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Everything you need to know about food safe silicone before your first purchase
Silicone bakeware is all the rage these days. It’s easy to use, attractive and has low environmental impact.
But not everyone knows how safe silicone is for food preparation-especially those who purchase it online without reading reviews or comparing prices first!
Before buying anything in a store, read this article to make an informed decision about your next silicone utensil purchase.
What is food grade silicone?
Is silicone plastic? Food grade silicone is a type of silicone that is specifically designed for use with food. It is made tough and resistant to weather conditions and certified by the NSF. This makes it a safe material to use in the kitchen.
In addition, silicone kitchenware that has been certified as “food safe” by the NSF-51 standard undergoes rigorous third-party testing. This certification guarantees the product is free of harmful chemicals such as BPA, lead, latex, and phthalates. The material is also considered non-hazardous waste and environmentally friendly.
Silicone (or polydimethylsiloxane) is a manmade polymer and the product of Silica and Carbon when heated together at high temperatures. Silicone is a completely synthetic rubber and a relatively hybrid material as it is formed from organic compounds of Hydrogen and Carbon, known as hydrocarbons.
Some key properties in silicone rubber products:
- High and low heat resistance
- Chemical resistance
- High compressibility
- High elasticity
- Water repellency
Silicone can be transported from the temperature of a freezer to that of a hot oven without undergoing any structural changes, which may affect its performance as a silicone mold.
The number of silicone food applications encountered in everyday life is incredible. From airplane engines to swimming goggles, silicone seals and coatings are found in just about every corner of consumer life. The impressive chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of silicone makes the material highly durable, so it is little wonder that it has been widely adopted by many industries, not least the food industry.
How safe is food grade silicone?
Silicone is a healthier, more inert alternative used in food and beverage applications. Silicone is resistant, nonporous, and has a broad temperature range. Silicone is a healthier, more inert alternative to plastic for food and beverage applications. Vanguard produces silicone prodvariousariety of applications, including food grade silicone extrusions and tubing. Vanguard’s silicone products are highly precise and cost-effective. Vanguard has its operations and custom compound formulations to create silicone products.
Silicone’s resistance to temperatures and chemicals ultimately means that it does not react with foodstuffs or any other media encountered in the process line. The use of silicone sealing, therefore, does not result in any hazardous byproducts which could adversely affect the health of the workforce or end consumers. This is important when considering silicone as a ‘food safe’ material.
What is food grade silicone made of?
Silicone is a synthetic made up of silicon, oxygen, and other elements. It is durable and resistant to chemical leaching. Silicone has a broad temperature range, making it ideal for food and beverage application. Vanguard manufactures food grade silicone products using highly precise processes and custom compound formulations. Vanguard is a one stop shop for all your silicone needs, including food grade silicone rubber extrusions, tubing, and molded products.
What are the benefits of using food grade silicone?
Food grade silicone is a type of silicone that is specifically designed for incidental food contact. It is a versatile and durable material that is resistant to damage. This makes it a popular choice for kitchenware, as it can be safely used to cook food without the risk of contamination.
Silicone kitchenware is a great option for those looking for an alternative to traditional materials like stainless steel and aluminum. Food grade silicone is non-toxic, safe to use in the oven, microwave, or dishwasher, and can withstand high and low temperatures.
One of the benefits of using food grade silicone is that it’s NSF-51 certified. This means that the silicone has been deemed safe for use with foods by a leading public health and safety authority.
In addition, silicone is a safe material to use in the kitchen. It is odorless and contains no harmful chemicals such as BPA, lead, latex, or phthalates. This makes it a safer option than other materials that may release harmful toxins when heated.
How can you use food grade silicone in the kitchen?
Food grade silicone is a popular material for kitchenware because it is tough and durable. It can withstand high and low temperatures without breaking or warping, making it a suitable material for everyday use. Additionally, food grade silicone is NSF-51 certified, meaning that it meets all the requirements for safety and sanitation in the food industry. It is also damage resistant, meaning it will not scratch or chip easily.
