If you like to spend time cooking, you’ll already know some of the danger spots in the kitchen: washing dishes getting scalded, ice cubes getting stuck in the ice cube tray, and trying to flip an egg without destroying it. Luckily, there are now loads of sustainable accessories, including the best silicone cooking utensils that can make your life easier – and they won't cost you the earth either.
The best silicone cooking utensils, at a glance:
• Best silicone cooking utensils set: Benss Store Silicone Kitchen Utensils Set - View now on Amazon
• Best silicone kitchen tongs: Hongtellor Kitchen Tongs - View now on Amazon
• Best silicone ice tray: Beedee ice cube trays - View now on Amazon
As the kitchen takes centre stage in our homes, the choice of tools has become paramount. Silicone cooking utensils are the versatile wonders that not only defy the constraints of traditional materials, but also dance effortlessly between non-stick pans and delicate mixing bowls.
We're here to explore the culinary companions that not only redefine the art of cooking, but also add a touch of innovation to the heart of your kitchen. Plus, all the products selected in this list are made with high-quality food-grade silicone. They are also BPA-free so that you can use them daily in your kitchen.
Shop our pick of the best silicone cooking utensils
Best silicone cooking utensils set
Description
Picture a culinary arsenal as fabulous as your kitchen. This ensemble of kitchen essentials goes beyond your ordinary wooden spoon and pastry brush. Imagine seamlessly transitioning from flipping pancakes on a Sunday morning to stirring a simmering pot of gourmet goodness, all with this set of utensils at your fingertips. Their heat-resistant and non-stick nature makes cooking an art of precision, while their vivid colors and sleek designs turn your kitchen into a canvas of creativity.
Pros
- Heat-resistant and can be used up to 230 degrees
- Seamless design, meaning there's no areas for bacteria build-up
- BPA free, meaning your cooking is safe from contamination
Cons
- Only available in one colour - red
Best silicone kitchen tongs
Description
With their clever design and heat-resistant silicone tips, the Hongtellor Kitchen Tongs, available on Amazon, allow you to grasp, flip and serve with ease. Whether you're navigating a sizzling grill, or an air fryer, these silicone-coated jaw provide a gentle touch that won't scratch your cookware. Plus, the corrugated design of the clip mouth is made to hold food of various shapes. So even that curly fry won't catch you out.
Pros
- Embedded 2mm inner core so you can stir fry food without curling
- Corrugated design of the clip mouth can hold food of various shapes
- Features a non-slip silicone head
Cons
- Not particularly interesting colours or design
Best silicone ice cube tray
Description
In the world of home bars and online cocktail classes, silicone ice trays emerge as the secret agents of mixology, ensuring that your drinks are always shaken, not stirred. These ingenious trays bring a touch of espionage to your ice-making endeavours, turning every frozen cube into a sophisticated accessory for your favourite beverages. Also, their flexible and non-stick design makes extracting ice a smooth operation.
Pros
- Easy to release ice cubes
- Large ice cubes to make your beverages extra cold
- Can also be used for baby food storage, fruit and vegetable puree, and breast milk
Cons
- Quite hard to clean due to small crevices
Best fun-shaped silicone ice tray
Description
Adding a playful touch to your drinks, these Dachshund-shaped Ice Cube Moulds transform the ordinary act of ice-making, into an exciting adventure. Whether you're a Dachshund enthusiast or simply looking to inject some canine charisma into your refreshments, this ice cube tray is a quirky companion that promises to bring a smile to both dog lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Pros
- Uniquely shaped, great for children
- Made from pliable silicone for easy-to-remove Dachshunds
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Quirky design isn't for everyone
Best silicone spatula
Description
These flexible and heat-resistant wonders redefine the art of precision and finesse in the kitchen. Unlike their traditional wooden counterparts, silicone spatulas boast a unique combination of pliability and durability. This makes them ideal for a whole host of different cooking tasks. All the way from seamlessly scraping every last bit of batter from a mixing bowl, to effortlessly flipping pancakes.
Pros
- Silicone material is soft and comfortable to use
- Made through a one-step manufacturing process meaning they are durable and won't snap
- Crafted with food-grade silicone, with no plastic odour
Cons
- A little thin for a spatula
Best silicone oven mitts
Description
Say goodbye to scorched edges (and hands), and hello to a new era of kitchen chic. As you lean to retrieve your culinary creations from the heat, these mitts become more than just tools. They become a symbol of culinary mastery, proving that safety in the kitchen can be as stylish as it is functional. Not only are the GIHENHAO Silicone Oven Mitts anti-scald, they are also anti-slip, thanks to their streak design.
