Is it okay to put a hot pan in the sink?

Author: Einar Bailey  |  Last update: Monday, May 19, 2025

If a hot pan is placed under cold water, thermal shock, which can ruin a pan, may occur,” a representative from the Calphalon brand development team told HuffPost. “By rapidly lowering the temperature of a pan, warping and cracking may occur.

Can I put a hot pan in the sink?

Putting a hot pan in cold water causes something called thermal shock. It can ruin your pans—even the expensive ones.

Is it okay to put a hot pan under water?

Taking a hot pan and putting it under water is bad for the pan. The sudden temperature change can cause the pan to warp. This effects how it distributes heat and how securely it sits on the burner.

Should you let a hot pan cool before washing?

Most pans should be cooled to room temp before washing.

Can a hot pan burn a stainless steel sink?

Both STAINLESS STEEL and PORCELAIN are made by and at very high temperatures. A pot of boiling oil may be three times hotter than a pot of boiling water, and a smoking fry pan even hotter than that. Yet even these do not cause any damage to a kitchen sink.

Is it Bad to Pour Cold Water On A Hot Pan?

Does heat ruin stainless steel?

While stainless steel is oven safe and can handle high oven temperatures, the direct and intense heat from a grill can exceed these limits. Grills often reach temperatures much higher than standard ovens, which can cause damage to the cookware, such as warping or discoloration.

Can you put a hot cast iron skillet in water?

Never rinse a hot cast iron under cold water, as this can warp or crack the pan, and never soak a pan in water or put it in a dishwasher, as this will ruin its seasoning layer and rust the pan.

Can you wash a greasy pan in the sink?

First, let the pan cool completely as hot grease can be dangerous to handle. Once cooled, get rid of the FOG by pouring it into a container or scraping it off into the trash. After wiping out the pan well using paper towels or newspaper, wash it in the sink using cold water and dish soap.

Can you put water in a hot stainless steel pan?

Always let pans cool down slowly before cleaning. If you put them straight under or into cold water, they can warp.

Does washing hot pans warp them?

* Washing a hot pain in cold water can cause it to warp. We suggest letting pans cool briefly and then using tepid water to wash them to avoid warping. Always wait until the pan has cooled completely before submerging it fully in water.

Does hot water damage stainless steel?

A common question, however, is whether it's safe to put hot water in them. The answer is a resounding yes! Stainless steel bottles are designed to handle hot and cold liquids, making them a versatile choice for daily use.

What happens if you put water on a burning pan?

What happens if you add water to a grease fire? Even a small amount of water dropped into a pan or deep fryer filled with burning oil will sink to the bottom, become superheated and erupt.

How to deglaze a pan?

Add liquid (wine, stock, verjuice or water) to a hot frying pan or baking dish after transferring the main piece of meat to the oven or to be rested. Scrape and stir the browned bits from the pan over a moderate-high heat to melt all cooking residues into the liquid.

Is it OK to put a hot pan under water?

“If a hot pan is placed under cold water, thermal shock, which can ruin a pan, may occur,” a representative from the Calphalon brand development team told HuffPost. “By rapidly lowering the temperature of a pan, warping and cracking may occur.

Is it OK to pour hot water in the sink?

It is okay to pour boiling water down the sink if your plumbing is clear. However, a blockage can trap the water in the pipe. This can melt PVC pipes and seals, causing serious damage. Additionally, using boiling water to unclog a toilet can melt the wax seal around the toilet.

Why can't I put water on a hot pan?

The sudden change in temperature can cause the pan to warp or crack.

Can you put a hot pan in a stainless steel sink?

If hot pots or pans are left in a stainless steel sink for an extended period, they can cause heat damage to the sink's surface, resulting in discoloration or stains.

Can you wash a hot pan in hot water?

NEVER toss a hot pan in the sink and turn on the water.

But that doesn't make it right. It will absolutely destroy your pans over time.

Can you wash pans in the sink?

Add detergent or baking soda to the sink/dishpan (or soiled pot) and fill with hot water; soak for 15 to 30 minutes, then drain and continue. (But remember: some cookware, like baking pans with air cushioned inside, should not be submerged in water. Check the manufacturer's instructions for advice!)

Does Dawn dish soap break down grease?

Simple solutions of dish soap and water can do wonders for cleaning away grease, splatters, and food messes. Dawn® Platinum makes cleaning kitchen cabinets So Dawn Easy! The unique formula quickly breaks down grease particles while staying gentle enough to not cause any damage.

What is the lifespan of a cast iron skillet?

With proper care cast iron cookware can withstand a lifetime of use. Actually several lifetimes as these cast iron pans and dutch ovens are often passed down from generation to generation. Taking care of cast iron cookware is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3.

Is it OK to boil water in cast iron?

With this type of cookware, a little proper maintenance goes a long way, and one of the few food prep acts you should never do in your cast iron pan is boil water. Simmering a little sauce or marinade is nothing to sweat. What you want to avoid, however, is an extended roiling boil, like when cooking pasta or beans.

What should you never do to a hot cast iron pan when cleaning?

Things NEVER to Do When Cleaning Cast Iron
  1. Avoid Warping Your Pan – Never take hot cast iron and run it under water. ...
  2. Resist Soaking Your Pans – Soaking cast iron pans in water is just a recipe for ruining your seasoning and inviting rust.
  3. Don't Use the Dishwasher – Never put your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher.

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