What Utensils You Can and Can’t Put in the Oven: Tips for Successful Baking

Not all pans are suitable for baking in the oven. To ensure that baking is enjoyable and safe and that products do not burn, you need to choose the right utensils. Products that are not suitable for the oven can burst or melt from the high temperature, which creates a lot of problems.

What cookware should not be put in the oven?

  • Plastic. It is strictly forbidden to put in the oven products made of plastic, as well as dishes with plastic elements. This material melts at high temperatures, as well as releases toxic substances.
  • Paper and cardboard. These materials can easily ignite at high temperatures, so it is better not to take risks with them. The exception is paper forms for muffins. They are impregnated with a special substance and are approved for the oven.
  • Wood. Wood in the oven is not likely to catch fire, but it can darken and crack. Also, note that pots and pans with wooden handles should not be placed in the oven.

What cookware should be used with caution in the oven

These materials can be used for baking, but it is worth knowing some rules. If you violate the safety of the cookware will be ruined.

  • Aluminum cookware. Aluminum itself can withstand high temperatures well, but in contact with acid, the material releases toxic substances. Therefore, you can not bake in aluminum cookware with lemon, sour berries, and meat in a sour marinade.
  • Enameled cookware. Enamelware should not be placed in a hot oven, otherwise, the material will crack from the sudden change in temperature. Enameled pot or bowl is put only in a cold oven. In addition, the enamel must not be heated to temperatures above 250°. It is forbidden to use such utensils if they have cracks of any size.
  • Glassware. If the glass does not indicate that it is heat-resistant, then it should be handled with care. Like enamel, glass should not be put in a hot oven, otherwise, cracks will form. Glassware is placed in a cold oven, and after baking, pull out not immediately, but open the door slightly and let the material cool a little. It is forbidden to use such cookware if it has cracks of any size.
  • Bowl from a multicooker. Bowls from the multicooker are conditionally suitable for baking, but they should be used only if there is nothing better. Because of the thin bottom, the food in it can burn. The bowl should not be heated above 200 °.

What cookware can be put in the oven: the peculiarities of each material

  • Steel. Stainless steel cookware with a non-stick coating is very popular for baking. It is a beautiful, lightweight, and heat-resistant material. Steel scratches easily, so you can’t cut food with a knife in such cookware.
  • Cast iron. Durable and durable cast iron pans and pans are not afraid of even the highest temperatures. Such cookware heats up quickly and the food in it cooks faster. The big disadvantage of cast iron products is their heavy weight.
  • Ceramics. Ceramic cookware retains heat well and heats quickly. In it, the food cooks evenly and retains the maximum benefit. Disadvantages of ceramic baking forms – high price and difficult care. They need to be washed immediately after use.
  • Heat-resistant glass. Cookware made of heat-resistant glass can be used in both ovens and electric ovens. It tolerates high temperatures, is easy to clean, and does not react with food. Also, you can watch the cooking process through the transparent glass.
  • Silicone. Silicone molds are mainly used for making desserts and biscuits. They can withstand temperatures up to 250°. After about 5 years after purchase, the material becomes toxic, so it must be changed regularly.
  • Clay pots. Such utensils have long been used for cooking first and second dishes. Kashi, soups, and stews in a clay pot have a unique taste. All foods cook well in clay pots – even the toughest meats can be cooked in them.
  • Baking trays. A baking tray usually comes with an oven, so it’s perfect for baking. They are usually made from a mixture of steel and aluminum. Thick-bottomed baking trays are best for making dough, cakes, and pizzas, while meat and fish should be baked on a tray with a rack.
    Roaster. A deep round frying pan with two handles is specially designed for baking. Its special shape allows food to bake well and soak in its own juices.
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Written by Emma Miller

I am a registered dietitian nutritionist and own a private nutrition practice, where I provide one-on-one nutritional counseling to patients. I specialize in chronic disease prevention/ management, vegan/ vegetarian nutrition, pre-natal/ postpartum nutrition, wellness coaching, medical nutrition therapy, and weight management.

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