What's the deal with these silicon brushes that are used for basting? They say they are food-safe, dishwasher-safe, heat-resistant. I'm seeing them everywhere.

The brushes are indeed heat-resistant, which makes them handy for working with hot mixtures. Another nice feature is that they don't shed bristles like nylon or natural-hair brushes.

The only problem I've had with some styles is that because nothing sticks to them, it can be difficult to pick up enough of the glaze or whatever you're brushing on. However, OXO has a clever solution: brushes that have inner strips with holes in them, sort of like bubble wands. They pick up more of whatever you're brushing.