover them with aluminium foil. This will protect the handles from melting as long as the paper towels remain damp. However, this is not a reliable solution, and it's always best to avoid putting plastic handles in the oven whenever possible.

Melted plastic can have severe health impacts. It can ruin the taste of food and produce toxic fumes containing harmful substances like carbon monoxide, dioxins, and furans. These fumes are released into the confined space of the oven and can contaminate the food being cooked. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise your health and choose cookware without plastic handles to minimise any potential risks.

Some non-stick coatings may release fumes

When deciding whether a pan is oven-safe, it's important to consider the materials used in its construction. While most cookware materials are oven-safe by themselves, certain features, such as plastic or wooden handles, can render the pan unsuitable for use in the oven.

Non-stick coatings, commonly made with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon, are a popular choice for modern cookware due to their exceptional non-stick properties. While PTFE is generally safe for regular cooking temperatures, it can break down when exposed to high heat, typically above 500°F (260°C), and release harmful fumes. These fumes can cause temporary flu-like symptoms, known as polymer fume fever, in humans, and can be fatal for birds.

To address health and safety concerns, manufacturers have developed PTFE-free and PFOA-free formulations, as well as alternative non-stick coatings such as ceramic coatings, which use inorganic materials instead of PTFE. Ceramic coatings are considered safer than PTFE due to their higher heat tolerance, although they may not be as non-stick and can be more susceptible to scratches.

When using non-stick cookware, it is recommended to follow basic safety precautions to minimise any potential risks:

• Avoid preheating an empty pan as it can quickly reach high temperatures, potentially releasing polymer fumes.
• Cook on medium or low heat and avoid broiling, as it requires temperatures above the recommended limit for non-stick cookware.
• Ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen by turning on exhaust fans or opening windows to help clear any fumes.
• Use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick surface and reducing the life of your cookware.
• Gently hand wash the cookware with mild dish soap, a soft sponge, or a cloth to avoid scratching the coating.
• Replace old and worn-out cookware. Over time, the coating may deteriorate, scratch, peel, flake, or chip, increasing the likelihood of releasing harmful fumes.

Cast iron pans are oven-safe

Cast iron pans are a must-have for any kitchen and are among the gold standard of kitchen equipment. They are incredibly durable, versatile, and functional, and can be used to cook a wide range of dishes, from bread and appetisers to main courses and desserts.

But are they oven-safe? The simple answer is yes, they are. In fact, as part of the seasoning process, you have to place them in the oven. Cast iron skillets can generally withstand high temperatures for a reasonable amount of time. They melt at very high temperatures above 2200°F and don't start to show signs of metal fatigue until they reach around 700°F, which is far higher than the average home oven temperature.

You can safely use a cast iron skillet in the oven or under the broiler, where it will retain heat for a long time, making it ideal for cooking and baking. Most recipes call for around an hour of cooking in the oven, and cast iron skillets can withstand being in the oven for two hours. You can start cooking your food on the stove and finish it off in the oven, or vice versa.

However, not all cast iron skillets are created equal. Some come with handles made from materials that are not oven-proof, such as wood. Wood can split and break apart at baking temperatures, and at broiling temperatures, it can heat up and start a fire. Therefore, if your cast iron skillet has a wooden handle, stick to using it on the stove.

Avoid wooden handles

Wooden handles on pans are designed to keep cool on a stovetop, so you can hold them with your bare hands. However, they are not designed to withstand high temperatures in the oven.

Wood is a poor conductor of heat, so it is perfect for handles on stovetop pans. But in an oven, wood can transform, warp, split, and even crack. It can also ignite at higher broiling temperatures, possibly causing a dangerous fire.

Wooden handles can also release combustible gases at oven temperatures, which can cause an explosion. For these reasons, it is best to avoid putting pans with wooden handles in the oven.

If you want to use a pan in the oven, choose one made entirely of oven-safe materials, such as cast iron or stainless steel. These materials can withstand high temperatures without warping or deteriorating.

Even if you have a pan with a wooden handle that you think might be safe, always check the manufacturer's guidelines for maximum temperature ratings. This will help prevent damage to the cookware and ensure safe cooking.

Frequently asked questions