Are Silicone Pans Better for Baking?

Whether you’re an avid baker or only break out the mixing bowls for special occasions like birthdays, there’s no shortage of baking pans to choose from. One of the most popular choices today is silicone, but is it truly superior to other non-stick bakeware? Here’s what the experts have to say.

Silicone Is More Durable

When it comes to durability, silicone also wins. “A big selling point of silicone material is that it is flexible, not fragile, and not bulky,” says Rachel Breuhaus, CEO and owner of The Silicone Kitchen. “Both glass and ceramic options can easily shatter if accidentally dropped, which you would not have with a silicone mold.”

“Glass and ceramic are also heavier than silicone molds, which is a consideration for those who may have limited mobility or strength,” she adds. Another way silicone is more durable is that it can go from freezer to oven to microwave without damage.

Silicone Is PFAS-Free

The problem with many non-stick baking dishes and pans is that they contain polyfluorinated compounds (PFAS), a class of chemicals that—while non-stick—have been linked to abnormal thyroid and hormone function and reduced immune system response. While this doesn’t mean you need to throw away all of your non-stick pans, it does mean you need to be concerned if they become scratched, chipped, or warped. It’s also crucial to avoid high heat, as this can release chemicals into the air.

The good news is that pans with PFAS aren’t the only non-stick options available. Silicone is not only non-stick but also non-toxic and non-reactive, making it a safer choice, according to Christos Bisiotis, professional chef. “Unlike some non-stick coatings that may degrade at high temperatures and release harmful fumes, food-grade silicone is stable and safe up to about 428°F (220°C) or higher,” he says.

Silicone Cuts the Grease

While you may have to add oil to pans made of other materials, silicone pans don’t require it. “Silicone molds are naturally non-stick, so you often don’t need additional greasing,” Bisiotis says.

Silicone Bakes Without Breaking

We’ve all been there: you bake something really delicious like a cake or cookies and use a spatula to get it out of the pan—lo and behold, it breaks. But Breuhaus says there’s little need to worry when you’re working with silicone. “Silicone’s flexibility makes it easy to pop out baked goods without breaking,” she explains.

Silicone Is Easy to Clean and Store

All of those big, heavy baking dishes can be difficult to store, especially if you don’t have a large kitchen. Instead of stacking up those cumbersome baking dishes, you can use silicone cups. This also makes them far easier to wash in the dishwasher, Breuhaus notes. “Our silicone baking cups can take up a fraction of the space, both for storage and in the dishwasher,” she says. If you don’t have a dishwasher, it’s no problem. “Silicone can also be cleaned with soap and water.”

However, Silicone Isn’t Ideal for Everything

While silicone is a great way to cook many things, it isn’t ideal for everything. “Silicone doesn’t conduct heat as well as metal, so baked goods might not develop the same level of browning or crispiness that you’d get from a traditional metal or ceramic pan,” Breuhaus says. “This can be a downside for things like crusty breads or crispy-edged brownies.”