2004 Personnel Trainer: Silicone Kitchen Accessories

Your customers are always seeking new ways to make their kitchens operate more efficiently and with less muss and fuss. Silicone kitchen accessories provide the home chef with many advantages. From a wide range of uses to quick and simple cleanup, silicone kitchen accessories not only provide sanitary, safe kitchen practices, they also help simplify our lives. And these days, who couldn't benefit from a little simplification?

What are the advantages of silicone products?
Silicone, frequently called silicone rubber, is actually a petrochemical-based product. One of its early uses was in medical products because of its sanitary qualities -- it also does not retain odors.
Although there is a broad range of claims regarding silicone's heat-resistant qualities, the typical silicone product can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit both in the kitchen and when using the barbecue. High-quality silicone mitts can protect home chefs from both boiling water and oil. Even when wet, these products provide the same high level of protection.

Why should I buy silicone kitchen accessories?
The primary reasons for selecting silicone products are its heat-resistant and nonporous qualities. What previously was too hot to handle with a cloth oven mitt may easily and safely be handled with a silicone oven mitt. Plus, silicone oven mitts and potholders are both slip resistant and waterproof.
Another advantage provided by silicone kitchen tools is they do not stain. Nonporous and resistant to stains, silicone products do not deteriorate or stain upon contact with heat or food. High-quality silicone oven mitts are nonabsorbent and therefore, are more hygienic than ordinary oven mitts. Silicone oven mitts will last a lot longer than cloth oven mitts that may become ruined by stains from dirty pots and pans or foods like tomato sauce or cooking oils. Additionally, silicone oven mitts enable you to hold a chicken, turkey, or roast while carving it or moving it to another plate.
Since silicone oven mitts offer protection against high temperatures, they prevent damage to your hands and wrists, plus are easy to clean under the tap or in the dishwasher after use.
Silicone spatulas are another indispensable kitchen tool now available in technologically advanced silicone styles. Silicone spatulas can handle tasks previously beyond the capabilities of ordinary plastic spatulas because they can withstand heat up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, won't be damaged by boiling water or stained by hot pasta sauces, and won't mar cookware.
Nonstick silicone trivets and potholders are another great use of this versatile material. Because they are heat resistant, they safeguard against burns and stains from hot cookware and serving pieces. The soft silicone material is also slip resistant, so it won't scratch or mar delicate surfaces. And because they're waterproof, cleaning them is a breeze -- just wipe them with a sponge or place them in the dishwasher.

How should I clean my silicone products?
Kitchen accessories made with silicone may be washed under the tap, in the dishwasher, and, in the case of oven mitts, in the washing machine. Silicone kitchen accessories may even be placed in a dishwasher's bottom rack.
Silicone products do not require frequent heavy-duty cleaning because silicone's density makes it nonporous. However, you should be careful not to puncture or pierce silicone products. Even though silicone is an extremely durable material, it can be punctured, so take care when using sharp objects like kitchen scissors or knives.

Quick Tips

Silicone oven mitts will last longer than cloth oven mitts that may become ruined by stains from dirty pots and pans or foods like tomato sauce or cooking oils.

Spatulas, trivets, potholders, basters, and oven mitts are indispensable kitchen tools now available in technologically advanced silicone.

Even when wet, silicone oven mitts provide the same high level of protection.