Is It Safe to Put Silicone in the Microwave? How Hot Is Safe?

We can agree that silicone is one of the most popular materials used to make cake molds, bowls, and plates. We certainly use Silicone tableware a lot in the modern day kitchen.

However, does it necessarily mean all silicone is microwave-safe? Is it ok to use silicone in the microwave?

Let’s find out.

Is It Safe to Microwave Silicone?

Generally speaking, the honest answer is YES. It’s okay to microwave silicone. It won’t damage the silicone tableware or leach toxic substances.

BUT, there’s always a but. There are a few strings attached to the “yes” answer.

Firstly, the high temperature limit of silicone goes between 400° F to 450° F (about 204 to 232 degrees).

Therefore, when you put silicone in the microwave, the cooking temperature shouldn’t go any higher than 200 degrees.

At this point, you may wonder – “how to ensure that the temperature won’t go higher than 200 degrees? I only see the low, medium, or high options.”

If you’re using a conventional microwave oven, you can rest assured, for it only gets objects reaching around 212°F (100°C) when it’s set on high.

However, for microwaves that use a heating element, for instance, a convection microwave oven and a microwave with a grilling element, you might want to think twice before you put silicone in it.

Convection microwaves out there allow you to set the highest temperature in a range varying from 225 – 450 degrees. You will have to check the user manual for a specific temperature range and should not use too much heat on silicone.

Secondly, you’d have to be sure the silicone bowl or plate you’re using is properly produced and food-grade. If not, there’s no way to guarantee that it will withstand the heat and won’t leach toxic substances.

Therefore, when you’re on the market selecting silicone molds, plates, or bowls, always look for the “microwave-safe” label.

Why It’s Safe to Use Silicone in the Microwave

Silicone rubber is a highly active adsorbent material, and it’s a kind of amorphous material. It doesn’t respond to water and most solvent. It’s naturally non-toxic, tasteless, and chemically stable.

It does not react with any substance except strong alkali, hydrofluoric acid. Silicone typically can withstand a high-temperature range of 400° F to 450° F (about 204 to 232 degrees) and a low-temperature range of -65° F to -100° F (about -53 to -73 degrees).

Because of its good stability and resistance to high and low temperatures, it can be heated at high temperatures in a microwave oven without deformation or release of toxic substances.