Why To Use Silicone Heat Resistant Mat For Air Fryer
Use the best silicone heat resistant mat for air fryer. The simple reason behind this is the heat-insulating property of silicone that prevents high heat from reaching your countertop. They are also available at an affordable cost. There are various advantages of these silicone mats in daily kitchen needs, which are enlisted below. A silicone heat-resistant mat ensures your countertop the best possible protection from air fryer heat.
Different ways to use silicone heat resistant mat for air fryer for multiple worktops like:
- Refrigerator shelf mats- storage shelf mat
- non-slip surface for appliances like a toaster oven, coffee maker, hot dishes, etc.
- Food preparation surface mats for cake, pastries, vegetables cutting
- Anti-skid mat property used for pet food and water bowls
- kids play mat, clay preparation, and so much more
What To Put Under Air Fryer To Protect Countertop
People are talking about an air fryer for home use. An air fryer is an advanced cooking appliance that uses superheated air to fry, roast, grill, and barbecue food.
Achieving delicious fried foods without any oily mess is now possible with air fryers. Air fryers are ovens that use hot circulating air to brown, crisp, or cook food.
However, if you put anything other than air fryer smart racks under it, it can damage the surface of your countertop. A lot of people are considering setting up an Air Fryer in the home.
But they dont know hot air fryer can damage the countertop and leads to a crack in the countertop. So let us discuss in this article what to put under air fryer to protect countertop?
Reasons To Use Perforated Silicone Liners
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Are Cutting Mats Heat
Cutting mats have become extremely popular in recent years and are pretty amazing, but they shouldnt be used as a heat-resistant mat underneath your air fryer.
Cutting mats are typically designed for hobbies and crafts, though some cooks also use them in the kitchen. They are considered self-healing because their material is designed to fill back in after being cut.
They are usually heat-resistant, but this is not their primary purpose and repeated heat exposure will damage the material over time. It also wont last underneath your air fryer as long as a proper heat-resistant mat will.
Kimtin 60cm40cm Heat Resistant Mat
If the first option in the list is more bling bling then this option is a bit more understated A plain black mat that should match with pretty much any kitchen design that exists! Having said that, it does come in other colors if black isnt your thing.
This mat goes for the more flexible silicone material rather than the rigid metal of the first mat above. This would make it much easier to store when not in use. And if you were worried about the potential denting problem talked about with the metal mat, you wont have such issues with a silicone mat.
And being such a simple mat made from silicone , it comes in at a much cheaper price than its metal counterpart. And, as you know, silicone is pretty much the most heat resistant thing a mat can be made out of! Its used in baking accessories after all
This is also easier to clean, as it is even dishwasher safe! Yes, you heard me! Pick it up and stick it in the dishwasher every so often and hey presto! Clean as a whistle!
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Durable & Flexible For Easy Store
A good quality silicone material is so flexible and durable. The mats can be easily rolled up and stored in your kitchen drawer.
You should consider these buying factors before buying a silicone mat for your air fryer. I hope the information will help you to solve your query about Silicone countertop mats.
Can You Use Silpat In Air Fryer
Yes, you can use it because Silpats are made of heat resistant materials . Since they can be used in ovens that reach similar temperatures to the air fryer, air fryer temp will not harm them. Simply place it in your air fryer without greasing, place your chicken tyes or bacon directly, or any other food on top of the mat, and air fry.
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What Are The Best Mats To Use In An Air Fryer
When looking for a perfect baking mat for your air fryer, always choose the mat that will fit into your air fryer. This is the first and most important feature.
Always check if mats can withstand higher temperatures because you dont want a piece of silicon sticking to your air fryer basket.
The washing part is also important. Stick to the ones that are dishwasher safe and are also reusable.
To save your precious time, I did complete research and found the best baking mats, so you dont have to.
How To Choose A Silicone Basket Liner
Sizing is crucial when choosing the right silicone liner. Liners come in a variety of sizes and shapes such as squares, rectangles, and circles. Make sure that your liner doesnt block air from circulating. Note the shape you need. Then measure the diameter of the basket. This information will be helpful when you buy a liner.
Depending on the types of food you cook, you may want to use perforated mats in your air fryer.
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How To Clean Silicone Pot Mats
The beauty of using silicone mats is that they are so easy to clean. Just pop them in your dishwasher. They are dishwasher safe. If theres a lot of food or grease stuck to the mat, you may want to rinse it off first.
