You’re looking for bakeware but not sure about the type to buy. Here I look at silicone bakeware and how it compares to ceramic-coated to help you make the best bakeware choice.
In this article, I’m comparing the modern take on ceramic bakeware –– not the more traditional style I listed in my 6 best bakeware article. This contemporary design fits better with the sort of baking you would do with silicone pans and sheets.
The modern ceramic bakeware is made of metal, but coated with a ceramic non-stick layer. When new, these types of bakeware produce an outstanding non-stick surface.
Likewise, silicone bakeware is also nonstick. The main differences between these two are in the handling and flexibility. Here is a quick comparison as a guide…read on for the details.
About today’s Ceramic Bakeware
Today we have ceramic coated bakeware for convenience when baking in the home kitchen.
The non-stick feature of ceramic-coated bakeware allows baked food to be released easily from the bakeware and you don’t have to grease the pan beforehand. But, you should note that the coating will degrade over time. As the coating degrades, you will be left with the original composition of the pan or sheet, which is usually just a simple metal composition.
This type of ceramic bakeware is popular because the non-stick surface does make for easier cleanup after baking and there’s no having to grease or line the bakeware beforehand.
What Is Silicone Bakeware?
Silicone bakeware is a relatively new kid on the block when it comes to cookware. These innovative products are made from a synthetic polymer. It’s a food grade polymer created from a mixture of silicon and oxygen or carbon or both. This creates a strong rubbery substance. It can be shaped into anything, including bakeware.
These products have become popular because they are durable, flexible, and provide a non-stick cooking or baking surface. Because silicone is a good insulator, it distributes heat evenly and then cools down quickly afterward. Metal and glass will retain heat for long periods of time, which can increase the risk of burns.
Silicone bakeware can also be used for other projects such as crafts or anything that needs a molded shape, including STEM projects for kids.
How are they different?
Ceramic bakeware are the regular baking dishes and cookie sheets that are quite rigid. Silicone bakeware is soft and flexible. It’ll fold and won’t dint, a plus for storing. A silicone cookie sheet can be folded in half or rolled, for instance.
How Are They Similar?
Both options provide you with a quality non-stick baking experience. When taken care of properly, both help to simplify many baking projects by eliminating the need to grease the pans. Both are easy to clean and durable.
In What Type of Bakeware Are They Found?
You can find both silicone and ceramic bakeware in a variety of shapes and types. Cookie sheets, muffin pans, and baking dishes. However, it should be noted that silicone bakeware comes available in more whimsical shapes for things such as muffins, cupcakes, cake pans, and such. Silicone bakeware is known for a variety of shapes. These are handy for those who like to do artistic baking projects.
Which Brands are Popular for Silicone?
There are many brands available, but if you are looking for whimsical molds to create amazing baking art, check out CookNChic (Amazon link)ook . They produce a line of various shapes and sized molds to create baked goodies in many shapes.
Cook’n’Chic silicone bakeware available at Amazon
Look for a BPA-free label. You want to avoid low quality that could contain fillers in the silicone.
Which Brands are Popular for Ceramic?
There is a huge market and many different brands to choose from in ceramic nonstick bakeware.
Carraway Home is one prominent brand in this department and it offers storage holders to go with their products.
Caraway Home ceramic coated bakeware
Who Should Buy Ceramic and Who Should Buy Silicone and Why?
Ceramic bakeware is perfect for anyone who enjoys traditional baking and cooking in the kitchen.
Silicone bakeware is also perfect in this traditional sense. However, with the versatility and variety of shapes and molds, these are definitely a good choice for home bakers or those who want to get really creative with their baking endeavors.
How Do Prices Compare?
Both ceramic and silicone bakeware sets are similar in price. However, the price will depend on the brands you choose.
Are There Special Care Instructions?
Ceramic nonstick bakeware should be cared for like any other non-stick bakeware item. I wrote a complete guide on this in How to Use, Care, and Store Nonstick Pans. Especially avoid using metal utensils as they will harm the surface and compromise the nonstick effect.
Silicone does have temperature restrictions (no higher than 428ºF or 220ºC). You should reference manufacturers’ guidelines when purchasing. The likes of ceramic-coated bakeware by Caraway is oven safe up to 550°F, in comparison.