Silicone bakeware is still a little puzzling to many home cooks and chefs. On the plus side, many chefs and home cooks have embraced and testified to the effectiveness of the bakeware products when baking and cooking. However, on the downside, some are reluctant to adopt these latest products and still stick to traditional metal and glass bakewares.
These products are made with food-grade silicone. In real life, examples of silicone bakeware include muffin cups, cupcakes, baking mats, and so on.
From reading numerous questions from groups like Quora, Pinterest, etc., a lot of people frequently use silicone spatulas and other kitchen utensils with no doubts, yet when it comes to bakeware made from silicone, people are not so great with them, showing doubts.
While some experts agree with its use in baking, a few are still skeptical about the product. So, what’s this silicone bakeware about? Well, FYI, I know that’s one of the questions going through your mind right now.
This article seeks to broaden your knowledge of silicone bakeware. In addition, we’ve got answers to other questions you have. Most importantly, for the lovers of silicone bakeware, we will discuss whether you can put your silicone bakeware directly on the oven rack.
So, let’s get started with a brief introduction to silicone bakeware.
What’s Silicone bakeware?
Silicone bakewares are rubber-like bakeware that are flexible and easy to use. They are common in all different kitchen items such as pans, molds, utensils, baking mats.
Silicone bakeware is made from lightweight material with rubber-like qualities. In addition, these bakewares are microwave safe, oven safe and reusable.
Benefits of Silicone Bakewares
If you haven’t tried one of silicone bakeware, you are definitely missing, big time! To try out the new product, you can start with silicone spatulas which cost less, if you don’t like it, you risk less.
To give you a full view of what you are not enjoying, we have listed the pros of silicone bakewares below.
Silicone for Baking Utensils
These utensils are really good and do not melt. They can withstand heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. On the bright side, after a year and significant mileage, they still look new with no change in color on these silicone spatulas and utensils.
In traditional utensils, grease is required before baking; in contrast, bakeware does not require you to grease before baking.
Furthermore, with no greasing, a slight twist of the pan pulls your cakes and muffins out in perfect and even baked shape. What’s more impressive is that no stains would be left on the bakeware. That’s what magic silicone bakeware can do. You would agree that it will save you some vegetable oil and energy required to remove baked food in traditional bakewares
Silicone used for Muffin Cups
Silicone muffin cups vary in size. Also, when compared with paper liners, they do not need greasing,
In general, Silicone bakewares are usually made of a type of silicone. This type of silicone is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a result, they are called food-grade silicone.
So, when you opt for silicone bakeware, the packaging description should clearly state that it is food-grade silicone and FDA-approved.
Each silicone product has limits regarding temperature and heat resistance, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Watch out for instructions like the maximum oven temperature, usually stamped on the product.
To ensure the longevity of your silicone bakeware, it’s best to adhere to its heat limits. To be precise, silicone bakeware can withstand up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
To recap, the benefits of silicone bakeware include:
● It doesn’t require greasing or oiling pans or cupcakes.
● Silicone pans heat quickly, and they bake.
● Silicone pans make it simple to turn out or unmold your baked and cooked dishes, such as meatloaf, from pans. Because they are so flexible and 100 percent non-stick, a little twist or gentle pulling on the sides is required.
● Unlike traditional bakeware, it fits into the freezer, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and oven without damage.
● You can bake, store, freeze, and reheat without changing the pans.
● They don’t rust or stain.
● Silicone bakeware is easy to use and completely non-stick, so there will be no leftovers from your baking.
Moreover, when you want to clean, you can just pop the pans or molds in the dishwasher or wash them by hand in warm, soapy water. You can even turn them inside out to enable a thorough cleaning.
By nature, silicone is stain-proof; therefore, it will not fade out or discolor. With silicone, you do not have to worry about germs and bacteria lurking in unseen corners or edges.
● Silicone bakeware is lightweight and suitable for traveling or camping on vacation. Also, street displays are the best choice to reduce the weight of the goods transported.
● They are easy to store because the pans are lightweight and flexible, occupying less space without deforming.
● Available in all sizes
● They cool quickly when you take them out of the oven. Therefore, you don’t wait too long to unmold your cakes and muffins or do whatever post-baking activities you need to do. In short, the risk of burning yourself with a hot pan is removed.
● They are completely nonporous, so they will not absorb baking odor. To illustrate, you can bake a spicy chicken. All you need to do is wash your pan in warm, soapy water. Afterwards, bake a strawberry cake, and your cake will not give off a hint of spicy chicken.
I want you to know more about the numerous benefits of silicone than we listed above. As you begin to use your silicone bakeware, one thing is sure: you’ll discover more of its usefulness than other alternatives. That being said, is there danger in putting a silicone pan directly on the oven rack? This leads us to the following paragraphs
Do you put Silicone Bakeware directly on Oven rack?
Silicone bakeware can be put directly in the oven without any damage. However, you might have read or heard people say don’t expose silicone baking pans and cups directly to the fire, stove, or cooker.
Yes, that is true because the pans are exposed to direct fire, but in the oven, the pans are not exposed directly to fire. According to some sources, the orange fire from your stoves and cooker burns between 1200 degrees Celsius to 1500 degrees Celsius.
Because chefs talk about baking temperature on a Fahrenheit scale, 1200 Celsius converted to Fahrenheit is over 2000 Fahrenheit. That’s huge, right? Is there anything in baking food that needs that much temperature?
The highest I’ve heard of is pizza, which is about 1000 Fahrenheit. The standard temperature of silicone bakeware can withstand a maximum of 450 Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, let’s look at how the oven heats up. Radiation heats the oven.
