The 10 Most Important Gadgets

When silicone was first used for bakeware in the 1980s, cooks raved about its unique properties: a durable, nonstaining, nonstick surface; resistance to extreme temperatures; and even heat transfer. Silpat was one of the first companies to exploit these qualities in baking pan liners—thin, flexible mats that can be used instead of parchment paper. Even delicate cookies and pastries come off without tearing, and cleanup is a snap. They're also great for kneading and rolling out dough.
(Amazon.com, $19)