Can Non-Stick Pans Go In The Oven?
Non-stick pans are an essential cookware item used by all kinds of cooks. Not only are they incredibly easy to use and clean but also often reduce the amount of oil needed to cook a dish.
Made of a Teflon or ceramic layer that prevents the food from sticking to the surface, this kitchen must-have can make anything from scrambled eggs to fluffy pancakes, rice, fish, and everything in between.
While it is common knowledge that non-stick pans can be safely used on stovetops, there is a bit of confusion regarding whether they are oven-safe or not.
This property can be extremely useful, especially for dishes that start cooking on the stovetop and finish cooking in the oven, or vice versa.
So, can non-stick pans go in the oven? Most non-stick pans are oven-safe up to certain temperatures, which is why it is best to check the packaging or the manufacturer’s website for the temperature recommendations before putting your non-stick pan in the oven.
Read on to find out if all non-stick pans are oven-safe, the highest temperatures that they can withstand, the precautions to take, and what type of pan is best used in the oven!
Are All Non-Stick Pans Oven-Safe?
A lot of people are hesitant about using non-stick pans in the oven for the fear of breaking down the coating of the pans.
While these fears aren’t completely baseless since non-stick pans do get damaged when exposed to high heat, most non-stick pans can go in the oven up to certain temperatures.
To check whether your particular non-stick pan is oven-safe or not, it is best to check the packaging or the manufacturer’s website for the instructions.
The pans will often come with a mark on the bottom indicating whether they are oven-safe or not.
However, with non-stick cookware, you must always find the maximum temperature it can withstand.
This is especially important when it comes to certain previously-manufactured Teflon-coated pans since they may release toxic fumes at high heat.
You must make sure that all parts of the pan are oven-safe and not just the bottom part. The handles and lids must be heat-resistant and there should be no rubber or plastic seals on the pan.
What Temperatures Can Non-Stick Pans Withstand In The Oven?
Non-stick pans come in two different coatings: polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and ceramic. Neither is safe to be used at extremely high temperatures and is made to withstand heat only to a certain degree.
When using these pans in the oven, it is very important to know what these safe temperature ranges are to not damage the pans or cause them to release harmful chemicals.
When heated over 570°F, Teflon-coated pans can emit toxic fumes that may give you flu-like symptoms if you’re exposed to them over an extended period of time.
Both Teflon and ceramic pans may lose their non-stick properties and have their surfaces discolored.
If used within the recommended temperature limit, i.e., 500°F, most non-stick ceramic pans are oven-safe.
When using Teflon pans, we recommend replacing any pans made before 2013 since they contain PFOA, the compound responsible for the toxic fumes.
Teflon non-stick pans made after 2013 are PFOA-free and are generally safe to use in the oven.
Almost all non-stick pans, regardless of the type of coating they have, must not be heated over the recommended temperature and must never be used in the broiler.
How To Tell If A Non-Stick Pan Is Oven-Safe?
Most pans available in the market that are made from copper, cast iron, stainless steel, and non-stick coatings are oven-safe.
Regardless of the type of pan you are using, whether or not it is entirely safe to use in the oven will be mentioned on its packaging.
Therefore, you must always check the labels, packaging, and instructions that came with the pan before putting it in the oven.
Another way to check is by looking at the bottom where you will often find symbols denoting if the pan is suitable for induction, gas stoves, electric stoves, and ovens.
As mentioned above, although most non-stick pans are oven-safe, their coatings (Teflon or ceramic) have limits when it comes to heat exposure, due to which you must be careful about the oven temperatures you use.
You need to keep in mind that just because the material that the pan is made of is oven-safe doesn’t necessarily mean that the rest of the components, such as the handles and lid, are oven-safe as well.
Are Handles And Lids Of Non-Stick Pans Oven-Safe?
The handles on a pan are usually what restrict them from going into the oven, especially if they are made with materials such as wood or plastic.
Although they make it easy to hold the pan due to their insulation properties, they can melt at higher temperatures in the oven. Therefore, always be mindful when using non-stick pans with insulated handles while baking.
Insulating materials such as silicone are much better at withstanding heat and are also oven-safe at temperatures around 330-475°F.
Rubber handles may also be a good choice, although you may notice some discoloration in them after being put in the oven. This doesn’t affect their functionality, though.
Metal handles made with stainless steel and cast iron are the sturdiest when it comes to withstanding high temperatures of about 500°F in the oven.
Just remember to wear oven mitts when removing pans with metal handles since they can get very hot.
Many modern pans come with detachable handles that can be removed any time you want. This is especially useful if the pan is oven-safe but the handles are not, and is a smart solution for making your non-stick pans instantly oven-friendly.
Lastly, you may want to check the lids that the pans come with, especially if you want to use the lid in the oven.
For non-stick pans with glass lids, you must be extremely careful to not exceed the 400°F temperature limit in the oven or they might shatter due to the extreme heat.
In addition to that, most pan lids come with plastic knobs that can easily melt in the oven, making the lids less resistant to heat.
Make sure to replace the plastic knobs with stainless steel knobs to make the lid oven-proof, or ditch the lid altogether if possible.
Precautions To Take When Using A Non-Stick Pan In The Oven
Here are a few precautions to take when using non-stick pans, or any other pans, in the oven:
- Never assume the oven-safe temperature of your pan as it could result in irreversible damage and the potential release of harmful toxins.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes as they may cause the pan to warp or break.
- Always use oven mitts when taking the pan out of the oven since it can become very hot and may burn your hand.
- Never use a non-stick pan under the broiler since the heat can exceed 500°F and the direct flame may damage the pan’s coating.
Related Questions
Now that you know whether or not non-stick pans can go in the oven and the precautions to take when doing so, here are a few additional questions we thought you might have:
Can cast iron pans go in the oven?
When it comes to the best oven-safe pans, cast iron pans are a great choice since they are made entirely of metal and can withstand high temperatures in the oven.
It is extremely rare to find cast iron pans with plastic handles; however, just to be on the safe side, it is best to confirm by reading the manufacturer’s instructions since plastic can melt in the oven.
That being said, to prepare your cast iron pan for baking, you must season it properly so that its surface becomes non-stick and it is easier for you to bake in it.
Can aluminum pans go in the oven?
Aluminum pans are often anodized to make them non-reactive and safe for withstanding high temperatures, after which they can safely be used in the oven.
They are highly popular due to their great heat conductivity, which refers to the pan absorbing heat quickly and evenly while baking. As a result, there are no hot spots on the pan and the food gets cooked perfectly and evenly.
Can stainless steel pans go in the oven?
Stainless steel is durable, non-reactive, and generally safe to be used in the oven. However, just because stainless steel pans are oven-safe doesn’t mean they are the best choice when it comes to baking.
Since they offer low heat conductivity, they take up relatively longer to heat up and the heat distribution is not even, making them not very ideal for baking.
Can copper pans go in the oven?
Copper pans have exceptional heat conducting properties making them a great option for oven use. They react quickly according to the temperature changes you make to the oven and are perfect for baking purposes.
However, they are more expensive than other types of cookware and, since copper is a reactive metal, it cannot withstand very high temperatures.
