If you have had things to do in the kitchen, then you know that washing pots by hand can be daunting and time-consuming. It can take even more time after you've had a big meal served or when you have to scrub solid dishes.
Fortunately, inventors created a machine called a dishwasher that helps in doing most of the hard job, therefore reducing the time we spend in cleaning dishes. But the unfortunate part is, not all pots can go into a dishwasher.
Some pots can't be put in a dishwasher because they are made of materials that can't handle the washing power of a dishwasher, or they need to be cleaned with care by hand washing them.
One of the reasons why you're reading this article is because you have been asking yourself questions like, "Can I put my pot in a dishwasher?" "Are stainless steel pots dishwasher safe?" "How do I know if my pot is dishwasher safe?"
If that's the case, then you're at the right place because this article is going to give you all the information you need on how to determine if your pot can go in a dishwasher and also give you examples of pots that are dishwasher-safe and those that are not.
Let's jump right in.
What Does Dishwasher Safe Pot Mean?
Dishwasher-safe pots are those pots that can go in a dishwasher without being damaged during the wash cycle.
They are pots made from materials that can't be damaged if exposed to high heat, wash sprays, and detergent from a dishwasher.
Pots that are dishwasher safe are mostly labelled "dishwasher safe" so customers, like you and I, can know whether it's safe to put in a dishwasher or not.
Checkout Article: Are Cooking Pots Oven Safe? What You Need To Know
What Pots Are Dishwasher Safe?
A lot of pots produced nowadays are dishwasher safe. Pots are dishwasher safe because of the materials the pots are made from. I'm going to mention some of those materials. So let's check them out.
1. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is at the top of the list because it's one of the most durable and quality pot materials out there.
Stainless steel pots can go in a dishwasher because they are not affected by the chemicals or hot water in a dishwasher.
So, if you have a stainless steel pot, you're in luck.
Checkout Article: Copper Vs Stainless Steel Pots: Pros and Cons
2. Anodized Aluminum
Aluminum pots that are anodized are usually safe to go in a dishwasher. The reason is that anodized pots are coated with an oxide that protects them from chemicals used during the wash cycle of a dishwasher.
So, if your aluminum pot is anodized, it's dishwasher safe.
If you want to confirm that your aluminum pot is anodized or dishwasher safe, check the pot for a label stating it's dishwasher safe or check the care instructions or user manual.
3. Glass
Most pots or cookware made of glass are usually safe to go in a dishwasher. The catch is, if a pot made of glass is frequently cleaned by a dishwasher, it might begin to have lines on the surface.
Before you put a pot made of glass in a dishwasher, check if it's labelled "dishwasher safe" by the manufacturer before you proceed. If not, it's best you stay on the safe side and hand wash your pot.
4. Ceramics
Most ceramic pots are usually dishwasher safe. One of the things that might render a ceramic pot not dishwasher safe is if it has hand-painted designs or embellishments. If not, then it's dishwasher safe.
5. Teflon
If your Teflon pot is labelled "dishwasher safe," then it is safe to go in a dishwasher. If it's not, the safe thing to do is hand wash your Teflon pot.
It is crucial that you note that even if your pot material is listed above, you should check if your pot is labelled "dishwasher safe" or indicated that it is dishwasher safe in the care instructions before you proceed with putting your pot in a dishwasher.
What Pots Are Not Dishwasher Safe?
As you now know pots that are dishwasher safe, you should also know pots that are not. So, you can make a well-informed decision when you want to get a new pot.
1. Copper
Copper pots are one of the pots that give the best cooking experience and have the most beautiful and luxurious look, but they are not dishwasher safe.
Copper pots can't withstand the high washing power of a dishwasher, as they can lose their aesthetic look and even get scratched.
Copper pots require cleaning with care.
So, if you love your copper pot, it's best you hand wash it.
2. Non-Stick
It's not recommended to put your nonstick pot in a dishwasher because a dishwasher can degrade the nonstick quality of your pot.
Hand washing your nonstick pot is the best way to clean it in order to preserve the nonstick coating of the pot.
The only case where your nonstick pot could be dishwasher safe is if the manufacturer specified that it's dishwasher safe via a label or care instructions.
3. Cast Iron
A dishwasher is a no-go place for a cast iron pot.
Dishwashers usually wash dishes with hot water during the wash cycle. This makes the condition in the dishwasher hot and wet, which isn't good for cast iron because it can make it rust.
So, if you want your cast iron pot to serve you for a long time, don't put it in a dishwasher. Hand wash it instead.
4. Non-anodized Aluminum
Earlier, I mentioned that anodized aluminum pots are dishwasher safe. It should be obvious that non-anodized aluminum pots are not dishwasher safe.
The reason is that there is no anodized coating to protect the aluminum pot from the chemicals used during the wash cycle of a dishwasher.
So, handwashing your non-anodized aluminum pot is the thing you should do, as it will protect the pot from the heavy-duty washing power of a dishwasher and preserve its gleam.
5. Hand-painted or Embellished Ceramic Pots
Ceramic pots that have hand-painted designs or embellishments on their metallic rims shouldn't be put in a dishwasher because the surface of the pot could be ruined during the wash cycle.
So, it's best to hand wash them.
Though ceramic pots made in China or porcelain-made ceramic pots are usually dishwasher safe.
How Do I Know If My Pot Is Dishwasher Safe?
One of the ways to know if your pot is dishwasher safe is to check if your pot is made of any of those materials I listed above in the "What Pots Are Dishwasher Safe?" subsection.
If you want to be certain that your pot is dishwasher safe, check if your pot is labelled dishwasher safe.
Most dishwasher-safe pots are labelled on the bottom, and manufacturers can indicate that a pot is dishwasher safe with symbols or just text.
If you can't find a label on the pot, check the note on the packaging or care manual.
If you have lost the manual, can't find a "dishwasher safe" label, and can't remember the brand of your pot, it is best you hand wash your pot to stay on the safe side.
Checkout Article: Are Cooking Pots Recyclable? Disposal And Recycling Tips
Conclusion
By now, you should be able to determine if your pot is safe to go in a dishwasher and also know the type of pots that are dishwasher safe and the type that are not.
Now, you have no fear of damaging your pot or your dishwasher as you have enough information to guide you.
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