Beware: Broiler's Heat For Pans

Storing pans in a broiler drawer is generally not recommended, as it can be a fire hazard and may damage the pans. Broilers can reach very high temperatures, often exceeding 500°F, which can cause non-stick coatings to flake off and silicone handles to melt. Glass cookware should also be avoided as it can shatter or crack under the intense heat. If you must store pans in a broiler drawer, choose all-metal pans without plastic or rubber handles, and always check that your cookware is broiler-safe and suitable for high temperatures.

Pans with plastic or rubber handles

It is not recommended to put pans with plastic or rubber handles in the broiler. The broiler is the hottest part of the oven, and plastic handles will melt at high temperatures. Even if the plastic handles are not exposed to direct heat, they can still melt and cause health hazards. The melting plastic can ruin the taste of the food and produce toxic fumes, which can be dangerous if inhaled. These fumes contain harmful substances like carbon monoxide, dioxins, and furans, which have been linked to respiratory diseases and cancer.

If you want to use a pan with plastic handles in the oven, it is important to check the manual for specified temperature and time limits. Most plastics can withstand temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius, so setting your oven to this temperature is generally safe for pans with plastic handles. Another option is to bake food at a lower temperature than the melting point of the handles.

There are tricks to prevent plastic handles from melting in the oven, such as wrapping wet paper towels around the handles and covering them with aluminum foil. However, this is not a reliable solution, and it is always better to avoid putting pans with plastic handles in the oven altogether. Instead, opt for pans with steel or cast iron handles, which can withstand higher temperatures for longer durations.

When deciding whether to put a pan in the broiler, it is important to consider the material of the pan, the coating, and the handle type. All-metal pans with metal handles are typically safe for the oven and broiler. Cast iron, stainless steel, and copper pans are oven-safe, while nonstick pans are not designed for the high temperatures of a broiler.

Non-stick pans

Some non-stick pans are oven-safe, but this does not necessarily mean they are broiler-safe. Always check the manufacturer's instructions to know which type you have. If a non-stick pan is exposed to high temperatures, the non-stick coating could be damaged or destroyed, and there is a risk of releasing toxic fumes.

To avoid damaging your non-stick pans and risking your safety, choose alternative options for broiling, such as traditional cast iron or stainless steel pans.

Glass pans

If you're looking to brown the top of a dish, such as a casserole or French onion soup, it's best to use a baking dish or crock made of ceramic or porcelain, which can withstand high temperatures. Sturdy metal pans or simple rimmed sheet pans are also optimal for broiling.

To avoid disaster, always check your cookware's instructions manual or website to know whether it's broiler-safe and up to what temperature.

Pans with silicone parts

Silicone is a popular material for kitchen gear, including handles for cast-iron skillets, baking mats, and bakeware. While it is generally safe for use in the dishwasher, freezer, and oven, it should not be exposed to the high temperatures of a broiler.

The average broiler temperature ranges from 500 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, while silicone can typically withstand temperatures of up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposing silicone to temperatures above 450 degrees Fahrenheit may cause it to smoke, deform, or even catch fire.

Therefore, it is important to always check that your silicone cookware is removed from the oven before using the broiler setting. Additionally, if you store your pans in the oven, be sure to take them out before preheating, as silicone bakeware can melt or catch fire at high temperatures.

Pans with parchment paper

The broiler is a powerful tool in your kitchen, ideal for cooking thin cuts of meat, charring vegetables, and browning dishes. However, its high temperatures can also be hazardous, and certain materials should never be used under the broiler.

Parchment paper is one of them. While it is heat-resistant, it is not heat-proof, and broiler temperatures can easily exceed 451°F, the temperature at which paper ignites. This can not only ruin your meal but also set your oven, and even your home, on fire.

If you want to use parchment paper, keep it away from the broiler. It is safe to use for baking, as the oven temperature rarely exceeds 425°F. If you need to use the broiler, opt for a broiler pan or a metal baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Additionally, avoid using non-stick pans, as the high heat of the broiler can cause the non-stick coating to flake off. Glass cookware, including Pyrex, can also shatter or crack under the intense heat. Food-grade silicone should also be avoided, as it cannot withstand broiler temperatures.

Remember to always follow safety guidelines when using your broiler, and if in doubt, consult your cookware's instructions manual or website to determine if it is broiler-safe.

Frequently asked questions