It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur chef or a full-time professional — if you cook, you need to clean your pots and pans. Anything from grease to food residue can build up fast and become even harder to clean. Therefore, you might be inclined to use a dishwasher when looking to quickly clean pots and pans. After all, that’s what it’s supposed to do, right?
While the dishwasher is an incredible time-saver when it comes to dishes, there is a lot of confusion regarding washing pots and pans. Since the appliance can handle ceramic plates that are pretty fragile, people assume that it can also wash more durable cookware. However, things are not as simple as they seem. In fact, whether or not a dishwasher can handle pots and pans depends on how they were made.
It’s All About the Material
Every material reacts differently to high temperatures and humidity. Not only that, but protective coatings on pots and pans can easily be damaged by unfavorable conditions. That’s why you should always know what your cookware is made of before trying to wash it.
Stainless Steel
While stainless steel is a durable material, it’s important to note that it is prone to scratches. Furthermore, humidity and high temperatures can cause corrosion and lead to damage over time.
The consensus is that stainless steel pots and pans are safe to wash in a dishwasher. However, you should place them away from dishes made of materials that could cause scratches. So while it’s possible to use a dishwasher, hand washing them can still be a good idea. That way, you can control the temperature and pressure, reducing the chances of corrosion.
The Best Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
If you are looking to upgrade your kitchen arsenal, then look no further than Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Set. You can safely put these pots and pans in the dishwasher as they are specially designed for it. In fact, the polished cooking surface does not discolor and doesn’t lose its finish over time.
The aluminum core heats up quickly while the stainless steel exterior spreads the temperature evenly. And when it comes to durability, it’s hard to find a sturdier stainless steel product. All in all, the Cuisinart Stainless Steel Set features some of the best dishwasher safe cookware available.
Cast Iron
Things take a dire turn when talking about cast iron pots and pans, as they should never be put in the dishwasher. The hot and wet environment of a dishwasher is detrimental to cast iron and will lead to rust. Furthermore, the protective coat of cast iron pots and pans will be completely destroyed by normal dishwashers. To avoid damaging them, you should wash them only by hand and with extreme caution.
The Best Cast Iron Cookware Set
Some people prefer sticking to classic options, and Rong Tian X has something in store for them. Their vintage cast iron cookware set is multifunctional and suitable for all kinds of cooking methods. Not only that, but you don’t need to worry about food sticking to the pan thanks to its specially designed non-stick surface. Overall, the Rong Tian X Cookware Set is perfect if you are looking for a vintage vibe while cooking.
Aluminum
You can put some aluminum pots and pans in the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. Even so, doing it may not be a great idea, as aluminum is prone to scratching. You can avoid that by placing the cookware far from other dishes or simply putting them in the dishwasher individually.
However, bear in mind that aluminum can also end up with a dull finish after multiple machine washes. It’s a good idea to alternate between hand washing and using a dishwasher to preserve its natural finish.
The Best Aluminum Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
If aluminum remains your go-to option, then Calphalon Cookware Set is the answer to your prayers. Using hard-anodized aluminum, Calphalon goes above and beyond to provide a high-quality and durable product. Even though some aluminum products have a history of bad finishes, these pots and pans have a special non-corrosive coat.
Not only that, but the Calphalon Set also has long silicone handles that make sure you don’t hurt yourself while cooking. As such, this cookware set is perfect for day-to-day kitchen and professional cooking alike. Add in the 10-year warranty, and you end up with the best possible deal when it comes to aluminum pots and pans.
Non-Stick
Putting non-stick pots and pans into a dishwasher usually has devastating results on their coating. However, some manufacturers make the non-stick coat resistant to dishwashers. To be safe, you should always check the instructions. If you lost them and can’t find any information about the product, simply wash it the old-fashioned way.
The Best Non-Stick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
The Farberware Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware is a must-buy for anyone who wants dishwasher safe non-stick pans and pots. Thanks to its aluminum core and sturdy ceramic coating, this product is among the most durable ones on the market. Furthermore, the lids are shatter-resistant so you don’t have to worry about dropping them.
When talking about cleaning the Farberware Cookware Set, there are no limits. Place the pans and pots in the dishwasher or do it the old fashioned way and hand wash them. Sturdy, versatile, and accessible, The Farberware Ceramic Non Stick Cookware Set is a dream come true.
Copper
When it comes to copper, using a dishwasher is not recommended. It will make the pans and pots lose their shine and color. Therefore, you should definitely wash those by hand and avoid high temperatures.
The Best Copper Cookware Set
Even if you can’t machine wash it, you should try out the SHINEURI RCS-Tech Copper Cookware Set. Designed by experienced blacksmiths and culinary experts, this cookware enhances every property of copper. While copper usually affects the taste of the food, SHINEURI makes sure that their products do no such thing.
Additionally, thanks to its RCS-Technology, SINEURI pans and pots offer superior heat spreading. And when it comes to cleaning, all you need is a scrub sponge and water. Overall, the SHINEURI RCS-Tech Set is the best copper cookware available.
Pots and Pans Cleaning Tips
Even though some pots and pans can be put in a dishwasher, sometimes a good hand wash is the better alternative. Here are a few tips that can help you speed up the cleaning process while also avoiding scratches and stains:
- Use vinegar and baking soda to remove thick layers of grease
- Use boiling water and detergent for burnt pans
- You can use crumpled tin foil to remove tough burning
- Tomato sauce is great for removing discoloration in stainless steel pans
- You can prevent water spots by quickly drying the pans after washing
- Don’t use steel wool or other harsh materials to clean stainless steel surfaces
- Never clean a hot pan using cold water, as it can cause warping
Let’s Start Cooking!
All things considered, whether or not your pans and pots are dishwasher safe depends on the material they’re made of. But you still need to be careful even with materials that can be machine washed. You never know if a manufacturer might have lied about the durability or properties of their products. That’s why you must always do your research and look up all your cookware properties.
But in the end, one thing is clear — you should pay attention to what you put in your dishwasher. Sometimes, a half-hour of handwashing can spare you hours of searching for replacements.
