Plastic Wrap in the Oven

[mulepackin]

I've got another question about a common kitchen product for the culinary experts here. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I swear that on some of the cooking shows, particularly DDD (it's about all I will watch of them anymore), I've seen cooks cover roasting pans with plastic wrap, and then foil, and then pop them into hot ovens for x amt. of time. Am I dreaming? I looked at Saran, and Glad wraps websites, and you can't do it. Is there something else out there that allows this? I can't imagine any plastic wrap not melting at oven temps.

[Fishawn]

This was brought up a while back & there was some well known chef or bbq personality that used it (Original Saran wrap or something like that) and noted that it was heat safe up to 275* or something I think it was ALX that had the low down on it. I will see if I can find it & bump or attach it to this thread.... .You got me all curious again

EDIT: There is some info in this link, aboot 2/3 the way down..... BBQ Chef Paul Kirk

http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/pork3.html

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[rbranstner]

I've seen those same shows Mulepackin. If my memory serves me right there was post either on here or over at SMF on this topic. I think it was brought up that not all plastic wrap is the same and some will melt at lower temps than others. I though someone said that the big industrial rolls that you can buy at say Sam's club are usually the type that will stand up to higher heat and people do wrap their meat with it while they are cooking.

[Richtee]

I've got another question about a common kitchen product for the culinary experts here. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I swear that on some of the cooking shows, particularly DDD (it's about all I will watch of them anymore), I've seen cooks cover roasting pans with plastic wrap, and then foil, and then pop them into hot ovens for x amt. of time. Am I dreaming? I looked at Saran, and Glad wraps websites, and you can't do it. Is there something else out there that allows this? I can't imagine any plastic wrap not melting at oven temps.

Was SOP at the resto I was grilling for for a couple years... especially on re-heats. Evidently i'll take upwards of 300 or so... and the foil cover protects it from direct oven heat. But this was a commercial wrap as well...

[Walking Dude]

we used to do emerils oven ribs all the time........plastic wrap, then foil with nary a problem

[SmokinLee]

I know this has nuthin to do with the question, but I will spew it anyway. Wife and I went to a bar that was supose to have a kick ass fish dinner, and it was. The owner was trying something new on the cooking of his corned beef. He just plopped the whole cryo pack in a pot of boiling water. He brought out samples to us and it was really good.

[Earache_My_Eye]

I'll add one more to the mix.

When I was still working in the restaurant, we would cover pans of ribs with film and then heavy duty foil to re-heat them in the oven.

As stated...the foil helps protect it from direct oven heat...and the steam from underneath keeps it pliable. It does stick to the edge of the pan pretty good, but a s/s scrubber takes care of that pretty easily.

This was also the commercial film direct from our foodservice distributors.

L8r,
Eric

[Scarbelly]

The commercial wrap is thicker and seems to hold up better - I have had some of the "home use" stuff really curl up in the oven

[Fire it up]

You CAN use plastic wrap in the oven over some things as long as it is covered with foil, this prevents it from melting and burning up. Obviously you wouldn't want to try it if your temps are 4-500 hundred but up to at least 300 it is safe but I'm pretty sure a place I used to work at (been a long time) we would use it on some things up to around 375.
The reason for the plastic and not just a few double layers of foil is because it completely traps the moisture/steam inside and is usually used for things like ribs and pasta that would otherwise dry out from their time in the oven or steamer.

[Hippy]

Just check the makeup of the wrap. If it is PVC i would not use it in the oven.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride

The other Types of plastic used LDPE, LLDPE are at least LESS toxic when heated. But still nasty when burned.

Myself i have sucked enough plastic fumes for one lifetime.
I worked on injection molding machines in plastic manufacturing plants for 15 plus years.

[DeejayDebi]

I also wrap in restaurant grade plastic then foil. I don't like the regular store stuff and HATE saran wrap it smells bad!

[curious aardvark]

Just check the makeup of the wrap. If it is PVC i would not use it in the oven.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride

The other Types of plastic used LDPE, LLDPE are at least LESS toxic when heated. But still nasty when burned.

Myself i have sucked enough plastic fumes for one lifetime.
I worked on injection molding machines in plastic manufacturing plants for 15 plus years.

Never would have considered it. I thought all plastic comtaminated food if wrapped and heated.
Unless it specifically states it's suitable for that use on the box - noway would I try it.

Interesting idea though - and same principle as the roasting bags

[nickelmore]

My wife who woks in a high school cafeteria said that they have a "different kind" of plastic wrap that is made for the ovens, steamers etc. If she remembers she is going to get the name and number off the box.

They also cover that with foil as well.

[chefrob]

i've seen it done but i don't like it.........i use parchment since it traps moisture just as well and stands up to higher temps. btw, i never just use foil either since it reacts to foods even if they are low acidic like cooking rice in the oven, i always use parchment and foil.

[ExhaustedSpark]

The commercial wrap is thicker and seems to hold up better - I have had some of the "home use" stuff really curl up in the oven

I got an idea that what all are talking about is not standard plastic. I have melted some in the micro and on covering a steam pot. I do know that they make a wrap for cooking and dropping in boiling water.
I just checked out emeryls oven ribs and watched him with half a dozen recipes plus one with The women con. no plastic. Just double wrap foil.