Simplemost is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Disposable Cookware

Last updated on July 31, 2020

We looked at the top 8 Disposable Cookwares and dug through the reviews from 17 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Disposable Cookwares.

Best Disposable Cookware

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the Simplemost seal for products that are the best in a category.

Everybody has a favorite set of cookware — those go-to pots, pans and baking sheets that are the first ones on the stove. But no matter how durable or well-constructed they are, there are still some things they can’t do. For one thing, you can’t take them on a picnic. You can’t fill them with a pie, then take them to a party and leave them there — or at least, you wouldn’t want to. And you certainly can’t buy them for under a dollar each.

That’s where disposable cookware comes in. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, these lightweight containers are generally made of thick, layered aluminum foil. That allows them to both conduct heat and (when sealed) keep it warm inside the container. As a result, you’ve got a handy option for both cooking and storage. They’re great for family get-togethers, potlucks, picnics, or any event where you need to set up a buffet quickly and easily.

As disposable items, they’re not meant to be fully airtight, but your food should be fine in most foil pans and containers for a few days, depending on what you’ve cooked and where you store it. If they come with a lid, it will typically have a small “brim” around the edge. Just fold the outer edges of the foil up around that brim to create a seal. Even if you don’t have a specific lid for the container, you might even be able to use a plate that’s roughly the same size, or even some cling wrap.

But again, the great perk about disposable cookware is the ability to warm up or even cook foods right there in the container. The aluminum foil that most of these items are made of is used as a material in many regular pots and pans thanks to its exceptional heat-conduction properties. Its melting point is over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, so feel free to pop it into the oven or on the stove. This should go without saying, but that convenience doesn’t extend to the microwave. Like any metal, aluminum will deflect microwaves, which not only prevents heating but could severely damage your appliance.

If you’d like to hedge your bets, make sure you refrain from cooking at high temperatures in your disposable cookware. Aluminum can leach much more easily into your foods the hotter it gets. Aluminum foil is also especially reactive with acidic foods, so maybe cook your fruits, tomatoes and other low-pH separately.

Our Picks For The Top Disposable Cookwares

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
  Top Pick

MontoPack Recyclable Aluminum Disposable Cookware, 50-Pack

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

MontoPack

Aluminum Disposable Cookware, 50-Pack

If you do a lot of cooking at home or for special events, you'll want to go with this large pack of disposable cookware. The trays are made of aluminum and they come with plastic lids that provide an excellent seal. In fact, you'll be able to lock the lid in with just one hand.

Overall Take

Strong SealThanks to the strong seal provided by this disposable cookware's lid, you won't have to worry about food spilling out on your way to a BBQ.

  Best for Dutch Ovens

Camp Liner Dutch Oven Disposable Cookware Liners, 12-Pack

Camp Liner

Disposable Cookware Liners, 12-Pack

This disposable cookware is perfectly sized for 12" Dutch ovens. The thick aluminum stands up to high heat and resists tearing or breaking. The size also makes them good for storing casseroles, as well as pies and other baked goods. In our testing, we found these easy to pull out and transport.

Overall Take

Thick LinersThis disposable cookware is perfect for Dutch ovens, but strong enough for any use.

  Best for Groups

Stock Your Home Aluminum Disposable Cookware, 25-Pack

Stock Your Home

Disposable Cookware, 25-Pack

This disposable cookware is equally suitable for liquids or solids. Made of high-quality foil, they're great in the oven, even at high temperatures. The large size also makes them versatile and able to fit most any dish.

Overall Take

Large Economy SetThis disposable cookware is made up of spacious pans that can do everything from baking to storing.

  We Also Like

Spare Essentials Aluminum Lidded Disposable Cookware, 55-Pack

Spare Essentials

Aluminum Disposable Cookware, 55-Pack

Since this set of disposable cookware comes with cardboard lids, you'll be able to label the top of each container using a permanent marker. The containers have a 1 pound capacity, which is great for sides, salads or a casserole for two. Also, if you're practicing portion control, these containers are a helpful too.

Overall Take

Easy to LabelThis disposable cookware set includes 55 1-pound containers with 55 cardboard lids.

  Strong Contender

MontoPack Disposable Half-Size Aluminum Chafing Cookware, 30-Pack

MontoPack

Disposable Half-Size Aluminum Chafing Cookware, 30-Pack

If you're looking for a set of disposable cookware that isn't flimsy, this model is your best bet. It's made from a heavy-duty aluminum with 35 gauge, so it won't buckle under the weight of a roast. The pans are also recyclable, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Overall Take

Eco-Friendly AluminumThis set of disposable cookware is made from an eco-friendly aluminum.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, Simplemost analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
15

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the disposable cookwares available to purchase.
8

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

17

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources.

4,950

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Spare Essentials Aluminum Lidded Disposable Cookware, 55-Pack

Our Total Score

9.9

Our Take

Since this set of disposable cookware comes with cardboard lids, you'll be able to label the top of each container using a permanent marker. The containers have a 1 pound capacity, which is great for sides, salads or a casserole for two. Also, if you're practicing portion control, these containers are a helpful too.

What to Look For

  • Disposable cookware can have a ton of uses, so it’s important to think about what your use will be. Size is a definite factor here. Are you making and/or storing lasagna? Go for large, mid-depth pans. Breads or other baked goods? There are small, deep containers perfectly suited to those treats. In fact, there are sizes specific to pretty much any dish. Keep in mind that when buying online, you’ll typically find it cheaper and easier to buy in bulk. Whatever size you choose, make sure it’s a kind that you’ll employ more than just once — not that aluminum foil really goes bad.
  • Are you storing that food? If you’re buying disposable cookware at all, the answer is probably yes. Most containers of this type will come with some sort of lid, but not all. Make sure they’re there if you need them. In a pinch, you can sometimes use a similar-sized plate or another permanent pan as the lid, but pre-made ones are much more airtight and convenient.
  • Also consider the type of lid. Most lids for disposable cookware are plastic, which is helpful for storage. It’s flexible, and lets you see at a glance what you’ve got in the pan. There are other types of containers that come with matching foil lids. These are better suited to cooking and can also keep your food warmer for extended periods outdoors.

More to explore