WHAT IS FOOD-GRADE SILICONE?
Food-grade silicone is a modern material , essential in our kitchens. Made from silicon, a natural element derived from sand and quartz , it is transformed by chemical processes to produce a flexible, strong and heat-resistant material.
Unlike plastic, silicone does not contain bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, or other controversial substances when it is food-grade. This makes it an excellent alternative for everyday kitchen utensils and accessories.
Discovered in the 1930s, silicone was first used in the medical and technological industries. It wasn't until the 1980s that it became popular in cooking, particularly in baking, with the appearance of the first silicone molds.
Why is silicone used in kitchen utensils ?
Silicone has become a culinary revolution. Here are its main advantages that explain why it is so popular with amateur and professional cooks alike:
1. Resistance to extreme temperatures : Silicone generally withstands temperatures ranging from -60°C to +260/280°C.
👉 This means it can go from the freezer to the oven without any problems.
2. Non-stick properties : No more sticky molds! Silicone is naturally non-stick . You can remove your cakes, breads or preparations from the mold without adding butter or oil.
3. Flexibility and practicality : Silicone utensils are flexible, lightweight and unbreakable . They fold easily, making them convenient to store, even in a small kitchen.
4. Neutral to taste and odor : Unlike some plastics, food-grade silicone is inert: it does not transfer any taste or odor to your food .
5. Easy to maintain : It is easy to wash, by hand or in the dishwasher . In addition, it does not retain grease or food residue .
6. Durable and Eco-Friendly : A quality silicone utensil can last for years.
👉 It is a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic, as it does not break, yellow or deform easily.
At Prati-Kitchen, we have selected food-grade platinum silicone utensils that are certified and durable, for safe daily use.
_The different types of food-grade silicone 👇
There are two main families of silicone used in cooking:
🔹 Platinum silicone:
• Made with a platinum catalyst
• Purer and more stable
• Withstands high temperatures better (up to 220°C continuously)
• Considered safest for food use
🔹 Peroxide silicone:
• Made with a peroxide catalyst
• Cheaper but less stable
• May start releasing some compounds as early as 150°C
• Often used in low-end products
👉 Conclusion: always choose certified platinum silicone (LFGB, FDA) for your molds and kitchen utensils.
How to maintain your silicone utensils?
To enjoy your silicone kitchen accessories for a long time, just follow a few simple rules:
1. Washing and cleaning :
• Wash them in hot soapy water before first use.
• After each cooking, a dishwasher or manual cleaning is sufficient.
• For greasy stains, rub with a little baking soda.
2. Drying and storage :
• Always dry your molds before storing them.
• Avoid storing them in a humid place.
3. Use in the oven :
• Respect the maximum temperature indicated by the manufacturer.
• Never put them in direct contact with a flame or electrical resistance.
4. Surface maintenance :
• Avoid using knives or sharp objects on silicone.
• If you see white spots appear when folding, this is a sign of poor quality silicone.
Is food-grade silicone dangerous for health?
This is THE question that many people ask themselves.
✅ The good news:
Toxicological tests carried out on food-grade silicone (especially platinum silicone) have shown no danger to human health!
• No migration of harmful substances below 200°C
• No BPA, no phthalates, no endocrine disruptors
• Compatible with daily kitchen use
⚠ Points to watch out for:
• Some low-end silicones contain chemical fillers or additives that can migrate into food under high heat.
• Above 250°C, even good silicone can begin to degrade slightly.
👉 The key: choose LFGB or FDA certified silicone and respect the conditions of use.
Advantages and Disadvantages Comparison: Silicone vs. Other Kitchen Materials.
Food grade silicone:
_Advantages: Flexible, non-stick, lightweight, durable and freezer/oven safe.
_Disadvantages: It should not exceed 250°C and recycling is limited.
Stainless steel:
_ Advantages: Very durable, no transfer, resistant to high temperatures.
_Disadvantages: Not non-stick and heavier.
The Glass:
_Advantages: Transparent, healthy, and ecological.
_Disadvantages: Brittle and heavy.
Plastic:
_Advantages: Lightweight and inexpensive.
_Disadvantages: Often contains BPA/phthalates and is not very durable.
Aluminum:
_Advantages: Good heat conductor and lightweight.
_Disadvantages: Can migrate into acidic foods and must be coated.
In the end 👉 Silicone is therefore an excellent compromise between practicality and safety, especially for baking and everyday kitchen accessories.
FAQ about silicone in the kitchen🤔
1. Does food-grade silicone contain BPA?
No, silicone does not contain bisphenol A. This is one of its major advantages over plastic.
2. Can you put a silicone mold directly in the oven?
Yes, provided you respect the maximum temperature indicated by the manufacturer (generally 220 to 260°C).
3. Can silicone go in the freezer?
Absolutely! It can withstand temperatures as low as -60°C.
4. How do you know if a silicone utensil is good quality?
Do the bend test: if white marks appear, the silicone is poor quality. Always choose LFGB or FDA certified silicone.
5. Is silicone recyclable?
Silicone recycling remains limited, but its durability (several years of use) makes it an ecological alternative to disposable plastic.
In conclusion:
• Food grade silicone is a modern material, derived from silicon ( sand/quartz ).
• It is strong, flexible, non-stick and durable, ideal for kitchen utensils.
• For maximum safety, choose certified platinum silicone.
• If well maintained, it can last for years without danger to your health.
👉 At Prati-Kitchen, we offer a selection of high-quality food-grade silicone kitchen utensils and accessories.