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 to prepare food. Vitamins, minerals, and flavors are preserved – unlike when cooking in water. The Thermomix makes steaming with the Varoma attachment particularly easy. But which shapes 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. Steam from the boiling water in the jug is used inside it 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, dumplings
• 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:

Plasticizers and BPA

When heated, plastics can release chemical compounds. Especially BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates come into focus when plastic is heated to temperatures above 60 degrees. In the Varoma, temperatures of 100 degrees and higher are the rule. Inexpensive plastic molds that are not explicitly certified as food-safe and heat-resistant can become a problem here.

Deformation and cracks

Plastic deforms under continuous heat. What looks good after the first use often shows first cracks, deformations, or discoloration after ten uses. Cracks in plastic are ideal breeding grounds for germs because they cannot be completely cleaned.

Difficult cleaning

Plastic absorbs odors and colors. If you've ever steamed salmon in the Varoma, you'll still smell it the next time you use it. Cleanliness is difficult to guarantee with plastic molds 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 the Varoma ever reaches. They do not deform, do not leach, and do not change their structure even after a hundred uses.

BPA-free and food-safe

Silicone is naturally BPA-free and does not release harmful substances when heated. Food-safe certified silicone molds are therefore the safe choice for everything you prepare in the Varoma – especially for children and people who are sensitive to chemicals.

Flexible and non-stick

Removing steamed food from silicone molds is effortless. The flexibility of the material allows you to simply flip the mold and squeeze lightly – the contents release without sticking or breaking. For muffins, small cakes, or dim sum, this is crucial.

Dishwasher-safe and durable

Silicone molds withstand thousands of dishwasher cycles without loss of quality. No discoloration, no odor absorption, no cracks. A silicone mold purchased today will last many years with normal care.

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 in the tray and insert without shifting or wasting space. Material: food-safe silicone, BPA-free, heat-resistant up to 220 degrees.

Particularly 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 health, durability, and cleaning comfort, there's no reason to use plastic molds in the Varoma. Silicone molds are the clear choice – and the investment quickly pays for itself through its long lifespan.

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