Guide To Using Stainless Steel Cookware In Ovens And Microwave Ovens

Stainless steel, as a common cooking material, is popular among consumers because of its durability, easy cleaning, and strong antibacterial properties. However, there is some controversy about whether stainless steel pots can be put into ovens and microwaves. This article will discuss the use of stainless steel pots in ovens and microwaves respectively, and give corresponding safety recommendations.

Can stainless steel pots be put into the oven?

Yes, pure food-grade stainless steel pots can be put into the oven.

1. Material characteristics
Stainless steel pots, especially pure food-grade 304 stainless steel, have good high temperature resistance. 304 stainless steel can withstand heat of 800 to 1000 degrees, while the maximum temperature of a home oven is usually only more than 200 degrees, which is completely within the tolerable range for stainless steel. In addition, stainless steel conducts heat quickly and bakes evenly, making it very suitable for baking cakes, chicken, fish and other foods.

2. Precautions for use
Choose a single-layer container: Avoid using multi-layer or hollow stainless steel pots, because such containers are heated unevenly and are prone to deformation. Choose a single-layer box or baking tray to better withstand the high temperature of the oven.
Remove plastic accessories: If stainless steel pots are equipped with plastic handles or lids, they should be removed before use to prevent the plastic accessories from melting or releasing harmful substances at high temperatures.
Pay attention to food selection: Although stainless steel pots are suitable for baking a variety of foods, you should avoid baking acidic foods such as lemons and vinegar for a long time to avoid corrosion on the stainless steel surface.

Can stainless steel be put into the microwave?

It is not recommended to put stainless steel into the microwave.
1. Working principle and safety
Microwave ovens heat food by generating microwaves, which are electromagnetic waves. Stainless steel, as a metal material, has good conductivity and will reflect microwaves. When a stainless steel container is placed in a microwave oven, the microwaves will be reflected and sparks will be generated in the microwave oven, which will not only reduce the heating effect of the microwave oven, but may also cause damage to the internal components of the microwave oven, or even cause an explosion, seriously endangering the safety of the user.

2. Heating effect and food taste
Even if safety issues are not considered, the heating effect of stainless steel containers in microwave ovens is not ideal. Due to the high thermal conductivity of stainless steel, part of the container may heat faster than other parts, resulting in uneven heating of food and affecting the taste.

3. Safety advice
Choose suitable containers: If you need to heat food in a microwave oven, you should choose high-temperature resistant glass or ceramic containers. These materials will not reflect microwaves and heat evenly.
Avoid metal containers: In addition to stainless steel, metal containers such as iron and aluminum are not suitable for heating in microwave ovens. They will also reflect microwaves and may produce sparks.

Summary
Stainless steel cookware has been widely used in kitchens due to its excellent performance, but its limitations should also be noted when using it. For ovens, pure food-grade stainless steel cookware is fully competent, but it is necessary to choose single-layer containers and remove plastic accessories. For microwave ovens, since stainless steel will reflect microwaves and may cause safety hazards, it is not recommended to heat stainless steel containers in microwave ovens. When choosing cookware, consumers should choose suitable materials and containers according to their actual needs and cooking methods to ensure cooking safety and effectiveness.