Silicone spatulas have been available in the home market for a short time. They have been available commercially before, but since 2004, silicone spatulas have invaded the home kitchen, in place of the traditional rubber or plastic spatula. The traditional rubber spatula replaced the metal and wooden spatulas some years earlier.
Silicone has a number of advantages over most rubbers, in that it is more heat resistant, and inert, so that it does not stain or retain odors easily. Spatulas are used for mixing ingredients, both wet and dry as well as scraping bowls when emptying them. The flexibility of a silicone spatula allows it to take the shape of a bowl when scraping, like a rubber spatula. Rubber spatulas have been preferred to the metal and wooden ones for this task. Silicone works really well in this application. The heat resistant property of silicone spatula allows it to be used without fear of melting or degrading with any normal kitchen temperature. Food can be mixed directly in pans on the stove or in frying pans. Accidental exposure to heat does not damage the silicone utensils.
Silicone spatulas are not available in as many sizes s the rubber or plastic spatulas are yet – but numbers are increasing. The efficient cook probably does not need a many sizes to cook with.
Silicone spatulas will not damage non-stick surfaces of pot and pans as metal spatulas will. They are soft and will also not deposit any remnants of the tool as rubber will when it is very hot. All in all, silicone will not melt, change shape or fray at normal food preparation temperatures. Silicone will not rust or discolor.
The weakest part of a silicone spatula is probably the handle. Handles are made from many different products, but usually, they are not as heat resistant as the working part.
Silicone spatulas can be washed gently in warm water with a soft cloth or put in the dishwasher for cleaning. Take care not to pierce the spatula either in the cleaning process or in storage.
Silicone kitchen tools, utensils and products are available form most leading kitchen supply outlets as well as online. Be aware that when buying silicone spatulas, that they are made from a quality silicone and read the manufacturers instructions. If they are not suitable for all home cooking temperatures, look for another one.