Pros
- Anti-scald for when you're dealing with extremely hot food trays or appliances
- Two-fingers inside the oven gloves allows you to grip and pinch food easily
- Streak design on the outside of the mitts makes them anti-slip and helps to grip pans steadily
Cons
- Short mitt design means your arms aren't protected while reaching for hot items
Best silicone baking mat
Description
Picture a time where cookies effortlessly slide out of the baking tray, and pastries achieve the perfect golden hue without a hint of sticking. Silicone baking mats are the culinary equivalent of a magic carpet, turning your baking sheets into realms of endless possibilities. Their heat-resistant nature not only ensures even baking but also makes for easy clean-up, eliminating the need for parchment paper and tedious scrubbing (a massive win).
Pros
- Removes the need for oil, cooking sprays or parchment paper
- Fits most standard baking trays
- Simple to clean, just requires a quick wipe
Cons
- Not great for roasting, as the excess oil can stain the mats
Best silicone food bags
Description
Enter the era of sustainable kitchen wizardry with silicone food bags. These nifty little things reimagine the way we store, marinate and preserve our food. Imagine (well, you don't have to imagine anymore) a bag that not only stands up to the rigors of freezing and thawing but does so without the guilt of disposable plastics. Silicone food bags effortlessly blend versatility with sustainability, ensuring airtight seals for freshness while simultaneously reducing single-use waste.
Pros
- FDA-approved and plastic-free
- Leakproof and airtight
- Easy to use - simply pinch-press the bags closed
Cons
- Tricky to get dry after washing
Best silicone air fryer liners
Description
Made to fit the Ninja AF400 and the AF451, these silicone liners are there to optimise space, height and energy use. Crafted from soft, flexible, and dishwasher-safe silicone, the iStock baskets are there to ensure safe and healthy cooking. They're also BPA-free, compliant with FDA standards, and boast high heat resistance up to 240 degrees Celsius. Another great feature is that the design redirects any excess oil, and the elevated grills promote airflow throughout your fryer.
Pros
- No post-cooking clean-up necessary
- Food-grade, BPA free
- Convex curved base redirects excess oil and grease to the sides
Cons
- Only suitable for Ninja AF400 and AF451
Best silicone cupcake cases
Description
Next time you want to make some cupcakes, invest in the NIWWIN Silicone Baking Cases, as paper liners are a thing of the past. The non-stick nature of these silicone cupcake cases means you can not only get your cakes out easily, but also makes clean-up a breeze, as they are dishwasher-safe and ever-ready for another round of baking brilliance.
Pros
- Made from FDA-certified silicone
- Bright colours, great for children
- Can be used for more than just cupcakes, can even be used in lunchboxes or for snacks
Cons
- Some reviewers found the cases a little on the small side
The best silicone cooking utensils: FAQs
Is it better to cook with silicone or stainless steel?
It all depends on the baking or cooking task at hand. Stainless steel has its perks, it's durable and conductive (we haven't heard that word since GCSE physics), and is ideal for cookware. Silicone, on the other hand, is known for its flexibility, heat-resistant properties and non-stick nature. If you're weighing up which material to invest in for your prized-utensils, you might benefit from having a combination of both in your kitchen.
Which cooking utensil is best?
Crowning one kitchen utensil as 'the best' is a matter of personal opinion. For tasks like flipping delicate foods or stirring non-stick pans, silicone utensils might come in handy. For searing, or other cooking tasks that involve a higher heat, or for finely dicing and chopping, stainless steel and stainless steel kitchen knives might be your best friend. Then, we have wooden utensils. Great for gentleness on cookware and where a delicate touch is crucial - however, they're not overly hygienic. Ultimately, the best cooking utensil varies depending on the cook's needs and the type of cookware used.
What are the cons of silicone cooking utensils?
Silicone cooking utensils come with many benefits. However, we understand it might be important to consider a few of its potential drawbacks.
Durability issues: While silicone is durable, it can be prone to wear and tear over time. For example, prolonged exposure to high heats or sharp edges can cause the material to crack, tear, or even melt.
Staining: Yes, even your brightly coloured spatulas aren't safe from staining. Some silicone tools may stain over time, especially when used with strongly coloured or highly acidic food. *Cough cough* Turmeric.
Heat limitations: Although silicone is heat-resistant, it's only heat-resistant to a point. Extreme heat may cause damage to your silicone kitchen gear.
Weight: Generally speaking, silicone tends to be quite lightweight. Some chefs might find this less satisfying for certain cooking tasks that require a heavier or sturdier feel.
Although there are a couple of drawbacks to using silicone cooking utensils, may cooks find them to be versatile and practical additions to their kitchens. It's key to weight up these considerations against the list of benefits when deciding if silicone utensils are right for you, and your kitchen.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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