Oven-Safe Cookware: Pans In The Oven

Whether or not it's safe to put a pan in the oven depends on the pan's materials and features. Most manufacturers clearly state whether their cookware is oven-safe, often denoting this with a symbol on the pan or in the care instructions.

Pans made from cast iron, stainless steel, copper, or aluminium are typically oven-safe. However, pans with plastic, wooden, or silicone handles, or non-stick coatings, are generally unsuitable for the oven.

Pans with plastic handles should not be put in the oven

It is not advisable to put pans with plastic handles in the oven. While some plastics can withstand temperatures of up to 180 degrees Celsius, cheaper plastics tend to melt at around 100 degrees Celsius.

The melting plastic can cause many health hazards, as it releases toxic fumes composed of harmful substances like carbon monoxide, dioxins, and furans. Dioxin, a widely known human carcinogen, is formed when chlorine and hydrocarbons are heated to high temperatures. Therefore, it is always better to avoid putting a pan with plastic handles in the oven.

If you are unsure about the plastic quality of your pan handles, you can refer to the product manual, which should specify the maximum temperature and time duration that the pan can withstand. Alternatively, you can search for the melting point of the specific plastic used in your pan handles online.

To avoid melting plastic handles, it is recommended to invest in a pan with steel or cast iron handles. These materials can withstand higher temperatures for longer durations, eliminating the need to constantly monitor temperature settings.

Pans with wooden handles should not be put in the oven

It is not advisable to put pans with wooden handles in the oven. While wooden handles are great for cooking on the stovetop, as they remain cool to the touch, they are not designed to withstand high temperatures in the oven. Exposure to high heat can cause the wood to transform, warp, and even split. The wood can even ignite at higher broiling temperatures, possibly causing a dangerous fire in your oven.

Wooden handles generate harmful explosive vapors at higher temperatures, so this is not considered oven-safe. These gases can cause an explosion within your oven. When placed in an oven, the wooden grip loses its protective properties, and the wood shrinks as a result of moisture evaporation. As the food cooks, the wood releases combustible gases and imparts an off-flavour to the dish.

Therefore, it is recommended to choose pans made entirely of oven-safe materials, such as cast iron or stainless steel, which can withstand high temperatures without warping or deteriorating. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines before placing any pan in the oven, even those made from oven-safe materials, to prevent damage to the cookware and ensure safe cooking.

Non-stick pans are not always oven-safe

The first thing to remember is that a pan is only oven-safe if it is designed to be. Check the manufacturer's label or website for recommendations. There will often be a mark on the bottom of the pan to indicate whether it can be used in the oven, but with non-stick pans, it is best to find out the maximum temperature the pan can withstand. You can consult the instructions that came with the pan or look up the brand online to find the product description and user manual.

The handle of the pan should be made of metal, like stainless steel or aluminium, or be coated with silicone. Handles coated in plastic or wood should not be placed in the oven. The pan should not have rubber or plastic gaskets and seals, especially where the handle meets the pan. If you plan on covering your dish while it is in the oven, check that all parts of the lid are also oven-proof.

The two most common types of non-stick coating are polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and ceramic. Neither is intended to be used over high heat. Teflon can emit dangerous fumes when heated over 500°F (260°C), and the non-stick properties of ceramic pans can begin to diminish when exposed to high heat. Generally, most non-stick ceramic pans are safe for oven use. Teflon pans made after 2013 are PFOA-free and generally safe to use in the oven, but it is best to check the manufacturer's recommendation.

A major benefit of using an oven-safe non-stick pan is the ability to start a dish on the stovetop and finish it in the oven, or vice versa. However, ensure that the pan is not placed directly from a cold setting to a hot one, as this could damage the coating or warp the pan. Always make sure you use an oven mitt when removing the hot pan from the oven, even if it has a silicone handle.

Cast iron pans are oven-safe

Cast iron pans are a durable, versatile, and functional must-have for all chefs and home cooks. They can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, from bread and appetisers to main courses and desserts. One of their key advantages is that they can be used on the stovetop and in the oven, making them ideal for one-pan cooking.

Most recipes that use cast iron pans require around an hour of cooking in the oven, and this is completely fine, as cast iron can withstand being in the oven for two hours. You can start cooking your food on the stove and finish it off in the oven, or you can do the opposite: first cook your food in the oven at a low temperature, then transfer it to the stove for a perfect sear.

However, it's important to note that not all cast iron pans are created equal. Some come with handles made from materials like wood, which are not oven-safe. At baking temperatures, wood can split and break apart, and at broiling temperatures, it can heat up and start a fire. Therefore, if your cast iron pan has a wooden handle, stick to using it on the stove only.

Enameled cast iron skillets are also oven-safe but can only withstand temperatures up to 400°F. They are made with thinner pieces of metal than traditional cast iron skillets, so they can easily warp if not handled properly. When using enameled cast iron in the oven, be sure to avoid extreme temperature changes and never place an empty skillet in the oven.

Glass pans are oven-safe

Even if your glass pan is labelled as oven-safe, it's crucial to inspect it for any cracks, scratches, or chips before using it. Structural defects can compromise the integrity of the glass, and exposure to high temperatures may cause it to shatter. Additionally, many glass pans labelled as oven-safe have a temperature limit, so it's important to check this information to ensure your recipe doesn't require a higher temperature.

When using glass pans in the oven, avoid sudden temperature changes as they can cause the glass to break. For instance, don't transfer the pan directly from the fridge to a preheated oven or vice versa. Instead, allow the pan to reach room temperature before placing it in the oven, and always place hot glass on an oven mitt, hot pad, or towel rather than a cold surface.

It's also important to avoid adding cold liquids to a hot glass pan, placing hot glassware into dishwater, or using it for broiling or stovetop cooking. By following these guidelines, you can safely use glass pans in the oven for various recipes, from casseroles to cakes.

Frequently asked questions