There are a number of characteristics that make silicone special but the most important is the ability to stand up to high temperatures without getting hot to the touch. With traditional bakeware and cooking tools, the user must wait until the pan cools down before it can be safely handled. Some types of bakeware may also bend and warp because of the heat, and over time, the metal coating can begin to flake off. Silicone, on the other hand, stands up to temperatures of 400 to 500 degrees F and won’t warp under the intense heat. It’s important to note that all types of silicone are not the same and top temperature ratings may vary depending on the quality and manufacturer.