Can You Put a Pot in the Oven?
The short answer is yes, you can definitely put a pot in the oven, and there are even some specific recipes that call for it. That said, there are some important things to keep in mind before breaking out your skillet and your oven mitts.
What Kind of Pot?
Many pots can go in the oven, from the simple classic cast iron, to ceramic casserole dishes and ceramic Dutch ovens.
It’s important to check whether the pot you decide to use is oven-safe. This can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website or labels, or on the bottom of the dish.
Consider the Recipe
Before you jump into the oven with your pot, consider why you are using it in the oven in the first place.
Some recipes call for pots to be placed in the oven to help hold and distribute heat around a dish as it cooks, allowing food to cook more evenly and slowing the heat loss from the pot. You might also want to give things a crispy texture, like roasted potatoes, or a well-browned crust on a pie or other food.
Safely Transfer Your Pot
Whenever you’re transferring hot cookware, safety is your priority.
When transferring your pot from stove to oven, it’s important to take extra care. Consider using pot holders or oven mitts to keep the pot’s handle from getting too hot and burning you. It also pays to make sure that whatever you use for transportation is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the pot and its contents.
Tips for Using a Pot in the Oven
- Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the pot is oven-safe before using it in the oven.
- Be extra careful when transferring the pot from stovetop to oven, as the handle and pot will be hot.
- Know the reason for using a pot in the oven–it can hold and distribute heat, or give foods a crispy texture.
In conclusion, yes, you can put a pot in the oven, but be sure to take the necessary safety precautions and understand why you’re doing this. After all, that hot pot in the oven can be a recipe for deliciousness.
