Can this go in?Reviewed: 2025-12-27~1 min

Can Silicone Bakeware Go in a Toaster Oven with Exposed Heating Elements?

Short answer

⚠️Depends / use caution

It depends — silicone can be used in some toaster ovens, but only with enough clearance from the exposed coils, moderate temperatures, and the right setup.

Why people ask this

Toaster ovens heat differently than full-size ovens, and exposed heating elements concentrate radiant heat very close to the pan. People worry that silicone might scorch, soften, or melt if it’s near glowing coils. They also want to know whether specific toaster-oven modes (like Broil/Toast) are too harsh for silicone and how rack placement or a sheet pan can make it safer.

When it might be safe

When the silicone is kept at least 1–2 inches away from any exposed element and never touches the oven walls or door
If the silicone is rated to 450–500°F and you keep the temperature at or below the item’s printed max (often 425–450°F for many brands)
Placed on a sturdy metal sheet pan to shield it from direct radiant heat and to prevent sagging through wide rack bars
Using Bake mode only (no Broil/Toast), with a middle or lower rack position to avoid the top glowing element
In smaller, thicker molds (e.g., individual cups) that don’t rise close to the upper elements and allow even airflow

When it is not safe

When the silicone can touch or sit within about 1 inch of a glowing top or bottom coil in a compact toaster oven
Using Broil or Toast modes that drive intense radiant heat directly from exposed elements
With thin, dark-colored silicone placed near the top elements, which can overheat edges rapidly
Oversized molds that balloon upward as batter rises, bringing silicone too close to the element
If the manufacturer’s maximum temperature is unknown or below your intended baking temperature

Possible risks

Edge scorching or discoloration from strong radiant heat off exposed coils
Softening, warping, or localized melting if silicone contacts an element or sits extremely close
Odor or smoke from overheated silicone or drips that hit the coils
Uneven baking and hot spots typical of small toaster ovens
Sagging between rack bars without a backing tray, causing spills or misshapen bakes

Safer alternatives

Use a toaster-oven-safe metal or ceramic pan for direct baking near exposed elements
Nest silicone cups inside a metal muffin tin or on a rimmed sheet pan for shielding
Line a metal tray with parchment paper instead of using a silicone mat in tight-clearance ovens
Bake silicone in a full-size oven and reheat portions in the toaster oven if needed
Choose smaller silicone pieces that maintain greater clearance from the top element

Bottom line

In a toaster oven with exposed heating elements, silicone can work only with good clearance, moderate temperatures, Bake mode, and a metal sheet pan underneath. If you can’t keep it well away from the coils or need Broil/Toast, switch to metal or ceramic bakeware.