Are Silicone Kitchen Tools Safe?

Recommendations about the best materials for kitchen tools seem to change constantly. It can be hard to keep track of whether products like silicone utensils are safe, or if you should toss and replace them. For expert advice on how to stock your kitchen, we consulted an environmental toxicologist.

What Are Silicone Kitchen Tools?

Silicone kitchen tools like spatulas, whisks, baking mats, cupcake pans and tongs are made from food-grade silicone, a rubbery material derived from sand.

Silicone is a popular material for cooking tools and equipment because it is flexible, heat resistant and long-lasting. It can withstand temperatures as high as 400 to 600 degrees F, so it won’t melt or warp in hot pans or ovens. In typical household cooking conditions, quality silicone products aren’t likely to leave any harmful materials behind in your food, either.

Silicone Kitchen Tools vs. Plastic Tools

Silicone is more chemically stable than plastic because its base material, sand, is inert.

In the kitchen, plastic tools aren’t able to withstand the same high temperatures. There’s also a risk that plastic equipment may distribute harmful chemicals into your food, especially after some wear and tear.

Safety Considerations for Silicone Kitchen Tools

Many concerns around plastic tools involve per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly.

Over time, these substances not only accumulate in the environment, but have also been found in the blood of humans and animals. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies have linked long-term exposure to PFAS to certain cancers and say it can have other harmful effects.

“Since silicone does not contain PFAS, it could be considered an alternative to non-stick cookware” says Courtney L. McGinnis, PhD, Professor of Biological Sciences and Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives of the College of Arts & Sciences at Quinnipiac University. An environmental toxicologist, McGinnis has researched plastics and PFAS. Check out our list of the best nontoxic cookware, too.

However, that doesn’t mean silicone kitchen tools are without drawbacks. “I do have some concerns,” McGinnis says. “They haven’t been on the market for very long, so we do not know about long-term safety the same way we understand stainless steel products.”

There is some evidence to suggest food can be contaminated by silicone, too, so any tools that show signs of damage or deterioration should be thrown away, she says.

The Best Silicone Cooking Utensils to Buy

Look for silicone cooking tools that have flat surfaces without any small crevices to simplify cleaning and storage.

Established brands include Silpat and Le Creuset. Newer companies like GIR offer a wide range of products made from pharmaceutical grade silicone. OXO makes durable products at very affordable price points.

Generally, “silicone is very heat-stable and can withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold,” says McGinnis. “That means, unlike single use plastics, silicone can be placed in the dishwasher, the oven or even the freezer.”

Check the label or manufacturer’s website to make sure your silicone kitchen tools are dishwasher safe, or hand-wash them with hot, soapy water, too. If you have silicone utensils with wooden handles, you might be able to remove the silicone portion to put in the dishwasher while you hand-wash the wooden parts.

Silicone is stain-resistant and tends to last a long time, though it may hold odors (such as a soapy flavor) if not cleaned well. Discard any silicone kitchen tools that look worn, thinned, ripped or show other signs of degradation.

McGinnis recommends keeping a variety of utensils made from low-risk materials like silicone, glass and stainless steel. “I have switched as many things in my kitchen to glass as possible, but glass breaks,” she says. “Another benefit to silicone is its flexibility and durability.”