Is Silicone Really Non-Toxic and Safe to Use in the Kitchen?
Silicone is a versatile material that is used in everything from lubricants and sportswear to food-safe bakeware. But is it really non-toxic and safe to use?
Core Kitchen silicone utensils are made of a single piece of pharmaceutical grade, BPA-free silicone and fit comfortably in your hand. This makes them a better choice than spatulas with separate wood or metal handles.
1. Durability
Silicone is a popular material for many kitchen items, from spatulas to silicone baking mats. The versatile and flexible material can withstand high temperatures and resist damage to nonstick surfaces. Silicone is also dishwasher-safe, which makes it easy to clean the utensils and keep them looking like new. It is also a safe alternative to plastic, which can contain toxic chemicals or leach into food.
A good quality silicone kitchen utensil will be heat-resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be thick enough to fit comfortably in the hand and have a smooth surface for an easy grip. It should also have a locking feature to hold the utensil securely in place for fuss-free storage.
A good quality silicone utensil will have a core of stainless steel for added strength and stability. It should also be BPA-free and made with nontoxic silicone. Some cheaper utensils have plastic fillers and chemicals that could cause health issues. These utensils may have soft edges and can become slippery over time. They are also prone to scratching the surfaces of pans and pots.
2. Heat Resistance
Unlike glass and ceramic, silicone does not crack or break when exposed to high temperatures. It is also non-stick, so it can easily glide across a pan without scratching it. Moreover, it is more flexible than plastic, stainless steel and rubber utensils and can therefore be easily pulled out of a hot pan or ice tray.
It is also food-safe. Its neutral chemical reactivity means it does not react with different Silicone Utensils foods and beverages to produce hazardous fumes or absorb odours or colours from the food.
This makes silicone kitchen utensils safe for use in the oven, microwave or even in the dishwasher. However, it is important to check that the silicone used for your utensils is 100% silicone. It should not contain any fillers that can weaken it over time. Also, choose utensils with handles that are strong and not too soft. This will ensure that the utensil stays in your hand when twisting it and that it does not accidentally slip out of your grip. If the handle is too soft, it may melt or deform over time.
3. Easy to Clean
Silicone is a great material for reusable kitchen tools because it’s non-stick, heat-resistant and easy to clean. It’s also very durable, and unlike wood or metal, it doesn’t crack or break easily. It’s also safe to use with non-stick cookware, and it won’t leach chemicals into food.
Cleaning silicone utensils is simple Silicone Utensils with hot water and dish soap. Just be sure to rinse the soap well, as silicone can become sticky if it’s left on too long.
You can also use vinegar as a natural cleaner for silicone. Mix a solution of equal parts hot water and vinegar, and soak the silicone item in it for 30 minutes or more. Then, rinse and dry with a clean cloth.
If your silicone is discolored or has mildew, you can try using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to remove it. Soak your silicone utensil in the peroxide for 24 hours, and then scrub it with baking soda and wash it. This will make your utensils look like new!
4. Non-Staining
Silicone is a versatile synthetic elastomer that can be molded to various shapes and sizes. It’s also non-toxic and BPA-free, making it a safer option than some plastic kitchen utensils. It’s also heat-resistant, which makes it a good choice for using with non-stick cookware.
Because it’s flexible, silicone is less likely to damage or scratch non-stick cooking pots and pans than metal utensils. It also won’t absorb odors or pick up colors from food like wooden spoons. Unlike some plastics, silicone can withstand high temperatures and does not release hazardous fumes when exposed to hot water.
However, some silicone utensils can stain if they come into contact with foods that contain pigments or dyes. A little rubbing alcohol can help to disperse the color and keep your utensils looking clean. Also, be sure to buy only food-grade silicone kitchen utensils that have passed FDA and LFGB testing and certification. Poor-quality silicone utensils may have plastic fillers that can be harmful to your health. Fortunately, silicone is recyclable and can be remoulded into new products.
5. Easy to Store
Unlike utensils made from materials that can leach into your food while cooking, silicone is safe to use in the kitchen. They also don’t react with certain acids, and they won’t produce hazardous fumes during high-heat usage, unlike some metal utensils.
Silicone utensils are durable, heat-resistant, flexible, and non-stick friendly. They are often a bit more affordable than stainless steel and wood utensils too. They’re also easy to clean and store, making them a great alternative to traditional cookware.
To keep your silicone utensils looking new, be sure to dry them completely before storage. Moisture can lead to rust and mold growth, so it’s important that your utensils are fully dry before placing them in a drawer or cabinet.
Another way to make your utensil storage easier is to invest in a lazy Susan. This is a rotating shelf that makes it easy to access your utensils, and it will save space in the drawer too.