If you weren’t already aware, Calphalon pots and pans would fall into the category of non-stick cookware.
They’re very popular in the culinary world because they’re quite low-maintenance and incredibly easy to clean.
Whenever you’re looking for new cookware, you should always make sure it’s oven-proof to avoid any complications later on.
In this article, we’ll discuss if Calphalon pans can be used in the oven or not and how to take care of them.
Are Calphalon Pans Oven-Safe?
Calphalon happens to have a variety of professional cookware to its name, and almost all of them have one thing in common: they’re quite versatile.
A Calphalon signature non-stick pan is typically safe in the oven as long as the maximum temperature is 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260° C) or lower.
If you plan to cover your Calphalon pan with a tempered glass lid, you should make sure the temperature doesn’t go above 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s manual to know the exact temperature up to which your calphalon pans are oven safe.
What Makes a Calphalon Pan Oven Safe?
You may be wondering why there are so many concerns about non-stick pans in the first place.
And what makes a pan oven-safe or not oven-safe?
Well, you’ll be interested to know that these concerns primarily arise from the petroleum-based Teflon.
This particular coating has been found to break down under high temperatures and release poisonous fumes that may cause health complications for humans and kill birds.
Needless to say, not all manufacturers employ petroleum-based Teflon.
There are some who use different varieties of non-stick coatings that are known to be free of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid).
It’s advisable to consult the manufacturer’s information to stay on the safe side and make sure your non-stick pan is oven-safe.
Calphalon cookware is typically made of hard-anodized aluminum. Hard anodization is basically an electrochemical process that helps strengthen the aluminum that’s used to construct these pots and pans.
Hard anodization makes these pans quite suitable for cooking purposes and also makes them last longer, which is why Calphalon pans are known to be some of the sturdiest cookware you can get your hands on.
Even though the procedure involves chemicals, you don’t need to worry.
The anodization process is quite stable, which is why there’s no chemical residue left on the cookware.
The great thing about hard-anodized pans is that they don’t get damaged under high heat in the oven like most other pans.
They’re also super smooth and don’t have pores, which makes them as great as non-stick cookware.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Calphalon Pans in Oven
Even though all Calphalon cookware is oven-safe, there are some that come with a few limitations.
Here, we’ll be taking a look at a few restrictions you should keep in mind to make sure you’re not causing any damage to your pans.
As we’ve established, an oven setting of up to 450 degrees F is considered safe for all kinds of Calphalon cookware, but that doesn’t necessarily mean all of these pans are safe to use in your oven when it’s in a broil setting.
It’s important to note that any Calphalon pan that comes with a non-stick label or that is made out of enamel cast iron isn’t broiler safe (it won’t be able to handle the direct flame from the broiler).
The broiler setting can damage the non-stick coating and your pan beyond repair.
Only Calphalon anodized pots and pans can withstand any oven temperature, which is why you need to make sure the oven temperature for other types of pans never exceeds 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also read: What is a Broiler Pan? + How to Use it!
Are the Handles of Calphalon Pans Oven-Safe Too?
It’s understandable if you’re wondering whether the handles are oven-safe or not.
Just like the Calphalon pan, the handle should also be able to withstand high temperatures in the oven.
It goes without saying that plastic handles will melt when they’re exposed to higher temperatures.
Even handles that are considered to be stay-cool handles only stay cool when they’re used on the stovetop.
Phenolic handles are the only types of handles that won’t get damaged under high temperatures.
It’s important to check the temperature rating of the handle before you can think about using the pan in the oven.
Don’t forget to wear oven mitts or use a pot holder to remove the pan from the oven because the aluminum handle or stainless steel handles can be quite hot and may cause nasty burns on your hands.
How to Season Hard Anodized Cookware?
Some people prefer seasoning their hard-anodized aluminum pots and pans, just like they season their cast iron cookware.
Even though the oxidation process has already helped in sealing the surface and eliminating holes, you may still want to season your pans just to be sure.
If you wish to season your hard-anodized aluminum pan, the first thing you need to do is wash the cookware so you can get rid of any residue left after unpacking it and then dry it with a paper towel.
Place the pan over high heat on the stove and add a little bit of cooking oil to it.
Take a new sponge and evenly spread the oil around until the entire surface is covered.
Let the cookware heat up until you can see the oil beginning to smoke, which will be your cue to remove it from the stovetop and allow it to cool.
Once the pan has cooled down, use a paper towel to wipe off excess oil and store the pan properly.
Once the pan is seasoned, you should remember that you should only wash it with warm water. If you end up using soap to clean it, you’ll have to re-season it.
How to Care for Your Calphalon Pots and Pans
Let’s take a look at some tips on how to use your Calphalon cookware in the oven:
- Avoid exposing your pan to cold water after directly taking it off the heat. You need to let it cool down first, or the surface will get noticeably distorted, and bubbles will start to appear on the metallic coating.
- Make sure you’re using warm water to clean your Calphalon pots and pans because that makes it easier to get rid of any stubborn stains that clinging to the surface.
- Calphalon is very durable and scratch-proof, and it can also withstand pressure. However, if you want to keep it well-maintained, avoid cutting fresh produce or meat inside the utensil.
- You should also handle these pans gently and store them in such a way they’re not being stacked on top of other utensils. Consider hanging it on a store flat or a pot rack in a single layer to avoid scratches.
- It’s also advisable that you use soft cleaning brushes or a soft sponge to clean the cookware. Don’t use brushes with hard bristles that are wooden or metallic because they can easily tarnish the shiny coating. You may also get a washcloth made out of non-abrasive material to clean the pans.
- If you’ve noticed that your Calphalon cookware has started to lose its luster, you should consider polishing them. You may opt for a special cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend for this purpose to restore the original shine and make them look brand new again. Make sure the formula is suitable for stainless and other non-stick utensils before using it.
- Calphalon pans are dishwasher-safe but it’s recommended that you hand wash them to preserve their shine and make sure they don’t get damaged by the harsh chemicals inside the dishwasher. Choose a non-abrasive sponge or cloth and liquid dishwashing soap like Dawn® to hand-wash these pans.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads, oven cleaners, caustic cleaning solutions, bleach, baking soda, or other kinds of liquid household cleaners that are made for porcelain and floors. These kinds of cleaners will significantly tarnish the finish on these pans.
- It’s important to note that buffing may help remove recently developed scratches and improve the appearance of these pans as well. Use a Scotch-Brite scrubbing pad and rub it along the grain of the pan in a light circular motion until the sign of damage is removed. Once you’re done buffing out tiny scratches, treat the pan with a special cleanser made for non-stick cookware and rinse thoroughly.
- If your Calphalon pan is severely scratched, it’s probably time to throw it out and get a new one. Avoid using it because once the non-stick coating is damaged beyond repair, it will release toxic chemicals that can seep into your food and cause health problems.
Final Words
If you want to get better as a chef, you need to get your hands on Calphalon cookware.
Before you can start using the pots and pans, you should consult the owner’s manual to find out what kinds of chemical treatments can damage the cookware.
It’s important to note that hard-anodized aluminum is a great choice for cookware if you maintain it properly and take the necessary precautions.
If you treat these pans with the respect and care they deserve, they will be able to last a long time in your kitchen, and you won’t have to consider replacing them.
Now that you know that Calphalon pans are oven safe, don’t forget about the limitations and make sure to keep the tips we’ve mentioned in mind to get the most out of your cookware.
Other cooking pans article you may like: