Can I Ignore It?Can I Use It With…

Kitchen · Cookware Care

Can I Put a Nonstick Pan in the Dishwasher?

CookwareNonstick PanCoated pan for low-stick cooking
Something else…

What else can go in the dishwasher?

inApplianceDishwasherMachine for washing dishes

YES, WITH LIMITS

Safe only under specific conditions. The conditions are the answer.

Yes, if the pan or its manual explicitly says dishwasher-safe. If the instructions say hand wash only, or you cannot verify them, use mild dish soap and a soft sponge instead. Dishwasher heat and detergent can dull finishes and shorten the life of pans not designed for the cycle.

Compatibility summary

  • Can I use them together?Only under conditions
  • Main riskCoating wear
  • What gets damagedNonstick surface
  • InsteadGentle hand washing

See the conditions

The conditions

Fine to do

  • Confirm that the exact pan or cookware line is labeled dishwasher-safe.
  • Let the pan cool completely before loading it.
  • Follow any detergent restrictions in the manufacturer’s care instructions.
  • Hand wash when the manufacturer allows dishwashing but recommends hand washing for longer coating life.

Never do

  • Do not put the pan in the dishwasher when its instructions say hand wash only.
  • Do not assume every nonstick pan from the same brand has the same care rating.
  • Do not wash removable or wooden handles unless their instructions specifically allow it.
  • Do not use detergent ingredients that the cookware manufacturer excludes.

Why those conditions exist

  1. Detergent wears finishes

    Automatic dishwasher detergent can be harsher than hand-washing soap. Repeated exposure may dull or discolor unapproved cookware and shorten its nonstick performance.

  2. Hot pans can warp

    Washing a hot pan creates a sudden temperature change. The pan can deform, so it should cool before any type of washing.

Check the Exact Pan

“Nonstick” describes the cooking surface, not the cleaning method. Some nonstick collections are dishwasher-safe while other lines from the same manufacturer are hand-wash only.

Dishwasher-safe also does not approve every detergent or attached part. Manufacturers may restrict detergent ingredients, exclude removable handles, or recommend hand washing to preserve the coating.

Sources

Reviewed 1 September 2026 · Reviewed manufacturer guidance on dishwasher approval, detergent limits, cooling, removable parts, and nonstick coating longevity.