The Pros and Cons of Silicone Bakeware
A way to bake and probably stop scrubbing your aluminum bakeware. Silicone Bakeware might be easier to use to bale your favorite cakes and cookies.
If you’re an avid baker, then you’re probably aware of the latest craze – silicone bakeware. Any bit of reading up on it reveals a list of advantages, enough that would get anyone considering switching over. But what about the cons? Are there any to be mentioned when it comes to silicone bakeware? Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
The Pros of Silicone Bakeware
There are plenty of pros to mention; some will rate higher on your list than others.
- They are non-stick and don’t require any oil spray, or greasing
- They are dishwasher safe and clean up easily without the need for heavy scrubbing or soaking
- They can be used in the microwave
- They are safe in the fridge and freezer
- They heat up evenly so you get an even bake on your food
- They heat up very fast
- They are easy to store
- They are very lightweight
- Stains and rust won’t ever happen
- Give the bakeware a twist to release the food
- They are available in a wide range of colors
- They are relatively inexpensive
The Cons of Silicone Bakeware
It would be misleading to list all the pros without also pointing out the cons. While there aren’t many negatives, there are still a few you should be aware of.
- They aren’t very “stable” in that they bend and twist easily which can result in spills. To get around this you can place the silicone bakeware on top of a cookie sheet.
- They may not always be safe at high heat
- Even though they are non-stick it can still be tricky sometimes to get the items out
- If you use something sharp on the bakeware you risk cutting it, as it isn’t very strong/durable
- You won’t be able to use it near a hot flame
- The warranty may not be as long as with a traditional piece of bakeware
The Verdict
So now that we’ve gone over the pros and cons, what’s the verdict? The pros definitely seem to outweigh the cons here, and because the bakeware is so easy to work with and very simple to clean up, it’s certainly worth investing in a piece or two so you can give them a good try. Start with an easy recipe first if you want to try them. You’ll find just as many options (size and shape-wise) in silicone as there are in traditional bakeware.
Recipes you may want to try
Sources:
http://housewares.about.com/od/bakewareservingware/a/siliconebasics.htm
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/pros-cons-silicone-bakeware-105190.html
