Those who use ovens for cooking a lot might have stumbled upon recipes that require using plastic wrap to cover food and then using aluminum foil on top of it before placing the food inside the oven. For these recipes, you may have wondered - won't the plastic melt?
Professional chefs and cooks use oven-safe plastic wrap regularly to maintain the moisture of the food they cook in the oven. But you can't use just any kind of plastic wrap for this purpose. Let’s explore it further.
Can you put plastic wrap in the oven?
Using plastic wrap in the oven isn't as uncommon as you may think. Restaurant chefs and cooks do this all the time, but they make sure that the plastic wrap doesn't come in contact with the food. You can use oven-safe plastic wrap as a sealant for when you're baking dishes in the oven - and you would cover this with a layer of foil.
The double-layering method prevents the plastic wrap from melting while locking in moisture and flavor. The presence of the plastic generates steam while the foil acts as a shield for the plastic. So if you encounter a recipe that requires this method, make sure you have the proper kind of plastic wrap for it.
Oven-safe plastic wrap
The term "plastic wrap" is a general one used to refer to various kinds of materials. There are plastic wraps for industrial purposes, food-grade plastic wraps, and more. Plastic wraps used for food are also known as saran wrap, cling film, and food wrap. These refer to a thin film of plastic used to seal food items within containers.
While there are several kinds and brands of plastic wrap available, you must choose oven-safe plastic wrap if you also want to use this for when you need to bake dishes in the oven. Choose high-quality products that you can use for this purpose. Otherwise, you might end up with melted plastic on your food!
What temperature does plastic wrap melt?
According to Robert L Wolke, a chemistry professor, most types of plastic wraps can withstand temperatures below 220° and 250°. Beyond these temperatures, you can expect your plastic wrap to melt. The melting point of plastic wrap depends on the quality and the manufacturer.
Even if the double-layering method is frequently used by professionals, this might make you uneasy. To make sure, you may want to contact the manufacturer of the plastic wrap you've chosen to ask about the melting point. That way, you know the safe temperatures where you can use your plastic wrap.
Oven-safe plastic wrap suggestions for you
Now that you know more about oven-safe plastic wrap and at what temperature does plastic wrap melt, it's time to start looking for the best product. Here are some suggestions for you:
1. Glad Press'n Seal Plastic Food Wrap
This high-quality oven-safe plastic wrap effectively protects food with an airtight and leak-proof seal. You can use it for storing leftovers to keep them protected and fresh. The Glad Press'n Seal Plastic Food Wrap is a versatile product that attaches and seals tightly onto different kinds of surfaces like wood, paper, metal, plastic, and more.
Once you apply pressure, this activates the one-of-a-kind Griptex technology in order to seal itself. This BPA-free plastic cover allows you to create bags for food storage in customized shapes or even pack individual portions. It's also very convenient because of its simplicity and ease-of-use
Pros
- You can use this versatile plastic wrap on containers with different shapes for storing, heating, freezing, and stacking.
- Seals tightly over different surfaces to make them spill-free and leak-proof.
- Microwave-safe, BPA-free, and the box includes a built-in cutter.
Cons
- Some claim that it leaves a sticky film after use.
2. Stretch-Tite Premium Food Wrap with Titecut Slide Cutter
The Stretch-Tite Premium Food Wrap with Titecut Slide Cutter keeps food fresh while sealing in the flavor. This is a premium-quality plastic wrap that comes in a convenient, compact box. With it, you don't have to wonder can you put plastic wrap in the oven. It's oven-safe, microwave-safe, and you can use it in different ways.
The quality of this plastic wrap allows you to use it for more than food-related purposes. You can also use it for wrapping other items. The plastic cover firmly bonds to various surfaces allowing you to keep those items protected.
Pros
- High-quality plastic wrap that offers better performance.
- Stretches well to seal different kinds of containers.
- Comes in a reliable and sturdy packaging to keep the roll of plastic wrap clean and safe.
Cons
- The new packaging makes it difficult to use.
3. Freeze-Tite Premium Plastic Freezer Wrap
This plastic-wrap is an easy-to-use, simple solution to keeping your food fresh and well-protected. With this product, you won't have to toss out your leftovers or use unreliable containers that might leak and make a huge mess. Wrap it directly around food or around the containers you've placed your food in.
The Freeze-Tite Premium Plastic Freezer Wrap is completely leak-proof and it also serves as a barrier for strong odors. With it, you don't have to worry about freezer burn on your meats because it locks out freezer air too. Applying light pressure on this plastic wrap activates the self-clinging to secure what you've wrapped.
Pros
- High-quality plastic wrap that's thicker and larger than other brands.
- Comes in a box that includes a built-in serrated cutter for easy and convenient cutting.
- You can even use it for wrapping your household items to keep them protected.
Cons
- It's comparatively expensive. Quality doesn’t come cheap, though.
Conclusion
There you have it, all the information you need to know about oven safe plastic wrap. Now you know the answer to the questions "can you put plastic wrap in the oven?" and "what temperature does plastic wrap melt?" With these answers, you can feel more confident about using plastic wrap for your baking needs.
Apart from learning about the usage of oven-safe plastic wrap, we have also provided you with suggestions of the best products available on the market now. Choosing any of these products guarantees that you will buy a high-quality plastic wrap you can use for different purposes.
