Cleaning Your Dishwasher Safe Cookware

When you know your cookware is dishwasher safe, it can be a big relief. That pesky final step to your cooking routine moves a lot faster with the help of the dishwasher. 

When you’re not sure if the type of cookware you have is dishwasher safe, you could risk damaging your go-to skillet. Thankfully, many pieces in our Cookware Collection are designed for this convenience, but some finishes can deteriorate faster if routinely cleaned in a dishwasher.

Dishwasher Considerations

Before deciding to use the dishwasher, know that there are inherent drawbacks when incorporating this cleaning method into your routine.

Dishwashers can shorten finish life. 

• Dishwashers bring high heat, strong detergents, and abrasive food materials into contact with your cookware.
• Repeated wash cycles can dull stainless steel shine, fade nonstick coatings, and stress the handles of your cookware over time.

Rinse and hand wash sooner. 

• Placing your pan in the dishwasher might cause harder, stuck-on food particles when the cycle isn’t run until later.
• When you handwash, you’re aware of all materials coming into contact with the pan and won’t have to consider if other pieces in your dishwasher could scrape the pan.

What makes CuisinartⓇ cookware dishwasher safe?

We apply technologies to our cookware to enable their durability, depending on the line of cookware. When your cookware piece’s features include “dishwasher safe,” feel free to use this cleaning method at your convenience. For cookware that is not marked dishwasher safe, such as cast iron cookware, extended water and heat within the dishwasher can damage the piece. 

How do I know if my cookware is dishwasher safe?

Using your cookware’s model number, search for your cookware piece. On the product page below “Features,” we list if the cookware piece is dishwasher safe. 

How do I find my cookware’s model number?

On the bottom of your cookware, look for the “Model #,” located below the CuisinartⓇ brand name. Depending on your appliance or cookware type, finding your model number may require checking the side or inside of the appliance for the informational stamp.

Cleaning to Protect Your Cookware

1. Handwash When Possible

If you’re not sure if your cookware is dishwasher safe, handwashing with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge is better for cookware finishes in general. It helps prevent:

• Dull stainless steel
• Fading nonstick and ceramic surfaces
• Staining and mineral buildup

2. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners

Cleaners like steel wool or heavy scrubbing pads can scratch stainless steel and wear away nonstick or ceramic coatings. Use a nylon brush or soft sponge instead.

3. Dry It with a Towel

Air drying is fine, but wiping dry with a soft towel prevents water spots and mineral marks, especially on stainless steel.

4. Remove Food Residue Before Loading

Rinsing or briefly soaking cookware before placing it in the dishwasher reduces detergent contact with finishes.

Dishwasher Safe Cookware

Handwashing is the preferred method when cleaning cookware, but dishwasher safe cookware pieces are also designed to withstand standard dishwasher conditions. If you have questions about whether or not your cookware is dishwasher safe, reach out to our product assistance team.