Silicone utensils are quite popular in the market. The cooking wares have received lots of praise from many kitchen forums and Facebook groups.
The versatility and the colors of the cooking utensils made from silicone are quite easy to differentiate from other cookware.
But are silicone cooking utensils safe? One of the question tossing the mind of many people on the ocean. The good news is that silicone metal is inert.
Inert metals do not react with foods. Therefore, silicone cooking utensils are safe for human use. They do not leach chemical compounds in the food.
Besides that, the cookware does not react with food ingredients. It is one of the reasons why the FDA has termed the cooking utensil to be quite safe for human use.
Unfortunately, there is plenty of counterfeit silicone cooking utensils in the market and this is the reason why making a decision can be a daunting experience.
A lot of people tend to mistake silicone cooking utensils with plastic counterparts due to their versatility, malleability, water-resistant and flexibility.
The core difference between plastic and silicone utensils is that plastic utensils are made from petrochemicals while silicone from silica or sand quartz.
Therefore, silicone is non-toxic and it does not have any negative impact on the immune system of human beings. It is recommended to consider silicone utensils for your kitchen over plastic utensils.
Is Silicone Toxic When Heated?
Silicone metal is inert although it tends to be malleable, flexible and water-resistant. It is the reason behind their growth in popularity.
Also, the research conducted by experts from the FDA recommends silicone cooking utensils as safe for use. It is the reason why it is popularly used to make baby bottle nipples.
The most wonderful thing is that silicone utensil does not emit fumes or release chemicals when exposed to heat. The inert nature makes the metal to be a stable compound. T
he good news about silicone cooking ware does not leach harmful chemicals in the food while cooking even if they are exposed to extreme heat or fat.
You should note that some cheap silicone products normally contain fillers that can be harmful to your health.
Therefore, you need to be extra careful when choosing silicone products due to the presence of counterfeit products. There are so many guides on things to consider when buying silicone cookware. Keep reading.
Is It Safe To Microwave Silicone?
Silicone cookware can withstand a high temperature of about 500˚F. This implies that they do not meltdown after being subjected to high heat like that of a microwave.
The inert properties of silicone metal make it ideal for manufacturing cookware. It is a stable compound that does not release toxic fumes and leach chemicals in the food.
Besides that, silicone kitchenware is durable hence can give you long-lasting cooking experience. It is simple and easy to clean since they are dishwasher safe.
Another amazing thing with silicone cooking wares is that they can be used in refrigerators, freezers, and oven apart from the microwave.
If you are given a chance to choose between plastic and silicone cooking ware then I would recommend silicone products due to safety and durability.
Does Silicone Leach Chemicals?
Silicone is a synthetic material that is normally made by bonding silicon and oxygen. The two atoms are the reasons why the products are regarded to be safe since they are harmless.
The most wonderful thing with silicone products is that they do not leach harmful chemicals in the food while cooking.
Besides that, it does not react with acidity or alkalinity in the food. This happens so since silicon is inert compounds.
They tend to remain stable even after being subjected to high temperatures. The unreactive properties are the reason why they are safe for use.
However, some silicone products are impure and this implies that they leach harmful chemicals in the food. Therefore, you need to be careful when choosing silicone products to avoid toxifying your body from the fillers. Pure silicone products are considered to be the best.
Is Silicone Dishware Safe?
According to the FDA, silicone dishware is inert and stable. It does not release fumes, react and leach harmful chemicals into the food.
Besides that, silicone wastes are non-toxic to aquatic and soil organisms. It can easily be recycled for use after a long time of usage.
The most wonderful thing is that silicone dishware is versatile. This implies that they can withstand both cold and hot temperatures.
Also, they are simple to wash in dishwater. This can be achieved by boiling it down to sterilized without getting damaged after being exposed to high heat.
Things to Consider When Buying Silicone Cookware
Buying silicone cooking utensils can be a daunting experience due to the presence of many counterfeits of products in the market. Here are some of the factors to consider when buying silicone cooking utensil. They include:
Temperature
Check the temperature range of the cooking ware before buying. Fake silicone cooking utensils normally meltdown when subjected to high temperatures.
Twist Test
This is the main factor to consider to help avoid buying silicone products that contain fillers. It is done by twisting the product and if it does not change the color then it is an original product.
FDA Approval Label
Consider silicone cookware with a label that shows it is an FDA approval. It is clear proof that it is non-toxic. It does not leach chemicals and react with food while cooking.
Conclusion
Silicone cooking utensils are safe for cooking and baking. But you need not expose them to a temperature above 572˚F. Some of the common cooking utensils made from silicone are silicone pans, muffin cups, and loaf pans.
The compound in silicone is inert and stable hence non-reactive. The core factor to consider when buying silicone kitchenware is the FDA approval brand.
The factor implies that they do not leach harmful chemicals in the food when cooking. I hope the information in the guide has been useful. Use the comment section to share your views and suggestions on silicone cooking utensil safety.