Pots You Can Put In The Oven – The Ultimate Guide

Sometimes it’s just more convenient to put the entire pot in the oven than taking out more cookware and adding to the pile of dishes near the sink. 

Pots are highly versatile and now that you can find almost any type of pot in the market, it has become even more easy and convenient for anyone to safely use pots inside ovens.

Despite this, many people tend to not use this method due to different reasons.

Some aren’t knowledgeable while others feel that the oven heat would either leak or add dangerous chemicals to the food or depreciate the pot entirely. Of course, not all of this is true but you need to consider a few things. 

So, the question is, what are the pots you can put in the oven? Generally, you can use any type of pot that has an “oven-safe” label at the bottom. If your pot doesn’t have labeling then you should check with the manufacturer or use our guide to manually figure out if your pot is safe to use in the oven.

We have taken into account a few different types of well-known and well-used pots in this article.

Even if your type of pot isn’t listed here, there are a few tell-tale signs that can indicate if your pot is safe to use or not. Read on to find out more!

Can You Put A Pot In The Oven?

Over the decades, people have always thought of using different pots for multiple things. For example, there was a time when you couldn’t use certain kinds of containers in microwaves or ovens due to fears of electrical sparks or contortion. 

This was highly justified since a lot of oven manufacturers warned customers against specific types of pots and containers. Decades later, as technology and our understanding of materials evolved, so did our cookware. 

The problem was, many people still had this age-old notion of not using pots in the oven. This cycle went on for some time and the use of pots in ovens had become a borderline myth in the cooking world. 

Regardless, a lot of manufacturers started to print labels onto their pots and containers where they would list their products as being “oven friendly” or “oven/bake safe”. 

This put some people to ease but since there are so many pots in the market, it’s hard to be sure which ones are the best for ovens. If you have been wondering the same then look no further! 

Below are some well-known pots that you can put in ovens. 

Cast Iron Pots

These pots are designed to be heavy-duty. They are thick and this type of metal is completely safe to use in ovens so long as they don’t have any plastic on them.

Most cast iron pots are designed to withstand high temperatures and are used extensively by a lot of people all over the world. 

Cast iron pots are unanimously used for pot roasts and searing food. If you were once ever afraid of using cast iron inside ovens, then you should definitely try it now.

Not only will the cast iron add a perfect sear but it will also caramelize and evenly cook your dish. 

There are a few types of cast iron pots available in the market.

For example, enameled cast iron pots are designed to be superior in conducting and withstanding heat when compared to regular cast iron pots and can also be used in ovens.

Some are even coated with non-stick material. This is where you should refer to the labeling for more information.

If you aren’t sure if your particular cast iron pot is safe to use then please check the bottom of the pan for any indications or you can also refer to the manufacturer for more details. 

Aluminum Pots 

Aluminum is nothing short of magic in modern-day cooking. This highly versatile material is lightweight, durable and can conduct and withstand high temperatures without fail.

It’s no wonder why so many people prefer aluminum pots over heavier alternatives. 

These types of pots can also be used in ovens so long as there is no plastic on the surface or the handle of the pot.

Aluminum pots come in all shapes and sizes so if you are looking for a convenient, easy to use and lightweight pot then aluminum is the way to go. 

Of course, it won’t provide the same level of searing that cast iron pots offer, but for everyday cooking, these are going to be the best for any job.

Again, we highly recommend that you check the labeling for indications on how to use the pot correctly. 

You can also refer to the box or manufacturer for more details regarding your particular pot. 

Copper Pots

The thing about copper is that it is a highly reactive material at higher temperatures but it can be completely stable for everyday cooking. 

Most copper pots are mixed with other metals to bring down their reactivity and increase their heat tolerance. This results in durable pots that can sear and cook foods evenly using high heat – but it also increases their cost. 

Regardless, you can use most copper pots in the oven so long as the manufacturer has labeled it oven-safe. Copper is notorious for heating up quickly. In fact, with a copper pot, you don’t need to preheat, unlike other pots like cast iron. 

Most professionals who choose to use this pot monitor their dish carefully so as to control and adjust the cooking temperature. If you don’t think that you can handle this type of pot in the oven then you are better off using any other type. 

Stainless Steel Pots

Steel as a material is highly durable and is a great conductor of heat too. You can use steel pots in ovens but in the case of stainless steel, you may have to use some precaution. 

Most stainless steel pots don’t dissipate heat evenly, meaning that you are likely to see some uneven cooking patterns.

However, due to their durability, they can freely be used inside ovens. Of course, you will have to see if the brand has built its pot to be oven-safe, to be sure.

Generally speaking, these types of pots are mostly used when there are no other pots available.

It gets the job done but if you have an aluminum or cast-iron pot around, then you may get better results with those instead of stainless-steel pots. 

Glass Pots

Most glassware is oven-friendly. You will usually come across thick and heavy glass pots that are specifically built for high heat cooking. These are perfect for oven use and may even be used to sear the top of your dish before serving.

Sure, they may be heavier and clunkier to use and store, but they offer a great solution, especially if you don’t want to take out or move the dish to another pan. Just throw it in the oven and you should be good. 

Just remember to check with the manufacturer to see if your glassware is indeed oven-safe. 

Non-Stick Coated Pots

There are many pots with a non-stick coating but their use in the oven may be limited unless clearly specified.

Non-stick coating ensures that your food doesn’t stick to the surface of any pot. Different types of pots have different coatings. For example, some cast iron pots, also called enameled pots, have a strong non-stick coating added to their surface.

Generally speaking, metal pots are notorious for making food stick to the surface. To combat this problem, manufacturers use stronger non-stick solutions or multiple coatings.

