Stainless Steel Food Containers: Safe for Oven, Freezer, and Dishwasher

Stainless steel food containers are gaining popularity as a safer, more sustainable alternative to plastic. But before you replace all your old containers, you might be asking: Can I put them in the oven? Are they safe for the freezer? Will they hold up in the dishwasher? The short answer: yes, but with a few important guidelines.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to use stainless steel containers safely and effectively in the oven, freezer, and dishwasher. You’ll also learn what not to do—like putting them in the microwave—and get practical care tips to make your containers last for years.

Oven — Are Stainless Steel Containers Oven-Safe?

✅ Yes, they are oven-safe (base only, without lids).

• Perfect for baking, reheating, or even making small casseroles or lasagna.

• Always remove the silicone or plastic lid before placing it in the oven.

• Expect some discoloration or golden spots over time; this is normal and doesn’t affect safety.

• Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g., freezer-to-oven directly), as it may stress the steel.

💡 Tip: Grease or line the container with parchment paper if cooking acidic foods to make cleaning easier.

Freezer — Can You Freeze Food in Stainless Steel?

✅ Yes, stainless steel is freezer-safe.

• Ideal for soups, sauces, or pre-portioned meals.

• Leave some headspace at the top (about 1–2 cm) to allow food to expand as it freezes.

• If the lid is airtight, let the container sit for a few minutes at room temperature before opening to avoid suction.

💡 Tip: To easily release frozen food, run the bottom of the container under warm water for a few seconds.

Dishwasher — Are Stainless Steel Containers Dishwasher-Safe?

✅ Yes, most stainless steel containers are dishwasher-safe.

• Wash on the top rack when possible.

• Silicone seals or gaskets can go in the dishwasher, but washing them by hand will prolong their life.

• Avoid mixing with aluminum cookware in the same load to prevent staining.

• Dry promptly to prevent water spots.

💡 Tip: If odors stick, sprinkle baking soda inside, add warm water, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.

What About the Microwave?

❌ Do NOT use stainless steel containers in the microwave.
Metal can cause sparks, damage the appliance, and pose a fire risk. If you need to reheat food, transfer it to a microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish first.