What are the drawbacks of using silicone? After reading this blog post, you'll have a better understanding.

Silicone products are undeniably eco-friendly and reusable, offering plenty of benefits. In our recent blog post Silicone vs Ceramic vs Stainless Steel Baby Utensils: Which Is Better for Your Little One?, we highlighted many of the advantages of silicone—especially food-grade or medical-grade varieties, which are widely regarded as one of the safest materials available.

That said, no material is perfect.

During the manufacturing process, silicone products like silicone kitchenware inevitably come with certain inherent flaws. For parents and consumers who care deeply about quality, it’s worth understanding these fixed drawbacks and the common issues they can lead to.

Higher Cost 

Food-grade and medical-grade silicone comes at a significantly higher price due to the purity of raw materials and the more complex production process (which requires specialized vulcanization molding, expensive equipment, and longer production cycles). As a result, high-quality food-grade silicone kitchenware often costs 2–3 times more than comparable plastic alternatives—this remains one of the biggest barriers to wider adoption.

Products that truly carry certifications from SGS, LFGB, or FDA are typically 30%–100% more expensive than ordinary plastic, glass, or stainless steel options, which leads many consumers to feel they’re “not worth it.”

Easily Stains from Oil and Color

Although silicone surfaces feel smooth, they stain very easily once they come into contact with oily foods such as butter, creamy sauces, curry, etc. or strongly colored beverages and seasonings (coffee, red wine, cola, fruit juices, soy sauce, turmeric/curry powder, etc.). Over time, the material tends to turn yellow and look dirty, which is one of the most common complaints about silicone products.

Prolonged exposure to high-temperature steaming/boiling, repeated stretching, or frequent contact with oils and fats causes silicone to gradually become sticky, turn yellow, lose elasticity, and in some cases develop fine cracks. This aging process happens much faster with low-quality, inexpensive silicone products—many show obvious deterioration within just 6–12 months of regular use.

The slightly porous structure of silicone also makes it prone to absorbing skin oils, makeup residue, food odors, and airborne dust. If not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, it will start feeling tacky and appear increasingly yellowed.

Brand-new silicone products like silicone kitchenware often have a mild “silicone smell.” While most people find it disappears after a few days of airing out, some are sensitive to it. In any case, regular and proper cleaning is essential to keep silicone items in good condition.

Heat-Resistant but Not for Open Flames or Extreme Direct Heat

Food-grade silicone typically withstands temperatures from -40°F to about 446°F (-40°C to 230°C). This makes it perfectly safe for use in ovens, microwaves, steamers, boiling water, and dishwashers. However, it should never be placed directly over an open flame (like a gas stove burner) or on a hot stovetop heating element. Doing so can cause scorching, melting, deformation, or—even in rare cases—the release of unpleasant odors or potentially harmful fumes when burned. 

If silicone does burn or char, you'll usually notice a strong, acrid smell right away, so most people catch and stop it quickly. For more details on this topic, check out our blog post: Does Silicone Release Toxins When Heated?

Many people (myself included) have accidentally ruined silicone items by treating them like metal bakeware—placing them straight on the stovetop or over a flame as a makeshift pan or liner—only to end up with melted or burned pieces. 🤧

Poor Heat Conductivity

Silicone conducts heat slowly, so the surface often doesn't feel as hot to the touch right after coming out of hot water, the microwave, or the oven. This is actually a real advantage—it reduces the chance of burning your fingers on the outside. However, the food or liquid inside can still be extremely hot, leading to accidental burns if you misjudge the internal temperature.

The same goes for cold: after taking something out of the freezer, the silicone exterior might not feel painfully icy, even though the contents are rock-hard and frozen solid. Always test the actual food temperature rather than relying on how the silicone feels.

When purchasing silicone products, prioritize those that are odor-free and come with certifications for food-grade or medical-grade materials. Avoid low-priced, poor-quality silicone.
When using silicone products, avoid contact with strong alkalis and hydrofluoric acid. Control the use of silicone in high-temperature environments, and regularly clean them thoroughly while storing them away from light.

Silicone products are not resistant to strong acids or alkalis. If you purchase silicone kitchenware, try to avoid prolonged exposure to vinegar or bleach, as these can accelerate the material’s aging. Additionally, some silicone kitchenware may show knife marks that are hard to restore.

For more important considerations, please refer to the table below:

Final Thought

In summary, silicone’s biggest drawbacks are that it tends to get dirty, stain, and retain odors, and it will gradually age with long-term use. However, as long as you choose genuine food-grade or platinum silicone, these limitations are generally acceptable in daily use, and silicone remains far safer and more hygienic than plastic or nylon alternatives.

If you place the highest priority on “looking clean and nice” and “being completely odor-free,” glass or stainless steel may be better options. But if you’re looking for safety, softness, and resistance to harboring grime, silicone is still one of the best choices available today.

At Siliconemania, we’ll continue to share practical knowledge, buying tips, usage insights, and industry expertise on silicone kitchenware, silicone baby dolls, silicone body scrubbers, and many other silicone products. We invite you to stay tuned and explore the endless possibilities of silicone in your daily life together with us!

FAQs

Q1: Is silicone safe for baby utensils and cooking?

A: Yes, food-grade and medical-grade silicone is generally safe, non-toxic, and heat-resistant. Always choose certified products and avoid low‑quality silicone.

Q2: Why do silicone products stain, yellow, or get sticky?

A: Silicone’s slightly porous structure absorbs oils, pigments, and odors. Heat, steam, and stretching can also cause aging, yellowing, and stickiness over time.

Q3: Can silicone be used on the stovetop or open flame?

A: No. Silicone is heat-resistant but should not touch burners or open flames, as it can scorch, melt, or release odors. It is safe for ovens, microwaves, steamers, and dishwashers.

Q4: Does silicone conduct heat well? Can it cause burns?

A: Silicone is a poor conductor, so the outside may feel cool even when contents are very hot. Always check food temperature directly to avoid burns.

Q5: How can I keep silicone products clean and long-lasting?

A: Choose high‑quality silicone, avoid strong acids/alkalis and direct sunlight, and clean thoroughly after each use—especially after oily or strongly colored foods.