Whether or not ceramic cookware can go in the oven is a common question for home cooks. The short answer is that it depends on the specific type of ceramic cookware. Some ceramic pots, pans, and baking dishes are oven-safe while others are not. Knowing what kind of ceramic you have and the oven safety recommendations from the manufacturer are key to avoiding damage to your cookware or accidents in the kitchen.
What types of ceramic cookware are oven safe?
In general, there are two main types of ceramic cookware currently on the market – porcelain enamel and stoneware. Porcelain enamel is a glasslike coating fused onto the surface of metal pots and pans at high temperatures. This gives a smooth non-stick cooking surface. Stoneware is thicker, heavier, and uncoated. It relies on the clay composition alone for its non-stick abilities.
Porcelain enamel cookware is often oven safe up to a certain temperature limit. For example, popular brands like Le Creuset and Staub specify oven safety up to 500°F. Likewise, many ceramic baking dishes are made of porcelain enamel coated metal. These can safely go directly from the refrigerator or freezer into a hot oven for baking casseroles and more.
Unglazed stoneware without plastic handles can withstand very high oven temperatures. The material composition makes stoneware pots and Dutch ovens ideal for braising in the oven or transferring a stew from stovetop to oven. Quaker Oats, for example, notes their stoneware bowls are safe up to 572°F.
What should you avoid putting in the oven?
Not all ceramic cookware belongs in the oven. There are a few types to avoid:
- Ceramic coated non-stick pans
- Ceramic cookware with plastic handles or knobs
- Ceramic bakeware or tableware not specifically marketed as oven-safe
- Vintage or antique ceramic dishes with unknown temperature limits
Ceramic non-stick skillets and saucepans often have underlying aluminum cores. The coating technology makes them suitable for the stovetop only. The aluminum core can warp at oven temperatures and the non-stick surface can degrade over about 500°F.
Plastic handles, knobs, or accents will melt in high oven heat. This can damage the pan and presents burn risks. Even ceramic cookware with metal handles may specify stovetop use only. Always check manufacturer guidelines.
Glazed ceramic dishes and brightly decorated ceramic casserole pans may be tempting for baking. But the glazes and colors often render them unsafe to place in the oven due to high temperatures. Stick to basic oven-safe ceramic ware to be safe.
Tips for oven cooking with ceramic
When you’ve confirmed that your ceramic cookware can go in the oven, follow these tips for safe oven use:
- Preheat the oven fully before placing ceramic pans in it. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.
- Avoid oven temperatures above the recommended limit for the ceramic cookware.
- Use potholders – ceramic heats up quickly and stays hot.
- Skip the broiler – High broiler heat can damage ceramic coatings.
- Avoid oven-to-freezer shock – Don’t put extremely hot ceramic cookware in the freezer.
Taking a few simple precautions will help your ceramic pots, pans, and baking dishes last. And always check the manufacturer’s care recommendations before using ceramic cookware in the oven.
Are there alternatives for oven cooking without ceramic?
If you don’t have oven-safe ceramic cookware, your options for oven cooking include:
- Glass or metal baking dishes
- Metal pots and pans
- Silicone bakeware
- Stoneware
- Cast iron Dutch ovens
Metal pots and pans allow stovetop to oven cooking for dishes like macaroni and cheese or oatmeal. Just avoid non-stick coatings that can degrade at high heat. An enameled cast iron Dutch oven makes an excellent choice when you want the heat retention of ceramic. Silicone bakeware withstands oven temperatures up to about 428°F. Above that limit, opt for metal, glass, or porcelain.
What are the benefits of ceramic cookware for oven cooking?
When you can use it safely in the oven, ceramic cookware offers several advantages:
- Browning and crisping – The smooth ceramic surface encourages browning and crisping on meats and veggies under dry heat.
- Heat conduction and retention – Ceramic heats evenly and retains heat very well once hot.
- No reactions – Unlike metal pans, ceramic won’t react with acidic ingredients tomato sauces.
- Easy to clean – Food doesn’t stick to ceramic much, and any baked-on residue wipes away easily.
For roasts, baked pasta, gratins, and more, oven-to-table ceramic cookware can’t be beat for even cooking results and great flavor.
When is it better to use metal, glass, or silicone instead?
While ceramic works beautifully in the oven for many dishes, it isn’t always the best choice. Consider these cases when other oven-safe bakeware materials may be preferable:
- High acid foods – Tomato sauce can react with ceramic. Opt for glass or enameled cast iron instead.
- Foods prone to burning – Delicate foods like custards and casseroles may cook more evenly in metal.
- Baking – For even rising and browning, metal baking pans get the nod over ceramic.
- Broiling – Metal broiling pans stand up better than ceramic under high top-down heat.
Glass, silicone, and metal offer more versatility and often perform better than ceramic for baking. Consider adding some of these pieces to supplement your ceramic oven-safe cookware.
Which brands make the best ceramic cookware for oven use?
Many brands now produce exceptional oven-safe ceramic cookware. Some of the most popular options include:
| Brand | Recommended Products |
| Le Creuset | Signature Round Dutch Oven, Rectangular Baker |
| Staub | Cocotte, Square Grill Pan, Lasagna Pan |
| Emile Henry | Classic Braiser, Pie Dish, Rectangular Baker |
| GreenPan | Ceramic Bakeware Set, Muffin Pan |
| Xtrema | Cookware Set, Skillets, Grill Plate |
Le Creuset and Emile Henry specialize in beautiful enameled cast iron that transitions seamlessly from stove to oven. Staub makes similar cocottes and braisers. GreenPan and Xtrema offer more affordable oven-to-table ceramic cookware sets. Any of these brands make excellent choices for oven safety and cooking performance.
Conclusion
Oven-safe ceramic cookware makes cooking versatile one-pot meals easy. From stovetop to oven cooking, ceramic pots and baking dishes can do it all. Just be sure to verify oven safety guidelines for your specific ceramic brand and style. With high heat resistance and great baking properties, quality ceramic cookware pulls double duty. So you can cook your meal start to finish in the same pan for fuss-free oven dinners.