Is Nordic Ware Dishwasher Safe and a Good Brand?
Nordic Ware is a well-regarded American bakeware brand best known for inventing the Bundt pan and for its heavy natural aluminum baking sheets. Many home bakers consider it a reliable choice for the price. The main thing to know is that most Nordic Ware aluminum and nonstick pieces are not dishwasher safe. Hand washing keeps them looking good and working well for years.
Below we cover the brand’s background, its main product types, whether aluminum bakeware is safe, and how to care for Nordic Ware pans.
About Nordic Ware
Nordic Ware is a family-owned company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded in 1946 by H. David and Dorothy Dalquist. In the early 1950s the company created the Bundt pan, a fluted ring pan that later became famous across the United States. Today the company makes a wide range of bakeware, microwave cookware, grill tools and kitchen accessories.
A large part of Nordic Ware’s bakeware, including many of its cast aluminum Bundt pans and natural aluminum sheet pans, is made in the USA. Some accessories and other items are made elsewhere, so check the label or product page if country of origin matters to you.
Is Nordic Ware a Good Brand?
For many bakers, yes. Nordic Ware is popular for a few reasons:
- Heavy-gauge aluminum: Their natural aluminum baker’s sheets are thick and conduct heat evenly, which helps cookies and roasted vegetables brown consistently.
- Detailed cast pans: Cast aluminum Bundt and novelty pans hold fine detail, giving cakes crisp shapes.
- Reinforced rims: Many sheet pans have encapsulated steel rims that help resist warping.
- Reasonable prices: The core sheet pans are priced well for everyday bakeware.
Common complaints include discoloration if the pans go through the dishwasher, sticking in detailed Bundt pans if they are not greased well, and nonstick coatings that wear with rough use. All of these can be reduced with good care.
Main Types of Nordic Ware Bakeware
Natural aluminum sheet pans
Uncoated aluminum baking sheets in half, quarter and other sizes. They are the brand’s most popular everyday pieces. Learn more about sizes in our guide to sheet pan sizes.
Cast aluminum Bundt pans
Thick, cast pans with detailed designs and a nonstick interior. These are heavier than stamped pans and are known for even baking.
Nonstick bakeware
Muffin pans, loaf pans, cake pans and cookie sheets with nonstick coatings.
Microwave and specialty items
Microwave cookware, splatter covers, popcorn poppers and grill accessories.
Is Nordic Ware Dishwasher Safe?
Most Nordic Ware bakeware, especially natural aluminum and nonstick pans, should be hand washed. Here is why:
- Aluminum discolors: Dishwasher detergents are alkaline and can react with bare aluminum, leaving dark gray or black stains and a dull, chalky surface. This is mainly cosmetic but cannot always be fully reversed.
- Nonstick coatings wear faster: Hot water, harsh detergent and long cycles can degrade nonstick finishes over time.
- Detailed pans need care: Bundt pans have crevices that are better cleaned by hand with a soft brush.
Some microwave products and plastic accessories are labeled dishwasher safe, usually on the top rack. Always follow the care guidance printed on the packaging or product page.
How to Clean Nordic Ware Pans
- Let the pan cool.
- Wash in warm water with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Use a soft brush for Bundt pan crevices.
- For stuck-on food, soak in warm soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly right away to prevent water spots.
Avoid steel wool, abrasive powders and oven cleaners. They scratch aluminum and damage nonstick coatings.
How to lighten stains on aluminum sheets
Baked-on oil and brown stains are normal on well-used aluminum sheets and do not affect baking much. To lighten them, make a paste of baking soda and a little water, or use a cleanser made for aluminum, rub with a soft sponge, and rinse well. Lining sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat prevents most stains.
Is Aluminum Bakeware Safe?
Aluminum bakeware is widely used in homes and professional kitchens. Health authorities generally consider normal use of aluminum cookware acceptable, and the amount of aluminum that moves into food from bakeware is small. Bare aluminum can react with acidic or very salty foods, which may cause discoloration of the pan and a slight metallic taste.
A few simple habits help:
- Line pans with parchment paper when baking acidic foods such as tomato dishes or citrus bars.
- Do not store acidic or salty leftovers in bare aluminum pans.
- Choose nonstick or anodized options if you prefer a coated surface.
For more on cookware materials and safety, see our guide to the safest cookware.
Tips for Using Nordic Ware Bundt Pans
- Grease every crevice. Use softened butter or shortening with a pastry brush, then dust with flour, or use a baking spray that contains flour. Nonstick does not mean you can skip greasing.
