Here’s what you need to know about getting safe, non-toxic and BPA-free silicone kitchen utensils.
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Silicone kitchenware is gaining popularity due to its vast range of bright colours, designs, and versatilities. They are also extremely user-friendly and work well with non-stick cookware. With so many of them available online and in-store, how would you know the one that you’re using to cook is non-toxic and safe for handling food?
What is silicone
Silicone is a type of synthetic polymer that is more heat resistant compared to organic polymers. It is widely used and commercialised in many industries including personal care, coating, automotive, electronics, chemicals, etc. due to its durability, easy to manufacture, and stable over a wide range of temperatures. Most silicone products can withstand up to 260°C. You should not confuse “silicone” with “silicon” because they are not the same. Silicon is used to manufacture semiconductors in electronics whereas silicone does not conduct electricity. Rubber silicone (Polysiloxane) is the form of silicone that is commonly used in kitchenware.
Are silicone cooking utensils safe
You might have asked yourself “ Is it safe to use silicone kitchen utensils?”. Yes, silicone cooking utensils are completely safe to use. Just make sure your silicone kitchen tools are recognised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and labelled as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS). Make sure that it is 100% pure food-grade silicone when buying silicone kitchen utensils.
Is a silicone spatula safe for frying
Yes, a silicone spatula is safe for frying. It is a heat-resistant and long-lasting kitchen utensil. Not just that, silicone spatulas work well with nonstick pans, easier to clean and wash.
Fun fact: The first silicone spatulas were sold in the 1980s
Which is better, nylon or silicone cooking utensils
Both silicone and nylon cooking tools are preferable compared to metal utensils as they do not damage pots and pans. Silicone tools do not scratch off the coating on pans and skillets. However, a lot of chefs prefer silicone over nylon utensils as they have higher heat resistance, durable, and dishwasher-safe. Nylon kitchen utensils on the other hand are cheaper and can melt at a higher temperature, releasing chemicals during cooking.
READ: 13 vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Klang Valley you should visit
What are the characteristics of non-toxic silicone cooking utensils
It is important to buy food-grade silicone utensils and bakeware. The higher the quality, the better.
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FDA compliant
The FDA recognised silicone as safe to use as food-grade materials (food-grade silicone) in 1979. It is advisable to buy only FDA-approved silicone utensils. The FDA inspects the manufacturing process and post-production of silicone kitchen utensils to ensure that they are safe for preparing food.
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BPA-free silicone
Bisphenol A (BPA) is often used to make plastic containers and bottles. It contains chemicals that can mimic our hormones causing harmful effects on the human body. When buying your silicone cooking and baking utensils, choose the ones that are made of 100% pure silicone as they do not contain BPA.
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100% pure silicone
A 100% pure silicone is food-grade silicone and it won’t release toxic chemicals as you cook. Pure silicone also does not contain BPA as well. However, low-quality silicone utensils have plastic fillers in them that might contain BPA.
What is the best silicone kitchen utensil
If you want to give silicone kitchenware a try, here are some of the best silicone cooking utensils in Malaysia that are worth splurging on.
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La Gourmet
La Gourmet silicone kitchen utensils passed the German Food and Commodities Act (LFGB). They used nontoxic, nonreactive food-grade silicone that has gone through secondary cure. The utensils have flexible edges and are suitable for non-stick cookware.
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Le Creuset
Le Creuset silicone kitchenware ranges from spatulas, baking cups, and a lot more. They are made of premium-grade silicone that can withstand up to 250ºC. Their kitchenware comes in a variety of colours and designs, they don’t damage any cookware and are dishwasher safe.
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IKEA Malaysia
IKEA silicone spatulas do not have BPA in them and are dishwasher safe. The silicone baking cups can withstand temperatures up to 250ºC, oven-safe, and dishwasher safe as well. They’re also available at a much cheaper price compared to La Gourmet and Le Creuset.
Pros and cons of silicone kitchen utensils
Let’s consider these characteristics to find out if silicone kitchenware is worth it.
Silicone utensils advantages
Not only safe to use and non-toxic, silicone utensils
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Heat resistant
A silicone utensil can withstand up to 250ºC and will not melt even if you left it in your pot! Silicone pot holders are great for handling a hot oven, microwave, or pan. Not just that, silicone utensils are also freezer-safe as they can withstand extremely cold temperatures.
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Easy to clean and maintain
Did we say easy to clean? Yup, silicone kitchenware is easy to clean, wash and some can simply be tossed into the dishwasher. They are also stain-resistant and do not retain odours when used to cook deep-coloured food. Also, silicone bakeware like muffin moulds can be washed and reused, unlike paper cups. They are extremely user-friendly when it comes to dealing with non-stick surfaces.
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Durable and recyclable
Silicone kitchen utensils won’t break, scratch, shatter and they will probably last forever. The rubber-like material also makes them flexible and won’t damage non-stick surfaces. Even though silicone is non-biodegradable, it can be recycled and remould into other products.
READ: How to clean an air fryer: Tips to remove baked-on grease and residue
Silicone utensils disadvantages
Every kitchenware has its weaknesses, be it wood, iron cast, or ceramics. But it doesn’t mean they’re not worth buying. You just need to find good ones.
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Plastic fillers
Poor-quality silicone utensils might have plastic fillers with BPA in them. They can’t withstand higher temperatures, break and bend too easily.
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Special recycling centres
Silicone wastes are processed and recycled at special recycling facilities to remould them into other products.