Silicone in the bowl range: hybrid bowls and mats

Silicone is an elastomer based on polysiloxane. As a material it is dense, stays flexible and conducts heat very weakly – less than glass and far less than stainless steel. The technical literature does not give a uniform figure for the temperature a silicone part can take; what counts is the manufacturer's information for the specific part.

Two groups under silicone

• Bowls with a silicone component: These bowls also list ceramics. Silicone forms one component of the bowl and ceramics another. The product description tells you which part is made of which material.
• Mats: Silicone bases for packing the bowl. You fill the bowl on them and put your tools down.

Among the bowls there are multi-hole models and one phunnel. If you are looking for a pure ceramic or clay bowl, choose ceramics or earthenware in the material filter instead. Silicone items come from brands including Darkside and Amotion.