Can wax paper be used as parchment paper?

Table of Contents:

1. Can wax paper be used as parchment paper?
2. What happens if parchment paper gets too hot?
3. Why does parchment paper smoke?
4. At what temp does paper catch fire?
5. What is the highest temperature you can use parchment paper?

Can wax paper be used as parchment paper?

Wax paper features a thin, waxy coating on each side that makes it both nonstick and moisture-resistant (though it tends to absorb more water than parchment). It's a great substitute for parchment if you're looking to save money, as parchment paper usually ends up costing twice as much.

What happens if parchment paper gets too hot?

Phone calls to several manufacturers, including Regency and Reynolds, put any safety worries to rest: Using parchment at higher-than-recommended temperatures does not release noxious chemicals, and the paper will not burn. But there's no question that it can darken and turn brittle.

Why does parchment paper smoke?

If you try to bake a sheet of cookies on wax paper instead of parchment paper, it can start to blacken and smoke, and in some cases catch on fire. The wax on the paper is not heat-resistant and it melts off in the oven, which can leave the paper at risk of igniting.

At what temp does paper catch fire?

Although paper ignites at around 480 degrees Fahrenheit, it gets far hotter once it's burning. The temperature at the center of a paper fire is 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, give or take a couple hundred. The tips of the flames themselves are usually between 600 and 800 degrees.

What is the highest temperature you can use parchment paper?

Parchment paper is safe up to 420°F, so if you are roasting vegetables at a temperature above that (say 450°F or 500°F), you'll need to use foil.