Do you put silicone bakeware directly on the oven rack? Unlike the question “Should cookies be baked on wax paper”, this certainly seems like a no-brainer question. However, if you want to know the answer to this matter for sure, this article is certainly for you.
You can place silicone bakeware right on the oven since it’s FDA-approved and food-grade. High-quality silicone bakeware can handle temperatures up to 500°F, so it’s perfectly safe to utilize.
For smaller silicone bakewares like cupcake cups, you will need cookie sheets to prevent spillage of your batter. In today’s article, I will talk about silicone bakeware and answer your questions.
I will also uncover the pros and cons of silicone bakeware, so let’s dive right into it.
Do You Put Silicone Bakeware Directly On The Oven Rack?
Since silicone is stain-resistant and non-toxic, many people prefer it over metal bakeware.
It’s a heat-resistant material that can withstand temperatures up to 500°F. So, it’s safe to use for baking. But here’s the kicker. It’s reusable, washable, and eco-friendly so why wouldn’t you want to use it?
Silicone bakeware is also cheap and versatile, so you can easily gather a wide array of molds and forms for your recipes. Smaller baking molds are available everywhere. They’re rigid and prevent baked goods from cracking, unlike larger pans.
Additionally, small silicone baking molds can also double as serving cups or containers at gatherings. They’re especially useful when you need to serve bite-size desserts like mini cheesecakes, fudges, or tiny cookies at parties.
Generally, silicone bakeware produces different levels of success but it’s not for everyone. Since it’s very popular among homeowners, small brands try to sell low-quality silicone bakeware, so be cautious.
Otherwise, you can save money on something made with filler materials or impurities at the expense of your health. Cheap silicone material can be recognized by a white color that shows when it’s twisted and stretched, Therefore, before purchasing, inspect the silicone bakeware for visible imperfections.
Now, let’s learn how to use silicone bakeware for baking and summarize the pros and cons.
How To Use Silicone Bakeware For Baking?
Bakeware made of silicone is completely safe in the microwave and oven. You can apply a cooking spray before using it. However, it’s not necessary since silicone bakeware is non-stick by itself.
The best part? Silicone bakeware is super flexible, so it’s easy to put and take out of the microwave and oven. However, there’s also a risk of batter spillage, so proceed with caution every single time.
Consider using cookie sheets or similar things under your silicone bakeware to make things easier. After baking, place your food in a cooling rack. That way, your batter can temper all the way through.
What I like most about cooking or baking with silicone bakeware is peeling it right off. Meaning, you can easily flip your pan and take out the cake. Let it cool for a while and enjoy your cake in no time.
There’s also a downside. Unlike other cooking and baking materials, silicone is a poor conductor of heat. Meaning, your baked goods will get a brownish color which is why silicone bakeware is suitable for light-colored cakes, muffins, and loaves that don’t mind a little browning. Or where sticking can occur.
Lastly, since silicone bakeware is known for being a hit-or-miss, it’s recommended to only utilize brands popular for their high quality. And don’t forget to use cookie sheets for smaller bakewares.
Watch this video to know more:
What Temperature Do You Use For Silicone Bakeware?
Silicone bakeware is tolerant of both cold and heat. You can use your silicone bakeware in the oven at a temperature up to 500°F. It’s also microwave-safe, freezer-safe, and super easy to clean.
Advantages Of Using Silicone Bakeware
If you have no idea how to place silicone bakeware right on the oven right, it’s time to learn new things. Silicone bakeware will surprise you in many ways.
It’s the perfect alternative for other kitchenware in the home. The reason why is that it’s safe to use and withstands 500°F.
Meaning, you can easily use it in hot pans to prepare scrambled eggs—a classic egg recipe everyone loves. Also, you don’t need to worry. The silicone won’t melt in your oven. The best part? It’s non-stick and easy to clean.
Silicone bakeware, as I already mentioned at the very beginning, is FDA-approved. Now, let’s summarize the main advantages of using silicone bakeware.
- Reusable, washable, and eco-friendly.
- Silicone bakeware is stain and rust-resistant.
- Silicone cookware heats quickly and bakes everything evenly.
- It’s oven-safe, microwave-safe, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-safe.
- It’s non-stick so you don’t need a cooking spray or cooking oil.
- The removal of this product is quick and easy.
- Ultra-lightweight and easy to store.
