One of the more recent developments in the world of kitchen gadgets are silicone kitchen products.
I first heard about them when I tried a silicone baking mat, but since then have heard of many other products.
Some popular silicone products are oven mitts, pastry brushes, barbeque brushes, cupcake liners, spatulas, and a host of many other silicone products designed to make cooking easier.
Why cook with Silicone Kitchen Products?
Silicone is a synthetic rubber that is created by combining silicon with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes traces of other elements. Silicon is a natural element, which is abundant in sand and rock.
Sales of the products are really increased in the last year or so. The products are colorful, easy to use and have many advantages in the kitchen.
Be sure to check out my article that shows how to use silicone baking mats. It has lots of creative tips to try.
Advantages of silicone kitchen products.
Flexibility
The products are extremely flexible. Muffin cups just peel right off the finished muffin and can be reused over and over again.
Environmentally friendly
Using silicone baking mats and cupcake liners means that you won’t be using paper or foil muffin cups or parchment paper, so there is less of a carbon footprint.
Non Stick
One of the biggest advantages of silicone products is their natural non stick ability. I have had a silicone baking mat for a long time and have yet to have anything stick to it.
Will Withstand very high heat
Most silicone products are advertised as being very heat resistant. The oven mitts that I use are safe up to 450ºF.
I can reach right into the oven and take out a baking pan with a lemon loaf in it that had been in the oven for an hour with no heat transferring to my hands.
Safe to use
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved food grade silicone as safe to use for all foods, both for storing and for cooking.
Since it is a relatively new product, be sure to purchase from reputable brands and always read labels.
Versatile
Silicone products are advertised as being safe in the microwave, dishwasher and fridge. You can prepare, measure, bake, and barbeque with them.
I love my silicone measuring spoons. They can fit easily into small jar openings because they are flexible.
Easy to clean
Foods do not build up on the tools, so they are quite easy to clean. (I do notice that my baking mat has discolored over time. This does not detract from cooking but is visually unappealing at times.)
But all that is really required is a wipe down with soap and water.
From Kitchen to Patio
The tools can be used both in the kitchen and as aids on the barbeque area as well. I love the large silicone brushes for basting marinade over hot coals without worrying about the brush getting singed.
Lower fat cooking
Since the products require no oil, the foods will be slightly lower in calories.
Disadvantages of silicone kitchen products
Buyer beware
There are some lower quality versions of these products which are made from less than 100 % silicone. These fillers may impair both the performance and the durability of the items.
They may also make the food retain some unfavorable odors.
Soft texture
Silicone is also soft and can easily be damaged by cleaners or knives.
Unstable colors
In some cases, the colors may leach into the foods. I have not had this happen but have read that it is possible.
Cost
Silicone kitchen products can be slightly more expensive than their metal or plastic counterparts
Some tips for keeping your products useful for a long time.
1. Don’t cut directly on silicone. You will damage the finish.
2. Don’t spray with non stick sprays. This will add a build up on the products.
3. Don’t use scourers to clean the surface, just soak in warm soapy water and wipe clean.
4. Cooking times may be shorter with silicone products. Lessen the cooking times for the first uses until you get used to them.
5. While silicone will withstand very high temperatures, it will melt if left on a really hot surface. So be careful where you place the product when you are done using it.
6. Buy from a reputable company with the FDA stamp of approval.
If you have not yet ventured into the world of silicone kitchen tools, you may be pleasantly surprised.
I started out slowly with pieces that were not too expensive, such as my large spatula and then ventured into some of the more expensive items. They now are a big part of my supply of kitchen tools.
26 responses to “Cooking with Silicone Kitchen Products”
Love the blue gloves – I got one (different one) for a gift, but not sure if it’s working all that well – the thumb gets into the dish when you pull out the hot casserole! I’ll be looking for the same kind you show here.
Sim Primium is the brand. I love them. I think there is a link in the post. Carol
I use a lot of the silicone utensils but I don’t like the bakeware at all. To me it was a complete fail. Gloves, awesome!
I use my gloves all the time and I REALLY like the small cupcake liners. They make the best cupcakes with no crumbling of the edges and are so easy to clean.
Carol
I had tried some of these products a few years ago and couldn’t get used to the feel. However, maybe I will give them another try!
It does take some getting used to. I just loved how easy some of them are for clean up and the like.
Carol
These are gorgeous! Love the color 🙂
Hi Juliana. That is one of the things that I like best about silicone kitchen products! Carol
Love silicone gloves! Easy to wash!
Hi Jana. Me too. They are by far my favorite silicone kitchen product. Carol
This webform is flakey. I have done all the entries, but the first two did not give me points.
Thanks for the contest.
Hi Sarah, Thanks for the email. I just checked the form on Tomoson where the promotion is being held. It shows that you got 4 points for your entry. Is that what you expected to get? I think I may use Raffle copter in Future instead of the one on Tomoson. It seems to work better. I tried it for the first time this month and it was flawless.
But I do see your entry with four points attached to it.
Kind regards,
Carol
I did all 6 and should have 6 points.
Sorry about that Sarah. I will tell Tomoson that the widget is wonky! Thanks for letting me know. Carol
I couldn’t get the first two facebook likes to work. I did like them both though and love the giveaway.
I had someone else tell me the same thing Marnie. I’ll be sure to mention it to The sponsor. The widget seems as though it is not working properly. Carol
I never have much luck with these entry forms. 1 and 2 are not giving points:(
HI Marie,
Thanks for letting me know. I’m going to try using Raffle copter in the future to see if it awards points better than the Tomoson widget. (at least every once else is in the same boat! 🙂
Carol
Hi, I had the same issue as others and I always seem to on this form. Numbers 1 and 2 were done but I didn’t get credit. I should have all 6. Thank you for the chance. These look really nice.
HI Deanna. It may be the way I have set it up. Just not sure. Everyone has the same issue, so it obviously does happen and no one has 6 points, so they will choose at random from what we do have.
Carol
Are you able to bake a half sheet cake on a Sol pay?
Hi Ruth, I’ve never tried baking a whole half sheet cake on a Silpat mat. The problem might be the edges if the mat is not exactly the same size as your pan. Carol
Hi, can I put the silicon mat directly in the oven or do I have to put in on a baking sheet? Thanks
I have never tried to use it directly in the oven. I think it would take the heat but would not be stiff to hold the items on it.
Can you use silicone mats to line an electric pizza cooker (cooks at 220°)?
I have not tried to do this so I can’t say for sure .