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If you’re a home cook, you may have wondered whether it’s safe to put your frying pan in the oven. Many recipes often call for cooking on the stovetop before finishing in the oven. Can your frying pan handle the heat?
In this article, we’ll explore whether or not it’s safe to put frying pans in the oven including what types of pans are best suited for both stovetop and oven use. Be sure to see our guide for oven-safe pans towards the end of this post.
Types of Frying Pans and Their Oven-Safe Properties
Non-stick frying pans are probably among the most used variety of frying pans for home cooks. These frying pans have a non-stick coating on them and can have plastic or metal handles. Many non-stick frying pans are not suitable for oven use.
Stainless steel frying pans are one of my personal favorites. These pans are made completely from stainless steel and are easy to use on both the stove top and in the oven. Many times a stainless steel pan will come with a glass lid. These glass lids are oven safe if made from tempered glass.
Carbon steel frying pans are made to withstand high temperatures and are excellent for use on both the stove top and oven.
Ceramic pans are non-stick and coated with ceramic particles that are usually oven safe up to 500 degrees. This makes them safe for everything except broiling in the oven.
Cast iron frying pans have non stick qualities when properly seasoned and can handle high temperatures making them a perfect choice for use on the stovetop and in the oven. A cast iron pan will last forever when cared for well.
Enameled cast iron has a more non stick coating with the enamel that is placed on it. These pans can also go both on the stove top and in the oven. Dutch oven enameled cast iron pans are great for roasts and other large dishes.
Copper pans also may be oven safe depending on the brand. Copper is a great heat conductor making for better heat distribution and more even cooking.
Factors to Consider Before Putting a Frying Pan in the Oven
Cookware Materials
The best materials to look for in oven safe pans are carbon steel, stainless steel and cast iron. These materials can all withstand temperatures without incurring any damage.
In terms of lids for frying pans, be sure they are made from tempered glass, cast iron or enameled cast iron. These materials will be able to stand up to the oven temperatures.
Non-stick coatings can be tricky since there are many kinds now. Ceramic coating and enameled coatings are generally non-stick and oven safe. However, Teflon is not oven-safe and found on many non-stick pans.
Nonstick pans that have Teflon coating should not be used in the oven. These pans are safe at certain heats which makes them suitable for stove top use but once heated to higher oven temperatures the Teflon pans can release toxic fumes. These fumes are harmful to people and these temperatures may also damage the pan.
Pan Handles
Plastic handles are not at all oven safe! Be sure to avoid these types of frying pans when looking for an oven safe frying pan. Cast iron pans and stainless steel pans are generally all made from one material and do not include any plastic that could melt in the oven.
Also, any pan lids that have plastic knobs should not be placed in the oven. Plastic can not handle the high heat of a hot oven. These knobs will more than likely melt ruining the pan and potentially making a mess in your oven.
Wooden handles should also be kept out of the oven. Wood will heat up too high in the oven causing damage to the handles and they may also release vapors that are harmful.
While silicone can technically go in the oven up to maximum temperature of 350 degrees I would recommend not putting silicone handles into the oven. Also, silicone does get very hot to the touch when in a hot oven. It is a good idea to remove any silicone handle covers when placing a pan in the oven and then putting them back on when you remove the pan from the oven. Many cast iron skillets will come with these covers.
Pan Coatings and Seasonings
Traditional non-stick pan coatings are not oven safe and therefore should only be used on the stove top. Seasoned cast iron skillets and pans are great for oven use and you should follow the user manual directions in order to keep the seasoning in good condition on your pan. With special care many of these pans will last a very long time.
Tips for Safely Using a Frying Pan in the Oven
- Be sure to check your pan completely before placing in the oven to make sure that it is oven safe and suitable for higher temperatures. Some pans will have this written on the bottom or have an oven-safe symbol. Also, you can check the manufacturer’s guide if you are unsure. If you can not find an answer it is best to skip the oven with that particular pan.
- Avoid handles from making contact with the walls and door of the oven.
- Use oils that can withstand higher heat such as vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil or peanut oil. These oils will not burn in the oven like a non stick spray might.
- Do not leave utensils in the pan in the oven.
- Be sure to use heat safe utensils when stirring food in the hot frying pan.
- Use handle covers or lay oven mitts over the handle after removing from the oven so that everyone knows it is hot.
- Place hot frying pans on the stove or on hot plates when removing them from the oven. The bottom of the pan will remain hot long after it is removed from the oven.
Stovetop and Oven Safe Frying Pans
Most oven safe pans are safe for use in the oven up to a maximum oven temperature of 500 degrees fahrenheit however there are a few with maximum temperatures of 600 degrees.
An oven safe pan is a great investment. They can be more expensive than regular frying pans but many will last a lifetime if cared for correctly making them worth the investment.
Non-Stick Skillets and Frying Pans
- Ninja Foodi Never Stick Premium Frying Pan
- Ninja Foodi Never Stick 3 Piece Set (2 frying pans with tempered glass lid)
Cast Iron And Enameled Cast Iron Skillets
Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel
Ceramic and Copper
Frequently Asked Questions
If this guide doesn’t help you determine if your pan is oven-safe based on materials I highly recommend checking your user manual or looking it up online. Also, the first thing you should do when you buy a new pan is see how it can be used so you will know for future uses.
With proper care these frying pans will last a long time; especially a cast iron pan which can be passed down to the next generation.
No, fumes from teflon pans may be released if the temperatures are high enough. While safe to use on the stovetop, teflon pans should not be used in the oven.
Follow this same guide to see if your other pots and pans are oven safe. Stainless steel pots and pans with no plastic handles or pieces are usually good choices for oven use. However, as stated before be sure to check your user manual for a definitive answer.