Oiling Pans: Safe To Bake?

Cooking with oil in the oven is a common practice, but it's important to choose the right type of oil and cookware to avoid sticking and damage. Non-stick pans, for example, require different care than cast iron pans. Using the wrong type of oil or cooking spray at high temperatures can ruin the non-stick coating, leading to food sticking and making the pan difficult to clean. To prevent this, it's recommended to use low to medium heat settings and oils with higher smoke points, such as peanut, canola, or grapeseed oil. Additionally, avoiding cooking sprays and abrasive cleaning tools can help maintain the non-stick surface.

Cooking spray ruins non-stick pans

Non-stick pans are a handy tool in the kitchen, especially for beginner cooks. However, they are quite easy to damage and ruin. One of the most common ways to ruin a non-stick pan is by using cooking spray.

How Cooking Spray Ruins Non-Stick Pans

Cooking spray, such as Pam, is often used as a substitute for oil or butter to reduce calories in a dish. However, it is not compatible with non-stick cookware. Using cooking spray over time will result in a sticky buildup that is almost impossible to remove. This buildup occurs in areas of the pan where the heat doesn't burn off the spray, such as the sides of the pan. This sticky film is difficult to scrub off and requires some serious elbow grease.

Alternatives to Cooking Spray

Instead of using cooking spray, it is recommended to use a minimal amount of whole fats, such as canola, olive, vegetable, or corn oil, as well as butter. If you are trying to cut calories, invest in an oil mister, which allows you to coat the pan with a small amount of oil.

Other Tips for Using Non-Stick Pans

• Always add the fat to a non-stick pan before heating it up. This enhances the non-stick effects of the cookware and prevents the pan from emitting potentially unhealthy fumes.
• Use wooden spoons, heatproof silicone spoons, and spatulas to prevent scratching and scraping on the non-stick surface. Avoid using metal utensils, tongs, or silverware.
• Avoid cooking over high heat as it can deteriorate the non-stick coating and release unhealthy, potentially toxic vapors.
• Wash non-stick pans by hand with soft sponges, soft brushes, or microfiber towels and dish soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners such as scouring pads and steel wool.
• Do not use non-stick pans for storage. Transfer leftovers into containers designed for the refrigerator.
• Replace your non-stick pan at the first sign of peeling or wear, or when food begins to stick to it.

Olive oil is safe to use

The smoke point of olive oil

It is safe to put a pan with oil in the oven, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. One of the main concerns when cooking with oil is its smoke point—the temperature at which the oil starts to break down and produce smoke. The smoke point of olive oil can vary depending on its type and quality, but it typically falls between 350°F and 470°F. Extra virgin olive oil, for example, has a smoke point between 350°F and 410°F, while refined olive oil has a higher smoke point of 390°F to 470°F.

The stability of olive oil

However, smoke point alone is not the best indicator of an oil's ability to withstand heat. Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is highly stable and resistant to heat due to its high antioxidant content and low polyunsaturated fat content. Studies have shown that olive oil performs well under high-heat conditions and does not form significant amounts of harmful compounds, even when exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods of time. In fact, olive oil has been found to be more stable than certain seed oils and other vegetable oils like sunflower oil and canola oil.

The health benefits of olive oil

Not only is olive oil stable at high temperatures, but it also offers numerous health benefits. It is loaded with beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, which provide significant natural protection from oxidative damage. Additionally, the antioxidants and polyphenols in olive oil may offer disease-fighting and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Tips for using olive oil

When using olive oil for cooking, it is important to choose a quality product. Look for extra virgin olive oil that is unrefined, has a recent harvest date, and is packaged in a dark bottle to protect it from light exposure. While olive oil is safe to use at high temperatures, it is still best to use it within its smoke point range to avoid producing smoke and potentially degrading its quality.

In conclusion, olive oil is a safe and healthy option for cooking, including placing a pan with olive oil in the oven. Its high smoke point, stability, and nutritional profile make it a good choice for various cooking methods, such as pan-frying and deep frying. By choosing a quality product and using it within the appropriate temperature range, you can maximise its benefits and minimise any potential drawbacks.

Avoid high heat

When cooking with oil, it is important to consider the smoke point of the oil you are using. The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and release free radicals, which can be harmful to your health. Oils with lower smoke points, such as olive oil, flax oil, and walnut oil, should be avoided for high-heat cooking methods. Instead, opt for oils with higher smoke points, such as avocado oil, sesame oil, or safflower oil.

If you are using a non-stick pan, it is especially important to avoid high heat. Oils can polymerize and form a sticky layer on the pan if heated above their smoke point, which will ruin the non-stick coating. To prevent this, do not preheat your non-stick pan for more than 2 minutes, and always use low to medium heat. Additionally, avoid using cooking sprays on non-stick pans, as they can also ruin the coating over time.

Even if you are not using a non-stick pan, heating oil to high temperatures can make it difficult to clean off your pan. When oil reaches high temperatures, it can form a stable polymer that bonds with the surface of the pan, resulting in a robust, varnish-like coating. To clean off this coating, you will need to use more than just soap and water. Instead, try adding water or soda water to the pan and heating it for 10-15 minutes, or deglaze the pan with fresh water or vinegar before it has a chance to cool down.

