Silicone Bakeware

Silicone Bakeware is a type of baking pan made out of silicone. They have a consistency similar to rubber and come in a variety of colors, with many advantages over traditional bakeware. Advantages: Silicone bakeware is dishwasher and microwave safe and can be used in the oven or the freezer. Pure silicone baking pans are heat resistant up to 675°F and flexible. They are advertised to be non-stick and easy to clean, but some find that greasing the baking pan is essential if the recipe calls for it. The pure silicon baking pans have a memory and if they are bent they will return to their normal state. The silicone bakeware does not retain odors or flavors. It usually only takes about 2-3 minutes for the bakeware to cool once removed from the oven. Disadvantages: One problem with the product is its lack of support. It lacks the rigidity of metal baking pans and some may need external support, like a metal cookie sheet, in order to function properly. A common concern is the life span of the bakeware. Currently the product has not been on the market long enough to know how long it will last with regular use. Fillers: Some silicone bakeware manufacturers add fillers to their bakeware to make it more cost effective. These fillers make the bakeware less heat resistant, less stable, and its performance fades. The baking pans start to change color, develop cracks and may even produce a smell that gets into the food. In order to determine if a silicone baking pan has fillers simply bend it. If you see white colored cracks, the silicone has fillers. Safety: Safety is also a concern with silicone bakeware. Some are concerned that the silicon or its fillers could slowly leech onto the food over time. The Food and Drug Administration assures that it is generally safe. So far there have been no problems reported in the United States. Fast Facts:

1. Price range: $8-$74
2. Warning: Not intended for stove top use
3. Warning: Do not use sharp objects with bakeware
4. Warning: Never use abrasive cleaning tools with bakeware
5. FDA approved
6. Can be frozen up to -58 degrees
7. Comes in a variety of colors
8. Can be purchased separately or in sets