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What are the Advantages of Silicone Bakeware?
Jeff Petersen
Jeff Petersen
Silicone bakeware, or silicon bakeware, has become very popular, and for many good reasons. You can still bake a perfectly good cake or loaf of bread in a metal, ceramic, or glass pan, but with all that silicone bakeware has to offer, you might not want to. It is long-lasting, easy to store, lightweight, and portable. Once you try this bakeware, you may not want to bake with anything else.
One of the key benefits of silicone bakeware is that it is durable and long lasting. It is relatively soft and flexible, and will not dent or rust like metal bakeware can. You can bump or drop it without worrying that it might break the way glass or ceramic bakeware can. These features also make it safer to use, because you do not have to worry about sharp edges or broken pieces.
Another selling point of silicone bakeware is that its flexibility makes it easy to store and transport. Not only is it flexible, but it tends to be much more lightweight than similar glass, ceramic, or metal bakeware. These features allow it to be more easily stored in small spaces. Its light weight makes it easier to lift into and out of the oven, a feature that any baker will appreciate.
Silicone bakeware is highly portable for the same reasons that it is easy to store. You can toss a silicone bread pan, muffin tin, or cake pan into a box or the back seat of a car without worrying that it will break anything. A cookie sheet can be folded into a backpack or wrapped around a rolling pin. A single person could easily carry enough silicone bakeware to prepare food for a large party.
Perhaps the best thing about silicone bakeware is that it cooks just like other kinds of bakeware. You don’t need a special oven or utensils to use it, and the baked goods that you make will come out of the oven tasting just as delicious as if you had used an older, less convenient pan. This bakeware is easy to clean with dish soap and warm water. Best of all, it is safe to use in the freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
Whether you need a cake pan or cookie sheet, a muffin tin or a madeleine mold, chances are you can find a silicone bakeware product that serves your needs. With so many useful features, it is no wonder that it is so popular and well loved among amateur and professional bakers alike.
Jeff Petersen
Jeff is a freelance writer, short story author, and novelist who earned his B.A. in English/Creative Writing from Creighton University. Based in Berkeley, California, Jeff loves putting his esoteric knowledge to good use as a WiseGEEK contributor.
Learn more...
Jeff Petersen
Jeff is a freelance writer, short story author, and novelist who earned his B.A. in English/Creative Writing from Creighton University. Based in Berkeley, California, Jeff loves putting his esoteric knowledge to good use as a WiseGEEK contributor.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
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![Silicone bakeware can be easily cleaned with dish soap and water.]()
By: Africa StudioSilicone bakeware can be easily cleaned with dish soap and water. -
![An array of bakeware, such as cupcake molds, are now made of silicone.]()
By: nitoAn array of bakeware, such as cupcake molds, are now made of silicone. -
![Silicone cookware does not adhere to baked goods, and comes in all shapes and sizes.]()
By: CrisferraSilicone cookware does not adhere to baked goods, and comes in all shapes and sizes. -
![Silicone kitchenware is heat resistant, yet soft and flexible.]()
By: sevenkSilicone kitchenware is heat resistant, yet soft and flexible.
Discussion Comments
A few things about silicone bakeware. I have been cooking with these products for about eight years now. They work fantastically, but they do not last particularly long. After about two years of weekly use, they start to deteriorate and lose their nonstick quality. If you aren't going to use them that often, they will last longer.
The other thing is, you still definitely need to grease them, just as with any baking pan. Try not greasing them and you will see what I mean.
Since they are pretty inexpensive and can be replaced at low cost every two or thre years, I highly recommend them. But they are not miracle pans that last forever and need no greasing.
Is Silicon cookware/ baking ware bad as far as health goes? I know they say Teflon and non stick surfaces are not good for you. Just wondering about the health issues involved with Silicon.
* No greasing or oiling of pans required
* Pans heat quickly and bake evenly with no burnt or dark edges or bottom.
* Removal from pans is super easy - a slight twist or gently pulling on the sides, and roll out your baking.
* Freezer, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and oven safe.
* Bake, store, freeze and reheat right in the pans.
* No rusting or staining.
* No need to alter your batter or temperature - bake as usual.
* Cleanup is a breeze.
* Lightweight and perfect for a camper or RV.
* Storing is easy - although they do not easily nest, no special attention is required, they retain their shape.
I just bought the muffin tin and there are no directions on the pan. Do I use oil or none
I do not want to ruin the pan at the beginning.
Although your summary was informative it did
not speak of use on cooking.
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