Is it Safe to Cook in Silicone? Discover the Truth Backed by Science

Your kitchen contains many silicone tools that you can’t live without. Silicone utensils can make meal preparation easier. 

With ongoing guidance from Baker’s Choice experts regarding the use of plastic and other materials that are harmful to health and the environment, you may also be wondering whether is it safe to cook in silicone, especially in the kitchen.

Is silicone plastic?

While some plastics industry experts consider silicone a type of plastic, it is technically a flexible synthetic material (elastomer) with unique properties that distinguish it from traditional plastics. Here are some points to illustrate:

• Chemical composition: Traditional plastics are based on chains of carbon atoms, while silicone has a basic structure of silicon and oxygen atoms (Si-O). This difference in composition gives silicone distinct properties.
• Flexibility and heat resistance: Silicone has high flexibility and excellent resistance to extreme temperatures (from -60°C to 250°C or higher in some types), while plastics can become brittle or melt at similar temperatures.
• Chemical resistance: Silicone has good resistance to many chemicals, weathering, ozone, and ultraviolet radiation, making it more durable over the long term than many plastics.
• Safety: Silicone is generally considered safe for food and medical use because it is chemically inert and does not react with other materials or release harmful substances.

In short, silicone can be considered a hybrid material that combines the properties of synthetic rubber and synthetic plastic. It has the flexibility of rubber, the durability of plastic, and its resistance to various conditions.

Although the plastics industry may include it under its broad umbrella, its chemical composition and distinctive properties set it apart from conventional plastics.

Is it safe to cook in silicone?

Certainly, cooking with silicone utensils made from high-quality food-grade silicone is generally safe. Here are some important points:

• Safe Material: Food-grade silicone is inert and non-toxic and does not react with food or beverages. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers silicone dioxide safe for use in food.
• Heat Resistance: Food-grade silicone can withstand high temperatures, typically 220-230°C (428-446°F) without decomposing or producing harmful fumes.
• Non-Stick and Easy to Clean: Silicone utensils are non-stick, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe.
• Compared to Plastic: Silicone is safer than some plastics because it does not contain harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates and does not easily degrade into microplastics.

Cooking with silicone utensils is safe and convenient when using high-quality products and following the correct usage instructions.

Uses and Benefits of Cooking with Silicone

In the following paragraphs, we detail the uses and benefits of silicone cooking:

Uses of Silicone Cooking Utensils:

Silicone cooking utensils have a wide variety of uses, covering various stages of food preparation and baking. Some of the most prominent include:

• Baking: Silicone cake and muffin pans and baking sheets are ideal because they are non-stick and flexible, making baked goods easy to release and clean. They also withstand high and low temperatures, making them suitable for use in the oven and freezer.
• Stovetop Cooking: Silicone spatulas, pans, and slotted spoons are used for stirring, frying, and grilling food on the stove. They are gentle on non-stick cookware and won’t scratch them, and they are also heat-resistant.
• Preparation Tools: Silicone cooking tools include basting brushes, whisks, spatulas, and scrapers, which are flexible and easy to clean.
• Food Preservation: Silicone food storage lids and containers are available, featuring airtight seals to keep food fresh and are safe for use in the refrigerator, freezer, and microwave.
• Specialty Tools: There are many specialty tools made from silicone, such as ice cube trays, dish drying mats, and hot pot holders.

Benefits of Silicone Cooking:

Cooking with silicone utensils offers several advantages that make them a popular choice in modern kitchens:

