Revere Ware Pans: Oven-Safe?

Revere Ware is a line of kitchenware that was introduced in 1939 by Revere Brass & Copper Corp. The line includes skillets, sauce pans, stock pots, and tea kettles. While the cookware is generally considered safe for oven use up to 350°F, there are some concerns about the handles, which are made of Bakelite, a material that can break down and emit a strong odour at high temperatures. As such, it is recommended to avoid using Revere Ware with Bakelite parts in the oven, as newer ovens can easily exceed the safe temperature for Bakelite.

Bakelite handles are not oven-safe

Ovens with broil burners can easily exceed the safe temperature for Bakelite, even if the oven temperature is set below 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, ovens often heat unevenly, and some parts can get much hotter, further contributing to the breakdown of Bakelite.

Bakelite is a hard and brittle thermosetting plastic that is commonly used for knobs and handles attached to metal cookware due to its high heat resistance and mouldability. However, it is important to note that Bakelite is not entirely heatproof. While it may not melt, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause it to become soft, charred, and brittle.

To avoid any unpleasant odours or damage to your cookware, it is best to avoid placing Bakelite handles in the oven. If you need to use your Revere Ware in the oven, consider removing the handles or covering them with aluminium foil to deflect some of the heat.

Revere Ware is dishwasher-safe

Revere Ware is a well-known brand of stovetop cookware. While the brand initially claimed that its products were oven-safe, it later revised this recommendation, advising against placing items with Bakelite parts in the oven. This is due to the fact that Bakelite handles can melt and emit a strong, unpleasant odour.

However, Revere Ware is dishwasher-safe. While the dishwasher can ruin Bakelite parts, the metal will hold up just fine. Some care guides for Revere Ware claim that the items are dishwasher-safe, although they note that handles and other parts may lose their gloss. The official recommendation from Revere Ware is to avoid placing the items in the dishwasher, as the heat cycle and detergent can be very harsh on Bakelite.

If you choose to wash your Revere Ware in the dishwasher, be aware that the handles may lose their shine over time. To avoid this, you can wash the cookware with soap and water and an acrylic scrubbing sponge. For extra scrubbing power, a Scotch-Brite pad (the green one) can be used, although this will dull the inside of the cookware.

In conclusion, while Revere Ware is dishwasher-safe, it may result in a loss of gloss for handles and other parts. For this reason, hand-washing is recommended by the manufacturer, especially for items containing Bakelite parts.

Copper-bottomed pans are not made for oven's rough cooking

Copper-bottomed pans are not made for ovens' rough cooking. While copper-bottomed pans are great for heat conduction, they are not designed for the intense heat of an oven. Ovens can easily exceed the safe temperature for copper, causing it to break down and emit a horrible odour.

Additionally, copper-bottomed pans with Bakelite handles should be avoided in ovens as the handles will break down and emit a foul odour. Even if the oven is set at a lower temperature, ovens often heat unevenly and some parts can get much hotter, affecting the Bakelite handles.

It is worth noting that some people have successfully used copper-bottomed pans in ovens, but it is not recommended for intense or prolonged oven use. The pans are better suited for stovetops, where they excel at conducting heat efficiently. Therefore, copper-bottomed pans are not the ideal choice for oven cooking, and alternative oven-safe cookware should be considered for such purposes.

Non-stick coated pans are safe for temperatures up to 350°F

Revere Ware pans are oven safe up to temperatures of 350°F. However, this specification refers specifically to the handles of the pans, which are made of Bakelite. Bakelite starts to break down at temperatures of 350°F and emits a horrible odour. Therefore, it is not recommended to put anything with Bakelite parts in the oven.

To ensure the safety of non-stick pans, it is important to follow some basic precautions. Firstly, never preheat an empty non-stick pan as it can quickly exceed the safe temperature limit. Always cook on low to medium heat and avoid broiling, as this requires temperatures higher than what non-stick pans can handle. Additionally, it is recommended to ventilate the kitchen by turning on the exhaust fan to help clear away any fumes. Finally, always use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils with non-stick pans to prevent scratching and reduce the risk of ingesting toxic compounds.

Handles are made of tin-coated steel

Revere Ware pans are oven-safe up to 350°F (177°C) or 400°F (204°C) depending on the material. However, this only applies to cookware without Bakelite parts, as Bakelite breaks down and emits a horrible odour at temperatures above 350°F.

If your Revere Ware pans have tin-coated steel handles, they should be safe to use in the oven, as long as the temperature does not exceed 400°F. Tin is a silvery-white metal that is malleable and has a low melting point of around 232°C (450°F). It is often used as a protective coating for other metals, such as steel, to prevent corrosion.

Tin-coated steel handles on Revere Ware pans should be safe to use in the oven, as long as the temperature does not exceed 400°F. However, it is important to note that ovens can heat unevenly, and some parts may get hotter than others. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the handles away from direct heat sources, such as gas flames or broil burners, to prevent them from getting too hot.

Additionally, while tin is resistant to corrosion from water, it can be corroded by acids and alkalis. So, it is important to properly care for and maintain your Revere Ware pans with tin-coated steel handles to ensure their longevity.

Frequently asked questions