Silicone cookware: are they any good?

There is increasing consumer awareness and acceptance of silicone products in areas traditionally dominated by other products, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, and stainless steel. Silicone products tend to be more colorful and unique, just as silicone itself is unique.

Skip the next paragraph if you don’t like science!

Silicon is made from silica, a non-metallic chemical element of the carbon family and makes up 27% of the Earth’s crust. It is the second most abundant element in the crust, second only to oxygen. Silica is found in almost all rocks, clays, sands, and soils. Silicone is a polymer in which silicon and oxygen alternate in a chain and are attached to various organic radicals, such as phenyl and methyl. Enough science!

It was discovered in the early 19th century but not used commercially until the 1940s. However, in 2004, the introduction of silicone brushes and subsequent bakeware and other kitchen products made silicone a household name. in some parts of the world. However, they are still relatively new.

One of the many advantages of silicone products is their resistance to temperature. It is really silicone’s ability to act as an insulator that gives it this property. Most silicone products are tested at 270 C or 520 F, which is hotter than a standard oven and other higher cooking temperatures. Therefore, silicone kitchen utensils and products can be used for all normal kitchen activities.

Another advantage of silicone kitchen products is their lack of porosity. They do not stain easily when in contact with food, nor do they retain residual substances like ordinary plastic products. Silicone is also non-slip and waterproof. These characteristics make silicone products a “no mess product” and easy to clean, especially brushes compared to ordinary brushes. Cleaning can be in the dishwasher or in the sink with water. Oven mitts have been known to wash in the washing machine, if the dishwasher is full.

Silicone products are flexible and can be folded for easy storage. They can be stored flat or hung on a hook.

Special care should be taken not to pierce silicone utensils with sharp objects, although they are extremely resistant to other forms of damage.

In short, it’s easy to see why they’re becoming popular: a heat-resistant, easy-to-clean, colorful cookware.

The next time you update your large kitchen, try a silicone kitchen product or give it as a gift to someone you love.