What is silicone? 

Silicone is a synthetic petrochemical-based product that includes silicon, a natural material that is the second most abundant element found in the earth's crust. Silicones are water repellent, chemically inert, and stable at extreme temperatures. 

How heat resistant is silicone? 

Although a broad range of claims regarding silicone's heat-resistant qualities exists, talking about heat resistance is tricky and can be misleading. Silicone, as it is used in housewares products, serves as an insulator. The degree of heat resistance depends on several factors, including the silicone's thickness and grade, as well as other design elements, the temperature applied, and the length of time the tool is in contact with the heat source. So, no temperature is accurate without specifying these factors. For example, some silicone oven mitts have been tested to allow the user to be directly in contact with a heat source over 600¡ãF for more than half a minute. However, almost all household cooking applications are well below this temperature. Oil in a deep fryer is around 380¡ãF, a lobster in boiling water is in around 212¡ãF heat, and bakeware in the oven is usually less than 400¡ãF. So silicone in a well-designed product will almost always provide enough heat resistance for a sufficient time to complete the kitchen task. 

What are the advantages of using silicone? 

The primary reasons for selecting silicone products are their heat-resistant and nonporous qualities. For instance, the use of silicone on spatulas allows this everyday kitchen tool to handle tasks beyond the capabilities of ordinary plastic spatulas. Silicone is also slip resistant and waterproof, helpful features when using oven mitts and potholders. Another advantage of nonporous silicone kitchen tools is that they do not stain or deteriorate upon contact with heat or food and since silicone is nonabsorbent, products made using silicone are more hygienic than those made with other substances. 

One of the features of silicone accessories is that they are easy to clean. For example, silicone brushes are extremely easy to clean, especially when compared to other hard-to-clean brushes that are frequently discarded after only a few uses.

The flexibility of silicone bakeware makes it easier to remove baked goods compared to traditional metal bakeware, and silicone bakeware can be rolled up or folded for convenient storage. But flexibility can be a disadvantage, too, if the silicone bakeware needs a metal baking sheet underneath it for support. Look for bakeware with rigid handles or metal frames for the stability of metal with the flexibility of silicone.

How should I choose silicone products? 

Consider color, quality, and brand, along with unique applications in which silicone really enhances the product's performance. The design of the silicone product is also important. It should answer the questions "Is the product functional?" and "Does silicone help that function?"

How should I clean my silicone products? 

Silicone products do not require frequent heavy-duty cleaning. Kitchen accessories made with silicone can be washed under the tap, in the dishwasher, and in the case of oven mitts, in the washing machine. Silicone accessories can even be placed on the bottom rack of a dishwasher. 

Any special care instructions for my silicone accessories? 

Be careful not to puncture, pierce, or cut silicone products. Even though silicone is an extremely durable material, it can be punctured. Take care while using sharp objects like kitchen scissors or knives with silicone products.