The Silpat Half Sheet Baking Mat measures around 11.6 inches by 16.5 inches, which the manufacturer says fits most standard half-sheet pans.

Our research shows that it's well-loved for its non-stick surface, making it great for handling sticky things like dough or caramel without much hassle.

However, if you're a cookie enthusiast, be aware that cookie dough tends to spread more on this mat compared to parchment paper. This might give you crisper, thinner cookies instead of the thick, chewy ones.

So, if that's the texture you're after, you might want to stick with parchment or try different techniques to reduce the spread.

Despite this, the mat's excellent heat distribution is a big plus, leading to consistent results in various baking tasks. It seems to hold up well over time, making it a solid choice for any baking enthusiast.

Yep, the Silpat mat is quite easy to clean! The maker actually says it's dishwasher safe, so that's one less thing to scrub. If you do use the dishwasher, it's best to stick it on the top rack to avoid too much heat that might damage it over time.

On the other hand, our research shows that hand washing works really well too. If you use some mild dish soap and lukewarm water, it should do the trick to get rid of any stuck-on bits without hurting the non-stick surface.

Plus, hand washing lets you check out the mat for any signs of wear.

Also, some people find that just a quick wash with a soft sponge or cloth right after using it keeps the mat in top shape. This little routine can help keep the non-stick surface intact and extend the mat's life.

So, while you can totally use the dishwasher, throwing in some hand washing here and there could keep your Silpat mat working great for the long haul.

Enjoy your baking!

Using a Silpat baking mat can really change the way your cookies turn out, especially when it comes to texture. From what we've found, this mat is made of high-quality food-grade silicone and fiberglass mesh, giving it a non-stick surface that helps with even baking.

One of the big perks is that you don't have to grease it or use extra oils. This can make a huge difference in getting that nice, crisp bottom on your cookies. Plus, with no extra fats, your cookies end up having a more consistent texture, avoiding that soggy feeling you sometimes get.

If your Silpat mat seems oily when you first unwrap it, or if it's hard to clean, it might be worth double-checking if it's the real deal. Authentic Silpat mats shouldn't feel oily and are pretty straightforward to clean—usually just some hot water and dish soap does the trick. They also shouldn't hold onto any strange smells or tastes.

The mat also helps with spreading the heat evenly while baking, so your cookies get a balanced bake and the texture comes out great throughout. If you're finding that your cookies aren't turning out quite right, like they're weirdly textured or taste off, make sure your mat is genuine. There's a chance it might be a counterfeit, which doesn't perform the same. To be sure, it's a good idea to buy from trusted sellers.

A genuine Silpat mat doesn’t just make baking easier—it can really improve your results. They're great at not holding onto stains or odors, keeping flavors clean and baking consistent.

And if you notice signs of a fake, such as an oily feel or challenging cleaning, you might want to compare it with a confirmed authentic mat or reach out to the seller. Switching out a possibly unreliable mat for a real one often brings back the quality and results many bakers expect from Silpat.