Starfrit Pans: Oven-Safe?

Starfrit pans are oven-safe, with some sources stating that they can withstand temperatures up to 428 °F / 220 °C. However, it is important to note that the handles of these pans may become hot, so it is recommended to use gloves or oven mitts when handling them. Additionally, it is advised to avoid using metal scouring pads as they can damage the non-stick surface of the pans. Starfrit pans are also compatible with various stovetops, including gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and induction.

Starfrit's Rock.Tec technology

The Rock.Tec technology starts by creating a permanent dimpled texture on the surface of the cookware. This texture then hardens into a speckled rock-like finish, forming micro air pockets between the food and the pan during cooking. This natural non-stick release makes cleanup a breeze, with even cooked-on residue wiping away easily with a sponge or rag in warm, soapy water.

The Rock.Tec surface treatment is not a coating but a process that permanently alters the surface, ensuring optimal application of the non-stick coating. This results in superior scratch resistance, with the surface being 50% harder and 40% more abrasion-resistant than traditional cookware. The Rock.Tec technology also enhances the corrosion resistance of the cookware, further extending its durability.

The Rock by Starfrit, with its Rock.Tec technology, offers a high-performance, low-maintenance cookware solution that promises to be a long-lasting addition to your kitchen.

Metal and ceramic pans

Metal Pans

Metal pans, such as those made from stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron, are generally oven-safe. Stainless steel pans can withstand temperatures up to 800°F, making them ideal for oven-finishing sauces or keeping food warm. Carbon steel pans have a high heat tolerance and are oven-safe up to 1200°F. Cast iron pans can handle temperatures up to 600°F, but they are quite heavy, especially when filled with food. It is recommended to use two hands or place the skillet on a sheet pan for easier maneuvering.

It is important to note that not all metal pans are oven-safe. Some may have plastic or wooden handles that render them unsuitable for use in the oven. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines to ensure your metal pan is oven-safe.

Ceramic Pans

Ceramic pans are known for their sleek designs and pretty colors. They often have a ceramic coating that makes them non-stick and helps heat food evenly. While ceramic cookware from reputable brands is generally considered safe, certain vintage or traditional handmade forms of ceramic ware may contain harmful levels of metals such as lead and cadmium. These toxins can leach into food during cooking, which can be dangerous for your health.

When purchasing ceramic cookware, it is important to buy from a reputable company and ensure that the glazing is intact. Additionally, avoid using metal utensils on ceramic pans, as they can scratch and damage the coating, exposing the underlying metal.

In summary, both metal and ceramic pans can be oven-safe, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines to ensure safe use. Metal pans, such as those made from stainless steel or carbon steel, tend to have higher heat tolerances, while cast iron pans are heavy but effective for oven usage. Ceramic pans offer a non-stick and aesthetically pleasing option, but it is crucial to purchase from reputable sources to avoid potential toxins.

Cast iron pans

Cast iron skillets are generally oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures for a reasonable amount of time. Cast iron melts at temperatures above 2200°F and doesn't start to show signs of metal fatigue until it reaches around 700°F, which is significantly higher than the average home oven temperature.

When using a cast iron skillet in the oven, it's important to be cautious if it has a handle that isn't oven-proof, such as those made with wood. Wood can split and break apart at baking temperatures, and it can even catch fire at broiling temperatures. Therefore, if your cast iron skillet has a wooden handle, it's best to stick to using it on the stove.

Enameled cast iron skillets are a modern variation of traditional cast iron. They have the same properties as regular cast iron skillets but with an added enamel coating, which protects the cookware from rust and eliminates the need for seasoning. Enameled cast iron skillets are also oven-safe, but they can only withstand temperatures up to 400°F. At higher temperatures, the enamel coating may crack and chip.

To season a cast iron skillet in the oven, you can follow these steps:

• Gently scrub the skillet with mild dish soap and water, then rinse and dry it completely.
• Place a lined baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven to catch any oil drippings, and preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Use a paper towel to rub a thin layer of vegetable oil, canola oil, or vegetable shortening all over the skillet, including the handles.
• Place the skillet upside down on the top rack of the oven and let it bake for 1 hour.
• After 1 hour, turn off the oven and let the skillet cool completely.

By properly caring for and maintaining your cast iron skillet, you can ensure that it lasts for years to come and provides you with flavorful and evenly cooked meals.

Baking dishes

Starfrit's The Rock non-stick cookware is oven-safe. However, be sure to use gloves or oven mitts as the handles will get hot in the oven. The Rock by Starfrit is also dishwasher-safe and compatible with any surface, including gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen stovetops.

Starfrit's range of baking dishes includes the Gourmet BISTRO Gratin Dish Set. This set of two porcelain dishes is great for baking and serving gratin dishes such as scalloped potatoes, lasagna, mac and cheese, and vegetables. The dishes are stain and scratch-resistant, with a capacity of 11.8 oz (350 ml) and dimensions of 10" x 5" (25.4 cm x 12.7 cm). They are oven, microwave, and dishwasher-safe, with a heat resistance of up to 450 °F (232 °C).

In addition to the Gratin Dish Set, Starfrit offers a variety of oven-safe skillets and frying pans. These include the 12-inch Aluminum Nonstick Deep Frying Pan with a lid and the 11-inch Aluminum Nonstick Deep Frying Pan, also with a lid. Starfrit also offers a 12-inch Aluminum Nonstick Frying Pan with a Bakelite handle and a 10-inch Aluminum Nonstick Frying Pan with the same. These frying pans are available in different sizes, including 9 inches and 12 inches.

Plastic handle workarounds

While Starfrit's The Rock non-stick cookware is oven-safe, it is unclear whether their pans with plastic handles can withstand the oven's heat. As a general rule, it's best not to put plastic in the oven as it will melt or burn, potentially causing a fire and releasing toxic fumes. However, if you're set on using a Starfrit pan with plastic handles in the oven, there are a few workarounds you can try, but proceed with caution.

Firstly, check the manual for your specific Starfrit pan. It should specify a temperature and time limit for oven use. If you've lost the manual, you can determine the melting point of the plastic handles by searching for the type of plastic used. Most plastics can withstand 100 degrees Celsius, so setting your oven to this temperature is relatively safe. Alternatively, you can bake at a lower temperature than the melting point of the handles.

If you're in a pinch and need to bake something in your Starfrit pan with plastic handles, there's a trick you can try to prevent the handles from melting. Wet some paper towels, wrap them around the handles, and then cover them with aluminium foil. As long as the paper towels remain slightly damp, this should offer some protection against melting. However, this method is not entirely reliable, so proceed with caution.

To avoid any risk, it's best to invest in a pan with metal or cast iron handles, which can withstand higher temperatures for longer periods. Starfrit offers a range of oven-safe cookware, so you may want to consider purchasing a pan from their range with alternative handle materials.

Frequently asked questions