Pots And Pans Cycle: What's The Deal?

The Pots and Pans setting on a dishwasher is a heavy-duty cycle that uses extra blasts of water to wash away tough, baked-on food and grime. It is designed for heavily soiled pots, pans, casserole dishes and grimy tableware. The cycle is longer than the standard wash setting and uses more hot water and extra rinses.

When to use the pots and pans setting

The Pots and Pans setting on a dishwasher is a heavy-duty cycle that uses extra blasts of water from the spray arms to wash away tough, baked-on food and grime. This setting is ideal for heavily soiled pots, pans, casserole dishes, and grimy tableware. It is best used when you have a load of heavily soiled dishes that require a more intense clean than the standard wash cycle can provide.

The Pots and Pans cycle is perfect for those times when you have a lot of dirty pots and pans with caked-on or baked-on food. It is also suitable for when you have a mix of heavily soiled dishes and lightly soiled dishes that you want to wash together. The cycle will ensure that all the dirt and grime are effectively removed, leaving your dishes sparkling clean.

Additionally, the Pots and Pans setting can be useful when you want to sanitise your dishes. The high-temperature water used in this cycle can help kill bacteria, making it ideal for cleaning items that have come into contact with raw meat or other potentially harmful substances. This setting can provide peace of mind, especially if you have young children or family members with weakened immune systems.

It is important to note that not all pots and pans are dishwasher-safe. Before using this setting, always check the manufacturer's instructions and look for a dishwasher-safe label on your cookware. Some materials, such as cast iron, non-stick coatings, and wood, are not suitable for the dishwasher and should be hand-washed instead.

By using the Pots and Pans setting on your dishwasher, you can save time and effort in cleaning heavily soiled dishes. It is a convenient option for busy cooks and those who want to ensure a thorough clean for their cookware.

Which materials are dishwasher-safe

The "pots and pans" setting on a dishwasher is designed for washing bulky pots and pans that would usually be placed on the bottom rack, requiring a second load. This setting helps save time and effort by fitting these items into the upper rack.

Now, when it comes to materials that are dishwasher-safe, here are the key points to keep in mind:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the safest materials to put in the dishwasher. It is highly resistant to corrosion and heat. However, it's important to remove any solid scraps from stainless steel pots and pans before washing to avoid clogging the machine. Additionally, stainless steel can be discoloured by certain foods such as mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and tomato-based products if they are not rinsed off beforehand.

Anodized Aluminum

Pots and pans made from anodized aluminum are protected from the chemicals used during a dishwasher cycle and can be safely washed in the machine. However, non-anodized aluminum should not be put in the dishwasher as it lacks this protective coating.

Ceramic

Ceramic cookware, such as china or porcelain without hand-painted designs or embellishments, is generally dishwasher-safe. However, hand-painted or embellished ceramic cookware should be hand-washed to avoid damaging the surface.

Glass

Glass containers are usually safe to clean in the dishwasher, but they may develop etched lines or white patches with continuous dishwasher use.

Teflon

Non-stick Teflon pots and pans labelled "dishwasher-safe" can be washed in the dishwasher. However, most non-stick coatings are fragile and susceptible to damage during a dishwasher cycle, so hand-washing is often recommended to prolong their lifespan.

Materials to Avoid in the Dishwasher

Some materials that should be avoided in the dishwasher include copper, cast iron, steel, tin, and non-anodized aluminum. These materials are prone to rusting, discolouration, or damage from the high temperatures and powerful water jets in dishwashers. Wooden cookware and utensils should also be hand-washed, and plastic items should only be washed in the dishwasher if they are marked as dishwasher-safe.

How to hand wash pots and pans

Step 1: Prep the Cookware

Scrape away any large pieces of leftover food with a gentle cleaning tool or paper towel. For stubborn food residue, soak the cookware in a mixture of dishwashing soap or baking soda and hot water for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 2: Wash the Cookware

Fill the sink or a dishpan with hot water and add a mild dish soap. Place the pots and pans in the water and use a sponge to gently scrub each piece all over, including the bottom, until all traces of food are removed.

Step 3: Rinse the Cookware

Rinse each item with hot water from the faucet until all the suds are gone.

Step 4: Dry the Cookware

Set the pots and pans out on a drying rack or dry them by hand using a towel.

Tips:

• Always check if your pots and pans are dishwasher safe before putting them in the dishwasher.
• Wash your pots and pans as soon as possible after cooking to prevent food from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove.
• Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool to clean non-stick or stainless-steel pots as these can scratch the surface.
• Rinse your pots and pans thoroughly to avoid a soapy taste in your food.
• Dry your pots and pans straight after rinsing to prevent watermarks from forming.

How to load the dishwasher

To get the most out of your dishwasher, it's important to know how to load it properly. Here's a step-by-step guide to loading your dishwasher for the best results:

Step 1: Check Dishwasher-Safe Items

Before loading, always check that your items are dishwasher-safe. Look for a “dishwasher-safe” label on the packaging or a dishwasher stamp or symbol (usually a box with plates or glasses inside) on the item itself. This includes plastics and Tupperware, which should be dishwasher-safe to withstand high temperatures.