Disadvantages Of Using Silicone Bakeware
Not every silicone bakeware is made equally. It differs from company to company. Additionally, cheaper products can have hazardous fillers, so be careful when buying silicone bakeware.
Some bakers usually adjust their baking and cooking hours because they utilized silicone bakeware. Also, not every silicone bakeware features a non-stick surface and may need oiling or greasing.
This is one of the disadvantages of using silicone bakeware. Safety studies associated with the utilization of silicone bakeware aren’t well-documented. This is why some bakers avoid utilizing it and although it’s FDA-approved, there’s just not enough solid evidence that silicone bakeware is 100% safe.
- Silicone bakeware will melt when placed under direct fire.
- It may degrade over time.
Silicone bakeware isn’t suitable for use under direct fire, under a broiler, and stovetop. Otherwise, it will quickly melt. Therefore, it’s perfect for oven settings instead of under direct fire.
In other words, when you want to make desserts with direct fire, it’s better that you opt for well-built pans for baking, or specialized popover pans. These can withstand intense heat rather well, making them a better choice than silicone bakeware when it comes to tolerating fire.
Also, keep in mind that if you buy silicone bakeware from an unreliable brand, the silicone bakeware can degrade over time. Always buy silicone bakeware from a reputable, trusted brand.
Watch this video to know more:
10 Tips For Successful Baking With Silicone Bakeware
Silicone bakeware has a lot of benefits. It’s almost impossible for you to not like it. You can purchase a set of cupcake molds or chocolate molds both online and in-person for cheap.
They’re easy to store, easy to use, and high temperature resistant. Cleaning is a breeze. It’s convenient to use silicone bakeware but the following 10 tips can make your work even easier.
1. Purchase Smaller Pans
Use smaller pans such as cupcake cups and muffin cups since they’re more rigid and don’t deform easily. They’re also cheaper, easier to locate in stores, and more versatile than larger ones.
2. Inspect For The Presence Of Fillers
Some cheaper silicone products can have fillers. Check for fillers by pulling or pinching the silicone cups. If there’s a filler, the cups will turn white. Avoid silicone bakeware that contains fillers.
3. Check The Suggested Temperature
The silicone bakeware can endure high temperatures. However, it’s always smart to check the suggested temperature for your specific baking molds before inserting them into the oven.
4. Utilize Hot Pads
Silicone bakeware turns super hot in the oven. Meaning, it’s not safe to take it out with bare hands. Use a hot pad instead.
5. Grease Bigger Pans
Dusting and greasing are usually not necessary for silicone bakeware. However, doing this gives better results, especially in bigger pans as the goods baked in them have a higher chance of cracking.
6. Greasing Makes Cleaning Easier
Greasing the pans isn’t necessary. However, it makes the cleaning process a lot easier. Therefore, grease your silicone bakeware only a little for effortless cleaning and easier cake or muffin removal.
7. Utilize Oven Trays
Since silicone molds are super flexible, removing them from the oven is a challenge. It’s a smart idea to utilize an oven tray for preserving them in the oven. Removing them is easier with its help.
8. Avoid Utilizing Sharp Utensils
Don’t utilize sharp utensils like forks or knives on your molds. Otherwise, you can damage your silicone bakeware and ruin all the fun.
9. Serve Your Party Snacks In Silicone Molds
While hosting a party, celebration, or some other events at your home, you can utilize silicone molds for serving snacks in them. They’re available in bright colors and lovely shapes. Thus, they can be utilized for more than just baking and cooking.
10. Utilize Soapy Water For Cleaning
To clean your silicone bakeware successfully, soak them in lukewarm soapy water right after use. Then, wipe them gently to take off some residual grease.
Watch this video to know more:
FAQs
Life Is What You Bake Of It
Do you put silicone bakeware directly on the oven rack? As I already stated, yes. It’s safe and won’t melt in your oven. Silicone bakeware is super flexible, extremely durable, and cost-effective.
You can replace your metal bakeware with silicone bakeware and enjoy the benefits of silicone. It’s FDA-approved. Meaning, it’s safe to use. However, be careful as there’s also a bad silicone out there.
Always check for fillers before buying silicone bakeware by pinching the product. If white color appears, avoid that silicone tool. Have you ever utilized silicone bakeware? What’s your experience with it?
Hopefully, you learned something new about silicone bakeware today. And hopefully, you will welcome it into your home soon. Express your opinions below and share this article with your friends.
