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There’s probably nothing more ho-hum than a rubber band—a classic, ubiquitous object of fidgeting and flinging, they’re useful in certain emergencies but hard to get excited about. Yet sometimes even a household standard can be quietly improved in a big way, and that’s what’s happened to rubber bands. Silicone bands are an upgrade and, in the kitchen, the hands-down better choice, easily worth the few bucks you shell out for them.
But, you say, rubber bands are freebies! Yeah, well sometimes free isn’t worth it. Here’s why:
“Rubber” bands can be made of any number of synthetic or natural materials, from the sap of the rubber tree to petroleum extracts, and you can’t easily tell by sight what you’ve got. But no matter where they come from, these types are not safe to cook with. Not only can they melt or ignite, but they can also leach chemicals into food at temperatures well within a normal cooking range.
In the kitchen you need bands that can handle heat and hold up to use, even if that’s for storage purposes. And it should be something that can be made clean and sanitary, too. Natural rubber collects dirt, can’t be easily sanitized, can be sticky when the surface degrades (which it does fairly quickly), cracks and crumbles with age, and is not usually antimicrobial.
Silicone cooking bands are just the ticket to replace rubber bands in the kitchen. Though not perfect—they can still disintegrate at extremely high temperatures, though beyond average cooking numbers— they’re safer in boiling, baking, broiling, air frying, microwaving, grilling, and storage. Silicone is chemically stable, food-friendly, doesn’t carry bacteria or odors, is super heat-resistant, and can be sanitized right along with your dishes. The material has become a favorite in scientific and medical applications—and in kitchenware—and has been thoroughly studied.
At under $10 for a pack of dozens, they’re inexpensive enough to use however and whenever. Clean and reuse, or snip and toss, it’s your call.Here are just a few ideas for putting silicone bands to use:
Now, everything will wear out eventually, but silicone bands are almost infinitely reusable—as long as you keep them clean. Silicone itself doesn’t support biological growth and does not absorb oils or fluids, but any stuff left on its surface could mold or attract pathogens, such as salmonella. So wash after every use with a degreaser like Dawn dish detergent, soaking as necessary, and avoid abrasives. Even easier, toss the bands in the dishwasher! Just be sure to put them in a lidded basket or tightly around the prongs, because you don’t want the bands sloshing around loose (they can get caught in the machine’s drain or moving parts).
Once you realize how useful these little babies are, you’ll be carrying one around like a scrunchy. Hey, there’s yet another use: hair tie. Or, use a pair of bands to keep your sleeves up while cooking. And when the cooking gives way to eating, you can loop a silicone band around the button on your pants, through the buttonhole, and back again to the button, to loosen your waistband. Ah, life is good.
Here’s the rub: the problem with rubber bands is that they are not designed to withstand the temperature of boiling water. “Natural rubber has a temperature range of minus 75 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit,” says John Kuhn, director of marketing at the Aero Rubber Company in Illinois.
Now, everything will wear out eventually, but silicone bands are almost infinitely reusable—as long as you keep them clean. Silicone itself doesn’t support biological growth and does not absorb oils or fluids, but any stuff left on its surface could mold or attract pathogens, such as salmonella. So wash after every use with a degreaser like Dawn dish detergent, soaking as necessary, and avoid abrasives. Even easier, toss the bands in the dishwasher! Just be sure to put them in a lidded basket or tightly around the prongs, because you don’t want the bands sloshing around loose (they can get caught in the machine’s drain or moving parts).
But, you say, rubber bands are freebies! Yeah, well sometimes free isn’t worth it. Here’s why:
Silicone cooking bands are just the ticket to replace rubber bands in the kitchen. Though not perfect—they can still disintegrate at extremely high temperatures, though beyond average cooking numbers— they’re safer in boiling, baking, broiling, air frying, microwaving, grilling, and storage. Silicone is chemically stable, food-friendly, doesn’t carry bacteria or odors, is super heat-resistant, and can be sanitized right along with your dishes. The material has become a favorite in scientific and medical applications—and in kitchenware—and has been thoroughly studied.
Once you realize how useful these little babies are, you’ll be carrying one around like a scrunchy. Hey, there’s yet another use: hair tie. Or, use a pair of bands to keep your sleeves up while cooking. And when the cooking gives way to eating, you can loop a silicone band around the button on your pants, through the buttonhole, and back again to the button, to loosen your waistband. Ah, life is good.
There’s probably nothing more ho-hum than a rubber band—a classic, ubiquitous object of fidgeting and flinging, they’re useful in certain emergencies but hard to get excited about. Yet sometimes even a household standard can be quietly improved in a big way, and that’s what’s happened to rubber bands. Silicone bands are an upgrade and, in the kitchen, the hands-down better choice, easily worth the few bucks you shell out for them.
Boiling to Rubber bands
FAQ
What happens if you heat a rubber band?
Do rubber bands melt in hot water?
What happens if you burn a rubber band?
Can you boil lobster with rubber bands on?
Are silicone rubber bands safe?
Ah, life is good. Silicone rubber bands, unlike regular rubber bands, are safe for kitchen use: They withstand high temps, can be easily sanitized, and don’t snap or get grimy.
Can rubber bands Pop in hot water?
Yes, rubber bands can pop in hot water. Rubber bands are made of synthetic rubber and can be vulnerable to heat and high temperatures. When exposed to hot water, they may expand and eventually burst. It is recommended to avoid exposing rubber bands to high temperatures to avoid damage. Q: Are rubber bands bad for hair?
Can you put rubber bands in the oven?
A: No, rubber bands should not be placed in an oven as they can cause a fire. Rubber bands are made of synthetic rubber and can ignite when exposed to high heat. Q: Can rubber bands be recycled? A: Yes, rubber bands can be recycled along with other rubber products such as tires and rubber gloves.
Are rubber bands recyclable?
A: Yes, rubber bands are recyclable. They can be recycled along with other rubber items, such as car tires or rubber gloves, by grinding them into crumb rubber which can be used in various applications like flooring, mats, or even molded into new products.