The Best Disposable Cookware

Everybody has a favorite set of cookware — those go-to pots, pans and baking sheets that are the first ones on the stove. But no matter how durable or well-constructed they are, there are still some things they can’t do. For one thing, you can’t take them on a picnic. You can’t fill them with a pie, then take them to a party and leave them there — or at least, you wouldn’t want to. And you certainly can’t buy them for under a dollar each.

That’s where disposable cookware comes in. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, these lightweight containers are generally made of thick, layered aluminum foil. That allows them to both conduct heat and (when sealed) keep it warm inside the container. As a result, you’ve got a handy option for both cooking and storage. They’re great for family get-togethers, potlucks, picnics, or any event where you need to set up a buffet quickly and easily.

As disposable items, they’re not meant to be fully airtight, but your food should be fine in most foil pans and containers for a few days, depending on what you’ve cooked and where you store it. If they come with a lid, it will typically have a small “brim” around the edge. Just fold the outer edges of the foil up around that brim to create a seal. Even if you don’t have a specific lid for the container, you might even be able to use a plate that’s roughly the same size, or even some cling wrap.

But again, the great perk about disposable cookware is the ability to warm up or even cook foods right there in the container. The aluminum foil that most of these items are made of is used as a material in many regular pots and pans thanks to its exceptional heat-conduction properties. Its melting point is over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, so feel free to pop it into the oven or on the stove. This should go without saying, but that convenience doesn’t extend to the microwave. Like any metal, aluminum will deflect microwaves, which not only prevents heating but could severely damage your appliance.

If you’d like to hedge your bets, make sure you refrain from cooking at high temperatures in your disposable cookware. Aluminum can leach much more easily into your foods the hotter it gets. Aluminum foil is also especially reactive with acidic foods, so maybe cook your fruits, tomatoes and other low-pH separately.

• Disposable cookware can have a ton of uses, so it’s important to think about what your use will be. Size is a definite factor here. Are you making and/or storing lasagna? Go for large, mid-depth pans. Breads or other baked goods? There are small, deep containers perfectly suited to those treats. In fact, there are sizes specific to pretty much any dish. Keep in mind that when buying online, you’ll typically find it cheaper and easier to buy in bulk. Whatever size you choose, make sure it’s a kind that you’ll employ more than just once — not that aluminum foil really goes bad.
• Are you storing that food? If you’re buying disposable cookware at all, the answer is probably yes. Most containers of this type will come with some sort of lid, but not all. Make sure they’re there if you need them. In a pinch, you can sometimes use a similar-sized plate or another permanent pan as the lid, but pre-made ones are much more airtight and convenient.
• Also consider the type of lid. Most lids for disposable cookware are plastic, which is helpful for storage. It’s flexible, and lets you see at a glance what you’ve got in the pan. There are other types of containers that come with matching foil lids. These are better suited to cooking and can also keep your food warmer for extended periods outdoors.