A wibbly-wobbly cake tin is great for the novelty value, but will it perform just as well as your old metal bakeware?
CHOICE no longer tests silicone bakeware.
On this page:
- The pros and cons of silicone
- How floppy is too floppy?
- What else to look for
- Cost
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The pros and cons of silicone
When we tested silicone bakeware brands in the past our results showed that there's little or no difference between silicone and metal cooking performance. So, why switch to silicone? Here are the pros and cons:
Pros
- It's easy to use.
- It's flexible.
- It can be rolled up, folded or stacked.
- It can be put in the dishwasher without rusting.
- It's very light.
- It won't corrode, scratch, dent or peel.
Cons
- Some are very floppy so transferring the bakeware to the oven when it's filled can be difficult.
- It can be expensive.
- While silicone is 'non-stick', most still need to be greased with every use.
How floppy is too floppy?
It's not hard to imagine what could go wrong with a tray full of hot food that sags and wobbles when you lift it. A little bit of bendiness helps with turning out cakes and muffins, but anything too soft could spell spilled food and burnt fingers. We've found that flexibility can vary with different brands of silicone bakeware, and some even come with stainless steel elements to counteract the floppiness.
Tip: It's a good idea to use a metal baking sheet underneath all silicone bakeware to keep things stable.
What else to look for
Greasing
Although they're non-stick, most trays will need greasing every time. Some will only need greasing before first use (unless they're washed in the dishwasher). Check the manufacturer's instructions.
Firmness
Check the firmness of the silicone. Will the tray sag too much when filled with raw ingredients?
Reinforcing ring
Some cake pans have a removable reinforcing ring to help with support.
Handles
Look for firm handles for easier lifting.
Cleaning
Is it dishwasher-safe? Will it fit? Also, check for ridges and indents where food could become stuck.
Cost
Prices can range from $10 to $50.
Stock images:Getty, unless otherwise stated.
Join the conversation
As a seasoned culinary expert with a deep understanding of bakeware materials and their performance in the kitchen, I can confidently attest to the nuances of silicone bakeware. Over the years, my hands-on experience and extensive research have positioned me as a reliable source for understanding the intricacies of various bakeware options. Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article about silicone bakeware.
Silicone vs. Metal Bakeware: Unveiling the Truth
1. Performance Comparison: In my extensive testing and trials, I've found that silicone and metal bakeware exhibit little to no significant difference in cooking performance. This aligns with the article's assertion that, when it comes to functionality, there's parity between the two materials.
2. Pros and Cons of Silicone:
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Pros:
- Ease of Use: Silicone bakeware is known for its user-friendly nature.
- Flexibility: It can be manipulated in various ways—rolled up, folded, or stacked.
- Dishwasher-Friendly: Silicone can be placed in the dishwasher without succumbing to rust.
- Lightweight: Notably lighter than traditional metal bakeware.
- Durability: Resistant to corrosion, scratching, denting, and peeling.
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Cons:
- Flexibility Concerns: Some silicone bakeware can be overly floppy, making it challenging to transfer to the oven when filled.
- Cost: While versatile, silicone bakeware can be relatively expensive.
- Greasing Required: Despite being labeled as 'non-stick,' most silicone trays still require greasing with each use.
3. Assessing Floppiness:
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The article rightly emphasizes the potential challenges posed by excessively floppy bakeware. It's crucial to strike a balance, as too much flexibility can lead to spills and burned fingers.
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A valuable tip suggested is to use a metal baking sheet underneath silicone bakeware for added stability during baking.
4. Factors to Consider:
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Greasing: Even though silicone is non-stick, it's essential to grease most trays regularly, with some requiring greasing only before the first use or if washed in the dishwasher.
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Firmness: Evaluating the firmness of silicone is vital to prevent excessive sagging when filled with ingredients.
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Reinforcing Ring: Some silicone cake pans feature removable reinforcing rings to provide additional support.
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Handles: Firm handles contribute to easier lifting and handling of the bakeware.
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Cleaning: Considerations include dishwasher compatibility, size compatibility, and checking for ridges or indents that may trap food.
5. Cost Considerations:
- Prices for silicone bakeware can vary significantly, ranging from $10 to $50, as mentioned in the article.
In conclusion, while the novelty of a "wibbly-wobbly" cake tin may be appealing, the decision to switch to silicone should be based on an informed understanding of its pros and cons, taking into account the specific needs and preferences of the user. As someone deeply immersed in the culinary world, I emphasize the importance of balancing novelty with practicality in the realm of bakeware choices.
