Silicone kitchenware has gained popularity in the last few years and is continuing to do so. Today we shall explore the various reasons why you should consider switching to silicone Kitchen utensils.
Before we get to the reasons, you need to understand what silicone is and the unique properties that differentiate it from other kitchenware.
What is silicone?
It is a type of synthetic polymer that is more heat resistant as compared to organic polymers. It is widely used and commercialized due to its durability, and ease when manufacturing, and it remains stable over a wide range of temperatures. Most silicone products can withstand up to 260°C. Rubber silicone (Polysiloxane) is the form of silicone that is commonly used in kitchenware.
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Are Silicone Cooking Utensils healthy and safe to use?
Are Silicone Kitchen Utensils safe to use? Yes, silicone cooking utensils are completely safe to use. silicone kitchen tools have been tasted and recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and labeled as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS). Your role as a buyer and user of silicone kitchenware is to make sure that the product you are buying is 100% pure food-grade silicone.
Qualities of silicone that you should buy for your Kitchen
FDA compliant
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized silicone as safe to use as food-grade materials in 1979. It is advisable to buy only FDA-approved silicone utensils. FDA inspects the manufacturing process and post-production of silicone kitchen utensils to ensure that they are safe for preparing food.
BPA-free silicone
Bisphenol A (BPA) is often used by manufacturers to make plastic containers and bottles. It contains chemicals that can mimic our hormones causing harmful effects on the human body. When buying your silicone cooking and baking utensils, choose the ones that are made of 100% pure silicone with no additions of BPA.
100% pure silicone
100% pure silicone is food-grade silicone and it won’t release toxic chemicals as you cook. Pure silicone also does not contain BPA as well. Avoid low-quality silicone utensils that have plastic fillers in them that might contain BPA.
Why you should consider switching to silicone kitchen utensils
Let’s consider these characteristics to find out why switching to silicone kitchenware is worth it.
Heat resistant/ stability
A silicone utensil can withstand up to 250ºC and will not melt even if you left it in your pot. Silicone utensils are also freezer-safe as they can withstand extremely cold temperatures.
Easy to work with, clean and maintain
silicone kitchenware is easy to clean, and wash and some can simply be tossed into the dishwasher. They are also stain-resistant and do not retain odors when used to cook deep-colored food. They are extremely user-friendly when it comes to dealing with non-stick surfaces.
Durable and recyclable
Silicone kitchen utensils don’t break, scratch, or shatter. The rubber-like material also makes them flexible and they do not cause damage to non-stick surfaces. Even though silicone is non-biodegradable, it can be recycled and remolded into other products.
Non-Stick
Silicone cookware is a good alternative to non-stick cake tins, muffin pans, and other nonstick This is why they are excellent for low-fat and oil-free cooking. This means you do not have to grease the cookware before use.
Flexible
Silicone kitchenware is flexible, it, therefore, survives in harsh conditions when dropped, squeezed, or even smashed. silicone will survive.
Colors
Most silicone products come in bright colors, giving you multiple options to choose from when looking for something for your house. The attractive colors and the delicate nature of silicone kitchenware make it safe for children to use.
Disadvantages of using Silicone kitchenware materials
Plastic/ chemical fillers
Poor-quality silicone utensils that are not 100% Pure have plastic or chemical fillers with BPA in them. These cannot withstand higher temperatures, they break and bend too easily.
Soft Handles
Silicone handles are floppy and softer than others, so they may not give you the leverage you need while cooking, especially when put at high temperatures. check out silicone kitchen tools with longer and sturdier handles, like those made from metal or wood.
Unknown Long-term Safety
very few studies have been conducted on the long-term safety and long-term health effects of using silicone products.
How to Keep Yourself Safe When buying and using Silicone Kitchenware Products
here are the things you should keep in mind when buying or using kitchenware products
Check the Medical-grade
Check the medical grade when you go to purchase silicone kitchenware. Make sure that the product you are buying contains little or no chemical fillers at all. By getting medical-grade silicone, you ensure you are getting a product that is as close to 100 percent silicone.
Avoid Chemical Fillers
You can verify if chemicals were added to the silicone by pinching its surface. If you see white in the product while squeezing, a chemical filler has been used. Take note; a pure silicone product should not change in color at all.
Wash Before Use
Always make sure to pre-clean all your silicone products before using them. Doing this will decrease the amount and chance of chemicals getting into the food or air.
Adhere to Recommended Temperature Use
Read instructions to see the maximum temperature your silicone Kitchenware can withstand. follow the guide and do not exceed the indicated temperature
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Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article. Very cool. Thanks. nimabi