In addition, silicone kitchenware is a safe option when purchasing new kitchen supplies. The NSF-51 certification guarantees that the material has been tested for safety and meets all requirements. The material is odorless and contains no harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, latex, or phthalates. Additionally, the material can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste and is environmentally friendly.
Food grade silicone is often used to make molds of nonfood items for later use as molds to cast food items into the shape of the initial nonfood item. The rubber molding make shapes out of chocolates, butter, gelatin, cheese, and candies. Food grade silicone is also used in food processing and packaging to keep foods from coming into contact with unsanitary surfaces while transported across assembly lines. In addition, hunters and butchers use lubricant food grade silicone to prevent rusting in grinding and cutting machines because it is safe for consumption.
Food grade silicone can be found in various forms to make it more practical for the different uses and jobs it is capable of taking on.
Food grade silicone is found in a tube that often resembles cake icing and can be squeezed onto the objects to be molded. It may also be found as a thinner liquid, which must be mixed and poured over the cast objects. Some food grade silicone can be found in a thick consistency, much like clay; this type is used for small, typically flat objects that can be pressed into the silicone to create the mold. Another form of food grade silicone is the aerosol or liquid form used primarily as a lubricant in food packaging and to protect the food from the introduction to toxic or unclean conditions.
How do you know these silicone molds are food safe?
As you probably know, silicone is a synthetic polymer that has a wide range of applications. It’s used in everything from medical devices to electrical insula and food storage. But what you might not know is that there are different grades of silicone, and not all of them are safe for use with food. So, how can you tell if a silicone product is safe to use in the kitchen?
Another way to tell if a silicone product is safe for use in the kitchen is by looking for the words “food grade” or “FDA approved” on the label. This product testing ensures that they meet safety standards for contact with food.
If you’re still unsure, you can always contact the manufacturer directly and ask about their products’ safety for use with food. They should be able to give you more information about their testing and certification process.
So, now that you know what to look for go forth and safely enjoy your Silicone products!
Silicone can be used for a wide variety of purposes. It is most commonly found in cooking utensils because it conducts heat well and doesn’t react with food. Some uses for silicone in the kitchen include sealing containers and pans to prevent food from sticking, creating a waterproof seal for baking or storing raw meat, and making molds for ice cream. Silicone can also be used as an adhesive, sealant, or lubricant. It is also used in various products that require flexibility and durability, such as shoes and car parts.
How do you clean food safe silicone molds?
If you’re using food safe silicone molds, you’ll want to make sure you clean them properly. Here are some tips on how to make a silicone mold squeaky clean without too much effort:
Silicone molds can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water. There is no need to use boiling water just to remove residue. Food grade silicone spray is much easier to wash away than regular cooking spray.
Do not place a platinum silicone mold in the dishwasher, unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer that it is dishwasher safe.
A silicone mold can be demolded and used again once washed.
So why choose silicone over plastic?
- Plastic is made with carcinogenic and endocrine/hormone disrupting chemicals that, in certain amounts, can cause adverse effects. At the same time, silicone is chemically inert, non-toxic, and will not leach into food or drink.
- Plastic, while it can last a lifetime (actually, on average, 450 years), is prone to damage such as scratches and cracks, with items often being disposed of within a few years. (We’ve all owned a plastic sandwich/Tupperware box, they never lasted very long before the lid cracked or the container became discolored!) Silicone is a more durable, flexible material that can withstand extreme temperatures without degrading.
- Plastic, due to scratches on the surface, can harbor germs. Silicone is hypoallergenic and will not harbor bacteria.
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Baking with silicone molds is easy and they come in many shapes and sizes which makes the whole process of baking a lot more interesting and fun. Although they appeared quite recently, people found a lot of creative ways to put them to good use. They are great because they are made of a nonstick silicone material and can be washed and reused as many times as you want. They’re usually of bright colors and interesting shapes, while available at affordable prices!