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can handwash them with hot soapy water at the same time you clean the air fryer basket or tray used and leave them to dry.
How Does Silicone Mats Make Using The Air Fryer A Better Experience
If you are a regular air fryer user, you would have noticed by now that sometimes the food sticks to the basket. Especially if you have one of those mesh baskets like the Philips Kitchen Appliances Premium Digital Air Fryer. This makes removing the food in one piece tricky. Then there is the additional scrubbing to get the stuck bits off. But is this enough of a reason to get silicone air fryer liners? Lets have a look at what other benefits there are.
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Where Should An Air Fryer Be Placed In A Kitchen
The kitchen is often a high-traffic area. Therefore, choosing a safe location for your air fryer is paramount. You must ensure that your air fryer is set up on a level surface and that there is adequate room for the heat to escape, and for security against burns.
In the kitchen, countertops are the preferred surface for putting things and are where we typically keep our large appliances.
The same is valid for air fryers, even though extra caution is warranted. Depending on the item youre cooking, air fryer cooking temperatures range from 350° to 400°F and could harm your countertop if it is not already heat resistant.
However, you can install a heat-resistant mat to prevent damage to your countertop. To avoid such damages, wood also serves as an excellent insulator and a poor heat conductor thus, it can be used on a countertop.
A wooden cutting board placed underneath the air fryer will protect the countertop from the equipment. But remember that using a rough cutting board increases the likelihood of scratches.
Additionally, an air fryer should be placed remotely to ensure it doesnt come in contact with other appliances, cables, or objects while cooking. This is because even the outside of the air fryer becomes quite hot when its operating.
Having other objects in proximity could potentially become a fire hazard. Therefore, its best to keep some space around the air fryer. This will also ensure that the air fryer is capable to vent heated air without limitations.
Can I Put My Air Fryer On The Countertop
Summary It is always prudent to protect your kitchen countertop, regardless of the material it is made from. An air fryer can generate up to 200 °C internally, the external heat will be wholly dependent on the air fryers insulation and ability to dissipate heat. Put simplytake steps to protect your countertop.
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Food Grade Level/ Fda Approved Or Not
When using a heat-resistant silicone mat, you expect to use it as a multipurpose mat for cutting vegetables, making delicious pastry, and sometimes put boiled foods like eggs or potatoes over it.
If the silicone heat-resistant mat is not FDA approved or 100% BPA free, then many side effects can happen to your body. So while buying a heat-resistant mat for an air fryer, look for if the carpet is BPA-free or not and best if it is FDA certified.
Lamson Heat Resistant Mat
In 2002 Lamson company introduced its first silicone heat-resistant mat for an air fryer. The silicone heat-resistant mats are available with super flexibility and heat resistant capacity up to 480°F. The size of the mat is around 11.5-inch x 11.5inch and 1.5 mm thick. It can easily fit a medium-size air fryer on the counter mat.
Lamson heat-resistant silicone mat can prevent almost all the hazardous accidents from your air fryer heat. The silicone mat is free from BPA compounds so that it can also be used as a food preparation mat, or potholder, trivet, or jar opener too. The flexibility and non-skid property of the heat-resistant mat saves the air fryer from sliding.
Professional kitchens also widely use mats because of their high-quality material and super versatile quotient. The silicone heat-resistant mats are soft, easy to roll up, and store whenever not in use. You can also clean the mat by hand wash or dishwasher.
Pros
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Can Air Fryers Go In A Cabinet
Earlier, I mentioned how the compactness of an air fryer is one of the appliances selling points. However, does that mean its safe to use an air fryer while its sitting in your cabinet? No, it doesnt.
An air fryer requires at least 5 inches of clearance on all sides and above. So, while putting an air fryer in a stuffed cabinet may look cool, its not safe or wise.
In addition, heat fryers are heat-generating devices. Id like to tell you that air fryers dont spontaneously combust, but with a heating coil that increase the temperature of the food basket to 400°F or more, anything can happen. Your air fryer should always be in view when its in use. Also, unplug the device whenever youre done using it!
Can I Put An Air Fryer On The Countertop
The answer certainly depends on the type of material your countertop is made of .
If your kitchen countertop is made of heat-resistant material, you will be perfectly fine keeping your air fryer on it.
