Can Wax Paper Go In The Oven? It’s Critical

Wax paper is standard equipment in many kitchens as it is commonly used for food wrapping, baking and cooking. Besides its obvious uses, many women use this paper for keeping cheese fresh, sifting flour or lining cake pans. So, custom wax papers have become a common accessory and food preparation help today. But one question that comes to the mind of everyone before putting your wax sheet-wrapped food in the oven is whether it is safe or not. But don’t worry this blog is all you need to know are oven and wax papers are rivals or friends. So if you want to get answers then delve deeper below!

What Is Wax Paper And How Is It Made?

Wax paper also known as paraffin paper is coated with a thin layer of wax to give maximum food safety. Its use is not limited to food but art/craft projects, polishing of metals, gift wrapping and medical applications. But do you ever think about how this paper is being made? Here’s a short overview of how these customized papers are manufactured before we continue what’s the role of wax paper in the oven:

• Step 1: Recycled paper or selected wood chips are mixed with water to create a pulp
• Step 2: A screen is used to remove impurities from the pulp
• Step 3: The water-dipped pulp is then polished for a uniform consistency
• Step 4: The refined pulp is bleached to improve the strength and colour
• Step 5: The wax coating is then applied to one of both sides
• Step 6: The coated sheets are then passed through rollers for a smooth outcome
• Step 7: At the end, the desired cuts are incorporated into the finished paper.

Can You Put Wax Paper In The Oven?

Let’s get to our main concern, whether the wax sheet is safe to put in the oven or not. The short answer is, It depends (on several factors) but mostly it’s a no. Here are some potential risks when you put food with this personalized paper in the oven:

Temperature Risks

Personalized waxpaper has a temperature limit and if that limit is exceeded then it may give harmful results. The melting point of wax sheets is around 82°C and surpassing this temperature can potentially release toxic fumes. So if you are still thinking of using them then make sure that the temperature does not go beyond the mentioned limit

The other temperature risk is wax roll can evenly distribute heat which can result in hotspots and fires. Also, if the waxpaper is exposed to heat for a long time then it may also lose its structural integrity.

Chemical Reaction Risks

Chemical reactions due to the use of wax paper sheets in the oven can occur for multiple reasons. When put in an oven the melting of wax can contaminate food and result in health risks. As we know different types of chemicals are used in the manufacturing of wax rolls like paraffin wax (a petroleum-based chemical), they can migrate in food thus again posing unhealthy eating.

Fire Risks

The heat sensitivity of wax-coated paper can increase the fire risks. The ignition temperature of these sheets is 200 °C and also the coating which is implemented on paper is highly flammable. So if you are still putting it in the oven, don’t forget to monitor the temperature and cooking time. 

A Short Oven Safety Guide On Wax Paper

After you have read all the potential risks that can occur by putting wax paper rolls in the oven, here is a short guide for more safe use:

Does Thickness Of Wax Paper Impact Its Use In The Oven? 

Now we have given you different categories to decide is wax paper toxic when baked or not. But wait, some other factors can impact the use of this water-resistant sheet in oven applications. Just like kraft paper, wax rolls are also thinner initially but their thicknesses can be customized according to requirements. can customizedHere are different thickness categories depending on their use in the oven:

Lightweight

Lightweight paper ranges from 30-40 GSM and is not recommended for use in an oven due to durability and high potential of wax melting.

Standard

Standard thickness ranges from 40-60 GSM and is slightly suitable for low-temperature oven use (avoid if you can).

Heavy duty

Heavy-duty thickness ranges from 60-80 GSM. This is ideal for moderate temperature because this is more durable than the previous two.

Extra heavy duty

The thickness level of the extra heavy-duty sheet is 80+. These wax paper sheets

can be used even in high temperatures but always keep in mind the type of wax incorporated on them.

How Do Printings Impact Its Oven Use?

We have to cover all the factors to analyze what makes wax sheets unsafe in the oven. First of all, it is the coating that is implemented in this paper which is not suitable for baking purposes. Thickness levels have separate categories, now let’s talk about whether printing can determine is wax paper oven safe or not.

Some printings can release toxic fumes when exposed to heat and contaminate food. So wrong printing choices can double their harmful impact. Some best practices for chemical-free printing on wax rolls are as follows:

• Ensure that printing techniques meet the food safety standards
• The use of biodegradable inks can reduce the bad impact
• Verify the printing compliance of manufactures
• Better to avoid printing if it’s not necessary

Replacement Of Wax Paper

The use of wax sheets under the oven is not considered good in most of the cases. The custom wax paper is not heat-resistant and can melt in the oven. Also, recyclable or compostable waxed sheets are not considered safe to be used in an oven. So what other option do we have? The best alternative is parchment paper. Parchment paper has non-stick properties and does not release chemicals during baking. So consider putting your hands on parchment paper rather than risking your health.

Conclusion

Custom wax paper is a common kitchen item in every household. It’s crucial to understand the limitations and safety considerations of its use in the oven. You must follow best practices and choose oven-safe paper to ensure a safe cooking experience. However, if you are looking for fully customized wax papers then hit us now. Waxpapers.co.uk is the most trusted paper manufacturing firm. Just visit our product library and choose the paper you desire!