Silicone baking mats: how to choose and use?

Silicone baking mat is a kitchen novelty that has gained special popularity among cooks. Surely you are faced with situations where, it would seem, everything has already worked out, and it is not possible to get the pastries out of the form without violating its integrity.

Such kitchen utensils as a silicone rug are designed to solve the above problem.

Silicone baking mat is a modern and productive item. Unfortunately, many housewives, like the cook, question its safety. Indeed, unscrupulous manufacturers can produce such products with the addition of harmful substances that can harm health.

Raw dough and cooked products do not stick to it. The non-stick layer protects the dishes; the products do not burn during cooking.

Such equipment for baking in the oven is inert, that is, it does not react with other ingredients and, most importantly, does not emit dangerous toxic substances. It is worth noting that The production of silicone cookware is a high-tech process with stringent requirements. It is made of quartz sand and is rubber of non-natural origin.

The material must be heat-resistant to withstand the temperature difference from - 40 to + 230 degrees, not to cause allergies.

Every year, silicone utensils are becoming more and more firmly established in our kitchen.

Many housewives still put the pros and cons on the scales. Innovative development is not at all credible.

We will understand the merits of silicone rugs.

• It makes it possible to reduce the consumption of oil and fat in food to a minimum.
• Food grade silicone is absolutely not harmful to health.
• Resistant to deformation, not subject to corrosion.
• Baking, meat, fish are evenly baked.
• It does not absorb odors, without fear it can be used for various ingredients.
• The product is universal. You can not only bake, but also roll out the dough.
• It does not require special maintenance skills.
• Soft material is easy to store.
• Durable Multiple use, up to several hundred times.
• Attractive price.

As for the shortcomings, they are practically nonexistent.

We note a few weaknesses.

• Does not withstand temperatures above 240 degrees.
• It does not hold well when heated. Allow a little to cool before taking out of the oven.
• Not suitable for cooking on electric and gas stoves.

The modern market for tableware is replete with its diversity. Flexible utensils are much more expensive than metal utensils, but do not lie on shelves in stores.

Flight of fantasy is unlimited. Although a couple of years ago they were used exclusively by professional culinary specialists. A useful addition to the product is a rug with marking.

A functional fixture that allows you to cut out the shape of the right size.

It can be circles of various diameters or a ruler on different sides of the sheet in centimeters and millimeters.

Thanks to the low edges, the dough does not flow out, and the finished cake can be greased with cream or jam and rolled into a roll.

Perforation provides quality cooking. Microperforated mats allow better penetration of hot air. It is good to cook cakes, bread, cookies, pizza on them.

But completely unsuitable for batter, jellied pies, charlotte, meringue.

High durability is achieved due to the special fiberglass with which it is coated.

Able to withstand temperatures from -60 to +250 degrees. Still flexible, but more economical.

This version of cookware is presented in separate sections, which allows you to make curly cookies or beautiful meringues neat.

Thanks to the recesses, it is convenient to fill the dough, keeping to one distance.

Heat-resistant rugs include silicone baking trays suitable for baking meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.

When cooking, the resulting fat does not come into contact with the products, so the food is less caloric.

Relief of a baking sheet improves air exchange, products are evenly baked.

Most chefs are convinced that you can cook a culinary masterpiece in anything. However, to realize this in a short time and without risks seems possible only with the use of high-quality and non-hazardous utensils.

Often we acquire kitchen items randomly, without looking back. On rash acquisitions, sales are pushing us. Let's try to figure out the leading manufacturers of silicone rugs.

A world leader specializing in the creation of confectionery and bakery products, as well as equipment for the production of ice cream. The company produces more than 7 thousand items, among which about 100 silicone elements for baking.The products are popular both among professional bakers and pastry chefs, as well as among homemade pastry lovers.

At first, the company produced plastic containers for the bakery industry. Later, expanding its assortment, they began to produce attributes and additional equipment for bakers and confectioners.

The main products are silicone mats and baking dishes, machines for tartlets, chocolate crystallization and more.

The product brand line is represented by unusual silicone substrates and baking tins, luxurious utensils made of durable metal, comfortable aluminum and cast iron pans.

It takes into account the manufacturer and the price level of consumers, providing for the separation of product groups by cost and technical characteristics.

