CPSC Document #5015

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that placing aluminum cookware (or stainless cookware with an aluminum core) on high heat may cause it to melt. When aluminum cookware that is empty (or nearly empty) is placed on high heat, it can "boil dry." If a consumer picks up aluminum cookware that has "boiled dry," the molten aluminum can drip onto the consumer's arms, hands, legs, or feet. CPSC knows of several cases in which consumers were burned by dripping molten aluminum. Hot aluminum also can cause a fire.

CPSC urges consumers not to pre-heat aluminum cookware on "high" heat and not to leave aluminum cookware unattended on the stovetop burner. If an aluminum pan "boils dry" and melts, turn off the heat; do not pick up the pan until it cools.

High heat can melt aluminum cookware if it "boils dry." The dripping molten aluminum can cause severe burns.