If you’re tired of constantly washing greasy pans, using silicone molds instead can be the solution you’ve been looking for! You might be a master chef or someone who simply loves to cook, either way, silicone molds should find a way into your kitchen. Forget about old-fashioned metal pans and read through our 7 great tips on how to use silicone cupcake molds!
Baking Tips for Silicone Molds
The great thing about these molds is they can be used for a variety of things – for storage, for containers and, most often, for baking. There are a few things to know about molds when used for baking so let’s look at some useful tips:
Use Smaller Silicone Molds
Baking with silicone molds is becoming more and more popular, with so many chefs including them in their cooking. Apart from being good for other things as well, smaller molds are more practical and affordable, thus easier to find and use. Equip yourself with some regular-shaped cupcake molds, as well as with some of the interesting shapes – like hearts or stars.
Once you’ve built a great collection, you’ll find that everything you’ve been baking in regularly-shaped pans so far, can be baked in the silicone molds and allow you to provide your family and friends with creatively made pieces of food. If you have kids, they’ll love everything that’s small enough for them to hold and of an interesting shape, so you’re in the lead here.
Mind the Temperature
Many people who buy silicone molds have the same question – Can you put silicone in the oven? While this is a completely justified question, we must tell you that you shouldn’t worry too much about it. Silicone molds are usually very heat-resistant and can be used even at very low or high temperatures. Of course, you want to be aware of the temperature ratings and avoid melting the pan and ruining your hard work.
Choose Wisely
The market has a lot to offer on silicone molds nowadays. Shapes and sizes are numerous, but the practicality varies, too. They are quite inexpensive as well, but again, that doesn’t mean they are practical enough. Many molds are very small and if you are preparing something for a larger group of people, you’ll have to do more than one batch, which can be a bit tiring and boring. Go for regularly-shaped molds of average sizes and avoid cute or tiny shapes. We know how tempting it can be, but be smart!
Greasing Can Help
Generally, good old greasing is not really necessary with silicone molds. However, using cooking sprays or even greasing before baking and cooking can make your life a lot easier when it comes to washing them later on. Think of this as a means of prevention – you’ll spend much less time doing the dishes afterward. Isn’t that something we’re all striving for?
Another option that can reduce the washing-up time is putting paper baking cups in the mold instead of greasing it and just use the mold as a structural form. Cleaning time will be minimal this way!
Check the Quality
Checking the quality of your silicone molds is a must if you’re interested in buying a quality product. Baking in silicone is really easy and great, but only if the pan or the mold are made of 100% silicone, without added fillers. You want to be sure you’re buying pure silicone so you need to check the way it was made.
How can you check your silicone mold is made of pure silicone? You should do the pinch test – pinch the silicone and twist it a bit. Once you do that and the color of it stays the same, you’re dealing with a 100% silicone mold. If it turns white, it was probably mixed with some other material and you should steer clear from that one. Be careful! If you want to bake in silicone, buy pure silicone first.
Find Good Recipes
A great thing about baking with silicone is the variety of recipes available online! You don’t have to be a master chef to be able to bake with silicone, you just have to find delicious recipes for silicone molds and start baking!
Recycle and Reuse
If you have children, you can use them to freeze little pieces of food or meat for them and avoid throwing away meals. Of course, their creative shapes make them great for containers, lunch or snack trays and even homemade DIY products! It’s cute, it’s practical, it’s easy! Using silicone molds in your household is really great because they are easy to use, wash and stack. Make your pick!
Baking, baking, baking, isn’t it fun? Once you get used to using silicone molds for baking and cooking, you won’t even remember how it was before you had them. As you can see, they are very practical and easy to manage, while at the same time safe to use at different temperatures. Even if you haven’t been a fan of baking so far, these cute molds might make you change your mind and turn you into a state-of-the-art baker!
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