Do You Put Silicone Bakeware Directly On The Oven Rack?

Last Updated on August 10, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

Yes, you may put Silicone bakeware directly on the oven rack as silicone bakeware can withstand heat. However, silicone bakeware is dimensionally flexible. Usually, silicone bakeware can resist up to 400°F. So, place it on a baking sheet or a sturdy oven-safe tray to provide stability and prevent deformation.

Do You Put Silicone Bakeware Directly On The Oven Rack?

Silicone bakeware has gained popularity over the years due to its non-stick surface and versatility. It has become a favorite among many baking enthusiasts. But when it comes to using silicone bakeware, there’s one question that often comes up: Should you put it directly on the oven rack? Let’s find out.

1. Check the manufacturer’s instructions:
   Before using any silicone bakeware, it’s essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Different brands may have different recommendations, so it’s important to follow them for the best results. The instructions will typically provide guidelines on temperature limitations, proper usage, and whether it is safe to place the bakeware directly on the oven rack.
2. Benefits of using silicone bakeware:
   Silicone bakeware offers numerous advantages. It is flexible, lightweight, and does not require greasing, making it easy to remove baked goods without any residue. It is also non-stick, allowing for even baking and effortless cleaning. Furthermore, silicone bakeware can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for baking, freezing, and microwave use.
3. The general consensus:
   Many silicone bakeware manufacturers advise against placing their products directly on the oven rack. While the material is heat-resistant, direct contact with the oven’s heating elements can lead to uneven baking and potential damage to the bakeware.
4. Using a baking sheet or tray:
   To ensure proper heat distribution and prevent any potential damage, it is recommended to place your silicone bakeware on a baking sheet or tray. This additional layer provides stability and protects the bakeware from direct exposure to the oven’s heat source.
5. Extra precaution for larger silicone bakeware:
   For larger-sized silicone bakeware, such as baking mats or molds, it is advisable to use a baking sheet or tray, or even a wire rack, for added support. This will help maintain the shape and stability of the bakeware, preventing any potential accidents or spills.
6. Individual factors to consider:
   While there is a general consensus to avoid placing silicone bakeware directly on the oven rack, individual factors may come into play. If you have a small-sized silicone baking cup or mold that fits securely on the rack without any risk of tipping over or sagging, it may be safe to do so. However, it is always best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.

In conclusion, it is generally not recommended to put silicone bakeware directly on the oven rack. Protecting the bakeware with a baking sheet or tray helps maintain stability, prevents potential heat damage, and ensures even baking. Remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions and take individual factors into consideration to ensure the best baking experience with your silicone bakeware.

How To Choose The Best Silicone Bakeware To Make Cupcakes?

Silicone bakeware is available in different shapes and sizes, which makes the baking process way more fun and exciting. Here are a few tips you can use to make that perfectly yummy cupcake using silicone bakeware.

1. Silicone Bakeware Quality Check

Silicone bakeware is an extremely good option to bake cupcakes but make sure the one you are buying is 100% pure silicone.

Well, you might be thinking about how to find that out? Do not worry. We have a trick to solve this problem. 

While buying silicone bakeware, pinch and twist it. If the silicone bakeware loses its colour and turns white, then it is not 100% pure silicone. And if the silicone manages to retain its original colour, then congratulations, you got a 100% pure silicone bakeware.

2. Choose The Right One

Yes, we know there are plenty of silicone bakeware shapes available that you may find extremely tempting.

We do often get attracted to cute and tiny objects. But, you need to be practical to choose the silicone bakeware. Resist buying something very tiny just because it looks cute. 

You are buying those to fill in the batter. If you buy something very small, then you may have to work harder and the fruit, in this case, cake, will come out very small.

3. Mould Sizes

If you are a master of baking in regular-sized bakeware, then you can easily use any creative and exciting small silicone bakeware shapes like heart, star or paw-shaped. 

The smaller sizes are easy to handle and also affordable. Not only that, but the kids will also love to see the interesting shapes of cupcakes.

However, if you are baking for a large group of people, then you should go for a regular size silicone bakeware. Otherwise, you will have to make higher batches of cupcakes to meet the demands, and that process is both dull and tedious.

4. Collection

Build your collection in various shapes of silicone bakeware. Silicone bakeware is easy to use and clean and also inexpensive. So you can have your hands on these diverse silicone bakeware shapes to add fun to your baking.

5. Greasing

Although the new silicone bakeware does not necessarily need greasing, it can make your job a lot more simple. You can grease or put paper cups to save yourself from the pain of rinsing them up for a long time.

6. Temperature

Generally, silicone bakeware is heat- resistant. You can put it straight on top of the oven rack. But to remain on the safer side, always read the instructions of the bakeware carefully.

