Table of Contents
- Can you cook with cling film in the oven?
- What is cling film?
- How does cling film work?
- 10 Reasons why you should avoid cooking with cling film in the oven
- Ways you can cook with cling sheet safely in an oven
- Best alternatives of cling sheet to use in the oven
- Can you cook with saran wrap in the oven?
- Related Questions
- Final Thoughts
Can you cook with cling film in the oven?
Cling film is used widely to cover food before serving. But can you cook with cling film in the oven? There’s no absolute answer to this question. The answer is both yes and no! Where chefs use them in the oven to keep the food warm and moist, some people avoid using them.
That’s why using cling film in the oven has always been a subject of debate. Most cling films are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which can’t withstand the high temperatures of an oven or microwave. The heat will cause toxic fumes to escape from the cling film, so it’s best to only use them in the fridge or freezer.
What is cling film?
Cling film is a thin, transparent plastic film used to cover food. It sticks to the surface of the food and prevents air from reaching it, which helps to keep the food fresh. Cling film was first invented in 1930, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that its popularity grew. It was initially used to keep moisture in meat while cooking or preserving food.
Nowadays, the usage of cling film has increased a great deal. It is used for hygiene purposes to prevent dust and insects from reaching the food. It is also used as a wrapping material to keep food hygienic and fresh. Cling film can be used in both the oven and microwave, but it’s not recommended to use it for a long period of time in the oven.
How does cling film work?
Cling film forms a seal around the food. This prevents the food from drying out and keeps in any moisture or flavors.
10 Reasons why you should avoid cooking with cling film in the oven
Toxic fumes
Cling film contains chemicals such as BPA and phthalates emit, which can toxic fumes when heated. These dangerous chemicals can cause damage to the nervous system and increase your risk of developing cancer.
Can’t be recycled
Since cling film is made of PVC it’s not recyclable and should not be thrown into the recycling bin.
Melts in oven
PVC is a toxic plastic that can’t withstand high temperatures, so normal cling film will melt when heated above 220°C. It’s best to avoid using cling film in the oven or microwave if you want to protect yourself from harmful toxins.
Contaminates the food
When the cling film melts, it can contaminate your food with harmful toxins. These toxins can make you sick and cause long-term health problems.
Releases carcinogens
When heated, PVC emits carcinogens which are cancer-causing chemicals. So, by cooking with cling film in the oven, you’re increasing your risk of developing cancer.
Damages the environment
PVC is made from non-renewable resources and produces harmful greenhouse gases when it’s produced. This means that using cling film in the oven is bad for the environment and contributes to climate change.
Microwave explosion
Cling film can cause a microwave explosion if it’s not used correctly. When heated, the gases released from the cling film can build up and cause an explosion.
Waste of money
Using cling film in the oven is a waste of money as you can easily overcook or burn your food.
Food doesn’t cook evenly
When you cover the food with cling film, it doesn’t cook evenly. This means that you’ll have to cook the food for longer than necessary, which wastes time and energy.
Food can dry out
Cling film prevents air from reaching the surface of the food so it doesn’t allow moisture to escape when cooking or baking in the oven. This can lead to the food becoming dry and flavorless.
Ways you can cook with cling sheet safely in an oven
Use reusable non-toxic cling film
A lot of environmental groups recommend that you use non-toxic, biodegradable, and reusable cling film in the oven. This type of cling film is made from natural materials such as cotton, cellulose, or beeswax and is safe to use at high temperatures.
Keep an eye on the temperature
If your oven shows temperature, you’re good to go! Just make sure to keep checking continuously and turn it down if you start to see the cling film melt.
Cook at a low temperature
Don’t use it too much. Cling film is designed to be used only once so avoid using it more than once.
If your oven doesn’t show temperature, then use it on low heat. By cooking on low heat, you won’t be exposing yourself to dangerous toxins and chemicals.
In short, you should avoid cooking with cling film.
Best alternatives of cling sheet to use in the oven
Use foil
If you don’t want to use cling film, you can cover the food with foil instead. Foil is a safe and eco-friendly silicone wrap instead of regular cling film. They’re made from recycled materials and are a great substitute to cling film.
Use a baking dish
If you want to bake or roast your food in the oven, then use an oven-proof dish instead of cling film. This way you won’t have to cook with any harmful chemicals or toxins.
Use wax paper
Wax paper is another great alternative to cling film. It’s made from natural materials, is non-toxic, and can be recycled.
Silicone dish covers
These covers are a safe and eco-friendly way to cover your food when cooking in the oven. Just use them instead of cling film and you won’t need to worry about harmful chemicals or laundering plastic products.
Use a lid
If you have a pot or pan with a lid, then use it to cook your food instead of cling film. This will help retain the moisture and flavor of the food.
Use plates/bowels
Plates and bowls don’t need to be covered in the oven, so you can use them instead of cling film.
Baking paper
Baking paper is a great alternative to cling film. It’s eco-friendly, recyclable, and non-toxic.
Bread bags
Yes, you read that right! Bread bags are another great alternative to cling film because they’re made from safe materials, you can use them more than once, and they do an excellent job of keeping the bread fresh.
Can you cook with saran wrap in the oven?
There is no absolute answer to this question either. Saran wraps are no different than cling films. In fact, saran wrap is another name of cling film. They’re both made of plastic, and when heated in the oven, they can release harmful chemicals. So if you want to play it safe, avoid using them in the oven. So, in most cases, you cannot cook with saran wraps in the oven.
There are a number of safer alternatives that you can use, such as foil, wax paper, silicone dish covers, or bread bags.
Related Questions
Is cling sheet cheaper than foil?
Yes. Cling film is much cheaper than foil, but it’s also bad for the environment and your health. Foil is heavier than cling film, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative.
What is the best substitute for cling film or saran wrap?
Well, the safest alternative is using reusable non-toxic cling film. This type of wrap is made from natural materials such as cotton, cellulose, or beeswax and is safe to use at high temperatures.
What does baking paper do?
Baking paper increases the ventilation of the oven. It also prevents your food from sticking to the tray or pot when cooking and is a great substitute for cling film.
What are some other uses of cling film/saran wrap?
Cling film can be used as:
– An airtight seal for food and containers that prevents liquids from leaking.
– A way to keep cut fruit fresh longer.
– Liquid barrier to prevent your clothes from getting dirty when you’re painting or changing the oil of a car.
– A way to protect your hair from the heat when blow-drying or using a straightener.
– A way to keep your food warm until it’s ready to be served.
– A way to prevent ice from forming on food.
– A way to wrap presents.
Are saran wraps/cling sheets waterproof?
Unfortunately, no. Cling sheets are water-resistant, not waterproof. If you’re using cling film in the kitchen and accidentally drop it into a sink of water, then you can pull it out with your hands since it’s considered food grade. It will not harm you or contaminate your food if you use it once or twice.
Can you put the cling sheet or saran wrap in a toaster?
No. Some people use cling sheets in their toasters because they think it will keep the toast nice and crispy, but this is a big NO! It can actually cause
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Whether you want to cover your food with cling film/saran wrap while cooking in the oven or just prefer using a cling sheet instead of foil, wax paper, or silicone covers, there are plenty of safe and environmentally-friendly alternatives to choose from.
Just make sure to keep an eye on the temperature and you’ll be good to go!
