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Working in the kitchen generally demands the right tools and equipment, especially if you are an efficient cook and want to make the best dishes. Even more, if you are a fan of baking, you would understand the importance of an ovenproof skillet.
However, finding these rare skillets can be extremely frustrating. Good quality ovenproof skillets are hard to come by and are generally a bit expensive. If you can’t remember where you kept your older skillet, there are a few substitutes that you can use instead.
Ovenproof Skillet Substitutes
As the name suggests, ovenproof skillets are designed primarily for use in ovens. However, that’s not everything this skillet is about. There are different varieties of ovenproof skillets out there, and each of them comes with a different heat threshold.
For instance, there are ovenproof skillets that are safe up to 700-degrees Fahrenheit, while some are good till 350-degrees Fahrenheit only. It primarily depends on the heat resistance you want and the money you’re willing to pay.
The ovenproof skillets are designed with the symbol on the bottom, so you must look for it while buying the skillet. On the other hand, there are several different factors that can impact the safety and proofing of the skillet, such as handle material, coating, paint, and lid.
Still, if you cannot find the ovenproof skillets, there’s no reason to stop cooking! Here are some of the most viable ovenproof skillet substitutes that you can choose from.
- Cast-Iron Options
There are multiple cast-iron skillets out there, and nearly all of them can be used as a direct replacement for your ovenproof skillet. For instance, there are enameled cast-iron skillets and nickel-plated cast-iron skillets that you can choose from.
Irrespective of which skillet you opt for, all of them offer maximum durability and have a weighted structure. In addition, the cast-iron skillets are great for seamless and convenient heat distribution.
Even more, these skillets can deliver higher heat retention as compared to other skillets, which means your food will cook much faster.
As far as the coating is concerned, the cast-iron skillets are designed without any transference or mineral penetration which makes them a much safer option.
In case you opt for the nickel-plated cast-iron skillets or enameled cast-iron skillets, you don’t have to worry about adding extra seasoning just to prevent the food from sticking at the bottom.
On top of everything, the nickel-plated cast-iron skillets are safe to be washed in the dishwasher. All in all, both options are safe for the oven and perform very well.
However, the plated and enameled cast-iron skillets tend to be more expensive as compared to regular ones owing to their better build quality and material usage.
Many people don’t use cast-iron skillets because of the expensive price factor. In that case, you can always opt for stainless steel skillets. However, you will need to be particular about which stainless steel skillet to use as there are several options available.
Generally, it’s best to opt for tri-ply skillets. This is because the tri-ply stainless steel skillets are durable and are safe to be used in ovens. As far as heat distribution is concerned, it’s impeccable with ovenproof skillets.
However, the heat retention isn’t exceptional with stainless steel tri-ply skillets. As for the price factor, stainless steel skillets are pretty economical even if you opt for the tri-ply ones.
Just keep in mind that they wear out fairly quickly, so you’ll have to think about replacing them after every few years.
If you are looking for something more versatile than skillets, we suggest using a Dutch oven. The Dutch oven features cast-iron construction, which is the prime reason that it can do everything that the ovenproof skillet can do.
As far as the material is concerned, the Dutch oven is also available in clad stainless steel, aluminum lines, and copper lines. These materials are suggested for people who use their skillets frequently.
This is because these materials are designed with fantastic heat conduction, allowing your food to cook more evenly. In addition, there won’t be any pressure issues with these materials.
The best thing about investing in a Dutch oven is that it can be used for frying, searing, boiling, and whatever you want. Above all, it’s also incredibly suitable for browning the meat.
- Saucepan
If you want a direct substitute for an ovenproof skillet for searing and frying, you can opt for the saucepan. Keep in mind that the saucepan cannot be used in the ovens, but it can withstand higher temperatures.
Generally, the saucepan is made from plain steel, which means you can use them on the stovetop without compromising on the heat distribution. Saucepans are generally circular and have raised sides.
This increased surface area allows you to easily add different kinds of foods in. They are also made from different materials, including popular options like nonstick, aluminum, copper stainless steel, and even cast iron.
Nonstick saucepans are generally more expensive. Almost all saucepans also come with a plastic handle so that your hands don’t sustain any burns while you pick it up as it’s hot. Just don’t place the saucepan in the oven; it’ll melt right away.
Keep in mind that there are a few brands out there that are designed to be safe for use in ovens, though it’s generally not a wise idea to put them in an oven.
- Pyrex Casserole Dish
If you cannot find any of the substitutes mentioned in this list, you can always cook the meal in different dishes. For instance, you can sear in the frying pan, make the sauces in the saucepan, and transfer everything that you’ve cooked to a Pyrex casserole dish.
That being said, you can insert the Pyrex casserole in the oven and get on with your baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a few questions about the use of pans and skillets and want to know just how safe they are used for an oven, we try to answer them in the section below.
- Can you use ceramic pans?
Ceramic pans or dishes are becoming quite popular nowadays, but it’s important to know that ceramic pots are not always safe for use in the oven. If you are going to put a ceramic dish in the oven, you will want to make sure that it’s rated safe for it.
First of all, you need to check whether the symbol “O” is present at the bottom of the ceramic pan. If there is, you can use it up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a viable alternative.
- Is it convenient to substitute a skillet for a pan?
Essentially put, a cast-iron skillet and a conventional frying pan both cook the same way. They are also available in a myriad of different materials, including both cast iron and stainless steel too.
So, if you are thinking of a viable alternative to a skillet, a good-quality pan might be a wise idea.