• Extreme Temperature Resistance: Silicone utensils can withstand high temperatures, typically 220-250°C (428-482°F), and some models can reach 300°C (572°F). They can also withstand freezing temperatures.
• Non-stick: The non-stick property prevents food from sticking to utensils and molds, making cooking, baking, and cleanup easier.
• Gentle on Cookware: Silicone utensils are soft and non-abrasive, so they won’t scratch non-stick pots and pans or other delicate materials.
• Easy to Clean: Silicone utensils can be easily washed with soap and water or placed in the dishwasher. They are also stain and odor resistant.
• Flexibility and Durability: Silicone utensils are flexible, making them easy to reach into corners of pots and molds, and they are durable and long-lasting. Safe for use with food: High-quality food-grade silicone is safe for use with food and does not react with it or produce harmful fumes when heated within the recommended temperature range.
• Bacteria-resistant: Silicone is a non-porous material, making it less susceptible to the growth of bacteria and fungi compared to other materials such as wood.
• Will not absorb odors and colors: Silicone utensils do not retain food odors or colors, even when used with foods with strong colors or odors.

In short, cooking with silicone utensils is a practical, safe, and convenient option in the kitchen, combining durability with ease of use and cleanliness, while maintaining the quality of the utensils and the health of the food.

Baking with silicone

Silicone bakeware has become increasingly popular in recent years, for several reasons that make it an attractive option for both home and professional bakers. The main benefits of silicone bakeware include:

• Non-stick: One of the biggest advantages of silicone is its non-stick nature. This means food easily releases from molds and pans without the need for large amounts of butter, oil, or cooking spray, making cleanup much easier and contributing to healthier baked goods.
• High flexibility: Silicone tools are highly flexible, making it easy to release baked goods from the mold. You can gently bend or twist the mold to release muffins, cupcakes, or other baked goods without fear of them breaking.
• Heat and cold resistance: Silicone tools can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making them oven safe (usually up to 220-260°C or 428-500°F; always check the manufacturer’s instructions) and freezer safe. This makes them versatile for preparing a wide variety of foods. 
• Ease of Cleaning: Due to their non-stick surface, silicone utensils are extremely easy to clean. They can be hand-washed with soap and water or placed in the dishwasher.
• Durability and Longevity: Silicone utensils are known for their quality and durability, and can last a long time if properly cared for. They are resistant to cracking, rust, and corrosion.
• Variety of Shapes and Sizes: Silicone utensils are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and innovative designs, allowing you to create unique and attractive baked goods.
• Space-Saving Storage: Due to their flexibility, some silicone utensils can be folded or compressed to save storage space.

Silicone air fryer liners

Silicone air fryer liners are accessories designed to fit inside the air fryer basket. They are typically made of food-grade, heat-resistant silicone. Here’s an overview of these liners:

• Easy to clean: They prevent food residue and grease from sticking to the air fryer basket, making cleanup much easier. Most are dishwasher safe.
• Air fryer protection: They help protect the air fryer basket’s coating from scratches and damage, potentially extending the life of the appliance.
• Non-stick: They provide a non-stick surface for food, preventing sticking and making food release easier.
• Reusable: Unlike disposable paper liners, silicone liners are reusable, making them a more environmentally friendly and economical option in the long run.
• Heat distribution: Some designs come with ridges or grooves on the bottom to promote air circulation and better heat distribution, which can help cook food more evenly.
• Versatile: They can also be used as baking pans or as heat-resistant mats outside the air fryer.

Silicone utensils and bowls

• High and Low Heat Resistance: Silicone utensils and bowls withstand a wide range of temperatures, making them ideal for use in the oven, microwave, and freezer. You won’t have to worry about them melting or cracking under normal home conditions.
• Non-Stick: Silicone surfaces are naturally non-stick, making cooking, baking, and cleanup much easier. Food doesn’t stick easily, and utensils can be removed and cleaned quickly.
• Flexibility and Durability: Silicone is a highly flexible material, allowing utensils and bowls to bend without breaking or damaging them. At the same time, they are durable and able to withstand daily use for a long time.
• Safe and Non-Toxic: High-quality food-grade silicone is safe for use with food. It is chemically inert and won’t react with foods or release harmful substances when heated.
• Easy to Clean: Due to its non-stick properties and flexibility, cleaning silicone utensils and bowls is a breeze. They can be hand-washed or placed in the dishwasher. 
• Doesn’t absorb odors or stain: Unlike some other materials, silicone doesn’t absorb food odors or leave permanent stains, preserving its appearance and functionality for longer.
• Slip-resistant: Many silicone utensils come with slip-resistant handles or bases, providing a secure and comfortable grip during use.
• Variety of shapes and colors: Silicone utensils and bowls are available in a wide variety of attractive shapes and colors, adding an aesthetic touch to your kitchen.
• Space-saving storage: Due to their flexibility, some silicone bowls can be folded or compressed to save storage space.