But if not, you can invest in a silicone mat or any other kind of heat-resistant mat to place underneath for protection.
Simply do not place your air fryer directly onto the countertop unless youre positive there wont be any problems.
If you wish to purchase an air fryer in order to try out this new method of cooking, it is important to know where you will store it so that it will not cause problems.
Keep the air fryer in a dry place away from direct sunlight or use an appliance protector box designed for storing appliances properly.
It should be placed on a sturdy flat surface, have at least five inches of clear space around it, and if using carpeted flooring, consider placing something underneath the appliance so there is no danger of the unit being accidentally kicked while the motor is running.
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Gasare Silicone Kitchen Countertop Protector
These silicone mats are nice and thick and not ridged, which is very useful when it comes to cleaning your mat.
We also love that one of the many color options is transparent, which is appealing if the countertop youre trying to protect is too beautiful to hide.
Key Features:
- Resistant up to: 446°F
- Material: Silicone
Biggest Drawback:
Its very difficult to smooth creases and bumps out of thin silicone, and these mats are a bit thinner than other mentions on this list.
What Is The Actual Issue
Cooking using your air fryer, to cook fried food means that it gets hotsometimes, very hot. That heat needs to go somewhere. If you have a standard air fryer, it will dissipate the heat effectively and leave the outside of your air fryer cool to the touch.
However, the issue is that some, if not most are not that effective at dissipating heat. The consequence of this is the risk it puts to your countertop.
An air fryer can generate up to 200 °C internally, which is incredibly hot. The fact is that your air fryer oven is essentially a very powerful countertop convection ovenjust a smaller version of it.
Essentially, it is the same issue you would face if you had a deep fryer, rotisserie spit, slow cooker, convection toaster, pressure cooker, or a similar kitchen appliance.
We therefore need to work on the basis that your countertop appliance will inevitably get hotand the obvious risks attached to it. If we take the correct steps and understand the likely outcomes, we can take the right steps to prevent any damage.
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What Surfaces Are Safe From Damage Caused By Your Air Fryer
There is no safe surface as such, every surface has its benefits and also its risks. Heat is one of the most dangerous risks to any countertop. However, some handle it better than othersbut none are immune to heat damage.
Here are a few examples of the most popular kitchen counter top materials and how they handle the risks associated with heat.
Smithcraft Silicone Pot Mat For Small Air Fryers
When looking for budget friendly silicone mat for your small air fryers, then this Smithcraft mat will be the best buy.
With the size of 7.5 inch x 7.5 inch, you can place a small air fryer on top of it. It comes in square shape and in Black color.
It is made from 100% BPA free food grade silicones so that you dont have to worry about using it your kitchen.
You can use it as a trivet, hot pad, hot mat, protector, pot holder, jar opener, spoon rest, and drying mat.
It can withstand extreme temperatures from -20 to +480 F. You can use it as a protector for countertop, table, stove, oven, or others while cooking in an air fryer or a microwave oven.
It comes in one set of 4 pieces with different color option to choose from with lifetime no hassle free-replacement guarantee.
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What Can I Put Under My Air Fryer To Protect The Counter
There are options out there, some more suitable than others. I would always opt for a surface that is specifically designed for this issue.
Silicone mats
The most common solution is a commercially available silicone mat. Silicone is an excellent material that can resist heat without actually heating up. Silicone mats are therefore a superb solution to protect your countertops.
The best aspect of them is the price, they are available at little cost and they offer versatility too. Available in a number of colors and designs, you will easily find one that matches your countertop.
Trivets
One of the more traditional forms of countertop protection, they do a great job. You can buy them in a variety of sizes, so finding one big enough for your air fryer should not be an issue.
Old chopping boards
If you have an old chopping board, this may well be perfect. Especially if it has feet which raises it from the countertop.
Personally, I use the silicone mat solution as it offers some of the best protection whilst fitting with the style of my kitchen. What you choose is up to you, regardless, you need to choose one.
Durability & Flexibility Of The Mat
Durability & flexibility is a quality of a mat that is totally dependent on material and fabric quality. Your material or fabric should have good quality silicone fabric and should be soft enough while touching. Due to the flexible quotient of the mat, the shelf life of the mat is increased, and for quiet, which will be easy to roll up and store inside kitchen drawers.
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