Silicone Kitchen Products
Silicone kitchen tools and cooking utensils don’t break, scratch or bend like plastic, wood or metal. They have a rubber-like quality that won’t damage non-stick or ceramic-coated cookware.
Silicone is derived from silica, the most common element on earth. It is then combined with oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon to create a variety of polymers.
Safety
After a spate of negative reports about Teflon and plastic harming the environment, many consumers have been looking for safer, healthier cookware options. Silicone is gaining in popularity, thanks to its flexibility and non-stick properties. It can also be made in fun colors and shapes to surprise family and Silicone Kitchen Products friends. It is dishwasher safe, easy to clean, and maintains its vibrant color over time.
Unlike some plastics, silicone is not prone to chemical interaction with food or beverages and does not release harmful fumes when heated. It is also a durable material, and will withstand high temperatures without warping or breaking. It is also resistant to scratching and damage from metal utensils like rubber spatulas or metal turners.
If you’re concerned about whether or not a silicone kitchen product is safe to use, look for one that has been marked as “food grade” by an accredited laboratory. This certification will ensure that the silicone is free of BPA, lead, and latex. It’s also a good idea to avoid silicone bakeware with fillers, which can taint foods if heated to higher temperatures. You can tell if a silicone product has added plastic fillers by doing a simple test: Pinch and stretch the item. If it turns white, that’s a sign that the silicone has fillers in it.
In addition, silicone is non-toxic to plant and animal life, and it can be recycled for future use or downcycled into industrial lubricants. This makes it an excellent alternative to single-use plastic, which can be difficult to recycle in many places.
Durability
Silicone is a versatile synthetic polymer which can be used to make various kitchen utensils and bakeware. It is also used for baby nipples, toys, sealants, insulation, gaskets, and lubricants. It is more heat resistant than many other types of plastics and is also highly gas permeable. This makes it an ideal material for non-stick cookware, since it won’t react to acids or produce hazardous fumes when heated.
It’s important to buy silicone utensils and bakeware which is certified food-grade and free of chemical fillers. You can test for chemical fillers by pinching and twisting a flat surface of the utensil or bakeware. If you see white, that’s a sign that filler was added and the product may leach harmful chemicals into your food over time.
The flexibility of silicone utensils and bakeware can sometimes be a disadvantage because it is prone to scratches. Scratches can harbor bacteria which will then be transferred to your food when using the item again. This can be avoided by using protective utensils and taking care of your silicone goods as you would with any other type of cookware.
Another drawback of silicone is that it doesn’t usually get recycled, so most items end up in landfills when they are worn out or no longer needed. It’s important to buy products that can be recycled and look for brands that offer a warranty on their products.
Heat Resistance
Silicone is a flexible, heat-resistant material that can be used for a variety of kitchen tools and cooking equipment. Some popular silicone products include utensils for mixing and cooking, baking pans, and storage containers. It is also available as a non-stick coating for cookware and bakeware.
Some silicones are made with a mixture of chemicals, so it is important to purchase only high-quality food-grade silicone. This type of silicone has a good safety record and does not contain BPA (bisphenol A), which is a chemical that can mimic human hormones and cause adverse health effects.
Unlike other metals, silicone is thermally stable and does not release toxic fumes when heated to very high temperatures. This is because it is a polymer that contains small compounds known as siloxanes, which are formed from silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon.
The flexibility of silicone utensils makes them easy to use in the kitchen. They are able to scrape off stuck-on food and won’t scratch or damage pots and pans. This pliable quality can make some silicone utensils a bit awkward to hold, though. You may want to consider choosing a more rigid kitchen utensil that has a plastic or wooden handle.
You can choose from a wide range of colours and designs for silicone kitchen utensils. Some are bright and colourful, while others have a classic look that goes well with most kitchens.
Dishwasher Safe
Using silicone in your kitchen can help reduce your environmental footprint and eliminate the need for single-use parchment paper, aluminum foil, plastic baggies and other disposable items. Silicone is long-lasting, dishwasher safe and flexible. It resists high temperatures and can be bent or shaped into a variety of shapes without breaking. It also resists oily stains and odors, making it easy to keep clean.
Most silicone kitchen products are dishwasher safe, including silicone spatulas, silicone scrapers and other utensils. However, it is important to read the label and follow the product guidelines. Choosing a high-quality silicone will ensure that it can handle the dishwasher’s hot water and detergents. It is also a good idea to choose a silicone that is food-grade. This will Silicone Kitchen Products ensure that the utensil does not contaminate the food and does not release hazardous fumes if it is heated above 149 degrees Celsius.
For the most effective results when washing your silicone utensils, use a mild dishwashing liquid with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and dry completely before using.