Not All Cookware Is Dishwasher Safe
Having cookware that is dishwasher safe is becoming one of the topmost criteria for most shoppers. Brand name, quality and size of cookware is important too, but dishwasher safe cookware means that the hassle of maintaining it is nearly gone.
While some can assume that in 21st century America, all cookware is dishwasher safe; that is simply not true. Just like many dinnerware sets are dishwasher safe, others that are hand painted, made of more delicate materials or have silver and gold rims are not dishwasher safe cookware. They always however do have a mark on the back of the plate or platter which recommends whether you should toss them in the dishwasher or wash them with mild soap by hand.
Even hand washing has its requirements because scrubbing roughly with a scourer to get off baked lasagna or using a very harsh chemical-based detergent can harm your plates and other pieces of tableware.
Dishwasher Racks
One thing to note is that even if certain pieces do qualify as dishwasher safe cookware, you have to make sure if they are only top-rack safe or they can be put anywhere in the dishwasher. This is crucial because the top rack is generally much safer and has a more delicate rinsing and scrubbing cycle so if your cookware is dishwasher safe, make sure which rack it should go in to. This has become even more important since new models of dishwashers have three racks now with pots and pans typically going in the bottom most rack, plates and cutlery in the middle rack and glasses and delicates in the top most one.
When you do place your cookware or other kitchen items in a dishwasher, make sure that the non-stick coating part f the pots and pans do not get scraped by the prongs of the dishwasher; those dividers which separate plates and serve as a base to hold the dinner ware securely. If it does touch the non-stick film, it may start peeling and getting chipped. Not only will this ruin the look and luster of your cookware, it will have repercussions in the short and long term.
In the short term, your food will start sticking to the bottom and get burnt; and it will be harder to clean. In the long run, the non-stick layer could start chipping of and getting mixed in your food which in a way means you are eating a form of plastic along with the spaghetti and meatballs!
