Silicone bakeware is composed of the chemical elements silicon and oxygen. This type of bakeware is available in a variety of shapes and sizes such as muffin, bread, bundt and round cake molds. Like all bakeware, the silicone variety has its own set of pros and cons.
Pro: Flexibility
Silicone bakeware can be mashed, rolled, stuffed and bent without any resulting damage. If your kitchen is short on storage space, you can bundle the bakeware with rubber bands and store it in compact areas. When removing baked goods, you only need twist the bakeware a certain way to pop them free. They won't stick.
Con: Damageable
Even with its many pros, you can damage a piece of silicone bakeware. Due to its soft composition, it can be cut or punctured if not handled correctly. Knives, scissors or other sharp kitchen utensils are not suitable for use with silicone bakeware. You cannot place the bakeware directly on a stovetop or hot plate or put it under a broiler or open flame. Abrasive cleaning tools or cleansers can also damage silicone products.
Pro: Versatility
Silicone bakeware can withstand extreme heat -- to approximately 525 degrees Fahrenheit -- and can be used in both microwaves and conventional ovens. The pans can also be placed in the freezer filled with foods or beverages. In addition, you can take a piece of silicone bakeware directly from the freezer to the oven or the oven to the freezer. Food stops cooking once you remove the bakeware from the oven.
Pro: Convenience
Baking times for foods in silicone bakeware are shorter than those of other types of bakeware, if the molds are shallow. They are non-stick, so there's no need to grease them, except maybe before the initial use. Cleanup is as simple as rinsing or wiping clean, eliminating the need for scouring, soaking or using soap.
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