Can You Use Cling Film in a Conventional Oven ?

Welcome to our deep-dive into the fascinating, and sometimes controversial, world of cling film. It’s a common staple in most kitchens, but can it withstand the heat of a traditional oven ? Let’s find out.

Understanding the Use of Cling Film in Cooking

What is Cling Film ?

Cling film, also known as plastic wrap, is a thin plastic material typically used for sealing food items in containers to keep them fresh over time. It does an excellent job protecting food from bacteria and external factors, preventing odour mixing and preserving freshness.

The Role of Cling Film in the Kitchen

Cling film excels at maintaining food hygiene in fridges or freezers but isn’t usually heated. However, there are two primary types: classic cling film not designed for heat, and cooking cling film made specifically to warm up dishes.

The Potential Dangers of Using Cling Film in the Oven

The Melting Point of Plastic Wrap

Cooking with traditional cling film can pose risks, as it melts when heated, potentially contaminating your food with plastic.

Safe Alternatives

Fortunately, companies have developed cooking cling films that can handle temperatures up to approximately 175°C (or thermostat level 6 on traditional ovens), like those from brand UPC. These wraps are hermetic and bisphenol-free, perfect for safe food conditioning.

With these potential hazards clarified, let’s compare cling film to another kitchen mainstay: aluminium foil.

Cling Film vs Aluminium Foil: which One to Choose ?

As seen above, both have their pros and cons depending on your needs. However, are there greener alternatives out there to these disposable kitchen aids ?

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Cling Film for Cooking

Bio-plastics and Plant-based Wraps

An exciting development in the kitchen world is the advent of bio-plastic wraps and plant-based wraps. These are not only safe to use but also kinder to our environment.

Glass or Stainless Steel Containers with Lids

A more traditional alternative would be investing in glass or stainless steel containers with lids that can be reused indefinitely.

Now that we’ve covered eco-friendly alternatives, let’s look at reusable accessories.

Reusable Accessories: a Sustainable Solution for the Kitchen

• Silicone lids: washable and reusable, they can withstand high temperatures.
• Glass food storage containers: perfect for storing leftover food. Some even come with compartments for better organization.
• Cotton beeswax wraps: an excellent natural solution for wrapping sandwiches or covering dishes.

Prioritizing such sustainable options helps us move towards a more responsible lifestyle. But before we wrap this up, let’s address some frequently asked questions about cling film usage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cling Film Usage

Note: the following answers are based on general use of cling films and might not apply to every brand or type.

• Can I put cling film in the oven ? No, unless it’s a specific cooking cling film designed for such use, like those that can handle up to 175°C.
• Is cling film safe for food storage ? Generally, yes. It is apt for direct food contact and helps protect against bacteria and external factors.

To sum everything up, while cling film plays an essential role in most kitchens, it’s vital to remember its limitations. Regular cling film should not be used in traditional ovens due to the risk of melting and potential food contamination. However, select products like cooking cling film can safely be heated. Weigh your options carefully, whether that’s choosing between foil or wrap, or considering more sustainable alternatives like reusable kitchen accessories or eco-friendly wraps.