Step 2: Hand-Wash Delicate Items

Some items are best hand-washed, including sharp knives, blenders, food processor attachments, mandolines, and wooden items like spoons and cutting boards. Delicate items such as thin-stemmed wine glasses should also be hand-washed to avoid breakage. Cast iron, non-stick pans, aluminium, and ceramic pans are also not recommended for the dishwasher as they can be damaged by the water jets and detergent.

Step 3: Load the Bottom Rack

The bottom rack is for larger items such as plates, large bowls, serving platters, silverware, and stainless steel pots and pans. Angle larger items like pans and mixing bowls towards the back of the rack, facing the centre of the dishwasher. Place plates between the tines on the rack, alternating larger and smaller plates to prevent nesting. Position large bowls between the tines or along the sides, back, or front of the rack, angling them downward towards the centre. Place flat pans or platters on the sides or back of the rack, away from the door, to avoid blocking detergent from reaching other dishes.

Step 4: Load the Top Rack

The top rack is for cups, mugs, glasses, stemware, plastic items and containers, small bowls, small plates, and large utensils. Place mugs, cups, and glasses upside down along the sides of the top rack from front to back. If you have a fold-down shelf, secure the stems of wine glasses in the stemware holders. Position small bowls and plates between the tines, angling them downward towards the centre. Plastic containers and lids can be placed in the top rack, facing downward, but ensure they are secure and not small enough to fall through gaps, which could block the washer arms. Long utensils like spatulas should be laid flat on the upper rack, ensuring they don't slip through.

Step 5: Load the Cutlery Basket

Place forks and spoons in the basket with handles facing down, and knife handles up, with blades facing down for safety. Mix up the cutlery to prevent nesting.

Step 6: Avoid Overcrowding

While it's tempting to fit as much as possible into the dishwasher, overcrowding can reduce its effectiveness. Ensure there is separation between items, especially bowls, to allow the jets to clean them thoroughly.

Step 7: Angle Dishes Downward

Placing items at an angle helps with effective cleaning and drying.

Step 8: Face Dishes Towards the Centre

The appliance washer jets are located on the rotating spray arm and spray upward, so position dishes with their dirty sides facing the centre of the dishwasher.

Step 9: Don't Block the Sprayer Arms

Make sure large items don't block the sprayer arms, which contain the jets that wash and rinse your dishes.

Step 10: Skip Pre-Rinsing

Modern dishwashers have sensors that adjust the wash cycle based on how dirty your dishes are, so scraping off large food particles is usually enough. Pre-rinsing can actually reduce the effectiveness of the detergent.

Step 11: Only Run Full Loads

For the sake of the planet, only run your dishwasher when it's full, and skip the heated dry cycle to save energy.

How to care for and maintain pots and pans

The pots and pans setting on a dishwasher is a heavy-duty cycle that uses extra blasts of water to wash away tough, baked-on food and grime. This setting is suitable for heavily soiled pots, pans, casserole dishes, and grimy tableware.

Now, here is some advice on how to care for and maintain your pots and pans:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the easiest material to maintain as it doesn't corrode or scratch. You can put stainless steel in the dishwasher, but if you want to remove stains, you'll have to do it by hand. Use a stainless steel cleaning product, like Bar Keepers Friend, and a scrubbing pad to get rid of any marks. To prevent discolouration and burn marks, avoid soaking your stainless steel pots and pans, as the iron in tap water can cause rust.

Ceramic-Coated

Ceramic-coated pots and pans are non-stick and safe to use at high temperatures. However, their coating can scratch and chip, so avoid using steel wool to clean them. Instead, soak them in soapy water to help release food, and clean them immediately to prevent the coating from absorbing flavours.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is a unique product, so its cleaning requirements are a little different. Clean cast iron immediately after use and don't let it soak, as it can rust. Don't use soap, as cast iron is porous and will absorb the flavour of the soap. Instead, scrub off food, rinse, and dry completely. Then, rub oil into the pan, a step called "seasoning", which will give it non-stick qualities.

Copper

Copper is highly reactive, so avoid cooking acidic foods in copper pots and pans. Always clean copper cookware by hand, using hot water, dish soap, and a non-stick sponge or soft brush. For stubborn stains, let the pans soak for 10 to 15 minutes in hot, soapy water, and then rinse. To remove the brownish-black tarnish that occurs over time, dip half a lemon in kosher salt, rub it in, and scrub all over with a scrub brush.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a reactive material, so don't cook acidic foods in aluminum pots and pans. Hand wash with hot water, mild dish soap, and a non-scratch scrub sponge or pad. To cut down on natural discolouration over time, combine water and white vinegar or lemon juice in your pot or pan, bring to a boil, let sit for up to 15 minutes, then pour out, clean, and dry.

Non-Stick

To maintain the coating of non-stick pots and pans, avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the surface. Even if the manufacturer says this cookware is dishwasher-safe, it's best to hand wash to give your pots and pans the longest lifespan. Clean immediately with hot water, dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. For stubborn bits of food, use a mix of baking soda and water, or bring water and vinegar to a simmer, cook for up to 10 minutes, then cool, wash, and dry. After drying, protect the surface with about a teaspoon of oil. If stacking, place a paper towel or dry dish towel between the layers.

Frequently asked questions