Marianne Martinez
It is ill-advised to put water in hot pans as it can cause thermal shock, which can ruin your pans. Thermal shock occurs when there is a sudden change in temperature, such as when a hot pan is placed in cold water. The pan cools too quickly, causing it to warp, crack, chip, or shatter. Warped pans are a problem as they won't cook evenly, allowing oil to pool on one side and not sitting flat on induction or electric cooktops. To avoid thermal shock, it is recommended to let pans cool down gradually on the stovetop or a heat-proof surface before washing them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on pans | Warping, cracking, chipping, shattering, finish coming off |
| Cause | Thermal shock, sudden change in temperature |
| Prevention | Let pans cool down gradually on the stovetop, place on a trivet or heat-proof surface |
| Alternative cleaning methods | Use warm, soapy water, stainless steel cleaner, water and baking soda |
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What You'll Learn
Thermal shock and warping
Thermal shock, caused by a sudden change in temperature, can damage pans. When a hot pan is placed under cold water, the metal cools down rapidly and the pan starts to pull against itself, causing it to warp or crack. The bigger the temperature difference, the greater the shock. Even a small amount of cold water in the bottom of the sink can be enough to cause damage. The pan may warp, crack, chip or shatter.
Warping occurs when the metal contracts, causing the bottom of the pan to become uneven. Warped pans won't cook evenly as they allow oil to pool on one side and won't sit flat on an induction or electric hob. Even if the warpage is temporary, and the pan returns to its original shape as it cools, repeated quenching of hot pans under cold water risks damaging the pan.
To avoid thermal shock, it is recommended to let pans cool down gradually on the stovetop or a heat-proof surface before washing them in warm, soapy water. This allows the pan to return to its original condition without causing damage.
If you need to make space, place the pan on a trivet or another heat-proof surface. If using granite countertops, be sure to wipe them first so that the pan does not sit in a puddle of water. You should be especially careful when it comes to thin non-stick pans and cookware made with glass or stoneware, as these are the most susceptible to thermal shock.
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Cracking, chipping, and shattering
When a hot pan is plunged into cold water, the metal cools down too quickly, causing it to contract and pull against itself. This phenomenon is called thermal shock and can lead to warping, cracking, chipping, or shattering of the pan. The severity of thermal shock depends on the magnitude of the temperature difference, with a more substantial shock occurring when the temperature change is more significant. Even a small amount of cold water in the sink can be enough to trigger thermal shock and damage the pan.
The impact of thermal shock can vary depending on the material and quality of the pan. For instance, a small amount of cold liquid used to deglaze a high-quality stainless steel pan is unlikely to cause warping. On the other hand, pans made of thin metal are more susceptible to permanent warping, while sturdier pans may only experience temporary warpage. Repeatedly exposing hot pans to cold water increases the likelihood of damage.
To prevent thermal shock, it is crucial to let the pans cool down gradually on the stovetop or a heat-proof surface before washing them. This gradual cooling allows the pan to return to its original condition without sustaining any harm. If you need to free up space on the stovetop, you can place the pan on a trivet or another heat-resistant surface. Additionally, ensure that your countertops are wiped clean to prevent the pan from sitting in a puddle of water.
If you need to clean burned-on food or tough spots, avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads, baking soda, bleach, or liquid household cleaners, as these can damage the finish of the pan. Instead, opt for a stainless steel cleaner or create a mixture of water and baking soda, heating it on the stove while rubbing the affected areas with a wooden spoon to loosen and wipe away the residue.
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Pans not sitting evenly
When pans are warped, they won't sit flat on a cooktop or in an oven rack, causing the food to cook unevenly. Pans can be warped by a variety of factors, including rinsing a hot pan in cold water, overheating, or a mismatch between the pan and the burner's size.
To prevent pans from warping, it is recommended to let them cool down gradually on the stovetop before cleaning them with cold water. If you need to make space, place the pan on a trivet or another heat-proof surface. If you're using granite countertops, make sure to wipe them dry first to prevent the pan from sitting in a puddle of water.
If your pans are already warped and not sitting evenly, here are some tips to address the issue:
- Use heavy cast iron pans: The weight of these pans can help hold them down and prevent wobbling.
- Adjust the pan's position: Try moving the pan off-center of the coils, depending on the slant of the floor, to achieve full contact with the base. Balancing the handle in the right direction can also help.
