Putting stove burners in the dishwasher is a topic that many home cooks ponder. Stove burners get caked with baked-on food and grease, making cleaning them a chore. It’s tempting to just pop them in the dishwasher and let it do the hard work. But is this actually a good idea?
There are pros and cons to washing stove burners in the dishwasher. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not it’s safe and effective to clean burners this way.
We’ll also provide tips for the best methods to clean grimy stove burners and make them look like new again.
Should You Put Stove Burners in the Dishwasher?
The short answer is no; most manufacturers do not recommend putting stove burners in the dishwasher. Here are some of the main reasons why:
- Extreme heat: Dishwashers can reach temperatures between 140 and 160°F on the wash and rinse cycles. This extreme heat can damage the finish on metal stove burners. It can discolor or warp burners.
- Harsh detergents: Dishwasher detergents are formulated to cut through tough grease and food residue. But these harsh cleaning agents can be too abrasive for stove burners. They can gradually strip off protective finishes over time.
- Violent spray action: The high-pressure jets in the dishwasher can be too intense for stove burners. The forceful spraying can eventually cause damage to the metal.
- Corrosion: Lots of metal components in the dishwasher, like racks and the tub, may contact the burners. This can cause corrosion after repeated washings.
- Blocking wash arms: Burners take up a lot of space in the dishwasher. They can interfere with the spin of the wash arms, reducing cleaning performance.
Are There Any Exceptions?
There are some exceptions where it may be okay to clean stove burners in the dishwasher:
- Burners made entirely from stainless steel (with no electronic components) may hold up better to dishwasher cleaning. But even then, discoloring is possible.
- If your dishwasher has a gentle cycle option, the burners might be able to tolerate this lower heat, spray pressure, and detergent amount. Use air drying rather than heated drying.
- Ceramic and glass stovetops are sometimes dishwasher-safe. Consult your appliance manual to confirm.
Only put burners in the dishwasher if allowed by the manufacturer. Look for verification in your owner’s manual. When in doubt, hand washing is the safest bet.
Tips for Hand Washing Stove Burners
Hand washing may take a bit more time and elbow grease. But it’s gentler on your burners and helps preserve their appearance and performance. Here are some tips:
- Let the burners cool completely before cleaning. The remaining heat can lead to burns.
- Use a mild detergent, like dish soap, and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- Soak the burners for 20–30 minutes to loosen burned-on food. Use a plastic tub or sink lined with a towel.
- Use a plastic scrubbing pad, not a wire brush or steel wool. These can scratch the surface.
- For tough gunk, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it and let it sit before scrubbing.
- Rinse well and hand-dry immediately to avoid spots and corrosion.
- For a final shine, use a stovetop polish or non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner.
- Clean after each use to prevent heavy buildup. Deglaze while still warm.
Regular, gentle cleaning keeps stove burners looking nicer for longer. Avoid harsh dishwasher chemicals when possible.
Tips for Cleaning the Stovetop Around the Burners
While you have the burners removed for cleaning, it’s a great time to deep clean the rest of the stove surface.
- Remove all knobs, grates, and drip pans. Clean separately and gently.
- Use a razor-blade scraper on glass stovetops to gently remove cooked-on gunk.
- Mix baking soda and water into a spreadable paste for tougher messes.
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth for any enameled or painted surface areas.
- For stainless steel, clean in the direction of the grain and use stainless steel cleaner.
- Steam clean or use hot soapy water for drip pans. Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads.
- Disinfect the stovetop to remove bacteria. Use diluted bleach, vinegar, etc.
- Replace aluminum foil under the coils of electric stoves annually.
A deep clean of the whole cooktop makes your stove look like new and helps prevent future mess buildup.
Dishwasher Tips to Protect Burners
If you do choose to occasionally wash your burners in the dishwasher, here are some tips to minimize damage:
- Use the delicate or lowest heat cycle. Skip heated drying.
- Delay start so burners insert after initial heat spike and detergent dispensing.
- Use the minimum amount of detergent needed for the load size. Cascade Platinum and Cascade Pure Rinse are low-abrasion options.
- Add a vinegar rinse to counter corrosion and spotting.
- Place burners on the top rack furthest from the heating element.
- Select the air-dry setting instead of using heated drying.
- Immediately remove and hand-dry the burners after the cycle finishes.
- Inspect carefully for signs of damage after washing.
While hand washing is best, taking precautions allows an occasional dishwasher cycle without harm.
FAQ: Burners in the Dishwasher
Still have questions about cleaning stove burners in the dishwasher? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can I put gas stove burners in the dishwasher?
No, gas stove burners contain important electronic components that should never get wet. Always hand wash gas burner caps and heads.
What about electric coil burners?
Electric coils may be put in the dishwasher occasionally if needed. Use the lowest heat, a delayed start, and no heated drying to prevent damage.
How about glass stovetops?
Glass tops are very heat-sensitive. Never put it in the dishwasher. Hand wash only with non-abrasive cleaners made for ceramic and glass cooktops.
What temperature is okay for dishwasher burners?
Use the lowest heat setting, under 140°F if possible. High heat can damage protective finishes.
Should I take extra steps to dry the burners after?
Yes, hand-dry immediately after removing from the dishwasher to prevent corrosion and mineral deposits.
Can I put chrome, nickel, or aluminum burners in?
No, these metals are prone to discoloration, pitting, and corrosion. Always handwash to be safe.
Is there the best dishwasher detergent for burners?
Look for low-abrasion formulas like Cascade Platinum or Cascade Pure Rinse to reduce etching and wear.
How do I get burned on food off stove burners?
Soak in warm water, then use a plastic scrubber and baking soda paste. Avoid abrasive cleansers and steel wool.
Hopefully, this article has helped explain whether it’s safe to put your stove burners in the dishwasher or not.
While it’s not recommended, taking precautions can allow for the occasional gentle dishwasher cycle if needed. But for regular burner cleaning, trusty old hand washing is still the best approach.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.