Silicone is heat-resistant, which makes it safe to use in the microwave. However, you must ensure that your silicone bakeware is microwave-safe before placing it in the unit.
Some silicone products come with safety markings, while others don’t have the markings at all. Avoid using non-marked bakeware at all costs if you don’t want to leach chemicals into your food.
So, can silicone molds go in the microwave? Yes, you can use molds made from silicone in the microwave, oven, and freezer. Fluctuating temperature changes in the oven won’t cause food-grade silicone to leach chemicals into your food.
Are Silicone Molds Safe?
Yes, silicone molds are safe. Food-grade silicone molds don’t cause harmful contamination in your cakes.
Whether preparing delicious desserts or making goodies for a continental breakfast, silicone molds come in handy.
The ingredients in silicone molds are inert materials, meaning that none of the materials used to make the molds will leach into your food.
When buying silicone molds or bakeware #Amazon Ad, ensure that there’re no fillers in the silicone.
Fillers are a cause of concern on bakeware when heated as they expel an odor that can transfer into your pastry. Only purchase molds that are 100% silicone.
Can You Put Silicone Bakeware Directly on Your Oven Rack?
Yes, you can place your bakeware directly on the oven rack when baking. However, they work best when placed close to the heating element.
Most silicone bakeware can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees F. Placing them directly on the rack makes the heat up quickly.
However, if using bakeware made from aluminum or the non-stick variety, don’t place it directly on the rack. Doing so will cause temperature fluctuations which will result in uneven cooking.
How Can You Use Silicone Bakeware in Your Microwave?
If looking for quick non-stick cookware to heat your food, you can never go wrong with a silicone product. Silicone doesn’t absorb microwaves but can heat food in the microwave.
However, using it requires a little care, like stirring things around and watching it.
Before placing silicone bakeware in the microwave, check to ensure it is microwave safe. Always use low settings and avoid heating it at very high temperatures.
Should You Adjust Baking Time When Using Silicone?
Most silicone bakeware manufacturers recommend reducing the time by a third when baking using silicone. However, you’ll need to experiment for some time to get the exact cooking time for different cakes.
At What Temperature Does Silicone Melt?
Silicone melts at about 250 degrees Celsius (482 degrees F). But, in fact, silicone doesn’t melt; it burns.
This is because silicone is a hard material made from different materials that move around. So when it gets hot, the molecules move past each other, separating and burning.
Although silicone isn’t flammable like plastics or oils, it is combustible.
How Do You Bake with Silicone Mold?
To bake with a silicone mold, you need to:
- Ensure that the mold is clean.
- Grease it.
- Pour the batter in.
- Bake as directed.
- Remove the bakeware from the oven.
- Let the mold cool.
- Remove the pastry.
- Clean the mold in the dishwasher or using hot soapy water and soft scrub.
How Can You Clean Silicone Molds?
Cleaning silicone cookware is very easy. All you need to do is check the products to ascertain whether they are dishwasher safe,
If you prefer handwashing, the steps listed below should help you complete the task with ease.
- Apply grease-cutting soap on a soft scrub (avoid abrasive cleaning brushes at all costs).
- Using hot water, wipe down your silicone molds, with the soapy scrub.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Leave out to air dry.
If your pans, molds, or any other silicone cookware has a few bits of food stuck to it, place it back in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Next, soak the cookware in hot water to loosen the food particles. Finally, repeat all the steps listed above to achieve clean silicone bakeware.
Pros and Cons of Silicone Molds
Pros
- Silicone molds are colorful, attractive, and easy to use.
- They come in different sizes to suit your needs.
- They are easy to clean.
- They offer easy removal of food.
Cons
- Silicone is not durable enough to withstand high heat for a long time.
- Some can be very floppy, which makes transferring them from the oven tricky.
Conclusion
Silicone molds are quite safe to use in the microwave(source). They are heat resistant up to 560 degrees F, meaning you can bake all cakes you can think of using the bakeware.
You can use silicone molds in the oven, dishwasher, freezer, and microwave.