Silicone molds

Silicone molds are an incredibly versatile tool in the kitchen, offering a wide range of applications that make cooking and baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s an overview of their main uses:

• Cake and Pastry: Ideal for baking small and large cakes, cupcakes, muffins, pies, and brownies. They ensure even heat distribution and easy release of baked goods without the need for greasing.
• Baking: Can be used to bake a variety of breads, giving them distinctive shapes.
• Cookies and Mini Pastries: Suitable for shaping small biscuits and pastries into precise shapes.
• Chocolate and Confectionery: Widely used for creating chocolates, pralines, and hard candy in a variety of shapes and sizes.
• Ice Cream and Ice Cream: Ideal for freezing homemade ice cream and ice cream into attractive shapes.
• Jello and Pudding: Help shape jelly and pudding desserts into elegant shapes that are easy to serve.
• Stews and Eggs: Can be used for cooking individual portions of stew or scrambled eggs in the oven. Flavored Ice Cubes: Allow you to freeze ice cubes with herbs or fruits to add a distinctive flavor to drinks.
• Meal Prep: Helps you portion and freeze individual portions of meals for easy preparation later.

Using silicone in the microwave

• Heat Resistant: Silicone can withstand high temperatures without melting or warping.
• Non-Stick: Food doesn’t easily stick to silicone, making it easy to clean.
• Food Safe: Food-grade silicone doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food.
• Durable and Flexible: Silicone products are durable and don’t break easily.
• Freezer Safe: Many silicone products are also freezer-safe.

FAQ

How to Clean Silicone?

To clean silicone, you can follow these steps:

• Initial Dirt Removal: Start by removing any dirt or large residue from the silicone surface using a dry cloth or soft brush.
• Water and Soap: Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
• Cleaning: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water solution and wring it out thoroughly. Then, gently wipe the silicone surface to remove dirt and stains.
• Rinse: Rinse the silicone thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Drying: Dry the silicone with a clean, dry cloth or allow it to air dry.

How do you know if silicones are oven safe?

Is it safe to cook in silicone? Here are some ways you can tell if silicone is oven-safe:

• Oven-safe silicone products are usually clearly marked by the manufacturer. Look for these marks on the product itself or on the packaging.
• The “Food Grade” mark indicates that the silicone is made from food-safe materials.
• The manufacturer must specify the maximum temperature that the silicone product can safely withstand. Make sure the temperature you plan to use in the oven is below this limit.
• Most high-quality silicone products are oven-safe at temperatures up to 220-230°C (428-446°F).

Are silicones dishwasher safe?

Yes, silicone is generally considered dishwasher-safe. Why is silicone dishwasher-safe?

• Heat-resistant: Silicone can withstand the high temperatures typically reached by dishwashers without warping or melting. Some types of silicone can withstand temperatures as high as 260°C (500°F).
• Non-reactive: Silicone is chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t react with the cleaning agents used in dishwashers and doesn’t release harmful substances.
• Durable and non-porous: Silicone is strong enough to withstand repeated washing cycles in the dishwasher. It’s also non-porous, preventing the absorption of food residue or odors.
• Food-grade approved: Most silicone products used in the kitchen are made from food-grade silicone, which has been tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be safe for use with food.

Finally, we talked about whether it’s safe to cook in silicone. Cooking with silicone utensils is a safe and convenient option for many kitchen tasks. Silicone utensils also prevent food from sticking, making cooking and cleanup much easier.

Also read:

How to Make Sugar Glass Decorations for Cakes That Look Truly Magical.