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If it’s confession time, I don’t think of myself as someone who treats her kitchen utensils particularly well. I’ve accidentally tossed wood-handle whisks into the dishwasher, mistakenly slammed metal serving spoons in the drawer enough times that the handles warped, and have definitely left porous ceramics soaking too long in the sink.
What I’m most guilty of: Leaving my spatula perched on the rim of a hot pan, melting a shameful divot or searing a burn mark into its handle. I have a mini graveyard of unsightly plastic spatulas and kitchen tools shoved in the back of my drawer, marred by my carelessness.
Silicone spatulas have been an absolute game changer. Their durability, functionality, and ability to withstand high temperatures—and my negligence—has made all the difference in my cooking. The best silicone spatula is the GIR Ultimate Spatula, and it’s among my most-used pieces of cookware.
Silicone utensils, like spatulas and spoons, and most metal utensils are dishwasher safe. If your dishwasher has a 3rd rack, you can secure them there instead of the silverware basket. Use caution with hollow-handled utensils and knives, as the high heat can cause the adhesive holding the parts together to melt.
It’s easy to clean
If you’ve ever used a spatula that has a wood handle and a silicone head, you know that attempts to clean it can lead to unsightly surprises like mold trapped beneath the silicone or neglected nooks and crannies with remnants of crusted brownie batter. Even some spatulas that have an all-silicone one-piece design can have crevices you can’t easily wipe clean. The GIR spatula is sleek, smooth, and a cinch to clean—even when hand-washing. And as someone who cooks with a lot of turmeric, it’s remarkably stain resistant in a way my other spatulas haven’t been. It has a comfortable, ergonomic grip and a pleasantly velvety feel, unlike some of the stickier ones on the market.
It can take the heat
The Ultimate Spatula is made of a single piece of pharmaceutical grade, BPA-free silicone, ensuring that every last inch is high heat resistant. For most home cooks, this will be the spatula you reach for everyday, whether you’re sautéing or baking or getting every last bit of sauce out of the pan. It measures 11 inches long and just under 2 inches wide at the head, comes in a rainbow of different colors (including the exuberant “sprinkles”), and is dishwasher-safe.
Why silicone? With my older non-silicone spatulas, if I left one sitting on the rim of a pot or pan it would be a death sentence, resulting in melted plastic and a gluey residue. With my GIR spatula however—which, according to its website, boasts heat resistance up to 550 degrees—I have yet to encounter any warping or melting, even as I’m scraping away at the bottom of my nonstick pan. It’s durable enough that after eight months of use, it looks as good as new (which can’t be said for the ones relegated to my back-of-drawer spatula graveyard).
Are Silicone Spatulas Dishwasher Safe, Superb 5 Facts About This Tool
FAQ
Is it safe to put silicone in the dishwasher?
Are silicone spatula dishwasher safe?
Can you put silicone utensils in the dishwasher?
A: Yes, silicone molds, utensils, kitchenware, mats, and other silicone items commonly used in the kitchen can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. Q: What makes silicone heat resistant? A: Silicone has excellent heat-resistant properties, allowing it to withstand high temperatures without melting or deforming.
How do you clean silicone utensils in a dishwasher?
Place silicone utensils on the top rack of the dishwasher to minimize potential damage from direct heat and water pressure. Avoid overcrowding the dishwasher to ensure proper cleaning and prevent damage to silicone utensils. Use gentle dish soaps and soft sponges instead of abrasive cleaners or scrubbing brushes for cleaning silicone kitchenware.
Can silicone products be cleaned in the dishwasher?
Most silicone products can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each silicone item. Placing silicone items on the top rack is recommended for optimal cleaning. The appropriate dishwasher cycle and temperature should be used to prevent damage to silicone.
Can you put a silpat in the dishwasher?
Silpats are essentially silicone baking mats, so they’re generally safe to put in the dishwasher. Still, you should check the label just to verify that for the particular brand you have. If it’s okay to proceed, roll up your silpat and put it on the top rack of your dishwasher. Then, run your usual cycle with your silpat in the dishwasher.