Don't preheat non-stick pans

Non-stick pans are a convenient type of cookware that makes cooking and cleaning easier. However, it's important to handle them with care to avoid common mistakes that can damage the pan's coating and even pose health risks. One such mistake is preheating an empty non-stick pan.

Preheating an empty non-stick pan can have several negative consequences. Firstly, it can lead to overheating, which will damage the pan's coating and impair its non-stick properties. The high temperatures can break down the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) compound coating, making the pan less non-stick and potentially releasing toxic fumes. These fumes can be harmful to both humans and pets, especially birds, due to the sensitivity of their respiratory systems.

Secondly, preheating an empty non-stick pan can cause the pan to dry burn, destroying the coating and releasing poisonous gases. This can be dangerous not only for the pan but also for anyone in the vicinity, including pets.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to always add a source of fat, such as butter or oil, to the pan before preheating. This helps distribute the heat and prevents the pan from overheating. Additionally, starting with a low temperature and increasing it gradually, only when necessary, is a safer approach.

It is also worth noting that non-stick pans should generally not be heated above medium heat. For cooking methods that require higher temperatures, such as searing or frying, it is advisable to use alternative types of cookware, such as cast iron or stainless steel pans.

In summary, preheating an empty non-stick pan can lead to overheating, damaging the coating, and releasing toxic fumes. To prevent this, always add a source of fat before preheating and avoid high heat. By following these guidelines, you can maintain the longevity and effectiveness of your non-stick pans while also ensuring a safer cooking environment.

Use wooden or silicone utensils

When it comes to utensils, silicone and wooden options each have their pros and cons. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you decide which type is best for your needs:

Silicone Utensils:

Pros:

• Flexible: Silicone utensils can easily slip under delicate foods like eggs, fish, and pancakes without damaging them.
• Heat-resistant: Capable of withstanding high temperatures of up to 600°F (315°C) or 450°F (230°C) without melting, making them safe to use with hot pans or in the oven.
• Non-toxic and chemically stable: They won't leach chemicals or emit fumes, even at high heat.
• Easy to clean: Smooth surfaces make them simple to rinse or put in the dishwasher.
• Stain and odour-resistant: They won't absorb the colour or smell of food.
• Safe for non-stick cookware: Silicone utensils won't scratch or damage non-stick coatings.

Cons:

• May melt at extremely high temperatures: Avoid direct contact with open flames.
• Not ideal for precise tasks: Their flexibility may make delicate tasks like carving meat more challenging.
• Can absorb oil over time: Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain their non-stick properties.
• Limited colour options: The selection of colours is more limited compared to plastic or wood.
• Prone to damage by blades: Silicone utensils can get cut up by food processor blades, so they may need to be replaced frequently if used for scraping chopped foods.
• Difficult to find good quality: Many cheap silicone utensils are flimsy, lack heat resistance, and fall apart easily.

Wooden Utensils:

Pros:

• Heat-resistant: Wooden utensils can handle most cooking temperatures without warping or melting, up to around 350°F/175°C.
• Natural and eco-friendly: Made from renewable resources, wooden utensils are a more sustainable alternative to plastic.
• Gentle on cookware: They won't scratch non-stick surfaces or damage delicate pots and pans.
• Good grip: Wood provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.
• Aesthetic appeal: The natural wood grain adds a touch of warmth and elegance to your kitchen.

Cons:

• Absorb flavours and odours: Wooden utensils may retain strong flavours like garlic or onion, requiring thorough cleaning.
• Prone to cracking and warping: Prolonged exposure to heat and moisture can cause wooden utensils to crack or warp over time.
• Special care needed: Hand-washing is recommended, and occasional oiling is necessary to prevent drying and cracking.
• Not dishwasher-safe: Putting wooden utensils in the dishwasher can cause warping or cracking.
• Limited durability: Wooden utensils may not be as long-lasting as silicone or metal utensils, especially if made from softwoods like pine, which can splinter.

The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the following:

• Heat resistance: Silicone utensils are ideal for high-heat cooking and non-stick cookware, while wooden utensils are better for everyday cooking temperatures and gentle on non-stick surfaces.
• Versatility and durability: Silicone utensils offer more flexibility and are generally more durable, even with rough use. Wooden utensils hold their shape well and are great for tasks like stirring thick soups or mixing batters.
• Cleaning and sustainability: Silicone utensils are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, but they are not biodegradable. Wooden utensils require hand-washing and occasional oiling but are made from renewable resources.
• Food compatibility and aesthetics: Silicone utensils are inert and non-porous, making them suitable for acidic dishes and foods with strong flavours. Wooden utensils made from harder woods are also suitable, but some softwoods may leach resin. Wooden utensils offer a warm, natural look with unique grain patterns.
• Budget: Silicone utensils can be more expensive, especially high-quality brands. Wooden utensils may be a more budget-friendly option for occasional use.

Frequently asked questions