Silicone Baking Mats for Beautiful Bakes

Silicone baking mats have been used for years in commercial kitchens. But recently, they’ve made their way into home kitchens and it’s easy to understand why. Food-grade silicone is made from an organic material called silicon, which is Earth’s second most abundant resource next to oxygen. It doesn’t break down, degrade, or leach toxic chemicals into food or liquid, it can withstand high heat and freezing temps, and it’s fully recyclable. Silicone is an excellent alternative to plastic and paper, and provides a reliable non-stick surface for cooking, baking, and broiling. They also keep your baking sheets in great condition, and help produce consistently beautiful bakes because they evenly distribute heat and allow your finished product to release without sticking. But how do you choose the right mat for your culinary needs? Keep reading—we have you covered.

Before choosing a silicone baking mat, it’s important to look at the highest heat rating yours can safely reach. Although most silicone mats can be used at 400 degrees and above, they’re generally not recommended for sustained cooking temps higher than 450 to 480 degrees. If you decide to use the mat for roasting or broiling, make sure you keep an eye on how hot your oven is.

Perhaps the best feature of silicone baking mats is how quickly they clean up. Because of their glossy, rubber-like texture, even the stickiest foods release right away and clean up easily with a little soap and water. This means that you can roast your veggies and broil your proteins without worrying about the messy cooking aftermath. Just be sure to always use a baking sheet or a pan underneath the mat and avoid placing it directly on the baking rack or oven floor.

Silicon, which is the primary component of silicone mats, is a vastly abundant natural resource that exits on the Earth’s surface. Unlike plastic and rubber, food grade silicone doesn’t leach, deteriorate, or break down into smaller particles. This means your mats can be safely reused for years to come, as long as you mind cooking temps and follow proper care instructions. It also means that even over time, you’ll still produce consistent, perfect bakes because your mat is designed to last. And best of all, if you ever need to replace it, you can recycle the old mat.