- Fill about two-thirds full. This leaves room for the cake to rise without overflowing.
- Cool before unmolding. Let the cake rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack. Waiting too long can make it stick as sugars set.
- Clean gently. Use a soft brush and avoid sharp tools in the crevices.
How Nordic Ware Compares to Other Bakeware
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nordic Ware natural aluminum | Even heating, light, rust-free, good value | Hand wash only; stains with use |
| Aluminized steel (coated) | Sturdy, often nonstick | Coating can scratch; heavier |
| Stainless steel sheets | Often dishwasher safe, durable | Less even browning |
| Dark nonstick pans | Easy release | Brown faster; coating wears |
Popular Nordic Ware Pieces and What They Are For
- Natural aluminum half sheet: The everyday baking sheet for cookies, roasted vegetables and sheet pan dinners.
- Quarter sheet: A smaller version for toaster ovens, toasting nuts and small batches.
- Bundt pans: Classic fluted ring pans plus many decorative shapes for pound cakes, coffee cakes and quick breads.
- Loaf pans: For banana bread, pound cake and sandwich bread.
- Muffin and cupcake pans: Often nonstick, in standard and mini sizes.
- Cake pans: Round and square pans for layer cakes and brownies.
- Microwave cookware: Bacon trays, egg cookers, rice cookers and splatter covers designed for the microwave.
How to Keep Nordic Ware Sheets Looking New
- Line them. Use parchment paper or a silicone mat for anything sticky, sugary or oily.
- Avoid aerosol sprays. Cooking sprays can bake on as a sticky brown film. Brush on a little oil or butter instead.
- Wash soon after use. Food and grease are easier to remove before they harden.
- Dry right away. Water left on aluminum can leave spots.
- Store flat or upright. Avoid stacking heavy items on thin pans, which can bend them.
Keep in mind that a well-used aluminum sheet will darken over time. This patina is normal and does not harm the pan’s performance. Many bakers see it as a sign of a pan that has been loved.
Getting Cakes Out of Bundt Pans Cleanly
Detailed Bundt pans are beautiful, but cakes can stick in the crevices. These steps help:
- Brush softened butter or shortening into every groove with a pastry brush.
- Dust with flour (or cocoa powder for chocolate cakes) and tap out the excess.
- Fill the pan about two-thirds full and tap it on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Bake until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan on a rack for about 10 minutes, then invert onto the rack.
- If it does not release, let it sit upside down for a few more minutes, then tap the pan gently.
Nordic Ware Warranty and Support
Nordic Ware offers customer support and warranty coverage on many of its products. Terms vary by product type, so keep your receipt and check the product page or packaging for the current warranty details. If a pan arrives warped or damaged, contact the retailer or Nordic Ware customer service.
Who Should Buy Nordic Ware?
Nordic Ware is a strong pick for home bakers who want sturdy aluminum sheets and decorative Bundt pans at a reasonable price, and who are happy to hand wash. If you want bakeware you can put in the dishwasher, look at stainless steel sheet pans instead, keeping in mind that they brown less evenly than aluminum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nordic Ware go in the dishwasher?
Most aluminum and nonstick Nordic Ware bakeware should be hand washed. Some microwave and plastic items are dishwasher safe. Check each product’s care instructions.
Why did my Nordic Ware sheet turn black in the dishwasher?
Dishwasher detergent reacts with bare aluminum and causes dark discoloration. It is mostly cosmetic. Hand wash from now on to prevent more.
Is Nordic Ware made in the USA?
Many of its bakeware products, including cast Bundt pans and natural aluminum sheets, are made in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Some items are made in other countries.
Do Nordic Ware pans warp?
Their heavy sheets with reinforced rims are designed to resist warping. Spreading food evenly and avoiding sudden temperature changes help further.
Can Nordic Ware go in the oven at 450°F?
Natural aluminum sheets handle typical baking temperatures well. Nonstick and specialty items may have lower limits, so check each product.
Is Nordic Ware nonstick safe?
Use it as directed: moderate oven temperatures, no metal utensils, and hand washing. Replace pans with flaking coatings.
The Bottom Line
Nordic Ware is a respected bakeware brand known for its Bundt pans and heavy aluminum baking sheets, many of them made in the USA. Most of its aluminum and nonstick pieces are not dishwasher safe, so hand wash them, dry them right away and use parchment to limit stains. With that care, Nordic Ware bakeware can last for many years.