Are you thinking of buying silicone bakeware? Perhaps you heard about it and want to experience baking with this material first hand? Are you planning to give a silicone muffin pan as a gift? Welcome then to the 21st century baking experience!

There are some things that you need to consider before heading towards the baking aisle of your local department store. Be prepared so you can make a wise choice.

Once you approach the silicone bakeware aisle do not be surprised of how silicone bakeware feels once touched. It will be soft, flexible and your first thought may be "Oh, there is no way this will last in my kitchen, it will eventually melt and it feels just like cheap rubbish".
Think twice. Silicone is resistant, durable and most of all it will outlive your traditional bakeware. Silicone bakeware is made of FDA-approved food grade silicone and can mostly withstand oven temperatures of up to 500 degrees and low temperatures of -40 degrees.

Silicone will not break if dropped, it will not cause food to stick and it will fit almost anywhere because it is very flexible. Try it for yourself at the store. You can roll it, twist it and bend it in any shape and it will faithfully bounce back into its original shape when needed.Cakes and muffins will come out promptly thanks to its flexibility as you can pop them right out.

Be also ready to stop using butter, oil, flour or cooking sprays as silicone is non stick and your food will come off easily with no effort. Washing is also an effortless event, just think of it: no more caked on batter to remove! Silicone is dishwasher proof as well.

Check out the label before buying, make sure it has the statement that it is made of FDA approved silicone and that it can withstand high and low temperatures.
Choose a color that you will stick with if you plan on buying more later. Silicon pans come in many colors and you do not want to end up with a rainbow of colors that do not match!

A couple of things to consider when buying silicon bakeware:
-Never expose the bakeware to direct heat such as a stove top.
-Do not use knives to slice a cake while inside the pan as you can permanently ruin it!
-Use extra caution when inserting your pan with the batter in the oven. Because of its flexibility it may be sort of floppy.
-Check and compare prices of different brands. Try to get the best quality at the best price. Silicone bakeware is a good investment as it is durable, resistant and will save you money in the long run.
Happy 21st century baking!

Learn more about this author, Janet Farricelli.
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