1. Check the label to ensure the bakeware features FDA-approved, food-grade silicone.
2. Avoid bakeware constructed with plastic fillers, which can reduce the heat resistance and possibly leech odors into the food.
3. If white cracks appear when you bend the silicone bakeware, it's been constructed with fillers.
4. Although most silicone bakeware has a temperature range of -40 to 500 degrees F, check the label to determine the specific manufacturer's rating.
5. Do not expose the bakeware to direct heat like stovetop burners or barbecues.
6. Place filled pans on a metal baking tray for added stability going in and out of the oven.
7. Although they cool quickly, remove the pans from the oven with hot pads since they're initially hot to the touch.
8. Avoid using knives, metal tools or abrasive cleaning supplies that can damage the surface.
9. Wash silicone bakeware with warm, soapy water.

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• by Denise Ryan

• If you're concerned about the safety of silicone bakeware, take the following precautions to get the best cookware to suit your culinary needs.

1. Look for bakeware featuring food-grade silicone that's been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure it's suitable for all foods.Silicon Bakeware: Is Silicone Bakeware Safe? (August 22, 2006)
2. Avoid less-expensive silicone bakeware constructed with plastic "fillers" that can reduce heat resistance, crack and even leach odors into your food.Simply Smart Living: The Silicone Story
   • -Check for fillers by bending the bakeware. If white cracks appear, that particular model was constructed with fillers.Simply Smart Living: The Silicone Story
3. Read the manufacturer label to determine the minimum and maximum safe temperatures for the individual piece of cookware before use.About.com: Silicone Bakeware Basics

• This versatile cookware is easy to use once you learn a few tricks of the trade. Consider the following tips, precautions and innovative ideas to get the best results.

1. Before using the bakeware, wash it with soapy water since the silicone pans and molds attract dust.Home and Kitchen: Silicone Bakeware Guide
2. Although they claim to be non-stick, continue to grease or flour the bakeware as instructed by your recipe.Ideas Etcetera: Using Silicone Bakeware
   • -If the recipe doesn't discuss preparing the pan, consider spraying with a non-stick coating as a precaution.Calphalon: Silicone Use and Care

1. Silicone bakeware can be used in gas, electric and microwave ovens.Home and Kitchen: Silicone Bakeware Guide
   • -Most pans and molds are safe to temperatures up to 500 degrees F.Prepared Pantry: Silicone Bakeware
   • -Avoid using silicone bakeware on sources of direct heat like stovetop burners, hot plates or barbecue racks.The Silicone Zone: Silicone Bakeware FAQs
2. Place a metal cookie sheet under the silicone pans in the oven to give the flexible material added stability.About.com: Silicone Bakeware
3. Silicone bakeware may shorten baking times, so check on your baked goods at the earliest part of the time range to avoid scorching.Calphalon: Silicone Use and Care
4. Although the bakeware cools down quickly, use protective mitts to remove pans since they're hot straight out of the oven.About.com: Silicone Bakeware Basics
5. Remove baked goods before cutting them since sharp knifes and metal tools can cut into the bakeware's surface.Kitchen Crafts: Baking with Silicone

1. The bakeware can typically be used in temperatures as low as -40 degrees F.Seattle Times: Colorful, Versatile Silicone (January 24, 2007)
   • -Because they'll remain flexible when frozen, use the silicone pans to create molded jellies or cake decorations.Home and Kitchen: Silicone Bakeware Guide
   • -Since the silicone can go from one temperature extreme to the other, try freezing batter in the pan ahead of time, then taking it straight from the freezer to the oven when you're ready to bake.Kitchen Crafts: Baking with Silicone
2. Remove food items by turning the bakeware upside down and twisting it slightly while pressing on the bottom.Kitchen Crafts: Baking with Silicone

• Because the pans and molds are flexible and non-porous, you'll soon discover that clean up and storage is a breeze.

1. Never use abrasive sponges or cleaners on the bakeware since they will mar the surface.The Silicone Zone: Silicone Bakeware FAQs
2. Clean pieces by soaking them in warm, soapy water and wiping clean.Lekue: Silicone Bakeware: Care and Cleaning
3. Silicone bakeware is also dishwasher safe on the upper or lower shelf.Prepared Pantry: Silicone Bakeware
4. Stack or even roll the bakeware when not in use since it will immediately pop back into shape.Kitchen Crafts: Baking with Silicone

• Although you won't find silicone cookie sheets on the market due to the material's flexible nature, you can equip your kitchen with silicone bakeware to make everything from muffins to candy to cakes. Once you get used to the perfect browning, simple clean up and baked goods popping right out of the pan, you may never go back to conventional kitchen tools again.