What are these funny colored, rubbery like objects that you see in the department stores, speciality kitchen stores (hosting KitchenAid, SiliconeZone, Llorente, Smartware bakeware and more) and now on TV? What you have to be asking yourself is, do these products really work? Well the answer is YES, they sure do. Professionl chefs have been using silicone bakeware for years. There are more brand choices today than ever before. With the recent improvement in silicone bakeware, you should make 2007 the year that you give them a try. Read on to learn the facts about Silicone Bakeware.

What is Silicone?

Silcone bakeware and other silicone kitchen utensils are safe to use. Silicone is a class of inorganic rubbers of various compositions and formulas made by linking silica atoms. Silicone was developed for its long life, being able to withstand extreme temperatures, its superior reliability and will not warp, change shapes or breakdown due to extreme temperatures. As mentioned earlier it is safe. Read more information on silicone bakeware safety. Tthe FDA requires that the product is made specifically for baking with no fillers. The fillers reduce the performance of the baking.

Each manufacturer is different. Most silicone bakeware can withstand temperatures between 400-500°F on the hight side and 0°F on the low side. Make sure to check the label to find the temperature range for your specific product. One word of warning is don't use silicone bakeware on stovetops, hot plates or direct heat.

Here are some major benifets, reviews, instruction and care for Silicone Bakeware.

Silicone bakeware is a non stick material - this material will not chip, fade or wear off over time. One thing you will have to do the first time is "season" the pan with oil or cooking spray. After the first time it is not necessary to do it again. Some silicone bakeware will need to be placed on a baking sheet for stability.

Unparrelled release of product - getting your favorite recipe out of the pan is easy. If you would like some silicone bakeware recipes there yours. All that is necessary to remove cakes or muffins from the silicone bakeware is to invert and apply pressure to the bottom and peel the bakeware back. For cakes, place the baking sheet and silicone pan on a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before removing the cake product. For bread, you can peel the pan away immediately.

Nothing but quality results – with silicone bakeware everything is perfect. You get beautifully browned baked goods, they bake completely and evenly and have no burnt bottoms or edges. The bakeware is rubbery so the baking stops once it is out of the over. It is non porous so it never retains odors from foods. The rim of the pan will cool quickly and you can touch that part in minutes, while the entire pan will cool more quickly than conventional bakeware.

They are durable and versatile - can be used in the oven, freezer, microwave and fridge. Can go from one to the other instantly. Silicone bakeware can be used for quiches, cold treats, meats, fruits and more. For freezer use, just pour the batter evenly into the bakeware and place on a level surface in the freezer. When you are ready the frozen batter can go straight into the microwave or oven for baking or defrosting. You will need to place the pans on a baking sheet to stabilize them. When you use silicone bakeware the recipe time can be reduced by 10% or sometimes as much as 5-10 minutes. For more information on this check silicone bakeware temperature adjustements.

No problem cleaning - silicone bakeware is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. Just use soapy water, but never use anything abrasive. This is a rubbery product so never use sharp objects that may cut through the pan. If needed you can turn the pan inside out for cleaning they are so flexible. No more scrubbing ever again.

Compact for easy storage - silicone bakeware is lightweight and flexible, so you can bend, fold or twist for easy storage. It has a "memory" so it will retain its shape. You can store a whole set in one drawer.