We bring many things from the bakery, and you buy them too. When we can’t eat everything at once, we refrigerate it in the same container, right? But if I order pizza, I can’t eat it all at once, and I always store the leftover pizza. However, when it comes time to reheat it, the question arises: Can I use cardboard in the oven?
We can not use some utensils in the oven. For example, plastic can’t be used because it melts. You might have thought about this too. So, several questions arise regarding cardboard as well. Don’t worry. I will answer all your questions in this article.
Note: Everything I guide you on in this article is based on my experience, so you can follow everything I mention here.
Contents
Can You Put Cardboard In The Oven?
No, I never recommend putting cardboard in the oven. Its material is such that it catches fire very quickly. You might come across some people who say that you can put cardboard in the oven at specific temperatures.
However, the issue is that every oven is different; some older ovens heat up very quickly and can catch fire. So, safety first—never fall for someone else’s opinion. Avoid using cardboard in the oven at all costs. We use it for pizza; you can take it out and heat it in an oven-safe dish or directly on the rack.
5 Alternative Ways to Reheat Pizza: Safest Method Instead of Using Cardboard
This is not just for pizza, but I am explicitly giving the example of pizza; you can heat other frozen items similarly.
Method 1: Straight on the Oven Rack
One of the most straightforward techniques when it comes to pre-made or frozen pizzas is this one. To get an even browning on the crust, put your pizza right on the rack of your oven.
However, do not attempt to insert one’s fingers through the gaps when using the dough; use the fingers carefully, and never use raw dough. It is pretty easy to prepare; you’ll need to clean the rack afterward, but every bite of this crispy dish makes it worthwhile.
Method 2: Cookie Sheet
It’s convenient because it is likely already in your kitchen; the best pan for baking cookies is a roasting pan or a cookie sheet. This one is perfect for frozen pizzas as well as fresh ones.
If your sheet is not nonstick, you only have to rub oil on it beforehand. They need a prominent, flat place to cook the pizzas; hence, the vast, flat surface of the pizza oven makes it easier to slide pizzas in and out.
Method 3: Aluminum Foil
It is among the easiest and best methods. Moreover, it does not take much time, and there is no need to spend much money because it’s possible to use aluminum foil. Put the foil on the oven rack, then bake the pizza on the foil.
It also minimizes the chances of food droppings and ensures uniform heat distribution within the cooking chamber. It brings flavor when used to prepare any pizza, and the cleanup process is straightforward.
Method 4: Pizza Stone
If you are a frequent pizza consumer, then a pizza stone is undoubtedly a tool you ought to have. It produces the crunchiest crust by copying the ambiance of a Neapolitan pizza oven.
Unlike other electric pots, it retains heat more evenly. It steams the dough, making it perfect for restaurant-like outcomes, which only get better with use as it gains flavor with time, as with most fragrances.
Method 5: Cast Iron Skillet
Depending on the ingredients, there will be a delicious crispy layer after being sautéed in a cast iron skillet and after baking. Warm up the skillet, ensuring the bottom side turns crispy. The coverage at the base ensures proper heating, and the pan’s flexibility makes it a practical utensil.
User Experiences On Cardboard In Oven
Different people have different opinions about it. I talked to my family, and everyone told me different facts. First, let me share their successes and failures, and then I will discuss them further.
Success
Reheating Pizza (Low Temperature)
Some people managed to heat pizza in a cardboard box under relatively low temperatures, usually 350 degrees F (175 C). In these situations, the pizza warmed up without issues, and the cardboard did not catch fire. My friend once told me that she reheated pizza for a maximum of fifteen minutes and had no difficulties observed.
No Immediate Fire Hazard
Sometimes, people share experiences that do not notice any fire risks, even when using the oven at a higher temperature of 400°F or 200°C.
They said this despite realizing the cardboard had not caught fire and remained perfectly whole. However, these cases were often associated with short reheating intervals or even close supervision.
Convenience
People who want to heat pizza quickly or avoid extra dishes have found it convenient to reheat pizza in its box in the oven. It works best when they quickly remove the pizza or box lid.
Failure
Risk of Fire
As I told you, putting cardboard in the oven is hazardous, and fire is one of the biggest dangers of incinerating cardboard. Cardboards also become flammable as the temperature rises above 427°F (220°C); thus, they should avoid placing them in the oven.
Some people reported that their cardboard ignited to produce a flame, especially when baking at high temperatures or for a long time. It can be risky, particularly when the cardboard gets near the heater or other heating devices.
Unpleasant Tastes & Smells
I ordered a pizza soaked in an undesirable, carton-like flavor, which made the meal uneatable.
The cardboard is not food-safe for direct contact with the oven’s heat. Using cardboard in high heat means the cardboard flavor or smell will contaminate the food. The discarded pizza boxes release chemicals, as well as ink and glue used during manufacturing.
Possible Health Risks
According to some reports, there are risks such as toxic chemicals produced by heated cardboard, like glue or ink, or using non-food-grade boxes. It is risky to try to reheat pizza from delivery boxes that are not actually designed for cooking.
Damage to the Box
Some users have stated that they do not observe any physical changes in the cardboard even when used at a cool temperature, while others have indicated that exposure to heat causes changes in the structure; the cardboard turns to ashes, curls, or breaks apart.
Related FAQs
Can I use coated cardboard in the oven?
No, because they are prone to melting or burning, coated cardboard—whether made of plastic or wax—should never be used for oven cooking.
How will I know whether cardboard is food-grade or not?
Make sure that they have labels with indications that are food-grade and oven-safe. Products made especially for food cooking are recommended if they lack such labels.
What’s the proper handling of cardboard as a cooking material?
If you plan to use cardboard, ensure it is an oven-safe box, avoid too high temperatures, and watch out for any hazards when cooking.
Can food be reheated in a cardboard container?
Generally, there is no preferred reheating in a cardboard container unless intended for that application.
What do I do when I see smoke coming from the oven using cardboard?
If you see smoke, turn off the oven immediately and remove any cardboard safely, letting it cool down before disposing it properly.
My Recommendation
In my recommendation, safety is first. We can safely use it at low temperatures, but we should prioritize safety. Whether it’s your new oven or an old one, even if someone suggests reheating pizza at a specific temperature, you shouldn’t do it like that because, as I told you from the beginning, every oven behaves differently.