Steaming in the Thermomix: Why silicone molds are better than plastic

Steaming in the Varoma – the underrated cooking technique

Steaming is one of the gentlest methods for preparing food. Vitamins, minerals, and flavors are preserved – unlike when boiling in water. The Thermomix makes steaming especially easy with the Varoma attachment. But which molds and inserts you use determines how good the result really is.

In this article, we compare silicone molds with plastic molds for the Varoma – and clarify why silicone is the better choice in almost every respect.

How does the Varoma work with the Thermomix?

The Varoma is a separately available attachment that is placed on the Thermomix lid. It uses steam from the bubbling water in the bowl to gently cook food. Typical temperature: 100–120 degrees. Typical cooking times: 15–30 minutes depending on the food.

The Varoma is suitable for:

• Fish and seafood
• Vegetables of all kinds
• Eggs (steamed)
• Dumplings, dim sum, Maultaschen
• Small cakes and muffins

Plastic molds for the Varoma: The problem

Conventional plastic molds sound cheap and practical – but there are solid reasons to avoid them:

Not every mold is made for 100 degrees

Many cheap plastic molds are designed for temperatures up to about 80 degrees – usually noted in small print on the bottom. In the Varoma, however, temperatures are consistently 100 to 120 degrees. Anyone using a mold above its stated temperature limit is using it outside of what it was built for. So before your first steaming, check what temperature the manufacturer specifies.

Warping and cracks

Plastic warps with prolonged heat. What still looks good after the first use often shows the first cracks, warping, or discoloration after ten uses. Cracks in plastic are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, as they cannot be cleaned completely.

Difficult cleaning

Plastic absorbs odors and colors. Anyone who has steamed salmon in the Varoma will still smell it during the next use. Cleanliness with plastic molds is hardly guaranteed in the long run.

Silicone molds for the Varoma: The advantages

Heat resistant up to 220 degrees

High-quality silicone molds are heat resistant up to 220 degrees – far more than is ever reached in the Varoma. They do not warp at these temperatures and do not bleed.

Made of platinum silicone, taste-neutral

Our molds are made of tempered platinum silicone. Any kitchen product must be approved for food contact anyway – what's more interesting in everyday use is that silicone remains taste-neutral: it does not absorb flavors and does not release any either. The steamed salmon tastes like salmon and not like last week's dim sum.

Flexible and non-stick

Removing steamed foods from silicone molds is child's play. The flexibility of the material allows you to simply turn the mold over and gently press – the contents release without sticking or breaking. This is essential for muffins, small cakes, or dim sum.

Straight into the top rack

Silicone does not absorb color or odor in the dishwasher and does not crack. You can place the mold directly in the top rack after steaming – no need to pre-rinse or hand wash.

The mixcover silicone mold for the Varoma

The mixcover silicone mold for the Varoma is specifically tailored to the dimensions of the Thermomix Varoma. It fits exactly into the tray and the insert without slipping or wasting space. Material: platinum silicone, heat resistant up to 220 degrees, dishwasher safe.

Especially popular for:

• Vegetable muffins for children
• Steamed fish fillets without sticking
• Scrambled eggs and fried eggs in the Varoma
• Asian dim sum and dumplings

Conclusion: Silicone beats plastic in every area

When it comes to heat resistance, dimensional stability, and cleaning, there is little reason to use plastic molds in the Varoma. Silicone up to 220 degrees easily handles the steam in the Varoma, does not warp, and releases the contents without sticking.

Check out the mixcover silicone mold for the Varoma and make steaming your favorite cooking technique.