Silicone baking mats: how to choose and use?

The silicone baking mat is a kitchen novelty that has gained particular popularity among culinary experts. Surely you have come across situations when, it would seem, everything has already worked out, and it is not possible to get the baked goods out of the mold without violating its integrity.

Kitchen utensils such as a silicone rug are designed to solve the above problem.

The silicone baking mat is a modern and productive piece. Unfortunately, many housewives, like chefs, question its safety. Indeed, unscrupulous manufacturers can manufacture such products with the addition of harmful substances that can harm health.

Uncooked dough and cooked products will not stick to it. The non-stick layer protects the dishes; food does not burn during cooking.

Such equipment for baking in the oven is inert, that is, it does not react with other ingredients and, most importantly, does not emit dangerous toxic substances. It should be noted that The production of silicone cookware is a highly demanding high-tech process. It is made from quartz sand and is a natural rubber.

The material must be heat-resistant in order to withstand the temperature difference from - 40 to + 230 degrees, not to cause allergies.

Every year, silicone utensils are becoming more and more firmly established in our kitchen.

Many housewives still put the pros and cons on the scales. Innovative development is not trusted by everyone.

Let's figure out the advantages of silicone rugs.

• It makes it possible to reduce the consumption of oil and fat in food to a minimum.
• Food grade silicone is absolutely not harmful to health.
• Resistant to deformation, does not corrode.
• Baking, meat, fish are baked evenly.
• Does not absorb odors, without fear, can be used for various ingredients.
• The product is universal. You can not only bake, but also roll out the dough.
• Doesn't require any special skills in maintenance.
• The soft material is easy to store.
• Long lasting. Multiple use, up to several hundred times.
• Attractive price.

As for the shortcomings, there are practically none.

Let's note a few weak points.

• Cannot withstand temperatures above 240 degrees.
• When heated, it does not hold its shape well. Allow to cool slightly before removing from oven.
• Not suitable for cooking on electric and gas stoves.

The modern tableware market is replete with its diversity. Flexible utensils are much more expensive than metal ones, but they do not stale on shelves in stores.

The flight of fantasy is unlimited. Although a couple of years ago, they were used exclusively by professional chefs. A useful addition to the product is a rug with markings.

A functional device that allows you to cut out the shape of the desired size.

These can be circles of different diameters or a ruler on different sides of the sheet in centimeters and millimeters.

Due to the low edges, the dough does not flow out, and the finished cake can be greased with cream or jam and rolled into a roll.

Perforation ensures high-quality cooking. Micro-perforated rugs allow hot air to pass through better. They are good for preparing cakes, bread, cookies, pizza.

But they are completely unsuitable for batter, jellied pies, charlottes, meringues.

High strength is achieved due to the special glass fabric with which it is covered.

Able to withstand temperatures from -60 to +250 degrees. Still flexible, but more economical.

This version of the cooking utensils is presented in separate sections, which allows you to make curly cookies or beautiful meringues neat.

Thanks to the grooves, it is convenient to pour the dough, adhering to the same distance.

Heat-resistant mats include silicone trays, suitable for baking meat, fish, vegetable dishes.

During cooking, the resulting fat does not come into contact with food, so the food is less nutritious.

The relief of the baking sheet improves air exchange, the food is baked evenly.

Most chefs are convinced that you can cook a culinary masterpiece in anything. However, it is possible to accomplish this in a short time and without risks only with the use of high-quality and non-hazardous dishes.

Often we purchase kitchen items randomly, without looking back. Sales are pushing us into rash purchases. Let's try to understand the leading manufacturers of silicone mats.

The world leader specializing in the creation of confectionery and bakery products, as well as equipment for the production of ice cream. The company produces more than 7 thousand items, including about 100 silicone elements for baking.The products are popular among professional bakers and confectioners, as well as among home-baked lovers.

The company first produced plastic containers for the bakery industry. Later, expanding their assortment, they began to produce attributes and additional equipment for bakers and confectioners.

The main products are silicone mats and bakeware, tartlet machines, chocolate crystallization machines, and more.

The line of the product brand is represented by unusual silicone substrates and baking tins, luxurious utensils made of durable metal, comfortable aluminum and cast iron pans.

It takes into account the manufacturer and the price level of consumers, providing for the division of product groups by cost and technical characteristics.

