Silicone bakeware can be a blessing or a curse. People buy the best bakeware sets for the non-stick and flexible features. However, they can get quickly frustrated because of the same features.
I had my eye on a set for a long time, and I finally managed to purchase a set from a second hand store.
After the first use, I echoed the frustrations. I initially found them hard to clean because they are so wiggly. I had to support the back with one hand and scrub to every single muffin cup with the other hand. However, after the second use, I realized that the secret to cleaning and caring for the silicone bakeware set is very simple. After using to bake, it is best to remove the baked goods after they cool completely.
Recommended Reading: Get started with baking by reading our Ultimate Guide to the Best Baking Equipment for Beginners!
Another useful tool in the silicone bake ware set are Silpats. I find Silpats to be ideal when making peanut brittle. After the brittle cools, it peels right off. Silpats are also wonderful for things like baked meatballs or sausage balls. The clean up is nothing more than a quick wipe or two with a damp rag or paper towel.
Another thing you can use Silpats for is forming loaves or rolls of yeast breads from your bread machine. The dough doesn’t stick to the sheets. Just line your silicone bake pan with a Silpat sheet.
While most silicone bakeware sets can resist temperatures of -40 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the label will tell you what the specific temperature range is. Avoid placing the silicone on a stove top burner or a barbecue pit. Since the bake ware is unstable, place the pans on a baking tray. Be mindful that while the silicone cools quickly, they are hot when first removed from the oven.
Please note that before spending the money on a Silicone Bakeware Set, it’s essential to read the label.
The label will tell you if the bake ware contains FDA approved, food-grade silicone. If you don’t see an FDA approved label, do not waste your money. The imitation silicone sets are made with plastic fillers, which will reduce the heat resistance and leech plastic odors and an oily taste into the food.
The best method for cleaning the set is to simply let it sit in warm soapy water. This softens and removes the bigger bits of food, if you have any stuck on. After that, it’s a matter of wiping the rest off. You can put them in the dishwasher; however it’s important to know that you should not use any abrasive cleaning chemicals or steel wool pads. You will damage the surface.
Hopefully this will save you from any frustrations when using your set!
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