An international brand specializing in home appliances and non-stick cookware.

In the production line, rugs and baking dishes made of silicone, ceramic dishes, carbon steel occupy a special place.

One of the world's leading manufacturers of polymer substrates and premium molds.

Products are created on the basis of fiberglass and food-grade silicone, which can withstand a long service life and significant temperature changes.

Manufacturers of these products are located in China. Despite the skepticism about the quality of goods from China, the silicone backing meets high technological requirements.

Pyramid Pan is a novelty that allows harmful substances and fat not to remain in the products during cooking.

A constantly developing company engaged in the development of unusual and affordable consumer goods, designed to create the life of everyone easier and more comfortable.

Silicone sheet "Baker" is designed not only for baking, kneading dough, but also for freezing and preserving convenience foods in the freezer.

Today in hardware stores a variety of models of silicone substrates for baking are presented. In such a variety you can get lost.

Therefore, the basis should be only high-quality raw materials.

Consider the paramount nuances that you should pay attention to when choosing a sheet for baking.

• Decide on a goal, evaluate your tasks and expectations in order to choose a more profitable attribute of a kitchen instance.
• When buying, do not be too lazy to sniff a silicone mat. A sharp, unpleasant smell should alert, it is better to refuse such a thing right away.
• Be alert to too bright colors of the product. Hazardous synthetic dyes may be present in this.
• Marking requires close attention. It should indicate the manufacturer, its coordinates, the material from which it is made, with the obligatory icon "for food", safety class. If this is not the case, feel free to put it aside, most likely it is a fake.
• If possible, try bending the sheet. There should be no white marks on the folds. Their education suggests that silicone has a lot of unnecessary impurities.
• Important parameters are shape, size and thickness. The shapes are diverse: round, square, rectangular. The sizes are numerous. It all depends on the dimensions of the dishes. As for the thickness, it’s better not to skimp and buy a thicker mat. So you will be sure that your favorite treats will not burn.

The use of silicone backing is not limited to baking rolls, bread, cookies and cakes.

Cooked dumplings with cherries will wait in line in the freezer without adhering to the surface.

To use this kitchen inventory in everyday life is as easy as shelling pears.

Kitchen appliance options are represented by one-sided and two-sided types. The first comes with two surfaces - glossy and matte.

And therefore the question arises - which side to put. The answer is simple: products should be placed on the glossy side, matte is applied to the baking sheet. The second type is more functional, both sides can be operated.

Any utensils demanding care. So she is able to last as long as possible. The silicone mat, despite its simplicity, is no exception. Incorrect use will lead to disappointment.

Uncomplicated recommendations for its operation will allow you to use such an indispensable assistant in the kitchen for a long time.

• Do not cook on the product immediately after purchase; heat treatment is required. Warm it in the oven for several hours on a baking sheet at a temperature of 230 degrees.
• Put only on a smooth and hard surface (baking sheet, frying pan). In no case should not be placed on the grill of the oven or grill. Avoid direct fire.
• Allowed to use in the microwave.
• There is no need to lubricate the silicone mat, it is with non-stick properties.
• The coating is very sensitive to any mechanical damage. Cutting or piercing on the surface is strictly prohibited. This applies to metal brushes.
• It is desirable to wash the polymer product without detergents, or prefer alkaline, since this substance can destroy the working surface of the material.
• As a rule, the remains of dishes on it do not burn, just clean with a damp sponge or rinse with water. If the product turned out to be too dirty, soak it for a short time, and then dry it with a towel.
• Do not fold the sheet several times - creases are formed that render the product unusable. Keep it on a roll.

In their reviews, the opinions of users were divided. Some are neutral about cookery innovation, especially for baking pans with pyramids. A certain part considered them meaningless. But overall, more positive feedback.

The baking sheet is “always ready” for operation, it does not need to be measured and straightened out, lubricated. This thing is the key to delicious dishes.

Among the shortcomings, users note an insignificant production defect in marking sheets, which may have a difference, for example, with cake tins for cakes. However, they are so insignificant that they are simply omitted.

According to reviews, consumers strongly recommend that everyone buy such an indispensable kitchen equipment who loves to bake homemade dishes of varying complexity. This is the best option for daily use.

You can find out how silicone baking mat can be useful from the video.