Teflon is a popular coating for non-stick cookware. Non-stick pans are ideal for stovetop cooking, and some people even use them in the oven.
Cookware that has a Teflon coating can generally go in the oven as long as the temperature does not exceed 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to check the user manual first, as some coatings can only withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I Put Teflon in the Oven?
In general, it is safe to put Teflon-coated cookware in your oven at temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, some Teflon-coated pans can only be heated up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To be sure you do not overheat the pan, consult your user manual before putting it in the oven.
Another thing to keep in mind before putting a Teflon-coated pan in the oven is the handle.
If your pan’s handle is made of plastic or another meltable material, refrain from putting it in the oven.
However, if the handle is made of metal, it should be safe in the oven.
What Happens If You Cook Teflon Above 500 Degrees?
There are very few dishes that require a cooking temperature over 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, if you will be baking something at a higher temperature, you should avoid using a Teflon pan for the following reasons:
- It can discolor the surface of your pan
- It can cause the pan to lose its non-stick properties
- It can release dangerous toxins
Heating Teflon over 500 degrees Fahrenheit can not only damage your cookware, but also impact your health.
How Can I Tell If My Teflon Pan is Oven-Safe?
There are a few ways you can check if your Teflon-coated pan is oven-safe. The easiest is by checking the manufacturer’s label.
If you still have the package or box your cookware came in, check the label for a picture or symbol that looks like an oven. If you see an oven, the pan is likely oven-safe.
If your Teflon pan is not oven-safe, you will usually be able to tell by checking the bottom of the pan. If you see an “X” printed in a circle, it’s not oven-safe.
How to Safely Use a Teflon-Coated Pan in the Oven
The first step in using a Teflon-coated pan in your oven safely is verifying that the pan is oven-safe.
If you have any doubts whatsoever, it’s better to be safe than sorry and refrain from using it.
Wait until the oven is completely preheated before putting the pan in, and never set your oven to “Broil.”
Both can cause the non-stick coating to break down and release toxic fumes.
As we mentioned earlier, you should never use Teflon in an oven above 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
For extra safety, use your oven’s exhaust fan to dissipate any fumes the cookware may release.
Can I Cover a Teflon-Coated Pan in the Oven?
If you’re cooking a messier dish, you might consider putting the lid on top of your Teflon-coated pan before using it in the oven.
Before you cover your cookware, know that tempered glass lids can usually only withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, if you want to cook something at 400 or 450 degrees, you won’t be able to put the lid on the pan.
Like the pan itself, you should always ensure the lid is oven-safe before attempting to use it in the oven. Sometimes, lids will have a symbol or lettering that indicates they are safe for baking.
If you cannot find any information on the lid, check the manual to see if it mentions anything about using the lid in the oven.
Can I Cover a Teflon-Coated Pan with Aluminum Foil?
If your Teflon pan’s lid is not oven-safe, or if it doesn’t have a lid at all, covering your dish with aluminum foil is a great alternative.
As long as you ensure the temperature in your oven does not exceed your pan’s maximum temperature, you can safely cover the dish you’re cooking with aluminum foil.
Keep in mind that covering dishes keeps moisture in the pan. For this reason, it’s good to cover dishes like turkey and chicken, but better to leave things like roasted vegetables uncovered.
