Roasting something with steam sounds like a contradiction in terms. And maybe it is. Even so, we think this flexible silicone bowl designed by Compeixalaigua Designstudio for Lékué has some serious potential.
In its open form, the bowl can be used for mixing and preparing ingredients. Then the bowl folds in half and hooks to close at the top, creating a kind of hammock for food that can go straight in the oven.
We saw this design and immediately thought, “Wow.” The bowl itself has the kind of simple and elegant design to which we always feel drawn. We also really love this “prep table to oven to dinner table” concept.
At the same time, we’re a little dubious about its functionality. Silicone is notorious for interfering with the browning process in the oven, so we have trouble imagining that food would really get as crusty or roasted as these pictures would have us believe. We also wonder how stable the bowl would be in the oven. Doesn’t it look like it might easily tip over?
What do you think? Has anyone cooked with one of these before?
• Silicone Steam Roaster from Compeixalaigua Designstudio (via Gizmodo)
• Find It! Silicone Steam Roaster, $30 EUR/$38 US from Lékué
Related: Trapdoor in the Kitchen Floor: Spiral Wine Cellars
(Image: Compeixalaigua Designstudios)
How to Bake a Potato: Three Easy Methods
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Straw Mat from The ...
Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Two
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Love the idea and especially the prep to oven to table concept -- fabulous. But not a fan of silicone and wouldn't consider purchasing it for this reason. I'm weary of silicone not only for its functionality, but also because I trust silicone in the oven as much as I trust plastic in the microwave (which is to say, not at all.)
I must have one.
i think the openings would prevent it from steaming. u can just put a pyrex bowl of water into the oven and it would "steam" just as effectively
ive cooked fish on my silpat. i had believed that flavors would not transfer, but it is not true. if you use your silicone tools with fish, expect to use it only for fish.
I'd love to see a review of these. It's an intriguing idea.
I need one. Now.