When you have a crowded pantry, it can be hard to keep track of what you have. You may have several baking pans, pots, and other kitchen utensils that you don’t use very often. If you are like most people, chances are those items are cluttering up your cupboard or storage space. By storing unused pans in your home, you’re just being wasteful and keeping potential buyers out there from buying your items at a lower price than they should be sold for. But if every pan is not used often or even at all in your home, how can you get rid of them? Fortunately, there are ways that you can get rid of some of those unused pans without throwing them away. Here we’ll cover some ideas on how to safely use your old baking pans on the stove.
Can you use a baking pan on the stove?
Yes, you can use a baking pan on the stove. This is because the material and craftsmanship used in the construction of cooking vessels intended for stovetop use generally allow them to be placed directly onto an open flame or heated burner. This includes aluminum bakeware which is a common material used for making baking pans, as well as stainless steel and cast iron skillets, sauces pans, and Dutch ovens.
Why Can you use a baking pan on the stove?
1. Versatility
A baking pan is an incredibly versatile kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. It can be used to sauté vegetables, braise meat, and bake cakes or breads. Additionally, the sides are tall enough to contain splattering fat and liquids while cooking.
2. Heat Retention
Baking pans are made of metal, which makes them great conductors of heat. This means that they will retain heat longer than a non-metal pan and can therefore help you achieve more even cooking results.
3. Durability
Metal baking pans are usually very sturdy and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking or bending when used on the stove.
4. Easy Clean-Up
Since metal baking pans are non-porous, they are incredibly easy to clean and won’t absorb food odours like plastic containers do.
5. Safety
When using a baking pan on the stove, you can rest assured that it is much safer than using a plastic or wooden utensil. The metal won’t melt, so you won’t have to worry about any toxic fumes that could be released when cooking with other materials.
6. Cost-Effective
Baking pans are typically quite cost effective, making them an attractive option for those who are on a budget.
7. Easy Storage
Baking pans come in various sizes and shapes, so you can store them conveniently and take up less cupboard space in comparison to multiple individual pans or containers.
8. Heat Distribution
Since metal baking pans conduct heat very well, they will evenly distribute the heat across your dish, ensuring that all of it gets cooked properly.
9. Heat Control
The tall sides of a baking pan will help to contain heat and steam within the pan, helping you to better regulate the temperature and moisture level of whatever you’re cooking.
10. Taste
Metal baking pans are generally more flavourful than other materials and can help to enhance the taste of your food. This is especially true when grilling or roasting, as the surface browns easily and adds a delicious char to whatever you’re cooking.
Which Bakeware Should Go On the Stove?
1. Cast Iron Pans
Cast iron pans are great for stovetop cooking because they are so durable and can handle high heat. They are also fantastic at retaining heat, so your food will cook evenly and quickly.
2. Stainless Steel Pans
Stainless steel pans are a great choice for stovetop cooking because they are lightweight, durable, and can handle high temperatures without warping or discoloring.
3. Copper Pans
Copper pans are also a good option for stovetop cooking because they provide excellent heat conduction, allowing foods to be cooked evenly and quickly.
4. Aluminum Pans
Aluminum is another excellent option for stovetop cooking as it is lightweight and distributes heat evenly. It doesn’t corrode easily either, making it a great option for long-term use.
5. Enameled Cast Iron Pans
Enameled cast iron pans are great for stovetop cooking because they are strong, durable, and can handle high temperatures without warping or discoloring. The enamel also helps foods to cook evenly and quickly.
6. Non-Stick Pans
Non-stick pans are a great choice for stovetop cooking because they are lightweight, easy to clean, and require little to no oil. However, they should only be used on low to medium heat as they can be damaged by high temperatures.
Things To Avoid When Using A Stovetop Pan
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. If you are cooking multiple items at once, it is important to ensure that each item has enough space in the pan for proper heat circulation. This will help prevent uneven cooking and burning of foods.
- Avoid using too much oil or butter. While some recipes may call for a decent amount of fat, it is important to be mindful of the amount used. Excessive fat in a pan can lead to splattering, burning, and greasy food.
- Avoid adding too much liquid too quickly. If you are making a sauce or soup, adding the liquid too quickly can cause it to boil over, creating a mess on your stovetop. Instead, add the liquid gradually, stirring often.
- Avoid using a pan that is too small for the burner. This can cause food to become burned and stick to the bottom of the pan. Similarly, make sure not to use a pan that is too large for your burner as this can lead to uneven cooking.
- Avoid leaving the pan unattended. It is important to stay vigilant when cooking with a stovetop pan, as food can easily burn if left on the heat for too long.
- Avoid using non-stick pans at high temperatures. Non-stick pans are best used on low to medium-high heat and should not be placed over a burner set at the highest temperature. Doing so can damage the non-stick coating, as well as release toxic fumes.
- Avoid adding cold food to a hot pan. This can cause the pan to cool down suddenly, which may interfere with how quickly and evenly your food cooks. Instead, add room temperature ingredients or preheat them before adding them to the pan.
Conclusion
While you can use your old baking pans on the stove, it’s important to note that some types of cookware aren’t safe to use on a stovetop. You can use cast iron skillets and enamel cast iron on the stovetop, but other types of materials that are unsafe to use on the stovetop should be thrown out. When deciding what to do with your old pans, take into consideration how often you use them. If you don’t use them at all, it might be best to get rid of them. If you do find yourself with an old baking pan that isn’t being used often or at all, try using it in one of these ways. You can use an old pan for boiling water for tea or to sterilize items.
FAQ’s
Is it safe to use a baking pan on the stove?
Yes, it is generally safe to use certain types of baking pans on the stove. Cast iron skillets and enamel cast iron are two materials that can be safely used on the stovetop.
What types of pans should not be used on the stove?
Aluminum, copper, and non-stick pans should not be used on the stove as they could warp or melt when exposed to high temperatures.
Can I use an old baking pan for boiling water?
Yes, you can use an old baking pan for boiling water for tea or other purposes.
Is it safe to sterilize items in a baking pan?
Yes, you can safely sterilize items in a baking pan by boiling them in water for 15 minutes or more.
