Let’s say you’re cooking dinner and want to put it directly in the oven without dirtying another dish, so you ask yourself: can a stainless steel pot go in the oven?
Technically, you can put whatever you want in your oven, but not without consequences.
If you use the wrong type of cookware, you risk burning your food, the pot, and maybe even your house.
From one decision, you have ruined your meal and your home.
You want to avoid chaos and destruction in your kitchen, so it’s natural to want to double-check that you’re being safe.
You’ll be glad to know that most stainless steel cookware, including pots, can be used safely in an oven, but remember to always handle hot cookware with oven mitts or hot pads.
What Is Stainless Steel Made Of?
So, what makes a pot stainless steel? Any cookware—pots, pans, or skillets—that we call stainless steel is made up of a combination of metals or alloy.
Stainless steel pots must come from food-grade stainless steel to be safely used for cooking in homes or commercialized settings.
Food-grade stainless steel meets a certain requirement and standard to be safe for food contact.
That means that the pot’s materials are safe for the food to touch or make contact with when preparing it, storing it, or dining.
Common metals that make up stainless steel pots are:
- Chromium
- Iron
- Nickel
Stainless steel can be classified by grade numbers like 304 or 18/8; the latter number shows a relationship in metal percentage: 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate cookware, but it does regulate the materials used to make it.
Note: There are more than 100 grades of stainless steel.
Benefits of Using Stainless Steel
Cooking with stainless steel pots has many different benefits. The stainless steel composition makes the cookware stain-free, rust-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.
Popular stainless steel pots do not have a non-stick coating. They are bare, and they allow even heating and thorough cooking.
Stainless steel pots are durable and dishwasher safe. They are the choice for saucepans for acidic foods such as tomato sauces.
Stainless steel is non-reactive to acidic foods, unlike other cookware.
Note: Stainless steel cookware is clad with a magnetic core like copper with layers of alloy.
Can a Stainless Steel Pot Go in the Oven With All Parts Attached?
Yes, stainless steel pots are safe to use in the oven. However, there may be parts attached to your stainless steel pot that are not oven safe.
Parts like the handle are sometimes plastic, wooden, or steel. Some stainless steel pots have easily detachable handles.
If you are unable to detach or remove the handle from your pot, then be sure the handle can stand up to a higher temperature.
Note: Always check your guidelines from the manufacturer.
Can a Stainless Steel Pot With a Glass Lid Go in the Oven?
Yes, the glass lid of a stainless steel pot can go in the oven. Be sure that your glass lid is free from chips or cracks.
Damaged glass lids are prone to shattering at higher temperatures. Also, be sure that any knobs or handles are heat resistant to avoid warping.
Other Things to Keep in Mind When Using Stainless Steel Pots
Overall, safety should be a priority when cooking, whether in your home or at a restaurant.
Foodborne illnesses can have acute and long-term effects, whether they are caused by bacteria, a virus, or chemical contamination.
You should not take food safety lightly if you want to stay healthy. The steps and equipment you use to prepare what you eat matter.
It is wise to follow the instructions and guidelines from the manufacturer for using your stainless steel pot.
Often, there are small symbols on the bottom portion of your cookware to indicate if it is dishwasher safe or if it has a particular temperature threshold.
Note: It is best to use wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils with stainless steel cookware.
Potential Chemical Leaching
Avoid using damaged cookware to prepare your food because it won’t heat evenly and could break more easily.
Using damaged pots increases the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into your foods.
Leaching is the process of toxic chemicals transferring from your preferred cookware into your food.
You can lower this risk by taking proper care of your stainless steel pots, pan, and skillets.
Tip: Don’t use steel wool to clean your pot. Avoid scratches, and use baking soda.
Temperature Limits
Like all things, there are limits. Stainless steel pots have a temperature limit.
Be sure to follow the instructions that accompany your cookware to ensure that you get the best use of your cookware and safely use it.
Generally, you can heat up stainless steel pots up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make sure you check the bottom of your cookware and locate the symbol for oven-safe. It may also list the temperature limit.
Tip: Don’t warp your pot by trying to stick it in a dishwasher while it’s hot; allow it to cool before washing it.
Allergies
Some people can not use stainless steel pots that have a high content of nickel.
Be sure to check the details before purchasing your stainless steel pots.
Other stainless steel pots have different core metals like copper and aluminum.
Ways to Use Stainless Steel Pots
Now, why would you need to use a stainless steel pot with a glass lid in the oven? There are many different possible reasons.
You may have run out of pans, or you may be trying a new recipe.
From stovetop to oven, there are a variety of cooking methods where you can use your stainless steel pot:
1. Boiling: Rapid boiling takes place on the stovetop with any liquid.
2. Braising: It starts on the stovetop and then finishes in the oven. Dishes like meats will begin with a sear and then add a liquid to finish braising the food in the oven.
3. Simmering: A slow simmer on the stovetop gives stews and soups all the necessary time to enhance flavors.
4. Searing: A nice preheated pot can be oiled efficiently, then the meat is placed in the pot to brown both sides nicely.
5. Toasting: Evenly toasting nuts and seeds on the stovetop is one benefit of using stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now you know that your pot can go in the oven, but you may still be unsure about a few things.
Check out these commonly asked questions about cookware to find the answers you’re looking for.
Do I Need to Preheat my Stainless Steel Pot?
Yes, you do need to preheat your stainless steel pot properly to keep food from sticking. However, don’t overheat your stainless steel pot.
It can heat up quickly.
So, it is best to have all your ingredients ready before preheating your stainless steel pot.
Can my Stainless Steel Pot be used on the Grill?
Exposing your stainless steel pot to high temperatures beyond 500 degrees Fahrenheit is not safe.
You run the risk of damaging the cookware and burning your food.
What are the White Spots at the Bottom of my Stainless Steel Pot?
Salt. It is salt spots when you may have added salt to cold water in your stainless steel pot. It is best to add salt to boiling water.
Salt drops straight to the bottom if you add it to cold water.
Wrap Up: Can a Stainless Steel Pot Go in the Oven?
Can a stainless steel pot go in the oven? Yes! Preparing healthy food starts before you even touch the food.
You have to practice safe food handling techniques and use approved food-safe equipment.
When you decide to use your stainless steel pot in the oven with or without the glass lid, make sure to follow safety precautions, so the glass doesn’t shatter or burn you.
Always be careful when handling any hot cookware.