Oven Storage: Pots And Pans?

Whether or not you can put your pots and pans in the oven depends on what they are made of. Cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, and glass cookware are all oven-safe. However, non-stick pans are generally not suitable for oven use, as the non-stick coating may melt or release chemicals. Additionally, pots and pans with plastic or wooden handles, knobs, or other features should not be placed in the oven, as they may melt or catch fire. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and heat maximums before using any cookware in the oven.

Pans with plastic handles should not be put in the oven

It is generally advised to avoid putting pans with plastic handles in the oven. This is because the plastic handles can melt, causing potential health hazards and damaging your cookware.

The melting point of plastic varies depending on its quality and type. Cheaper plastics tend to melt at around 100°C, while certain other plastics can withstand temperatures of up to 180°C. However, it is challenging to determine the exact type of plastic used in your cookware and its melting point. Therefore, it is safer to avoid putting plastic handles in the oven altogether.

If you have lost the manual for your pan and are unsure about the plastic type, you can search for the melting point of the plastic by doing a quick online search. Setting your oven to a temperature below the melting point of the plastic can help prevent the handles from melting. However, this may not always be feasible, especially if you are baking at higher temperatures.

Additionally, melting plastic can release toxic fumes containing harmful substances like carbon monoxide, dioxins, and furans. These fumes can contaminate your food and pose serious health risks. Dioxins, for example, are known human carcinogens, and exposure to them has been linked to cancer and respiratory diseases.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to invest in pans with metal handles, such as steel or cast iron, if you frequently use your pans in the oven. These materials can withstand higher temperatures for longer durations without posing any health or safety risks.

Non-stick pans are not generally suited to oven cooking

To determine if your non-stick pan can go in the oven, check the manufacturer's label or website for the maximum oven temperature the pan can withstand. Some non-stick pans are oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C), but this is dependent on the material and coating used. It is also important to ensure that all parts of the pan, including the handle, are heatproof. Handles made of plastic, wood, rubber, or other non-heatproof materials should not be placed in the oven.

If you plan to use a non-stick pan in the oven, avoid temperatures above 350°F (176.6°C) to prevent damage to the non-stick coating and potential warping of the pan. Always use oven mitts when handling hot pans, even if they have silicone handles.

Non-stick pans are best suited for stovetop cooking, especially when preparing sticky foods like eggs or fish. They reduce the need for added butter or oil and make cleanup easier. However, their non-stick coatings can break down over time or with improper use, so they should be handled with care.

Carbon steel pans are lightweight and oven-safe up to 1200F

Carbon steel pans are a great option for your kitchen. They are lightweight, oven-safe, and have incredible heat retention. They can withstand temperatures up to 1200°F (649°C), which is much higher than what you would normally need in your home kitchen. This makes them perfect for various cooking methods, such as stir-frying, sautéing, and searing.

One of the biggest advantages of carbon steel pans is their weight. They are considerably lighter than cast iron pans, which makes them easier to handle and manoeuvre. This is especially useful if you need to transfer the pan from the stovetop to the oven or even over an open flame. Their lightweight construction doesn't compromise their performance, as they are made from steel and carbon, which gives them a smooth surface and excellent heat conductivity.

Carbon steel pans are also very durable and have a high heat tolerance. They can be used on all types of cooktops, including induction, and are compatible with open flames like campfires and BBQ grills. This makes them a versatile option for both home and professional cooks.

In addition to their lightweight and durability, carbon steel pans offer excellent heat retention. This means that they heat up quickly and evenly, resulting in consistent cooking temperatures. They are also responsive to changes in heat, so you can easily adjust the temperature as needed.

Another benefit of carbon steel pans is their non-stick surface. Once they have been seasoned, carbon steel pans provide a non-stick coating that can stand up to metal cooking tools. This makes them low maintenance and easy to clean.

Overall, carbon steel pans are a great choice for any kitchen. They offer lightweight construction, excellent heat retention, high heat tolerance, and a non-stick surface. Their versatility and performance make them a favourite among professional chefs and home cooks alike.

Cast iron pans can handle temperatures up to 600F

Cast iron pans are incredibly versatile and can be used on almost any heat source, from the kitchen to the campfire. They can withstand temperatures of up to 600°F (some sources even state 650°F), making them a great option for cooking on gas, electric, and induction cooktops, as well as gas grills, charcoal grills, and campfires.

Cast iron is a ferrous metal, which makes it perfect for induction cooking. It can also be used safely on glass-top ranges without scratching the surface, as long as you gently place it on the burner rather than sliding it.

When using cast iron in the oven, it's important to preheat the cookware gradually to prevent thermal shock, which can damage it. Cast iron has excellent heat retention, so after preheating, you may need to turn down the heat to maintain the desired temperature.

While cast iron can handle high temperatures, it's important to note that the maximum temperature for enameled cast iron is typically lower, around 500°F. Additionally, enameled cast iron may not be suitable for outdoor use as the finish can be affected by high temperatures from gas grills, smokers, and campfires.

Cast iron is a durable and versatile material that can handle a wide range of temperatures and cooking methods, making it a valuable piece of cookware for any kitchen or outdoor cooking setup.

Stainless steel pans are oven-safe up to 800F

Stainless steel pans are generally considered oven-safe, but there are some exceptions and precautions to be aware of. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your stainless steel pan does not have any plastic components, as these can melt or degrade at high temperatures. Therefore, always check that the handles of your pan are oven-safe before use; wooden or plastic handles are not oven-safe.

High-quality "cladded" stainless steel cookware, made of different layers of metal such as stainless steel and aluminium sandwiched together, is recommended for oven use. When shopping for oven-safe and high-quality stainless steel pans, look for 18/10 Stainless Steel and either 304 or 400-grade stainless steel. These types of stainless steel can withstand temperatures up to 800°F (426°C), so they are a great option for oven-safe cookware.

Additionally, some sources recommend avoiding pans with aluminium bases, as they may not be able to withstand high oven temperatures. Stainless steel pans with glass lids should also be monitored, as the lids typically have a lower temperature threshold than the pans themselves. For example, a pan may be oven-safe up to 400°F (204°C), but its glass lid may only be safe up to 350°F (176°C).

In conclusion, stainless steel pans are a popular choice for home and professional chefs because of their durability and versatility. When used correctly, they can be safely used in the oven at temperatures up to 800°F. However, it is important to be aware of the specific features of your pan, such as the type of handle and base, to ensure safe use.

Frequently asked questions