See SiliconeZone Bakeware and Silicone Kitchen Accessories For years, professional chefs have known the secret and benefits of using high-temperature silicone bakeware and cooking accessories -- and we think it's a great choice for any busy home. Lightweight, non-stick, rustproof, flexible, unbreakable, easy to use and store -- what could be better in a busy kitchen? Silicone offers almost unparalleled flexibility in cooking and baking since most silicone products move easily from freezer, to oven, to microwave -- and some even work for the grill. In addition, silicone's nonporous surface is particularly beneficial in kitchen utensils as it reduces the spread of bacteria compared to porous wooden accessories. But is silicone really a better choice for you? Here are answers to many of our customers' questions about the benefits, safety, use and care of silicone bakeware, cooking utensils and kitchen accessories. Is silicone really heat-resistant and okay for oven use? Is it really SAFE for baking? Most silicone products have a melting point in excess of 650°F. SiliconeZone brand bakeware, in particular, has a high-heat melting point of 932°F, and is made with an FDA-approved silicone formula designed for baking for extended times at temperatures up to 428°F. We offer only SiliconeZone brand bakeware products because they use only 100% pure FDA-approved commercial-grade silicone, with no fillers*. *In silicone bakeware, the quality of the silicone makes all the difference. Cheaper products made using plastic fillers can impart an odor during baking and generally do not offer the performance of better-quality bakeware. To see if fillers are used, simply twist other brands, if the plastic turns "white-ish", that item has fillers -- avoid it! What makes silicone bakeware a better choice over metal or glass pans? Silicone bakeware distributes heat evenly without over-drying the edges or scorching the bottoms of baked goods. It's a favorite tool of many professional bakers for its dense, spongy and moist results. Plus, silicone is a naturally nonstick product, and with proper pan prep, baked goods simply pop or slide out of the pan. Unlike silicone pans, metal pans cannot be used in the microwave and glass pans are bulky and breakable. Only silicone bakeware offers all-around, worry-free use with great results. Another benefit of silicone bakeware is that it immediately begins to cool once it's removed from the oven, so your baked goods will not continue to cook in the pans. How can I be certain baked goods don't stick in silicone pans? A "High Gloss" finish is one sure sign of a high quality silicone product. A shiny, glossy finish is created by a special molding process which seals the silicone in a slick finish during production. This is an expensive process but it ensures a smooth, non-porous surface to enhance nonstick properties. SiliconeZone bakeware is the only silicone brand made with a high-gloss surface and it offers inherent nonstick properties without adding any additional coatings. (This is especially noticeable during cleaning!) However, to ensure that baked goods pop out with the desired finish, we always recommend following the recipe's directions for greasing or flowering. Butter, Sprays, Solid Shortenings and Oils are all fine to use with our bakeware. Are silicone oven mitts, potholders and handle covers really better than traditional fabric versions? Protective silicone products like handle covers, hot pads, trivets and oven mitts offer surprisingly effective heat-resistance with the added benefits that they don't absorb liquids and tend to be non-slip. So no more boiled fingertips or sliding trivets! Plus, silicone's nonporous finish stays MUCH cleaner and more sanitary than fabrics. Simply rinse silicone items off in the sink or even toss in the dishwasher to clean thoroughly. Can silicone cookware and bakeware be used for cold recipes? Silicone bakeware works great as a molds for cold recipes including: Jell-0 Molds, ice cream cakes and frozen desserts. Can silicone bakeware and utensils be used on the stove top? Silicone bakeware is not designed for use on direct heat, stovetops, or hot plates. Silicone utensils, like spatulas and the useful new lids and splatter guards, can be used on the stovetop. Some items, like silicone-tipped tongs, are even safe for grilling. Can silicone bakeware get misshapen if stored bent or folded? It has "memory" that will allow it to spring back into shape. It's great for RV and boat use since it's both lightweight and flexible for storage in small spaces. How do I clean silicone bakeware? Silicone is one of the easiest-care baking tools you'll ever use. To clean, simply soak in warm soapy water and wipe clean. Avoid using abrasive soaps or scouring pads as they can scratch the glossy nonstick surface of silicone bakeware. All silicone kitchen products are dishwasher safe. Testers' Corner: Cooking with Silicone Bakeware and Silicone Accessories Welcome to the wonderful world of colorful, fun, flexible and versatile silicone cookware. Here is a quick look at the benefits of using these great products and some tips to be sure you get great results. SiliconeZone bakeware features: -- Microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher safe -- FDA approved food-grade silicone, the same used by top bakeries -- Glossy nonstick surface, food releases easily - super easy to clean! -- Cooks and cools evenly - cool to the touch after approximately 2 minutes of cooling -- Baked goods will be denser, moister, spongier since silicone does not absorb moisture -- Great for molding cold recipes like ice-cream cakes and Jello. -- Non-absorbant silicone bakeware will not retain odors or flavors -- Will not rust -- Lifetime Warranty Tips for Use: -- DO grease/flour pans as directed by the recipe. Like other nonstick surfaces, baked goods can stick if pans are not prepared. -- DO place SiliconeZone bakeware on a flat baking sheet before filling with batter and while cooking to make transfer to and from the oven easier. -- DO watch the timer the first time you bake with SiliconeZone! Silicone products do tend to cook faster but they do not continue to cook once removed from the oven since the pan does not retain the heat. Some larger items, like bundt pans may have a longer cooking time, depending on your recipe. --DO NOT use sharp knives to cut baked goods in the pan. Sharp knives can cut the silicone. Butter knives generally are OK to use if they're not too sharp.