Sometimes these coatings are oven friendly, other times they may be reactive to food at higher temperatures. 

When in doubt, look at the labeling to see if your non-stick pot is oven-friendly. Some pots may even be labeled as “oven-safe” but have a temperature limit added to them.

Most metal pots can handle a lot of heat – and we mean A LOT. 

Ovens can reach temperatures of about 500°F which is way within the limit of the maximum temperature that metal pots can handle (which is about 1500°F for cast iron)

So, unless the manufacturer has mentioned specific instructions for your pot, you should be good with using non-stick pots in the oven. 

Pots You Can’t Put in the Oven

Now that you know what to use in an oven, it’s probably a great idea to learn what not to put inside an oven too. 

While metal and aluminum make for excellent heat conductors, there are other materials that you should completely avoid when it comes to using the oven:

Wooden Pots 

This should be a no-brainer for everyone. Wooden pots are a huge no-go when it comes to ovens. Even if the entire pot isn’t made out of wood, using a metal and wood hybrid where you have a wooden handle is also going to be a bad idea.

Most wooden cookware comes with several warnings and you should pay extra attention to how to use them properly.

Needless to say, wooden pots pose a safety and fire hazard when exposed to high temperatures and they can also contort and bend out of shape.

Best case scenario, you’ll get to cook your dish and end up with a slightly bent and contorted pot. Worst case scenario, you will ruin both your dish and the pot for good. 

Plastic Containers

This is another no-brainer. Avoid the use of plastics in ovens even if the labeling says that it’s safe to use. 

Most plastic containers are not recommended for daily use due to several reasons. They may be harmful to your health, they may bend out of shape, or they may even melt at higher temperatures.

Some manufacturers label their containers as being “microwave-safe” but you shouldn’t push your luck when it comes to ovens. Ovens generate way more heat you may end up ruining your oven, container, and dish. 

Plastics are bad for the environment and pose a health risk too – so why not get rid of them entirely? 

Clay Pots

Clay pots are famous for imparting an earthy flavor to dishes and are widely used in a lot of cuisines. These pots are usually artisanal and mostly made by hand and are used extensively in Asian regions. 

Often called “Handi” in Asian culture, clay pots are highly desirable for their versatility and traditional value.

They commonly employ the use of wooden spoons to mix food so as to not damage the surface of the pot. However, using both clay pots and wooden spoons in ovens should be avoided. 

Again, ovens generate a lot of heat, and clay pots are known to crack and break at high temperatures.

Even if they are coated, you will have to refer to the manufacturer to see how well they can handle heat and if they are safe to use at all. 

Other Factors To Keep In Mind

Always keep in mind these things to avoid running into problems while cooking food:

• Check accessories for plastics, wood, or other materials that may melt or burn with high heat.
• Pots with handles must always be first checked for maximum temperatures and safety.
• Non-stick pots should be checked for their labeling and must be oven-friendly. 

Most manufacturers are required to label their products correctly. Even if you run into problems with finding the label, you can always refer to the brand for more information. 

Big brands like Staub, All-Clad, Lodge, Cuisinart, and more will always provide detailed information on their products and you can also reach out to them via after-sale service centers to find out more about your pots. 

Remember, it is always best to be safe than to be sorry. A little research will go a long way and you may only need to confirm the labeling once before you use the pot in the oven.  

Conclusion

Many different types of pots can be used in the oven. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish with your pot, you can also use them in many ways as long as your cookware is oven-safe. 

Many people prefer to keep their dishes in one pot during the entire cooking process.

The convenience of cooking on a stove and then moving the same pot to the oven for finishing touches without having to shift the dish to a different pot is very important to most people. 

It saves time, it saves you the trouble of moving the dish and it certainly reduces the clean up as well.

While most pots can be used in the oven, some need a bit more attention. By default, you may get away with cooking in cast iron pots in almost every situation. 

But you may need to be careful of plastics, wooden accessories, non-stick coatings, and more before putting anything in the oven. A little attention will ensure the quality of your food and the longevity of your pot and oven. 

Related Questions

Now that we’ve gone over which pots you can put in the oven and which you can’t, let’s take a look at a few related questions on the subject. 

Can you use any type of oven when cooking in a pot? 

Conventional ovens that use gas or convection are great for most types of pots. However, when it comes to microwaves, you may need to be more careful.

Most pots aren’t microwave-safe, even if they are labeled as “oven-friendly”. Microwave appliances heat food differently and they can also react with the type of metal you place inside.

Using non-microwave safe pots can result in sparks, fire, and damage to the appliance and food. 

How can you check if a pot is oven-safe? 

The easiest way to see if your pot is oven-safe is to check its labeling. Most manufacturers will label their products properly so that their customers can use the pots appropriately.

This labeling can either be found at the bottom of the pot or on its packaging.  You may also contact the manufacturer for more information regarding your pot and its uses. 

Are ceramic pots safe to use in ovens?

Yes. Most ceramic cookware that is oven-safe will always be able to withstand the heat generated by your oven.

When in doubt, check the labeling. You will always be more informed when you check the specifications of your pot.

Some ceramic pots may not be safe for use and may not be able to handle high temperatures which is why it is important that you thoroughly check the instructions. 

Do all brands offer oven-safe pots?

Most big and popular brands like Staub, Cuisinart, and more will provide additional information for their products.

Manufacturers usually label if their product is oven-safe but you can also use some guidelines to figure out if your cookware is oven-friendly or not. 

Simple things like the material your pot is made out of can give you a clear indication of whether you can use the pot in the oven or not.

A great example is cast iron. Even if your cast iron pot has no labeling, you may use it in the oven because of how well this material handles heat.

Just make sure that the pot does not have any wooden or plastic accessories attached to it.  

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