Silicone is the new plastic, but better. It's made from natural resources instead of petrol and is reusable, unlike single-use plastic items. More and more kitchen items, including the best silicone spatula, are available as silicone options. But what exactly is silicone, and should we be using it to prepare and store our food? In this blog, we'll discuss everything about using a silicone spatula in the kitchen and share some concerns that I hadn’t heard of until I did some research.

Silicone contains elements such as oxygen, silicon, and carbons that occur naturally and are generally safe to use. So, the first thing that comes to mind is: Is a silicone spatula safe to use, or can it be a replacement for plastic ones?

A silicone spatula is a great replacement for plastic ones because it can't melt like plastic, and it's cheaper than stainless steel. It doesn't scratch your non-stick pans, it's better for the environment, and it doesn't leach anything harmful into your food or drink unless you expose it to heat (more than 300 degrees Celsius).

When you look at the research, there are certain compounds in silicone spatulas, for example, when heated, that can be traced in contact with food or when they come into contact with a solvent like alcohol or oil. These volatile methyl siloxanes, also known as siloxanes, range anywhere from D3 to D10 and so on. However, no reports have shown that they can cause any harm to the human body. So, yes, a silicone spatula is somehow safe to use.

On the other hand, plastic and rubber contain very harmful chemicals, and it is proven that they cause harm to the human body. Although wood is a much better replacement, but silicone spatula is trendier and more popular nowadays. Now we have seen that silicone does not cause any health issues, so why not replace your kitchen spatulas with silicone spatulas?

Can Silicone Spatula Damage Food?

Silicon dioxide is the basic element used in the production of silicone spatulas, which is one of the most popular types of spatulas worldwide. Silicon dioxide was certified as safe (GRAS) for use as food-grade material by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1979. In the 1980s, one of the first pieces of silicone spatula was sold.

Also, a food-grade silicone spatula is typically covered with food-safe compounds or agents, ensuring that no chemicals leach into the meal. Multiple investigations show that food-grade silicone does not cause the release or migration of silicon compounds unless the allowable cooking temperature is exceeded. In some cases, low-quality silicone spatula was tested beyond the allowable temperature range, and compound migration occurred, even at a low level. So this means that ensuring the quality of the silicone spatula is very important.

Advantages of Using Silicone Spatulas

Resistant to Heat

Imagine cooking without the fear of your spatula melting right in the pan. The best silicone spatula can handle high temperatures, so it's the perfect companion in the kitchen. It easily withstands frying or stirring on the hot stove. This, unlike plastic, will not warp, crack, and break down under exposure to high temperatures. You are therefore able to cook with confidence that your best silicone spatula will remain strong and reliable.

Environmental Impact

In today's world, where the environment needs to be treated with care. It’s our responsibility to remove the toxic products from our daily life use. So, the best silicone spatula, in reality, turns out to be a smarter decision than plastic. Besides the fact that it is reusable, it also lasts way longer and will not need as many replacements. With the best silicone spatula, you are reducing waste and saving the environment. Every time you use a silicone spatula instead of a plastic one, you're taking another step into a more sustainable kitchen.

Durability and Cost

Many people are fed up with the wear and tear of kitchen tools rather quickly. Are you one of them? Then here we go! The best silicone spatula is constructed to last. It is very strong, so you won't have to keep replacing it like other utensils do. Moreover, this is gentle on your cookware and won't scratch or damage your non-stick pans. Keeping your pans in great condition for a longer period of time is quite important. And, the best silicone spatula comes more affordably compared to stainless steel options, leaving you with great value for money and no compromise on quality.

Safety in Food Preparation

The health of your loved ones is at first, no matter what the price is, just like the safety of the tools you use when cooking. The best silicone spatula is safe for food preparation, so you can be at ease when you are in the kitchen. No need to worry. It doesn't add harmful chemicals or toxins to your food at high temperatures. You can cook and serve meals without worries about any side effects. The best silicone spatula is quite useful and safe to keep your family's well-being.

Tips & Tricks for Safe Usage of Silicone Cookware

In a nutshell, a silicone spatula is generally safe for everyday cooking or baking, but keep these recommendations in mind to protect the safety of your food and health. Always choose food-grade, high-quality, and best silicone spatula. Check out the food-grade coating used to produce the cookware. Make sure your cookware is free of cuts and scratches, as these can cause chemical leaching, particularly while heating or cooking. Avoid washing them in a dishwasher or with metal scrubbers, as this may cause compound migration due to extreme heating. With all these things you can confidently replace your spatula with the best silicone spatula.