Can you put cardboard in the oven?

You may have come across a bunch of hacks on the web which involve putting cardboard inside the oven – either to make a pizza base, warm up some leftovers or something else. But is it really safe and effective? Can you put cardboard in the oven without any risks or consequences? In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into this question and provide all the essential information that you need to know before attempting this trick at home.

Contents

1 Why Is Frozen Pizza Packaged With Cardboard?
2 Can You Put Cardboard In The Oven?
3 Why You Should Never Use Cardboard In The Oven?
4 What To Use Instead Of Cardboard?
5 How To Cook Or Reheat Frozen Pizza Without Cardboard?
6 FAQs: Cardboard In The Oven
- 6.1 Will cardboard burn in a 200 degree oven?
- 6.2 How flammable is cardboard?

Why Is Frozen Pizza Packaged With Cardboard?

Manufacturers package frozen pizza with cardboard to provide support and prevent bending and shifting during transportation. The cardboard ensures that the pizza arrives at your home intact. However, it is important to always remove the cardboard before placing the pizza in the oven, as it is unsafe to cook with cardboard.

It is not safe to put cardboard in the oven, regardless of whether it’s a newer or older model. While some individuals may have unintentionally or intentionally done so without it igniting, it is strongly advised against. Cardboard has a combustion point of 427°F and can easily catch fire, especially if the oven has an exposed heating element in older models. It is recommended to explore alternative methods for heating or reheating items, such as pizza or other types of foods, to avoid any potential risks associated with using cardboard in the oven.

Why You Should Never Use Cardboard In The Oven?

There are several key reasons why you should never use cardboard in the oven:

Oven Fire Hazard: Using cardboard in the oven can pose a significant risk of causing spontaneous combustion. This not only damages the oven but can also result in a kitchen fire or even a house fire.
Extended Cooking Time: Placing cardboard underneath your food in the oven can lead to slower cooking times. This means it will take longer for your meal to reach the desired level of doneness, delaying your enjoyment of a delicious meal.
Release of Toxic Chemicals: Cardboard is often treated with anti-grease coatings that can release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. These chemicals can not only alter the taste of your food but also pose a health risk if ingested.

Given these factors, it is strongly advised to avoid using cardboard in the oven to ensure safety, efficient cooking, and the preservation of taste and quality in your dishes.

What To Use Instead Of Cardboard?

Cookie Sheets

Cookie sheets or baking sheets are ideal substitutes for cardboard boxes. These kitchen staples can be easily accessed without any extra effort. Whether they have a lip or are flat, the ones you already have will work just fine.
In addition to baking cookies, these flat metal pans are perfect for heating and evenly cooking pizza, cookies, chicken nuggets, and a variety of other foods.
While most cookie sheets require greasing to prevent sticking, using a nonstick sheet eliminates the need for any additional steps. Alternatively, you can also use a layer of aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Pizza Pan or Pizza Stone

If you find yourself in need of an alternative to cardboard for reheating or cooking pizzas, consider investing in a pizza pan or a pizza stone. Both options offer the ideal shape and material to achieve crisp and delicious results.

Oven Rack

Another option to replace cardboard is to place your food directly on top of an oven rack, particularly if the food has a solid structure. This method allows the oven to efficiently crisp up the bottoms and quickly heat the food.

Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil can also serve as a substitute for cardboard. It has been proven to be food safe and can withstand high temperatures during the cooking process. Use it to line a pan or create a makeshift pan by wrapping the foil around the food. Remember to use 2-3 layers of foil to ensure sturdiness and prevent any potential dripping or messes.

By using these alternatives, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.

How To Cook Or Reheat Frozen Pizza Without Cardboard?

To cook or reheat frozen pizza without cardboard, follow these professional steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and to protect your baking sheets.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and allow it to heat up for a few minutes.
Once the sheet is hot, carefully place your cold pizza on the preheated baking sheet.
Cook the pizza until the cheese is bubbly, sizzling, and melted.

- Thin-crust pizza usually takes about five to seven minutes.
- Thicker crust and deep dish (skillet) pizza may take around seven to nine minutes.

Now you can enjoy delicious pizza without the cardboard taste.

FAQs: Cardboard In The Oven

Will cardboard burn in a 200 degree oven?

Cardboard generally does not catch fire until temperatures exceed 400 degrees. However, to ensure safety, it is recommended to maintain your oven heat at the suggested setting of 170 degrees. If you prefer a slightly higher temperature, it is acceptable as long as it remains below 300 degrees.

How flammable is cardboard?

Cardboard is highly flammable, increasing the susceptibility of potential fires to ignite and propagate. Furthermore, accumulations of cardboard waste may obstruct emergency exits that are crucial during fire incidents.

Joseph Redburn

Joe Redburn is the founder of two iconic Salt Lake City gay bars, Club 90 and Trax. He was also responsible for bringing the beer to what became the first Utah Pride celebration. Joe has been a fixture in Utah’s LGBTQ community for over four decades, and his bars have been central gathering places for generations of queer people.