Since they operate at very high temperatures, not all cookware can find its place in the dishwasher to be cleaned. Luckily the list isn’t that long but before you unknowingly damage another precious pot or pan, learn here what the best dishwasher-safe cookware is and what type of cookware should never find its place there, and why.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
How Do I Recognize Dishwasher Safe Cookware?
The easiest method to learn whether or not your cookware is dishwasher safe is to look for dishwasher safe symbols, stamps, or labels on the actual pot and pan. Not even the best dishwashers today can’t wash certain items.
Mark Location
Although dishware tends to have the mark on the bottom, most pots and pans will have the mark on the handle, if not, check the bottom, if you’re still having trouble finding it, try and find the user manual or check the manufacturer’s website to see.
Top Rack Safe Symbol
You also might find the top rack safe symbol as well. This means that you should only ever put this type of cookware in the top rack as the bottom rack generates more heat.
Where The Damage Comes From
Apart from the fact that dishwashers create extremely high temperatures to clean dishes, they also use very abrasive and aggressive detergents containing sulfates and chlorine to do the job of cleaning efficiently. Another factor to consider is that there’s loud banging and vigorous scrubbing happening that a gentle hand most likely can’t produce.
Dishwasher Safe Materials
Keep note that although generally speaking, these materials and types of cookware can go in the dishwasher, it’s always best to look for the symbol and for some, you’ll extend their lifetime if handwashing them.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel pots and pans are generally safe to wash in the dishwasher. Just to be sure, we do suggest looking for the dishwasher safe symbol and/or checking the user manual and manufacturer’s site.
Anodized Aluminum
Although aluminum shouldn’t go in the dishwasher, the anodized coating should be able to protect the bare aluminum from chemicals. You will, however, extend the lifetime by handwashing it.
Ceramic
Most are dishwasher safe but the rule of handwashing it to extend its lifetime is also applied to ceramics. If they feature metallic rims and details, hand wash them. The finish can be damaged easily.
Glass
Most glass is dishwasher safe, especially baking pans but just to be sure, check the label on your individual piece. The glass can appear etched and have white patches with frequently dishwasher use though.
Teflon
Teflon is usually used to make a non-stick coating on pots and pans. If the Teflon is bought from a trusted source and truly is made from Teflon, they are safe to put in the dishwasher, otherwise, it’s a hard no.
Induction Pan
If made of aluminum and stainless steel, they are safe to put in the dishwasher. Again, check for the label to be sure. If you’re confused by why aluminum induction pans can be put in the dishwasher in this case, it’s because they feature a protective coating as well. Non-stick induction pans can also go in the dishwasher as they respond to high heat well.
Plastic
Plastic melts at high temperatures so most people avoid putting it in the dishwasher. However, polypropylene plastic, that containers and bowls are made from, melts at 100 degrees Celsius which is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you can wash it in the dishwasher at the cycles with lower temperatures on the top rack.
Silicone
Any cookware made from silicone is dishwasher safe as it’s non-toxic and handles heat well. Even if they tumble inside the dishwasher, they won’t scratch your dishwasher-safe pans and pots.
Instant Pots
Inner Pot: Usually made out of stainless steel so it’s dishwasher safe
Base: The base isn’t dishwasher safe since it’s not waterproof whatsoever. Wipe it down with a damp cloth instead
Lid: Top rack dishwasher safe. The pressure release knob, anti-block shield, and float valve should be hand washed though
Sealing Ring: Since it’s most likely made from silicone, it’s top-rack dishwasher safe.
Condensation Collector: Top rack dishwasher safe.
Dishwasher Safety By Brand Of Cookware
Tefal
As reported by the manufacturer, almost all items they make are dishwasher safe. Whether they are non-stick, anodized or stainless steel pans, you can safely assume that your cookware made by this brand can be put in the dishwasher
Note: the manufacturer recommends taking the cookware out of the dishwasher as soon as the cycle is finished.
Le Creuset
Le Creuset is known for making stoneware. They report that all their stoneware is dishwasher safe. Still, if you have any other type of cookware from this manufacturer, make sure to check for dishwasher safety.
Calphalon
Calphalon non-stick cookware is dishwasher safe. Before your first use though, you should wash it by hand.
Tupperware
Tupperware containers and bottles are mostly dishwasher safe. We’d argue that almost all is but that is only implied if the brand truly is Tupperware and not some off-brand as it seems to be the case often.
Rachael Ray
The rules of materials that are dishwasher safe apply to the Rachael ray lines of cookware. Before attempting to put it in the dishwasher, look for the dishwasher safe symbol or refer to the manufacturer’s site for more details on your specific type of cookware.
The Things You Should Never Put In The Dishwasher
Tin/Cast Iron Pans
Cast iron pans shouldn’t even be washed. It takes a while to form the protective grease coating on them which is important to keep the iron from rusting. That’s exactly what’ll happen if you put it in the dishwasher: it’ll rust.
Copper
Apart from scratches, your copper pots and pans will most definitely lose their shine and tarnish. You can get rid of tarnish to some extent but scratches, not so much. The same thing applies to silver silverware so check to see how tarnish-removal works, what’s allowed, and what’s not.
Non-Stick Pots/Pans
The non-stick coatings can’t handle high temperatures well. It will peel and erode and we all know how important it is to keep non-stick cookware scratch-free and that’s another reason why they shouldn’t go in the dishwasher.
Gold
Anything gold-plated should never go in the washer. Gold is malleable and incredibly soft which means it doesn’t handle high temperatures well.
Fine China And Antiques
You’re better off washing these by hand since although some can be placed in the dishwasher, you’ll still risk breaking, scratching, or generally damaging them.
Acrylic Glasses
Unless you want to end up with foggy white line glasses, you should never place acrylic material cookware in a dishwasher.
Wooden Utensils
All made from wood shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher because high temperature can make it break. However, many dishwasher users noticed their wooden utensils come out from the dishwasher undamaged. That’s because they use low-temperature or quick dishwasher cycle. When you use 1-2 hour cycle that uses high heat, it’s not recommeded to wash wooden items.
To Wrap It Up
Unless it’s specifically dishwasher safe, not even the things generally considered safe shouldn’t go in the dishwasher. To speed up the process of figuring out if your pots and pans are dishwasher safe, either look for the symbol on the handles or check the manufacturer’s websites.
