Silicone KitchenTools

Silicone Kitchen Tools Can Really Take the Heat

Cooking and baking tools that can take the heat, now that’s a great concept. I decided to break into this new line rather small, I bought a spatula. And boy was I impressed. I can’t wait to branch out to silicone muffin pans, which feel and look like rubber that you can twist, and presto, muffins should pop right out!

I’ve put the spatula through a trial run, and after a year, it still looks new. And yes, I did use it! It has no missing corners; which was usually the case with the old style, which melted away with use. Silicone baking tools have longer handles, and are dishwasher safe.

But their best feature is that the silicone is rated to withstand heat temperatures without melting. However, these ratings vary by manufacturer. My spatula is rated and labeled to withstand 450 degrees.

I’ve noticed that some have higher heat ratings of 900 degrees. However, the handles or other parts may not be heat resistant.

They are also resistant to discoloring, and cool down very quickly. As far as pricing goes, they are just slightly more expensive than their counterparts, but with their great features, they’ll be around a lot longer.

Original Source: http://shop-silicone-bakeware.com/Blog/?p=11

Final thoughts on silicone bakeware

Don't. Buy. It.

Today, I finally used the muffin pan. I made blueberry muffins, which I have been craving for ages. The muffins are OK, but not great. First, they are kind of flat (this seems to be a theme for me with the silicone ware). I guess the different conductive properties of silicone result in less well-risen baked goods. Secondly, the muffins didn't brown at all on the bottoms (again with the different conductive properties). This is not just a cosmetic issue--browning is a form of caramelization and has important flavor implications! Thirdly, the muffins have a faint chemical flavor. I think. I'm not totally positive. I might be just imagining it, because the final negative aspect of the silicone pan is that while the muffins were baking, there was an unpleasant chemical odor. I think I detect the same odor as part of the flavor make-up of the muffins, but I might just be projecting it. In any case, the strong chemical odor is definitely unpleasant. And I was denied the a significant positive externality of baking: that wonderful scent of something baking.

The one positive thing: the muffins absolutely, positively did not stick.

So, old-fashioned metal bakeware 3, silicone bakeware 1/2 (because the muffins didn't stick). I guess the silicone pans will be on the yard sale pile this summer.

Original Source: http://republicofheaven.blogspot.com/2006/05/final-thoughts-on-silicone-bakeware.html