Is Silicone Safe to Cook With? What a Chemist and Nutritionist Have to Say

When it comes to cooking, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference between an enjoyable experience and a stressful one. Among the many options out there, silicone has quickly become a popular alternative in the world of cookware and bakeware. But just how safe is it to cook with?

We turned to experts to get their takes on silicone’s pros and cons, its safety in the kitchen, and whether it’s a worthy contender for replacing traditional non-stick cookware.

Just How Safe Is Silicone Cookware?

Silicone bakeware has surged in popularity for its durability and ease of use. As a plus, the flexibility of silicone means it’s easy to store and doesn't take up much space—perfect for kitchens where counter and cabinet space real estate is hard to come by. But as with other products made with modern materials, questions about its safety and performance naturally follow. So, is silicone cookware to cook with?

“Generally, yes,” says clinical and functional nutritionist Erin Parekh, MS, CNSc. “Silicone has some great advantages. It's more eco-friendly than disposable options, doesn't contain PFOA or PTFE found in some nonstick cookware, is scratch resistant, and can handle higher heat without breaking down.”

Lauren Marbella, associate professor of chemical engineering at Columbia University, agrees. “Food-grade silicone products are considered safe, as long as you use them within their temperature limits and clean them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent bacteria buildup.”

In short, when used correctly, silicone is a safe and practical material for cooking and baking.

Safety Considerations for Silicone Cookware

While typically fine to use, there are some safety limitations to silicone cookware to consider. “Recent research suggests that some siloxanes (chemicals used in silicone production) may leach into food at high temperatures. So, while it's generally safe, it's worth being mindful of how you use it,” says Parekh. 

Food-grade silicone is heat-resistant up to about 450 degrees Fahrenheit, says Marbella, meaning you can safely use it up to that temperature. “Keep in mind that the use of higher heat may lead to thermal decomposition,” she warns.

This won’t be an issue for the majority of kitchen tasks. “When you cook in a pan over medium heat, you reach around 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which should be well below the temperature limit of most food-grade spatulas,” Marbella explains, “though additives present in low-quality cookware may behave differently.”

"Look for high-quality, food-grade silicone, and check the manufacturer's temperature recommendations," she adds.