Silicone baking has become increasingly popular, and many sourdough bakers are curious about using silicone bread slings. But is it safe to bake with them?
Some people also use silicone trivets to prevent the bottoms of the bread from burning. Are these the best choices for sourdough?
It depends on your baking style: decide whether to use or avoid silicone bakeware. Some bakers carefully inspect the quality of the silicone, while others skip silicone altogether. Instead, they rely on parchment paper and choose it just as carefully.
Silicone baking tips
After extensive research and study, I have gathered a few tips to help you choose the best tools for sourdough baking.
1. Prioritize safety
When purchasing a silicone bread sling or mold, make sure it is FDA-approved, BPA-free, and made from 100% food-grade silicone. Avoid cheaper silicone products that may contain additives or coatings that are not safe for food.
Carefully read the product description. If it doesn't state, "100% food-grade silicone, FDA approved, and BPA-free," I don't recommend investing in that particular silicone product.
Alternatively, contact the manufacturer to verify whether the product meets these criteria.
2. Choose high-quality silicone
Silicone (with an "e") used for baking is different from silicon (without an "e") found in computer chips. So, when searching for bakeware, focus on siliconE, not silicon molds.
Food-grade silicone is a special material that combines silicone polymers with a catalyst, like platinum or peroxide.
Platinum silicone remains stable at temperatures between 392°F and 572°F (200 °C to 300°C), whereas peroxide silicone (a less expensive option) allows harmful particles to migrate at temperatures above 320°F (160°C).
For safe baking, choose silicone molds clearly labeled "platinum silicone." The term "premium silicone" does not always mean the best quality.
One way to check the quality of silicone is the "pinch test." Gently pinch and twist the silicone. If the color stays the same, it is made of 100% silicone. If the color turns white, it likely has fillers, so avoid it.
3. Prepare your silicone bakeware
Before using a new silicone sling or mold, wash it thoroughly with soap or dishwashing liquid, rinse it well, and allow it to air dry. Avoid using a kitchen towel to prevent fabric particles from sticking.
Some newly bought silicone items may have a plastic-like smell, which can be easily removed. Preheat the oven to 392°F (200°C) and heat the silicone bread sling for 1 hour. Now, it is ready to use for baking.
4. Manage oven temperatures
You may wonder if silicone bread slings or trivets are safe to use in a Dutch oven. Can they handle the heat? What temperature can silicone bakeware withstand?
Silicone bakeware is generally great at resisting heat and can handle very high temperatures. The temperature range for silicone bakeware typically ranges from -94°F to 572°F (-70°C to +300°C), depending on the type.
For example, FLEXIPAN® silicone molds by Guy Demarle can withstand temperatures from 500°F to 536°F (260°C to 280°C), while DeBuyer's Elastomould cake molds can handle up to 572°F (300°C).
I have not found any silicone bread slings or trivets from trusted brands such as FLEXIPAN®, DeBuyer, Silikomart, Pavoni, or Silpat that can withstand the high temperatures needed for baking sourdough bread.
The only safe option is the BreadMat™, made from LFGB platinum food-safe silicone and capable of withstanding temperatures up to 500°F (260°C).
Another question is whether silicone trivets can be used in Dutch ovens to prevent the bottom of the bread from burning.
Not really. Silicone trivets are designed to protect countertops from the heat of hot pots. They are not intended for use inside a Dutch oven and cannot withstand temperatures of 500°F (260°C).
If you are looking for a way to prevent the bottom of the bread from burning in a Dutch oven or roaster pan, try BreadMat™ or an 8- to 9-inch round silicone baking mat by Silpat.
5. Hand-cleaning silicone bakeware
To keep your silicone bakeware in good condition, soak it gently in hot, soapy water after each use. To prevent micro-scratches, gently clean silicone items by hand. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing sponges.
Rinse them with fresh running water and let them air dry. Avoid wiping them with a towel to keep fabric particles from sticking.
Can you put silicone bakeware in the dishwasher? It depends on the quality of the silicone. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if your bakeware is dishwasher-safe.
6. Store it in a dry place
Store silicone bakeware in a dry, dark place at room temperature, away from sunlight.
FAQ
Are silicone bakeware products microwave-safe?
Most silicone bakeware is microwave-safe. However, avoid using it in a microwave when the grill or convection mode is on, as high direct heat can damage the silicone.
Why does my silicone bakeware have a bad smell?
A strong or plastic-like smell usually comes from low-quality silicone or poor maintenance. Washing silicone bakeware thoroughly with warm, soapy water often removes the odor. High-quality silicone should not smell during cooking or baking.
Can you cut or trim silicone bakeware?
Silicone bakeware that contains a fiberglass layer should never be cut or trimmed. Altering the size or shape of silicone mats, bread slings, or proofing baskets can damage the material and may release fiberglass particles into food. Always use silicone bakeware as it is designed without modifications.
Let's talk sourdough
Have you tried using a silicone bread sling for sourdough? What did you love (or not love) about it? Share your experience in the comments below.
Ready to keep learning?
Precise measurements are essential in sourdough baking. Learn why a reliable baker's scale is one of the most important tools you can own.
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