If you’ve been considering new bakeware for your holiday baking, you’ve likely noticed all the silicone bakeware that is available for any baking need in various sizes, shapes, colors, and prices. Perhaps you’ve wondered: Is silicone safe? Is it worth the money spent? and Is it better than traditional bakeware?
Silicone bakeware is made from a synthetic polymer created from a mixture of silicon, a naturally occurring element on the earth’s crust, combined with carbon and/or oxygen to create a rubber-like substance. The rubber-like substance can be shaped into any desired shape during manufacturing. The FDA has approve silicone as a food safe substance and it is generally considered inert and will not leach into foods. Silicone bakeware is rated safe for temperatures below freezing and up to 500֯F (always check the manufacturer’s specs). Good quality silicone should not emit any odor or discolor with use. Lower quality silicone may contain fillers or additives which may cause odor during baking and discolor over time.
Silicone bakeware is durable, non-stick, and quite flexible.A wide variety of silicone products are available for the kitchen beyond bakeware. Potholders, trivets, spatulas, whisks and other utensils, collapsible mixing bowls and strainers, ice cube trays, rolling pins and mats, and much more have become commonplace. Silicone baking pan liners provide a non-stick surface for baking sheets and jelly roll pans making for quick and easy cleanup. It can go directly from the oven to the freezer or vice versa, is microwave and dishwasher safe, and easy to clean. Since silicone is naturally non-stick no additional oil or grease calories are needed to prep the mold. However, a small spritz of cooking oil could be helpful with the more decorative molds with sharp corners or intricate designs. Another special feature of silicone is that it’s agreat insulator. This means that it bothcooks evenlyand alsocools down quickly. While metal or glass bakeware retain heat, silicone bakeware cool enough to handlewithin minutes after removal from the oven. Silicone bakeware can go straightfrom oven to table allowing the molds to be a serving dish, too. They can also be used for non-baked foods that require molding or even arts and crafts projects.
Silicone bakeware should always be used in conjunction with a firm surface like a cookie sheet to prevent burns and flipping baked goods to the floor. In most cases, baking and cooling time is the same as for traditional bakeware. While quite durable, beware of sharp objects and direct heat; a knife will cut through silicone and direct heat will melt it.
While silicone bakeware offers some distinct advantages and tradeoffs over the traditional alternatives, the question remains: are they for you? I have a few silicone pieces and enjoy using them. However, some products are simply made better in a traditional pan; others are better in silicone. Muffin cups are my favorite.
Marlene Geiger
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
I am Marlene Geiger, a seasoned expert with a deep understanding of bakeware and kitchen essentials, particularly silicone bakeware. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education and Extension from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Master of Science in Textiles and Clothing from Colorado State University. My passion for all things related to home economics, coupled with years of hands-on experience, has positioned me as a reliable source of information on the subject.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article about silicone bakeware.
1. Composition of Silicone Bakeware:
- Silicone bakeware is crafted from a synthetic polymer, a combination of silicon (a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust), and carbon and/or oxygen. This mixture results in a rubber-like substance that can be molded into various shapes during manufacturing.
2. Safety and Approval:
- The article rightly points out that the FDA has approved silicone as a food-safe substance. Silicone is generally considered inert, ensuring that it does not leach into foods during the baking process. This makes it a safe choice for kitchen use.
3. Temperature Range:
- Silicone bakeware is highlighted as being safe for use in temperatures ranging from below freezing to up to 500°F. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's specifications to ensure proper usage.
4. Quality Indicators:
- High-quality silicone should not emit any odor or discolor with use. The article warns against lower quality silicone, which may contain fillers or additives, leading to unwanted odors during baking and discoloration over time.
5. Versatility of Silicone Products:
- Silicone extends beyond bakeware, with a wide range of kitchen products available, including potholders, trivets, spatulas, whisks, collapsible mixing bowls, strainers, ice cube trays, rolling pins, and more.
6. Non-Stick and Easy Cleanup:
- Silicone bakeware is praised for its durability, non-stick properties, and flexibility. It provides a non-stick surface for baking sheets and facilitates quick and easy cleanup. The non-stick nature also eliminates the need for additional oil or grease in preparation.
7. Insulation and Quick Cooling:
- An intriguing feature of silicone is its excellent insulation properties. It ensures even cooking and rapid cooling, with silicone bakeware cooling down quickly within minutes after being removed from the oven.
8. Additional Uses and Cautions:
- Silicone bakeware can transition seamlessly from the oven to the freezer, is microwave and dishwasher safe, and can serve as a stylish serving dish. However, caution is advised regarding the use of sharp objects and direct heat, which can cut through or melt silicone.
9. Personal Experience and Recommendation:
- The article concludes by sharing the author's personal experience and preference. While acknowledging the advantages of silicone bakeware, it emphasizes that the choice between silicone and traditional alternatives depends on the specific product and individual preferences.
In summary, silicone bakeware offers a range of benefits, but as with any kitchen tool, understanding its properties and proper usage is key to making an informed decision for your baking needs.
