Melting Point: The Danger Of Plastic Pot Handles

Plastic pot handles can get hot enough to melt if they come into direct contact with fire. However, when attached to a hot metal pot, they tend to stay cool due to poor heat conduction. Plastic handles are designed with comfort in mind, making them easier to grip while preparing hot dishes. While they can get hot, it takes a while, and the heat is not transferred to your hand as quickly as with metal. The maximum temperature a pot of boiling water can reach is 100°C, which is the boiling point of water. This is not hot enough to burn your hand. F.B.M. manufactures plastic handles that are resistant to temperatures of up to 300°F/150°C, meeting and exceeding EU regulations.

Plastic handles can be oven-safe up to 425°F/220°C

Plastic handles on pots and pans are designed to make handling easier when preparing hot dishes. However, there is a common misconception that these plastic handles cannot be oven-safe. This is not always the case, as some plastic handles can be oven-safe up to temperatures of 425°F/220°C.

The heat resistance of plastic handles varies depending on the type of plastic used. Different plastics have different melting points, and this determines their ability to withstand high temperatures without losing their rigidity and softening. For example, polystyrene (PS) has a melting point of around 90°C, while polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has a melting point of approximately 210°C.

It is important to note that the heat resistance of a plastic handle is not solely determined by the melting point of the plastic. The shape and orientation of the handle also play a role in how quickly it conducts heat. A thicker handle will take longer to heat up, but it will also retain heat for longer once it has cooled down. Additionally, a smooth handle will transfer more heat to your hand, while a textured handle can act as tiny cooling fins, reducing the surface area for conduction and increasing the surface area for cooling.

When purchasing cookware with plastic handles, it is essential to consider the intended use and choose products that meet the required heat resistance standards. Some manufacturers, such as F.B.M., offer handles made from high-temperature materials that are safe to use at temperatures up to 425°F/220°C. These handles have been rigorously tested to ensure they meet specified regulations and provide a safe and comfortable grip during cooking.

Plastic handles are manufactured with temperature-resistant materials

Plastic handles are designed to make it easier to grip cookware while preparing hot dishes. However, it is a common misconception that plastic handles can't go in the oven. This is untrue; plastic handles can be manufactured to be temperature resistant.

F.B.M., for example, manufactures handles that are regularly tested to temperatures beyond what is specified by the EU. All of F.B.M.’s handles are manufactured with temperature-resistant materials so they can reach 300°F/150°C as standard. They also offer products that are safe to use at temperatures up to 425°F/220°C.

Other companies also manufacture heat-resistant plastics, which can exceed 300ºF in continuous operating temperature without compromising their mechanical properties. Some of the top-performing heat-resistant plastics include:

• Teflon® (PTFE) – One of the most well-known heat-resistant plastics, with a large operating temperature range. It can be used between -328ºF and +500ºF without degrading.
• Vespel® – This heat-resistant plastic can serve at temperatures up to 550ºF and can even endure temperatures up to 900ºF for short periods. It is a popular choice for jet engines, cars, trucks, and industrial machinery.
• Torlon® – A polyamide-imide that offers exceptional long-term strength and stiffness with a continuous service temperature of 500ºF. It is a viable alternative to metal for high-temperature friction and wear applications.
• PEEK – With a melting point over 700ºF and a continuous operating temperature of 500ºF, PEEK can be used in high-load, high-temperature environments. It is also resistant to many harsh chemicals.
• Celazole® PBI – In temperatures exceeding 400ºF, Celazole® PBI has the highest heat and wear resistance, as well as the best strength and mechanical property retention, of any engineered polymer available.

When choosing heat-resistant plastics, it is important to consider not only the operating temperature but also the material's chemical resistance, friction and wear performance, and tensile strength.

Plastic handles can get hot enough to melt if left unattended on a stove

Plastic handles on pots and pans are designed to provide comfort and an easy grip while cooking. However, it is important to be cautious as plastic handles can get hot enough to melt if left unattended on a stove. Different types of plastics have varying melting points, and some can start to melt at temperatures as low as 75°C (167°F). For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, commonly used in construction, have a melting point of around 210°C (410°F). On the other hand, polystyrene, used for making the well-known polystyrene foam, has a lower melting point of approximately 90°C (194°F).

The melting point of plastic also depends on factors such as the presence of impurities or the mixing of different plastics, which can lower the melting point. Additionally, the shape and texture of the handle can impact how quickly it conducts heat. A smooth handle will transfer more heat to your hand, while a textured surface can act as tiny cooling fins, reducing the contact area for conduction.

To ensure safety, it is recommended to opt for cookware with handles made from temperature-resistant materials. F.B.M., a cookware manufacturer, tests their handles at temperatures beyond the EU-specified standard of 150°C (300°F). They also offer products with special high-temperature materials that can withstand up to 220°C (425°F).

It is worth noting that while plastic handles can be convenient, they may not be suitable for prolonged exposure to high heat. If you frequently cook at high temperatures or leave your cookware unattended on the stove, consider choosing pots and pans with alternative handle materials, such as wood or metal with wooden or silicone inserts, to prevent the risk of melting or burning.

Plastic handles can be safe to touch briefly due to their poor heat conduction

The ability of a material to conduct heat is determined by its thermal conductivity. Metals, such as aluminium and copper, have high thermal conductivity, causing them to heat up quickly. On the other hand, materials like plastic and wood are poor thermal conductors, resulting in slower heat transfer.

The design of the handle also plays a role in how quickly it heats up. Handles with minimal contact surfaces, such as those welded onto the pan with thin connections, will take longer to heat up. Additionally, handles with more surface area will lose heat faster through convection, keeping them cooler for longer.

It is important to note that while plastic handles offer convenience and comfort by staying cool, they have some disadvantages. Plastic handles can easily melt when exposed to high temperatures, such as in an oven or direct flame. Therefore, it is crucial to keep plastic handles away from high flames or burners to avoid melting them.

To ensure safety and durability, some manufacturers test their plastic handles at higher temperatures than what is typically specified. For example, F.B.M. tests their heat-resistant handles at temperatures above the EU-specified standard of 300°F/150°C. This ensures that their handles can safely withstand higher temperatures during use.

Metal handles can be designed to stay cool by maximising surface area

To maximise the surface area of a metal handle, it can be designed with a hollow interior. This not only makes the handle lighter but also increases its surface area, allowing it to cool down faster. Additionally, the handle can be designed with a thin connection to the pot or pan, minimising the amount of heat transferred from the cookware to the handle. This thin connection can be further optimised by separating it into two smaller sections, further reducing the transfer of heat.

The shape and orientation of the handle also play a crucial role in keeping it cool. A bent sheet metal handle, for example, tends to stay cooler compared to a solid handle. This is because the bent design increases the surface area, providing more opportunities for heat to radiate away from the handle.

Furthermore, the texture of the grip can influence how hot a handle feels. A smooth handle will transfer more heat to your hand, whereas a textured surface can act as tiny cooling fins, reducing the contact area for conduction and providing more surface area for cooling.

By carefully considering these design aspects, it is possible to create metal handles that stay cool by maximising surface area, making it safer and more comfortable for users to handle cookware during and after cooking.

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