How to Tell if a Pot is Oven-Safe (Safety Tips & Cooking Temperatures)

Some cooking and baking are very interesting and made easy with different kitchen appliances that see the day’s light daily.

Putting your pots in your oven may have crossed your mind several times when cooking. However, the real test would be figuring out if it is safe to do so.

Generally speaking, pots and pans with no plastic handles are generally safe to put into the oven. Materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, copper, ceramic, and aluminum are best for cooking in the oven with no potential hazard. These materials are very durable and can stand the hot temperature of the oven.

Knowing the right pot or pan to use when baking is highly important to prevent any cooking hazard. Some particular materials cannot go into the oven.

This article highlights the right pot to use when baking, thereby making your cooking time more fun with no worries.

You might not be able to tell or identify which pot is over-safe when baking automatically. True that pots and pans with no plastic handles are ideal for the oven; however, other products can be used for baking. Below are some ways to identify oven-safe pots and pans

The first way to identify if your pot or pan is oven-safe is to check for the symbol that shows that you can such a pot or pan in the oven.

The type of metal used in making your pot or pan can also ascertain if it’s oven-safe or not. The following types of metal are ideal for the oven.

What Can You Put In The Oven?

1. Stainless Steel Pots

Stainless steel pots or pans can generally be used in the oven except otherwise indicated on the cookware. Some stainless steels are light-weighted and can make food cook unevenly.

A regular check of your meal can help prevent this; however, premium stainless steel pot with ovenproof handles and lids are available.

2. Cast Iron Pots

The cast-iron pot or pan is very durable and ideal for the oven. They can adapt to any temperature and even open flames on a stove or gas cooker. They are very affordable and a great option for oven cooking.

The Enameled cast iron pots and pans are also ideal for cooking in the oven. The cast iron is coated with enamel for a non-stick effect when cooking or baking.

They are more expensive than the normal cast iron utensils, but it’s worth the price as you can use enameled cast iron pots and pans to prepare various dishes.

One of the highest quality enameled cast-iron cookware is Le Creuset Dutch Oven that is guaranteed not to chip or break due to normal use and could last a family for multiple generations.

3. Copper Pots

Cookware made with copper can be a bit on the high side because of the nature of the copper. It has high conductivity and cooks your meal evenly and in good time.

Copper pans and pots are very good for baking; however, under a controlled temperature. 

4. Aluminum Pots

You can use a treated aluminium pot or pan for cooking in the oven. A treated aluminium pot will make lasting and durable cookware.

5. Carbon Steel Pots 

This product is a cross between cast iron and stainless steel. It is also ideal for baking; however, it has to be well treated to prevent it from rusting in the long run.

It’s is also very light-weighted compared to cast iron which makes it easy to use when baking. 

6. Non-stick Pots

They are two types of non-stick cookware available the Teflon and ceramic. The regular or Teflon non-stick pots and pans are generally not a good option for cooking in the oven.

Aside from the fact that it is not suitable for the oven’s high temperature, it is very hazardous to health. 

The ceramic non-stick, on the other hand, is suitable for cooking in the oven with no health hazard. Newer versions of ceramic non-stick pots and pans are made with advanced technology and can withstand hot temperatures.

Ensure that the non-stick pot or pan you are using is ovenproof as some deteriorate under high temperature. 

However, with all of the above mentioned, it is essential to check for the oven- symbol or inscription under our cookware before use.

It will save you from worrying if the pot or pan we are using is suitable for the oven. Also, it will help prevent any kitchen accident and health hazard. 

Other materials that can go into the oven include ceramic pans generally. The older version of the crockpot or slow cooker as the outer part is made of ceramic.

Food-grade Silicone wares are great options for cooking in the oven. They are indestructible under a very high temperature. 

Oven Proof Handles And Lids

So many Pots and pans come with handles that are not suitable for the oven. Common handles include woods, plastics and rubbers.

However, various modern models of pots and pans with detachable handles are seeing the light of day. Handles can be removed to make pans suitable for cooking both on the stove and in the oven.

There are smart appliances that allow you to move your pan from the stove straight to the oven. The handle is detached by just pressing the button, and your pan is immediately transformed into oven-safe ware.

Meals like the “Perfect Post Roast” that needs a little searing time on the stove before transferring into the oven can be prepared easily. 

Furthermore, some meals need to be covered when in the oven as not all meals can be left uncovered. Some pots and pan come with a glass lid, which, if not oven safe, can shatter while in the oven.

Glass lids generally can withstand heat as high as 400oF while some tough glasses can tolerate 450oF.

Some lids also come with Plastics knobs that are not suitable in the oven. It is advised that knobs are replaced with stainless steel knobs for oven use. The high temperature of the oven can easily melt Plastics knobs on a glass lid.

What Should Not Go Into The Oven?

Pot or Pans With Plastics or Wooden Handle

Pots and Pans usually come with wood and plastic materials to provide comfort when carrying them as we cook. Your pot or pan may be oven proof indeed, but some are disqualified because of the type of handle they have.

Don’t be too in a hurry to throw your pot in the oven without checking if it is suitable.

Nonetheless, Insulated handles made of Silicone are better at tolerating high heat. These handles are oven proof and safe for cooking in the oven at temperatures of about 330°F to 475°F.

Pots with rubber handles are also suitable, but they might be some discoloration on the handle after prolonged use.

Plastics

It can be very difficult to identify plastics that may be able to withstand heat. Even at that, such plastics cannot stand the high temperature of an oven.

However, it is good to check for the oven-safe symbol on plastics before putting them in the oven.

Wood

The wood most likely will get warped when placed in the oven. Woods are generally not suitable in the oven, although some hardwoods are great in a pizza oven.

With all of the above mentioned, it is very good to be on the safe side when cooking in the oven.

There are baking pans that have been made specifically for baking and can withstand whatever temperature. The baking pans come in different sizes and shapes depending on your need.

You can easily purchase them at a baking shop near you or order them online. The use of these pans will leave no doubt in you if you are using the right pan or not. 

Maximum Temperatures For Some Cookware Handle In The Oven

Cooking different meals requires different temperatures, while some require moderate heat, some a high heat.

Hence, it is important to know the maximum temperature ideal for the cookware you want to use in the oven. Having an idea of the maximum temperature help choose the right pot or pan

Final Words

Cooking time has never been easier and more fun, particularly when using the right kitchen appliances. Baking as a form of cooking has a lot of health benefits, and they come out with a great taste.

However, baking with the right pot and at the right temperature is something you must consider before cooking.  You may be interested in our guide about leaving food in the slow cooker overnight. 

Keren Tayler

My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms.  Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.