What to do if pan/pot is burning (with or without food)

To minimize the damage to an over heated pan (be it with or without food), do I let it cool off? Run it under cool water? Or is there different approach I'm supposed to take?

cookware maintenance

Best Answer

Letting it cool slowly will minimize the chance of warping for thin or cheap cookware.

Quality cookware should stand up to being deglazed or quickly cooled under running water.

How you cool it is up to you.

Note: the above is based on metal pots and pans. Glass, ceramic, or earthenware pans should always be cooled slowly to prevent heat-stress breaking or crazing.

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Quick Answer about "What to do if pan/pot is burning (with or without food)"

Start by adding enough warm water to the pot to cover the charred area. (It's beneficial to also add a teaspoon of dish soap and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.) Then crumple a small sheet of aluminum foil into a ball. Use the abrasive foil ball to scrub the pot until the stubborn burnt food residue is removed.

How do you stop a pan from burning?

To avoid burning the pan, use a high-quality, thick-bottomed skillet greased with cooking oil. Cook over medium to medium-high heat coming from an appropriately-sized burner or cooking zone. There's a difference between browning your food, caramelizing it, and burning it.

Why does my pan burn my food?

Any food cooked on a hotspot without turning, stirring, or tossing will eventually burn or stick to the pan. So, Erika, if you have a powerful stove, and a recipe calls for medium-high heat, try lowering the heat to medium and keep the food moving around to prevent it from staying in a hot or cold spot.

How do I stop food burning on the bottom?

Keep an eye on your cooking and make sure there is enough liquid in the pot. Stir regularly and frequently to stop the build-up on the bottom of the pan. Use a heavy-based pan that evenly distributes the heat. Consider investing in a heat diffuser as almost all pans have hotter and cooler spots.

The Best Way to Clean a Burnt Pot Easily | Cleaning tips

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Devon Rockola, Emir Kaan Okutan, Dương Nhân, Min An