Silicone Kitchen Mold are flexible and versatile baking tools. They can be used to make many different types of food and are often safer than metal or ceramic cookware when it comes to high heat. They also come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Some are even shaped like animals or flowers to add a fun touch to baked goods, and they are easy to use. These molds are perfect for making cookies, cupcakes, tarts and other sweet treats. Whether you are a regular baker or just starting out, silicone molds are a great way to add some creativity and fun into your cooking.
Before using a new silicone mold, it is important to wash it well with soap or dishwashing liquid and rinse thoroughly. This is to ensure that no chemicals are leaching into your food. You can also pinch the silicone with your fingers to see if it smells plasticy; it should not if it is clean. Another important step is to heat up the mold before using it for the first time. This will remove any residual oil that might be left on it from storage and help to ensure that the silicone can withstand the maximum oven temperature it is designed for.
The process of making a silicone mold is very similar to the process of creating any other kind of casting. The product design or pattern must be created first in order to make the master, which is then replicated into a silicone mold. There are several ways to create a pattern, but most hobbyists and professionals choose to 3D print their patterns. 3D printing is a popular choice because it offers design flexibility in CAD software, excellent accuracy, and a fast turnaround time.
Once the pattern is created, a silicone mold can be made with either a platinum or peroxide silicone. Platinum silicone is more expensive but it remains inert up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cheaper peroxide silicone allows particles to migrate toward your food at temperatures as low as 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
When choosing a silicone mold, look for one that has multiple cavities and is made from a strong, durable material. It should be dishwasher safe and have a nonstick surface, which is easy to clean. It should also be flexible enough to be easily removed from the baking pan. Some silicone molds are also suitable for freezing, which makes them a good choice if you need to freeze small pieces of food or meat for your children.
Before you start baking, it is a good idea to invest in some basic silicone kitchen molds in regular shapes and sizes. This will ensure that you have a mold that is suitable for most recipes and will be easy to use. Decorative molds are pretty, but they are usually not as practical as standard shapes. You may find yourself with a kitchen full of cute and tiny molds that you will only use once or twice a year for special occasions.