Radiation is when you get heated by the sun; you know the heat comes directly from the sun, and there is no material to transfer the heat to you. That’s what happens to your silicone pans inside the oven; they get heated by radiation.
However, it doesn’t get heated up rapidly at once, just like you do not feel the impact of the sun heating at once. You’d agree that the effect by 11 a.m. is far less than that of 3 p.m. Likewise, silicone pans will be heated gradually, and at those temperatures, they can withstand. Because they can withstand the temperatures, they will not be destroyed. Moreover, manufacturers do not expose the pans to temperatures above 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, to answer the doubt of silicone pans and cup melting when placed directly on the oven rack, the answer is no they will not melt.
Considering another view, placing your pans on a cookie sheet/sheet pan ensures more stability. At times a silicone pan can be unstable due to its flexible nature. Placing such on a cookie sheet makes it stable. That’s the only side to putting silicone pans on a tray or cookie sheet not with the fear of it melting, being destroyed or losing its non-sticky nature, a big no!
As humans we learn to take care of ourselves regularly, what to do and what not to do. In similitude, we need knowledge on the best ways to use our bakewares.
The right use of a thing does one thing, it ensures longevity, and I know you don’t want to buy a pan today, only to get it destroyed within a few months of purchase.
So let’s consider how you can use your silicone bakewares.
How to use your Silicone Bakeware
Well, you can think of what’s complex about using a baking pan. While that thought exists, you should know that wrongly using your silicone will not cost you your baked food but will take a few dollars out of your pocket.
Now, what do I mean? The right silicone bakeware lasts longer, saving you extra money. On the other hand, follow the tips below to avoid discovering that in no time, due to wear, you will have to replace your silicone baking pan and cups. Moving on,
Let’s discuss the proper ways to use your silicone bakeware.
First and foremost, wash your new silicone pans in warm, soapy water and pop them in the dishwasher. Then, dry and condition them with a smear of cooking oil or non-stick baking spray and wipe off the excess.
Note that this is only when oil is vital on silicone bakeware. In addition, some baking recipes instruct you to flour the pans before you bake. So, it’s best to refer to your recipe for guidance.
Let me ask you: What would happen to a baker who fails to measure baking flour correctly? Two things are certain: get a dense or dry cake tight, or the cake will fall, right?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using your silicone pans and cups to avoid damaging the piece, which will cost you more money to buy another in less time. In a nutshell, pay attention to the guidelines and instructions. Well, you can think about what’s complex about using a baking pan. While that thought exists, you should know that the wrong use of your silicone wouldn’t cost you your baked food, but a few dollars will be out of your pocket.
Now, what do I mean? The right silicone bakeware bakeware lasts longer, saving you extra cost. On the other hand, follow the tips below to avoid discovering in nce your silicone baking pan and cups. Moving on, in no time due to wear out
Let’s discuss the proper ways to use your silicone bakeware.
First and foremost, wash your new silicone pans in warm, soapy water and pop them in the dishwasher. Then, dry and condition them with a smear of cooking oil or non-stick baking spray and wipe off the excess.
Note that this is only when oil is vital to silicone bakeware. In addition, some baking recipes instruct you to flour the pans before you bake. So, it’s best to refer to your recipe for guidance.
Let me ask you: What would happen to a baker who fails to properly measure baking flour? Two things for sure: either get a dense or dry cake tight, or the cake will fall, right?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using your silicone pans and cups to avoid damaging the piece, which will cost you more money to buy another in less time. In a nutshell, pay attention to guidelines and instructions.
- Always use silicone bakeware on a tray or oven rack. This is because when they are filled with mixture, their flexibility makes them a slightly tricky to get in and out of the oven
- Preheat your oven before baking: Preheating your oven is. Make sure to bake on an oven rack placed in the center or slightly below the center of your oven. Never expose your silicone pan on any sort of direct flame or heat source–you cannot use them on a hot plate or gas ring.
- And lastly, silicone pans can either be cleaned in a dishwasher or traditionally washed by hand in warm soapy water. Never use abrasive cleaners or scorers to clean them. Importantly, prevent direct contact with open flames, heated hotplates or under grills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Is silicone bakeware safe?
According to the FDA, food grade silicone is safe for contact with food. Since silicone bakeware is made from food grade silicone, they are safe for baking. Therefore, silicone bakeware is safe to use and put in the oven rack without releasing toxic chemicals.
Will Silicone Bakeware melt in Oven?
Generally they would melt if you stay glued to the required temperature range. Food grade silicone will be stable between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 440 degrees Fahrenheit. Before baking, determine from the recipe, the maximum temperature required for the baked goods to bake. However, it doesn’t mean if you place your bakeware directly on the oven rack it will melt.
Will my cake taste like rubber?
No, silicone is non-sticky, it doesn’t give out a smell nor absorb odor from food it was used to cook.
How do I know If my silicone bakeware is good?
Sadly, because of the high price of food-grade silicone, crook manufacturers use low quality silicone to produce kitchenware. Before purchase, do a pinch test to deduce its quality. Pinch and twist it about. If its color remains the same, it is a good product but a whitish color signifies a bad silicone.
Is silicone bakeware better than other alternatives?
Other alternatives are great choices. For example, comparing their strengths, aluminum bakewares heat up fast, glass bakewares retain more heat. Nevertheless, aluminum rust and for baking goods that need fast heat glass bakeware will be a bad choice. On the flip side, we have silicone which doesn’t rust and heat up quickly. It is non-stick
How do you clean silicone?
Silicone Bakeware can be cleaned in two ways. Either you use a dishwasher or you hand wash them. Nonetheless, both processes require warm and soapy water. Gently scrub the pan or cup in a direction for effective cleaning.