Water And Hot Pans: What's The Deal?

Whether you're cleaning your pans or deglazing, putting too much water in a hot pan can be bad for your cookware. This is because of something called thermal shock, which can cause warping and cracking in your pans. Thermal shock occurs when you introduce a sudden change in temperature, like putting a hot pan in cold water. The metals cool too quickly and the pan starts to pull against itself, causing it to warp or crack. Even a small amount of cold water can cause a pan to warp, and warped pans won't cook evenly. So, it's best to let your pans cool down gradually before washing them or adding a small amount of liquid to deglaze.

Thermal shock can ruin your pan

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. Putting a hot pan in cold water causes something called thermal shock, which can ruin your pans—even the expensive ones.

Thermal shock is caused by a sudden change in temperature, such as when a hot pan is placed in cold water. The pan cools too quickly and starts to pull against itself. 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.

How to Avoid Thermal Shock

The best way to avoid thermal shock is to let your pans cool down gradually on the stovetop. If you need to make space, place the pan on a trivet or another heat-proof surface. If you are 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. Thicker, well-constructed pans are less likely to warp, but it is still best to let them cool briefly before adding small amounts of tepid water to speed up the cooling process.

How to Clean a Pan Without Causing Thermal Shock

If you want to remove burnt-on bits from your pan, add a small amount of water to the pan to loosen the solids, then set it aside to cool. Once the pan has cooled, you can add soap and water and let it soak before scrubbing it.

Warping and cracking may occur

When a hot pan is placed under cold water, the metal contracts, and the pan starts to pull against itself. This can cause the pan to warp or crack. The pan may become uneven, causing it to not sit evenly on the stovetop. This can result in hot and cold spots on the pan, leading to uneven heating and cooking.

The risk of warping or cracking depends on the amount of water and the material and quality of the pan. Pans made of thin metal or cast iron are more susceptible to warping or cracking. Repeatedly quenching hot pans in cold water can also increase the risk of damage.

To avoid thermal shock and potential warping or cracking, it is recommended to let the pan cool down gradually on the stovetop or a heat-proof surface before washing it with warm, soapy water.

Pans may not sit evenly on the stove

Another possible reason for pans not sitting evenly on the stove is that the stove surface itself may not be level. This can be due to uneven installation or adjustments made to the stove legs. In the case of electric stoves, the heating coils may be crooked or not sitting evenly, causing the pan to wobble.

Additionally, the use of certain types of cookware on induction stoves can also contribute to pans not sitting evenly. If the induction coil is smaller than the pan, it can result in hot spots in the centre of the pan and cooler areas towards the rim. Using thicker, well-constructed pans made from materials such as cast iron or stainless steel can help improve heat distribution and reduce the likelihood of warping.

To prevent pans from warping and ensure even heating, it is recommended to allow pans to cool gradually on the stovetop or a heat-proof surface before washing them in warm, soapy water.

Hot and cold spots may be present

To avoid 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.

Pans should cool down naturally before cleaning

It is important to let pans cool down naturally before cleaning them. This is because a sudden change in temperature can cause something called "thermal shock", which can ruin your pans. When a hot pan is placed under cold water, the metals cool too quickly and the pan starts to pull against itself. This can cause the pan to warp, crack, chip or shatter. Even a small amount of cold water in the bottom of the sink can be enough to cause damage.

The bigger the temperature difference, the greater the shock. However, 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. 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.

The best way to avoid this type of damage is to let your pans cool down gradually on the hob. If you need to make space, place the pan on a trivet or another heat-proof surface. If you're using a granite worktop, make sure to wipe it clean first so that the pan doesn't 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. Thicker, well-constructed pans are better at withstanding thermal shock, but it's still best to let them cool down naturally before cleaning.

If you need to speed up the cooling process, you can add small amounts of tepid water after letting the pan cool briefly.

Frequently asked questions