Silicone is one of the most common materials for making cake molds, plates, or bowls.
Without a doubt, silicon dinnerware is widely used in today’s kitchen.
However, can you microwave silicone? If it is microwave friendly, do you need to consider anything while using it?
Let’s dive into this article, and you will get the exact answer. Scroll down!
Can You Microwave Silicone?
The good news is yes. You can put silicon utensils in a microwave without fear of converting or leaking into harmful substances.
According to the FDA’s research in 1979, it is a safe material for cooking and daily use. For instance, molds made of silicon are freezer-safe, microwave-safe, or even oven-safe.
It’s a type of amorphous substance. Water or most solvents have little effect on it. It’s non-toxic, odorless, and chemically stable.
It doesn’t react with anything but hydrofluoric acid, a powerful alkali. For this reason, you can use it in the microwave without deformation.
You can feel safe when using it. Despite popular belief, temperature fluctuations will not make food-grade silicon permeate into foodstuffs.
Is Silicone Safe?
The answer is yes! It is safe to contain food and drink.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade silicone utensils and cookware do not contaminate food with dangerous chemicals.
If you are still afraid of using tools made of this material for baking or cooking, you should avoid cookware and only use kitchen gadgets made of this substance.
What Do You Consider While Microwave Silicone?
It would be best to keep in mind these considerations when microwaving silicon, even though it is ok to use in a microwave.
Its maximum temperature is between 204 and 232°C. It indicates that you are not permitted to set the thermostat excess 200°C.
Moreover, the bowls or plates you are using must be made correctly and food-grade. You can check their label, which indicates a “microwave-safe” alert.
Is Silicone A Better Alternative To Plastic?
Yes! It is more environmentally friendly and durable than plastic!
It is also more heat resistant and, unlike certain polymers, does not comprise bisphenol A (BPA). That’s why many consumers prefer utensils made of this material to plastic ones.
Is Silicone Flammable?
The answer is no! Although it may catch fire or burn, it is not a combustible material, unlike many assume. It ignites at 450 degrees Celsius.
Can Silicone Be Reused?
The short answer is yes!
Sadly, recycling silicon is often seen as downcycling, much as plastic. It implies that after each consecutive recycling, it gradually degrades.
Is It Easy To Clean Silicone?
Yes. Cleaning objects from this substance isn’t as difficult as you would assume.
You can use a dishwasher if your utensils are labeled “dishwasher-safe” products. Otherwise, you can hand wash with these steps:
- Using a towel, apply grease-cutting detergent to the water and spray it until it becomes warm.
- When water is hot, use a soapy towel to wipe down gadgets made of silicon such as pans or molds.
- Thoroughly rinse.
- Let them dry naturally.
If you need more ways, you can refer to this video:
How To Make This Substance Dry Faster?
You can use a heat lamp or fan to dry silicon. Alternatively, a hairdryer is also a good solution to make these things dry faster.
However, notice that if you use a hairdryer to dry it, maintain a reasonable temperature!
The Bottom Line
All in all, you can microwave silicone. It won’t release toxic chemicals or become deformable.
Yet, you should note that its maximum temperature limit is between 204 and 232 degrees Celsius, so you should not adjust the temperature over this range.
Thanks for reading, and see you in the next post!