by Debra Herring

Created on: February 13, 2008   Last Updated: August 05, 2008

Silicone bakeware is one of the most recent newcomers to the kitchen. Originally introduced commercially, it is now making an appearance in the home. Advertised as being non-stick, easy to clean, stain-resistant and easy to store, silicone does require some special care and handling.

Always wash any baking pan before use. Your silicone pans are dishwasher safe or can be washed by hand in warm, soapy water. Rinse with clear water to remove dish detergent. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads as these will harm the surface of your pan.

While some manufacturers advertise that their cookware does not require any type of grease to prevent sticking, others recommend spraying before each use with non-stick cooking spray. Check the manufacturer's directions for your particular brand before using. Some cooks have reported that the surface of their pans have become sticky after repeated use of non-stick cooking spray.

Place your silicone pan on a metal baking sheet for stability before filling or placing in the oven. Even the smaller pans need stabilizing to prevent tipping on your oven rack.

Recommended maximum temperatures for silicone bakeware may also vary by manufacturer. This temperature is usually stamped on the cookware and should not be exceeded. Do not expose your silicone pans to an open flame or use on the burners on top of your stove. They can be used in the microwave oven or toaster oven, but never under the broiler or on the grill.

Food may require less time to cook in silicone versus metal or glass bakeware. You will need to monitor the progress throughout the cooking time to make this determination. For safety purposes, always remove the silicone pan from the oven on the baking sheet, as the flexible nature of the cookware may cause the contents to spill. Pans will get hot in the oven, so use hot pads to remove. They do, however, cook quickly after removed from the oven.

Always allow food to cool completely before removing from the pan. Do not use metal utensils, knives or other sharp objects to cut food or to serve from your silicone pans as this can damage the cooking surface.

With proper care and handling, your silicone cookware will serve you well for many years. For additional information consult these sites:

http://housewares.about.com/od/bakewareserving ware/a/siliconebasics.htm
http://www.consumerreports. org/cro/home-garden/kitchen/cookware-bakeware-cutler y/silicone-bakeware-106/overview/

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