I'm tempted to buy a silicon counter mat (24" x 30") that claims to offer no-stick rolling for fondant - without the use of powdered sugar/starch/etc. But its expensive ($50) and I sure don't want to buy unless it works. I would like a cleaner process for fondant rolling.... is this it? Thanks for your advise!

I have the one from Pampered Chef that I use and it great. I still use the powdered sugar or shortening on it though.

I had a small one that I loved. I never used powder sugar or shortening on it. The only thing is that I cut out a pattern on the fondant with a razor blade and wrecked the mat. So if you buy it dont't cut anything on it as it will cut the mat. HTH

I have a small Ateco mat and its absolutely marvelous!
Im looking for a bigger one

I have the large one by Ateco. I love it. However, don't use fondant cutters on it. They leave a permanent impression.

I have several silicone mats in different sizes. Love them! Just be careful cutting on them. I don't have a problem with the fondant cutters, but when I use my pizza roller, you can cut the mat.

I have both the Ateco's. I LOVE them. They are so much easier than the Wilton plastic mat. Release is pretty good. I've only had occasional sticking (usually sticky colors like red and black).

In a pinch for smaller projects I've used a silpat, but it left tiny little diamond impressions if you looked closely.

What about the Roul-Pat and/or Geraldine's fondant mats? Does anyone have experience with these? The Roul-Pat looks like it might be heavier and less inclined to slip, but it's coated fiberglass and I'm worried about pattern impressions.....

You might want to consider getting the thicker plastic/vinyl from Walmart or wherever. They normally have a large roll in the fabric section which I know a lot of people also use and its cheap, only a few dollars per yard, and it works great.

Agree wtih Matt....that is what I use. You can buy a piece to whatever size you want..no need to put anything on the mat before rolling. Just lift up entire mat...fondant will stick to it, but you can peel it off after you lay the mat on your cake. LOVE IT!

I already have heavy vinyl that I use for covering my maple table when I'm doing craft work on it. I like the price, too, but I don't want to use because its not food grade. I'm a retired engineer and concerned about all the free monomer left in the vinyl.... nasty stuff. :>( And, also, I'd like a heavier mat that won't slip on the counter.

My wood counter actually works very well with a little powdered sugar, but I'm also concerned that - even with intense scrubbing - it will never be completely sanitary.l

Are there any silicon mats that people would advise NOT to buy?

Thank you to everyone!

I wouldn't use silpats. I brought mine to our class, but found that they would "give" with the fondant, so I couldn't really get an even thickness, even using the roller rings. I'd pull my fondant off the mat and put it on the Wilton plastic and still have a few millimeters too thick. And it leaves the grid inside the mat impressioned in the fondant or gumpaste.