Broiler Pan Seasoning: Is It Necessary?

Broiling pans are a great way to cook food fast and under direct heat, similar to a grill. However, the high temperatures reached by the broiler can ruin certain types of pans. For instance, non-stick skillets and non-stick baking sheets can be damaged by the broiler's direct, high heat. To avoid ruining the coating of these pans, it is recommended to use a cast-iron skillet, an all-metal baking sheet, or a broiler pan instead. Glass cookware should also be avoided as it can shatter or crack under the high heat. If you want to avoid the hassle of finding the right pan, a simple solution is to line your pan with foil before placing your food on it. This will protect your pan from any burnt-on fats and make cleaning easier.

Broiler pan vs. cookie sheet

Broiler pans and cookie sheets are two very different types of bakeware, each serving a specific purpose.

A broiler pan is used for broiling, which is a cooking method that uses direct, intense heat to quickly cook the top of a dish. Broiler pans are typically made of two pieces: a high-walled tray and a perforated drip rack. This design allows fats and oils to drip off the food and collect in the bottom tray, making it ideal for cooking foods like vegetables, thin cuts of meat, and fish. Broiler pans must be able to withstand short bursts of intense heat, so non-stick coatings, silicone, and glass pans are not suitable. Instead, look for pans made of cast iron, untreated stainless steel, or disposable aluminum, and make sure they are explicitly labelled "broiler-safe".

On the other hand, a cookie sheet, also known as a baking sheet, is used for baking, which is a slower cooking method that uses ambient heat to cook food evenly at lower temperatures. Cookie sheets have a flat surface with low rims, making them ideal for baking cookies, roasting meat, and vegetables. They are typically made of aluminum, which distributes heat evenly, or stainless steel, which is heavier and more durable but may cause food to stick due to "hot spots". Other materials that can be used for baking sheets include silicone, glass, and ceramic, which can withstand temperatures up to 428°F.

When choosing between a broiler pan and a cookie sheet, consider the type of food you are cooking and the desired cooking method. Broiler pans are best for foods that benefit from direct, intense heat, such as thin cuts of meat, fish, and vegetables, while cookie sheets are more versatile and can be used for a wider range of dishes, including cookies, meat, and vegetables. Additionally, broiler pans require more specialised materials to withstand the high temperatures, while cookie sheets can be made from a variety of materials depending on your needs and preferences.

Non-stick coatings

Teflon and other coatings containing PFOA may break down at temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, releasing toxic chemicals. This is why non-stick pans are not suitable for direct, high-heat cooking under the broiler. Broiler temperatures typically range from 500 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, and non-stick coatings can break down and release toxic chemicals at these temperatures.

To avoid damaging or destroying the non-stick coating, it is recommended to use silicone spatulas or wooden spoons instead of metal cooking utensils. Additionally, avoid putting non-stick pans in the dishwasher, as this can also damage the coating.

Some non-stick pans are oven-safe, but it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions to know the specific temperature limits of your pan. Even if a pan is oven-safe, it may not be suitable for broiling. As Calphalon, a popular non-stick cookware brand, states, "Nonstick cookware cannot tolerate broiler temperatures."

There are alternatives to non-stick pans for broiling, such as cast iron or stainless steel pans. When using the broiler, it is important to use a sturdy metal pan that can withstand the heat, such as a sizzle platter, a rimmed sheet pan, or a broiler pan.

Glass cookware

Advantages of Glass Cookware:

• Thermal Shock Resistance: Glass cookware is designed to withstand extreme temperature changes without cracking or shattering. This makes it suitable for a variety of cooking tasks, including stove-top cooking, oven use, and even microwave use.
• Scratch Resistance: Glass cookware is scratch-resistant, which means it can withstand the rigours of everyday use without showing signs of wear and tear. It can also be safely cleaned in the dishwasher without worrying about scratches or damage.
• Taste and Odour Neutrality: Glass is an inert material that does not react with food. As a result, it does not impart any unwanted tastes or odours to your dishes, ensuring that the true flavours of your ingredients shine through.
• Non-Reactive and Nickel-Free: Glass cookware is non-reactive, meaning it will not leech chemicals or toxins into your food, even when exposed to high temperatures. This makes it a healthy and safe option for cooking. Additionally, it is nickel-free, making it a good choice for those with nickel allergies or sensitivities.
• Ease of Cleaning: Glass cookware is generally easy to clean and maintain. Most glass pots and pans are dishwasher-safe, although hand washing is always recommended to prolong their lifespan.

Disadvantages of Glass Cookware:

• Fragility: Despite its durability, glass cookware can still be fragile and prone to breaking if not handled with care. Dropping or knocking glass cookware against hard surfaces may result in chips, cracks, or breakage.
• Weight: Glass cookware tends to be heavier than cookware made from other materials, such as aluminium or stainless steel. This can make it more cumbersome to handle, especially when cooking large quantities of food.
• Slow Heat Conduction: Glass takes longer to heat up compared to metals, and it may not distribute heat as evenly. This can impact cooking times and the overall cooking experience.

Examples of Glass Cookware Brands:

• Pyrex: A well-known brand that offers a wide range of glass cookware and bakeware products, including mixing bowls, storage containers, baking dishes, and more. Pyrex glassware is known for its durability and versatility.
• Visions: This brand offers a variety of glass cookware sets, including pots, pans, and casserole dishes with lids. Visions glass cookware is touted for its heat retention and ease of use.
• Corningware: A trusted name in the world of glass cookware, offering a range of pots, pans, and bakeware. Their products are known for their scratch resistance and thermal shock resistance.

In conclusion, glass cookware offers a combination of style and functionality in the kitchen. Its advantages, such as taste neutrality, scratch resistance, and ease of cleaning, make it a popular choice for many cooks. However, it's important to be mindful of its disadvantages, including fragility and slow heat conduction. When shopping for glass cookware, look for reputable brands that offer durable and versatile products to suit your cooking needs.

Silicone

Food-grade silicone is a popular material for kitchen gear, such as protective handles for pots and baking mats. It is dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, and can withstand temperatures up to 428°F (219.4°C). However, it should not be used with a broiler, as the average broiler temperature ranges from 500 to 550°F (260 to 287.8°C).

The silicone baking mat, also known as the Pyramid Pan, has been advertised as a product that can help drain away fat, eliminate the need for flipping food, and reduce cooking time. However, reviews of the product suggest that it does not significantly improve cooking results or reduce cleanup time.

Some benefits noted by users include more even cooking and crispiness of food, as well as ease of cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. However, others have found it difficult to clean, especially when grease accumulates in the wells between the pyramid tips.

When using a silicone baking mat, it is important to ensure that the oven temperature does not exceed 420°F (215.6°C) to avoid potential safety hazards.

Parchment paper

• Line baking sheets and cake pans.
• Layer between sticky cookies or candies.
• Cover a work surface to make cleaning up easier.
• Use it to funnel ingredients or pipe icing onto baked goods.
• Cook en papillote, a technique where food is steamed or cooked within closed pouches made from parchment paper.

Frequently asked questions