We review the best. |
 |
Silicon (or silicone) cookware is far from traditional Italian pots and pans. But it has many advantages and is fast becoming popular in Italy. We explain why.
What exactly is silicone cookware?
Italian cookware has always evolved through the ages, from the clay pottery of the ancient Roman Empire to the bronze and cast iron of the 17th Century, the feather-light aluminium of the 1960s and the stainless steel and non-stick surfaces of modern day kitchens.
Silicone (sometimes spelled ‘silicon’) cookware has actually been in production for commercial use since the 1990s but has only recently become popular in household use in Italy - and even then its popularity is mainly confined to the cities.
But although our neighbours in rural Le Marche would be horrified by its use, its many advantages mean we don’t feel we can ignore it.
So …
What are the advantages of using silicone cookware?
* It’s made from approved food grade silicone which, unlike some other cooking materials, is not known to have any adverse effects on health.
* No need to grease - nothing, but nothing sticks to it! It peels away from your baked goods so easily!
* It conducts heat evenly and will not burn - no matter how long you leave you silicone spatula in a hot pan!
* It doesn’t stain or hold smells.
* It is incredibly light which makes it very easy to handle, even for those with mobility problems.
* It’s very ‘bendy’ and will fold away into the smallest storage space without damaging.
* It’s completely unbreakable : unlike tin cookware it won’t rust or tarnish; unlike traditional Italian cookware made of glass or pottery it won’t break.
* For that reason it lasts for ages. A lot of products come with a ten year guarantee.
* And because of that, its high price pays off in the long-term - it becomes a bargain!
And the disadvantages?
* It’s weird to the touch when you first start using it!
* It does pick up bits easily - you just need to make sure you dust it off before you use it.
* It doesn’t look very pretty. The best we can say is that it comes in a range of nice, bright colours!
* It’s not cheap to buy. It should stand the test of time but your initial outlay will be more than if you were buying standard utensils.
* There are some cheap versions on the market. You need to make sure you buy good quality silicone cookware, even if it is a little more expensive.
* Some of the cheap versions may leach dye into your cooking. Again, make sure you buy a good brand.
* In order to make sure it’s the real thing without ‘fillers’, try to twist it before you buy. If it leaves white streaks you know you need to look elsewhere.
What silicome cookware is available for the domestic market?
Virtually everything, from spatulas to casserole dishes. Below, we review those items which we use in day to day Italian cooking. Each product page will also direct you to Amazon where you can buy it at the best price on the internet.
You can also be assured that the quality of the silicone cookware you’re buying is excellent.
It may take you a while to pluck up the courage to buy it. It may even take you time to get used to cooking your delicious Italian meals with it. We found that, when we first started to use it.
But we guarantee - like us, you’ll come to love it - and you may never want to cook with anything else ever again!
Do you use silicone cookware?
Tell us what you think!
Do you love silicone in your kitchen, or would you rather stick with traditional equipment? Tell us why here.
We review some basic pieces.
Click below to see reviews of some basic pieces of silicone cookware that we use in our day to day Italian cooking.
Silicone spoon spatula set.
7 piece Le Creuset silicone spoon and spatula set.
This silicone spoon and spatula set includes four different sized spatulas, a slotted spoon,...
Silicone baking sheets.
Silicone baking sheets : must-have kitchen cookware.
No more stuck cookies! No more sticky pizza dough! These silicone baking sheets are ...
Silicone cookware : measuring cups.
Silicone cookware : measuring cups.
Measuring cups are an essential part of the modern kitchen.
Although Italian ...
Lekue silicone cookware.
Lekue silicone cookware : heart-shaped muffin pans.
These small Lekue silicone heart-shaped molds are ideal for a special ...
Panettone bread mold.
Silicone cookware : Panettone bread mold.
Italian panettone bread is a delicious sweet, light dough, part-way between a sweet ...
Silicone cookware : pasta spoon.
Silicone spaghetti spoon.
Technically known as a ‘spaghetti spoon’, this silicone cookware utensil will manage any long ...
Valentine's heart mold.
Valentine’s heart : silicone mold.
From focaccia dough in a silicone heart … We use this red silicone ...
Silicone cookware to our home page about Italian culture.
Talk to us! Comments
Have your say about what you just read - leave a comment, question or story in the box below.