7. Longevity

Remember, silicone bakeware is reusable. So it is better to go for good quality silicone bakeware. Also, wash them regularly and read the instructions carefully. You can use them at different levels of temperature. So choose wisely.

Is Silicone Bakeware Advantageous To Use?

Though silicone bakeware is getting mixed reviews, still, it is being embraced by many baking enthusiasts who prefer using silicone bakeware over metal and glass bakeware.

If you are pondering over it, then do not forget to check the table.

Pros	Cons
The silicone bakeware is heat-resistant, which means you can use it in the microwave, freezer, oven.	All the bakeware does not achieve the same outcome.
Removing the cakes is easy.	They are a bit smaller than regular-sized pans.
Greasing is optional.	You have to repeat batches to bake for a large crowd.
There will be no form of rust and staining on the silicone bakeware.	Not every bakeware is 100% pure silicone.
You can reuse it even after a year if maintained properly.	The result may be inconsistent.
It is FDA approved safe-rubber.	Poor quality silicone bakeware will release foul odour during baking.
It saves space in the kitchen rack.	It is not a biodegradable product.

Does It Take Longer To Bake In Silicone Bakeware?

Usually, while baking muffins, cornbread, brownies or anything else takes extra five or ten minutes to cook all through if your bakeware is darker colored.

What Is The Maximum Temperature That Silicone Bakeware Can Resist?

All the 100% pure silicone bakeware can resist both heat and cold temperatures. You can put the bakeware in the oven at a temperature up to 428°F. Also, you can shift the temperature directly from the oven to the freezer.

Can Silicone Bakeware Cause Cancer?

Silicone is a synthetic rubber that consists of bonded silicon and oxygen.  Low-quality silicone bakeware can ooze out silicon oil and fume a terrible burning odor.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a survey and silicone bakeware, or in general, cookware is safe to use. Food grade silicone does not contain any chemical filler or produce any dangerous fumes.

For those people who have sensitivities to chemicals might stay away from using silicone bakeware. 

Which Is Better- Metal Or Silicone Bakeware?

Silicone bakeware is non-sticky and comes in various shapes. However, it is very poor in conducting heat. And so, when you bake muffins, cakes, and cornbread, it takes just five to ten minutes more. Moreover, the baked items turn out less brownish.

On the other hand, metal bakeware is best for browning. It is suitable for baking bread, cakes, tarts, and muffins. However, aluminum bakeware may react with acidic substances like baking soda, baking powder, or eggs that are present in the batter.

Is There Any Need To Line Silicone Baking Trays?

It is not necessary to grease silicone baking liners, but if you want to wash the bakeware quickly, you may use it to save time. It is totally upon you.

Can I Put Silicone Bakeware In A Pressure Cooker?

A lot of people use a pressure cooker for baking, and this may be the reason for so many people asking this question.

Well, there is no definite answer as to whether you can put silicone bakeware in a pressure cooker or not. It may depend on the quality of the silicone bakeware and how close you put it to the cooker’s heating source.

What Are The Steps To Use Silicone Bakeware?

There are only a few steps to using silicone bakeware.

• Clean your silicone bakeware with a clean piece of cloth.
• You can grease the bakeware or use paper cups. It mainly depends on your choice.
• Now, pour the batter evenly you have made.
• Put it inside the oven to bake.
• Follow the recipe to bake.
• After the baking time gets over, remove the bakeware from the oven.
• Let the bakeware cool down for some time.
• Demould the baked item from the bakeware.
• Clean the bakeware in the dishwasher or with liquid soap water.

Follow these steps, and enjoy your baking time.

Should We Use Metal Or Silicone Bakeware For A Big Confectionery Item?

When planning to bake a big confectionery, it is better to choose metal bakeware. Metal bakeware is more rigid and provides support. They are also bigger than silicone bakeware. Thus, you can select metal silicone bakeware for a big confectionery item. Otherwise, for smaller baking, silicone is a good option.

Is Silicone Bakeware BPA Free?

Yes, food-grade silicone is free from all sorts of chemicals BPS and BPA. So you can use silicone molds and trays for baking purposes without any problem.

Are Silicone And Plastics The Same?

Most people may have the query of whether silicone and plastics belong to the same family. The answer is no. Silicone and plastics are not the same. Moreover, silicone is related to rubber.

Final Verdict

Silicone bakeware is affordable and easy to use baking utensils. Although there are assumptions and questions regarding its safety, the FDA approved it as toxic-free. You can build your diverse collection and enjoy baking in those shapes. Also, they are effortless to clean.

However, for a big party, it may not accommodate baking a big confectionery. In that case, you can choose metal bakeware.

References:

https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/can-you-put-silicone-in-the-oven
https://foodsguy.com/silicone-bakeware-on-oven-rack/