When I bought my first silicone cake pan years ago, I swore I’d never buy another metal pan. But I couldn’t stick to my word. At the time, silicone pans came in the usual round shapes and they were very expensive.
Not anymore.
These days, silicone pans come in many shapes and sizes and, and the prices have dropped over the past couple of years.
The six-hole mini-tube pan in the photo cost P179.50, the brand is Anchor, the label is in French and there was no English translation. Sam discovered it at Landmark last weekend and showed it to me. I was hesitant at first but when I saw the price, I knew I could start replacing my metal pans with everything silicone.
Note that despite the drop in prices over the past couple of years, silicone baking pans are still not as inexpensive as aluminum pans but, in the long term, they will prove to be reasonably priced. Why?
I’m sick to death of buttering, flouring and lining aluminum pans. Butter is expensive. So is baking paper. I’ve bought non-stick metal pans in the past and although I used them for years and years, the non-stick coating still wore out and, eventually, they had to be replaced.
Silicone pans are non-stick but there is no coating that will eventually disintegrate. Clean-up is so easy — no scraping, no soaking, no scrubbing. Just wash in warm soapy water, wiping all surfaces with a soft sponge and that’s it.
Silicone pans require very little storage space. They can be rolled or folded and kept in a drawer and they won’t tear nor lose their shape. Cakes bake evenly in silicone pans and no oven temperature adjustment is necessary unlike when using metal pans.
If that’s not enough in the list of pros, silicone is low taint and non-toxic.
Braised lamb with chilies, crushed pineapple, lemongrass and ginger
Marya
05/28/2011 at 1:45 pmI’m with you here. Yesterday I saw some nice silicone mini cups that would be perfect for my son’s bento. I got so excited because they were suddenly at half the price. I snatched them right away. Good for bento dividers and also for baking those mini cakes!
Connie
05/29/2011 at 2:18 amThe bright colors make them really popular with kids. :)
amylette
05/29/2011 at 9:48 amnow, i’m with you here. I was in Landmark yesterday and i was really contemplating whether it’s a good choice or not…so, i didn’t buy any. but having read your blog, i feel like going back there soon.Thank you for the very informative and useful info on the use of silicone baking pans!More power Ms. Connie…
Connie
05/29/2011 at 4:41 pmAhh, silicone baking pans are so convenient. I don’t miss greasing and flouring pans at all. :)
nancy
06/02/2011 at 9:39 amHi! I would like to ask how did these pans fare? I’ve seen them before but wasn’t sure if they’d perform well. I bought a wilton silicon pan before and when I baked the cheesecake in them the cheesecake came out smelling and somewhat tasting like rubber. Thought it might be because it was new but it still smelled after my second try.
Connie
06/03/2011 at 2:46 amDid well. You may want to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before first use, maintenance…
Connie
06/04/2011 at 10:45 amThey’re great! Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding first use, washing and maintenance.
Barbie
05/31/2011 at 5:51 pmI have been seeing all these silicone pans in Landmark. I have been contemplating on getting a few of the inexpensive ones (the other branded ones are just way out of my budget), but I’m still hesitant. Thanks for this “review,” I feel more confident about getting some of these cute pans!
Janice
08/19/2011 at 11:25 amhi Ms. Connie! san ka nakakabili ng murang mga baking tools mo? naghahanap ako ng mga decorating tip, nakakita ako sa gourdo’s pero namahalan ako.
Connie
08/19/2011 at 11:43 amThat’s where I buy mine. :)
Janice
08/19/2011 at 12:02 pmwala bang store na mas mura. kasi ang isang decorating tip nila range from 90 to 120 depending on the design…
Connie
08/20/2011 at 6:51 amEh ikaw ang mag-canvass. Visit all baking supplies shops and compare prices. Besides, you have to consider quality. Kung mura nga tapos ilang gamit lang tapon na eh di hindi rin mura.