- Use a wok ring: If you have a round-bottomed wok, a wok ring can help it sit flat on the cooktop.
- Use a knife as a fulcrum: Place a knife in the slits of the adjacent coil and adjust it so that the pan handle pushes down on the knife, lifting the handle slightly to level the pan.
- Use a stainless steel fork: Buy a thick stainless steel fork, such as a serving fork, and use it as a wedge to level off the pan. You can bend the fork or its prongs as needed to stabilize the pan.
- Reposition the coils: If you have an electric coil stove, try removing the coils and repositioning them to ensure they are level.
- Choose thicker pans: Thicker pans, such as those with a thickness of at least 2.5 mm, are less likely to warp compared to thinner pans.
- Opt for multi-ply cookware: Multi-ply cookware has thicker walls and more even heat conduction, reducing the likelihood of warping.
- Distribute food evenly: When using baking sheets in the oven, spread the food evenly to avoid large bare spots. This prevents uneven heating, which can contribute to warping.
- Heat pans slowly: Heating pans too quickly on high heat can cause uneven heating and affect the pan's ability to flatten out properly.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pans sit evenly and cook your food more uniformly.
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Finish coming off and chipped enamel
When a hot pan is placed under cold water, the metals cool too quickly and the pan starts to pull against itself. This is known as thermal shock, which can ruin your pans. The bigger the temperature difference, the greater the shock. Even a small amount of cold water in the sink can cause damage. Pans made of thin metal or cast iron are more susceptible to warping or cracking. Thicker, well-constructed pans are better at withstanding thermal shock, but it's still best to let them cool down naturally before cleaning.
To avoid thermal shock and potential warping, cracking, or chipping, let the pan cool down gradually on the stovetop or a heat-proof surface. If you need to speed up the cooling process, you can add small amounts of tepid water after letting the pan cool briefly. Placing the hot pan directly in cold water can cause the finish to come off, and chipped enamel or a non-stick coating may end up in your food. This can be dangerous and unpleasant.
If your pan has a chipped enamel coating, the standard advice from cookware companies is that it is unsafe and should not be used. This is because the enamel could chip further, resulting in bits of enamel in your food. Some people choose to treat the chipped area like cast-iron by rubbing it with oil to prevent rusting. Others suggest looking into the warranty information, as some companies offer good coverage for damaged cookware.
To summarise, avoid putting water in hot pans to prevent thermal shock and potential damage, including warping, cracking, and chipping. Let the pans cool down gradually, and if necessary, use small amounts of tepid water to speed up the process. If your pan's enamel coating does chip, consider the potential risks and explore options such as oil treatment or warranty coverage.
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Gradual cooling and prevention
To prevent thermal shock and its consequences, it is recommended to let the pan cool down naturally before cleaning it with cold water. Gradual cooling allows the pan to return to its original condition without causing damage. This simple solution ensures that your pans remain in good condition and maintain their functionality over time.
If you need to make space on the stovetop, place the pan on a trivet or another heat-proof surface. If you are using granite countertops, make sure to wipe them first so that the pan does not sit in a puddle of water. You should be especially careful when it comes to thin non-stick pans and cookware made with glass or stoneware, as these are the most susceptible to thermal shock.
It is tempting to use the sink to wash your hot pans, especially if you need to make space on the stovetop or if you have a particularly dirty pan that looks like it could benefit from a long soak. However, that sizzling sound is a sign that something is going wrong. The bigger the temperature difference, the greater the shock, but even a small amount of cold water in the bottom of your sink can cause a pan to warp, shatter, crack or chip.
Warped pans are a major problem as they won't cook evenly. They allow oil to pool on one side and won't sit flat on an induction or electric hob. Even if your pan doesn't warp, the finish can come off, and chipped enamel or a non-stick coating may find its way into your food.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is bad to put water in a hot pan. This is because of something called thermal shock, which occurs when there is a sudden change in temperature.
Thermal shock is when the metals in the pan cool too quickly and the pan starts to pull against itself. This can cause the pan to warp, crack, chip or shatter.
To avoid thermal shock, let your pans cool down gradually on the stovetop or a heat-proof surface before washing them in warm, soapy water.
If your pan has warped, cracked, chipped or shattered, it is best to replace it with a new one. In theory, you could try to reverse the warping by putting the pan in the freezer and then dipping it in molten lead, but this would require specialised equipment and expertise.