An international brand specializing in non-stick home appliances and cookware.

In the production line, a separate place is occupied by silicone rugs and bakeware, ceramic and carbon steel dishes.

One of the world's most reputable premium resin and mold manufacturers.

Products are made on the basis of fiberglass and food grade silicone, allowing them to withstand a long service life and significant temperature fluctuations.

The manufacturers of these products are located in the Middle Kingdom. Despite the skepticism about the quality of goods from China, the silicone substrate meets high technological requirements.

Pyramid Pan is a novelty that allows harmful substances and fat not to remain in the food during cooking.

A constantly evolving company that develops unusual and inexpensive consumer products designed to make everyone's life easier and more comfortable.

Silicone sheet "Baker" is designed not only for baking, kneading dough, but also for freezing and preserving semi-finished products in the freezer.

There are a variety of silicone baking pads available in hardware stores today. You can get lost in such a variety.

Therefore, only high-quality raw materials should be the basis.

Consider the primary nuances that you should pay attention to when choosing a baking sheet.

• Decide on a goal, evaluate your tasks and expectations in order to choose a more advantageous attribute of a kitchen specimen.
• When buying, do not be too lazy to smell the silicone mat. A sharp, unpleasant smell should alert you, it is better to refuse such a thing right away.
• Be careful about too bright colors of the product. This may contain hazardous synthetic dyes.
• The labeling requires close attention. It must indicate the manufacturer, his coordinates, the material from which he is made, with the obligatory sign "for food", the safety class. If this is not the case, feel free to put it aside, most likely it is a fake.
• If possible, try bending the sheet. There should be no white marks on the folds. Their formation suggests that there are many unnecessary impurities in silicone.
• The important parameters are shape, size and thickness. The shapes are varied: round, square, rectangular. The sizes are numerous. It all depends on the dimensions of the dishes. As for the thickness, it is better not to skimp and buy a thicker rug. So you can be sure that your favorite treats will not burn.

The use of silicone backing is not limited to baking rolls, breads, cookies and cakes.

Cooked dumplings with cherries will wait for their turn in the freezer without sticking to the surface.

It is as easy as shelling pears to use this kitchen inventory in everyday life.

Kitchen fixture options are presented in single-sided and double-sided types. The first comes with two surfaces - glossy and matte.

Therefore, the question arises - which side to put. The answer is simple: products should be placed on the glossy side, matte is applied to the baking sheet. The second type is more functional, both sides can be exploited.

Any utensil is demanding to care for. So she is able to last as long as possible. The silicone mat, despite its simplicity, is no exception. Using it incorrectly will lead to frustration.

Simple recommendations for its operation will allow you to use such an indispensable assistant in the kitchen for a long time.

• Do not cook on the product immediately after purchase, heat treatment is required. Preheat it in the oven for several hours on a baking sheet at 230 degrees.
• Place only on a smooth and hard surface (baking sheet, pan). Under no circumstances should be placed on the wire rack of the oven or grill. Avoid direct fire.
• Microwave safe.
• There is no need to lubricate the silicone mat, it is non-stick.
• The coating is very sensitive to any mechanical damage. Cutting or piercing on the surface is strictly prohibited. This also applies to metal brushes.
• It is advisable to wash a polymer product without detergents, or give preference to an alkaline one, since this substance can destroy the working surface of the material.
• As a rule, the remnants of food on it do not burn, it is enough to clean it with a damp sponge or rinse it with water. If the product turns out to be too dirty, then soak it for a short time and then dry it with a towel.
• Do not fold the sheet several times - creases will form, making the product unusable. Store it on a roll.

In their reviews, user opinions are divided. Some are neutral about cooking innovations, especially with regard to baking sheets with pyramids. A certain part considered them pointless. But overall, there are more positive responses.

The baking sheet is "always ready" for use, it does not need to be measured, straightened, or greased. This thing is a guarantee of delicious dishes.

Among the shortcomings, users note an insignificant manufacturing defect in the application of marking on the sheets, which can have a difference, for example, with baking tins for cakes. However, they are so insignificant that they are simply omitted.

According to reviews, consumers strongly recommend purchasing such an irreplaceable kitchen utensil to everyone who loves to bake homemade dishes of varying complexity. This is the best option for daily use.

You can learn more about how a silicone baking mat can be useful in the video.