The Tip You Need Before Putting Kirkland Signature Pots In The Oven

Many home cooks assume their sturdy Kirkland Signature pots — Costco's exclusive cookware line — can handle anything from boiling to searing to roasting. But before you slide that pot into the oven, there's one crucial detail you need to know.

Kirkland Signature cookware is oven-safe, but only up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Exceeding that temperature can damage the pot's coating, warp the metal, or weaken the handles. If your recipe calls for a higher temp — like a 450-degree Fahrenheit roast — you'll want to think twice before cranking up the dial. Why does this matter? Cookware manufacturers set heat thresholds based on material testing. 

Kirkland's heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum construction makes it extra durable, but even that has its limitations. And those tempered glass lids? They're tough — but extreme heat can still do a number on them. A great pot can last years, but only if you treat it right. Keep that 400-degree Fahrenheit limit in mind, and your Kirkland Signature cookware will stay in prime condition for all your cooking needs.

What does that mean for your cooking? Some recipes fit perfectly within that limit, while others might need a little tweaking. You can use your Kirkland pot to braise short ribs or slow-cook a stew in the oven at a steady 325 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but a high-heat roast at 450 degrees Fahrenheit isn't the best idea. If you're after that deep, crispy sear on a roast, try starting it in a hot skillet on the stovetop and finishing it in the oven at a safer temperature.

You can bake a creamy, layered lasagna, but don't plan on broiling the top for that extra golden-brown crust. Most broilers blast past 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well beyond what this cookware is designed to handle. Instead, leave your lasagna uncovered for the last few minutes of baking to help the cheese brown naturally. You can simmer a soup or sauce on the stovetop and keep it warm in the oven, but this isn't the cookware for artisan bread baking. Many bread recipes require 450 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to get that perfect crust, so you'll want to reach for a Dutch oven or baking stone instead.

The 400-degree Fahrenheit cap doesn't mean you're stuck — it just means knowing which recipes work and which ones need a small adjustment. With a little creativity, your Kirkland Signature pots can still be a reliable tool for oven cooking, just within the right range.