Everything you need to know about ovenware for your kitchen.
What is ovenware?
Ovenware is the collective term for heat-resistant dishes, usually made from glass or pottery, which are used for cooking and serving food in. Ovenware includes roasting tins, serving dishes, baking pans and any other pans which can be used in the oven to cook food such as pie dishes. Every kitchen should have a good selection of ovenware, depending on how and what you tend to cook.
What should I look for when choosing ovenware?
Before you choose your new ovenware, first take the measurements of your oven so you know what size ovenware to invest in. Select hard-wearing, good quality ovenware made from either oven-safe glass or another heatproof material such as glass-ceramic. Dishes made from these materials will not only last a long time, but they are also designed to suit all your cooking needs – they can be used both on top of the range and inside the oven for roasting or baking. Another advantage of glass-ceramic ovenware is that it is not affected by temperature, so dishes can go safely from the fridge to the oven. When selecting your ovenware, it is also worth investing in dishes which are microwave and dishwasher-safe – this will save you time and hassle in the kitchen, as the dishes can be washed easily and their contents can be re-heated quickly without having to be transferred to another container.
Which ovenware essentials do I need?
A good stainless steel roasting tin, particularly one made of stainless steel or aluminum, is essential for every kitchen – one with 2 inch (5 cm) high sides and a rack is even more useful, as both of these factors will allow the heat to circulate well around the contents of the tin. Other essentials include ceramic serving dishes, which can be put in the oven until serving so their contents stay warm; a casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid; ceramic ramekins for soufflés and individual baked desserts; and pie dishes. With each of these items, you’ll be well on your way to having a well-stocked kitchen with all the ovenware you need.
Want to learn more about kitting out your kitchen? See our Q&A on pots and pans
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