While scouting or buying a new cookware set, it is normal to worry about whether or not your cookware is dishwasher-safe. You’re not alone, and many people struggle to figure out which pots and pans can be safely washed in the dishwasher and which cannot. If you have read any of our other Best Dishwasher Safe articles, you will know that there are various materials from which different pieces of cookware are made. As a result, it can be challenging to tell if an item can go in the dishwasher. So, what is the best dishwasher safe cookware set?

Stainless steel and enameled cast iron are great choices if you invest in high-quality, long-lasting cookware that is easy to clean and maintain. Other dishwasher-safe cookware materials include copper, aluminum, and hard anodized.

This article will explain exactly what makes a piece of cookware unsafe for use in the dishwasher, explore why this is, and share some examples of unsafe pieces of cookware. Also, provide some handy tips regarding what kind of cookware best suits your dishwasher.

What makes cookware unsafe for the dishwasher?

Before we go any further, we should look at what makes a piece of cookware unsafe for use in the dishwasher. First, it’s important to know that most cookware can’t go in the dishwasher. This is because the heat used during the washing and rinsing cycles damages the pan’s surface. This is commonly seen with non-stick cookware, stainless steel, and copper pots and pans. But there are other things to think about when deciding if a piece of cookware can go in the dishwasher or not.

Cooking Utensils and tools that are not dishwasher Safe

Forks and Spoons: Utensils made from hardwoods, bamboo, and stainless steel are generally safe for use in the dishwasher. Unfortunately, wooden products are not safe for use in the dishwasher. This is because the high heat used in dishwashing can cause the wood to warp and crack. Also, do not put silver utensils, wooden or bamboo spoons, or forks in the dishwasher. These materials will either warp or discolor in the high heat of the dishwasher. 

Scraping Spoons: Scraping spoons are commonly made from materials like stainless steel, wood, and silicone. While wood and stainless steel are safe for use in the dishwasher, you should never use silicone scraping spoons in a dishwasher. The high heat can cause the silicone to melt and fuse. 

Tongs: Tongs are typically made from materials like stainless steel and silicone. While these materials are safe for use in the dishwasher, tongs made from hardwoods and bamboo will warp and discolor in the high heat of the dishwasher. 

Spaghetti Scoops: Spaghetti scoops are generally made from silicone and stainless steel. While these materials are safe for use in the dishwasher, you should never wash wooden spaghetti scoops in the dishwasher.

Best dishwasher cookware set that is safe for the dishwasher

Now that we have explored the materials that cause issues when used in the dishwasher, we can look at the types of cookware that are safe for your dishwasher. 

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is another durable material commonly used in pots and pans. It is also safe for dishwashers, though you should avoid using harsh scouring pads as they can scratch the surface. Another good example of a dishwasher-safe stainless steel pot and pan is this 14-piece Imarku kitchen non-stick cookware set. This is made with completely durable stainless steel materials and looks good.

Enameled Cast Iron: Enameled cast iron is a popular cookware choice. It is very durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. In addition, it is safe for use in the dishwasher. The only thing to remember is that enameled cast iron is fragile, so you should be careful when handling it after it has been washed in the dishwasher. An example is this KLEE 5-piece enameled cast iron cookware set on Amazon, made purely with cast iron.

Aluminum: Aluminum is a popular material used to make pots and pans. It is also safe for use in the dishwasher. The only thing to remember is that aluminum tends to discolor when exposed to very high temperatures, so you may see some discoloration on your pots and pans after washing them in the dishwasher. An example of a dishwasher-safe aluminum pot and pan is the GreenLife soft grip diamond healthy ceramic non-stick on Amazon. It has a 16-piece cookware set made from ceramic, aluminum, bakelite handles, and PFAS-free, non-stick materials.

Copper: Copper is another popular material used to make pots and pans. It is a very durable and scratch-resistant material, making it ideal for use in cookware. In addition, copper is a very efficient conductor of heat, making it great for use in the kitchen. It can go in the dishwasher, but you should be careful not to use too harsh of a cleaner when washing copper cookware. An example of dishwasher-safe copper pots and pans set is Amazon’s FGY 5 Pieces Copper pot set, made from a copper bottom and aluminum handles. 

Hard Anodized: Hard anodized is a very durable material that is great for pots and pans. It is resistant to scratches and dents, and it is also safe for use in the dishwasher. Hard anodized is a great choice if you want to invest in long-lasting cookware that is very easy to clean. A good example is this 14-piece T-Fal ultimate hard anodized non-stick cookware set on Amazon, which is dishwasher safe and made from aluminum, anodized, and metal.

Recommendations: The Best Dishwasher Safe Cookware

Now that we have explored the risks of putting certain types of cookware in the dishwasher and the materials that make this a dangerous practice, we can look at the best cookware for use in the dishwasher. 

• If you want to invest in long-lasting cooking equipment that is easy to clean and maintain, we recommend you choose stainless steel cookware. It is a very durable material that is resistant to scratches and dents, and it is also safe for use in the dishwasher. 
• We also recommend that you choose enameled cast iron cookware. It is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches and dents. In addition, it is safe for use in the dishwasher, which makes it very convenient. 
• Finally, we recommend that you choose hard anodized cookware. It is scratch- and dent-proof, simple to maintain, and thoroughly clean. The best part is that it is safe for use in the dishwasher, making it very convenient.

Tips for Using Your Dishwasher With Cookware

While you can safely wash most cookware in the dishwasher, you can still take measures to prolong the life of your appliance and your cookware. If you want to keep your pots and pans in good condition, we recommend:

• Use a plastic scrub pad or a brush on pots and pans when you clean them in the dishwasher. This will help you avoid scratching the pots and pans’ surface, extending their lifespan. 
• If you want to keep your dishwasher in good condition, we recommend that you avoid putting items that are not supposed to be used in the dishwasher into it. This will help prevent damage to your dishwasher and reduce the risk of your dishes becoming dirty.

Conclusion

The best dishwasher-safe cookware set for the dishwasher will be easy to clean and maintain, last a long time, and not get scratches or dents. In addition, it will be safe to use in the dishwasher, making it very convenient. Stainless steel and enameled cast iron are great choices if you want to invest in high-quality, long-lasting cookware that is easy to clean and maintain. Lastly, use a plastic scrub pad or a brush to clean your pots and pans in the dishwasher. This will keep the surface from getting scratched and make them last longer.