Silicone Bakeware

How does flexible silicon bakeware compare to standard metal pans?

We prepared batches of blueberry muffins in standard metal and silicone muffin tins. Makers of silicone bakeware may tout the flexibility of their products, but we found it to be more hindrance than help. The floppy muffin pan had to be steadied on a metal sheet pan, which slowed the cooking time and inhibited browning. In fact, the muffins from the silicone pan turned an unsightly shade of white even on the sides, with none of the characteristic browning we like in a muffin. Because the muffins must be literally peeled from the pan, they must be cooled completely before removal. That meant a difference of 40 minutes between when we could eat the muffins from the standard tin (nice and warm) and when we could eat those from the silicone pan. We'll continue to stick with our metal muffin tins.