Whether you’ve seen recipes that instruct you to cook a meal in a skillet on the stove before transferring it to the oven, you may be wondering if it’s safe to do so. We’ve done the research to determine which pans may be safely used in the oven and which should only be used on the stove.
Most pans are oven-safe, however the temperature varies based on the materials used and the manufacturer. Most pans may be safely baked at temperatures of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. There is, however, one exception. Pans with plastic handles should not be used in the oven unless they are clearly labeled as heat safe.
Continue reading to learn which pans are safe to use in the oven and at what temperatures. We’ll also go over some precautions you can take to safeguard your pan handles at higher temperatures, as well as some pans you should never use in the oven.
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What Frying Pans Can Go In The Oven?
While most pans may be securely used in the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, we’ll explore the pans that can normally be used at considerably greater temperatures without issue in this section.
However, you should always double-check to ensure that your pan is correct. Most major manufacturers designate the bottom of their pans as oven-safe. If there isn’t one, you may be able to discover it online by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
Stainless Steel Pans
Stainless steel pans are almost unbreakable. You can bake a completely stainless steel pan at temperatures ranging from 500 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considerably hotter than you’ll likely ever need. The mainstay of most professional kitchens is stainless steel.
Chefs like stainless steel because it is not only adaptable, but also excellent for cooking due to its equal heat distribution. Furthermore, if a catastrophe occurs in the kitchen and you wind up with a charred, sticky mess, you may clear the damage by soaking stainless steel in dishwater.
Cast Iron Pans
Cast iron pans are known for their durability and versatility. Cast iron pans may survive for decades and can be utilized in practically any situation. You may place your pan in the oven as long as it is totally cast iron (no wooden handles). This is most likely the pan in which your grandmother cooked cornbread.
Because cast iron pans are so sturdy, many campers and scouts use them to cook meals directly over or in campfires. The biggest disadvantage of cast iron is that it requires more specialized upkeep. Before using cast iron pans, they must be well seasoned. You should never clean a cast iron pan in a sink full of soapy water, as you would a stainless steel pan.
The major advantage of cast iron is that it heats up quickly and remains hot. Although it heats up unevenly, once it achieves a consistent high temperature, it retains it nicely. Cast iron is ideal for firm, nonacidic meals. Cook delicate fish and tomato-based sauces on a separate pan, such as stainless steel.
Copper Pans
Copper pans are oven safe and excellent heat conductors. The primary downside of copper pans is their high cost. Copper pans are visually appealing and heat up rapidly. Unlike cast iron, they do not need a lengthy preheating time.
One thing to keep in mind with copper pans is that they are always coated with another metal. Copper is a reactive metal that may leach into acidic meals and cause you to consume copper. Because this is harmful, copper pans are coated with a non-reactive metal. Most copper pans are now coated with stainless steel and may be used in the oven.
Some ancient copper pans, however, were coated with tin. Tin has a low melting point of about 450 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be used in a hot oven.
Carbon Steel Pans
Carbon steel pans are comparable to cast iron pans in many ways and may be used in the oven safely, even at extremely high temperatures. Carbon steel and cast iron vary primarily in that carbon steel is thinner and smoother than cast iron. If you appreciate the qualities of cast iron but dislike its clunkiness, you could choose carbon steel. Because of its smoothness, carbon steel is also easy to season and gives a superior nonstick surface.
Carbon steel pans are also more slanted than cast iron pans, which may or may not be advantageous depending on what you’re cooking. Carbon steel pans are often lighter, albeit they are far from light. However, bear in mind that when it comes to care for and seasoning carbon steel, it is just as demanding as cast iron.
How Do You Know If Your Pan Is Oven Safe?
Checking the bottom of your pan is the easiest method to know whether it’s safe to put it in the oven. Most manufacturers stamp the bottom of the pan with the maximum temperature that it can withstand in the oven. Whether your pan lacks this information, try the manufacturer’s website to see if it is available there.
If you can’t find any information about your pan but it’s made of one of the above-mentioned materials, including the handles, it’s safe to use in the oven. If you can’t find any information about your pan and aren’t sure what it’s made of, don’t bake it.
What Happens When You Put A Non-Oven-Safe Pan In The Oven?
The best thing that can happen when you put a non-oven-safe pan in an oven is that it ruins the pan. Unfortunately, putting a non-oven-safe pan in the oven causes toxic fumes to be released. Some melting plastics emit harmful gases when melted, so it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to putting pans in the oven.
Check for an Oven-Safe Symbol on Cookware
Perhaps your skillet has a series of symbols on the bottom that indicate what sort of burners it is safe for and if it can be used in the oven. Unfortunately, there is no standard for the appearance of an oven-safe pan sign.
“Icons differ. Some icons include the maximum temperature. We make use of a square with an oven inside “Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. Group Manager, Corporate and Consumer Communications Mary Beth Brault
Though each brand and pan may have different suggested maximum oven temperatures and symbols to show that, you’ll know what to check for the next time you need an oven-safe skillet. Make this frittata or a delicious breakfast popover with confidence that your pan can withstand the heat.
Can You Put Nonstick Pans In The Oven?
Most nonstick pans are oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while others are oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You should inspect your pan, however the difference depends on the material.