Baking sheets should not solely a family staple, they’re additionally some of the versatile and extensively used cookware products in your kitchen. Think about it: They’re helpful for baking cookies, sheet muffins and Yule logs in addition to roasting veggies, nuts and even bacon. They’re additionally nice for meal prepping and making sheet pan meals. Oh So Easy cofounder Bianca Fernandez even makes use of hers “for freezing cookie dough balls, as a drip tray when glazing and for mise en place.”
Given their many makes use of, it solely is smart to put money into the best baking sheets that won’t solely meet all of your cooking and baking wants but additionally serve you properly long-term. That means they need to be straightforward to scrub and deal with, and in a position to stand up to on a regular basis cooking and baking abuses with minimal injury.
At least that’s what we ought to be in search of. As somebody who likes to prepare dinner and bake, I’ve used many baking sheets over time. And imagine me, a subpar one will have an effect on not solely the outcomes of your culinary creations, nevertheless easy they could be, however your expertise as a complete as properly.
By product testing seven (to begin) of the highest-rated baking sheets from Great Jones, Caraway, Nordic Ware and extra, I’m right here to search out you the best one simply in time for all of your vacation internet hosting duties. I could also be completed baking treats for the season, having made too many for this information, however with one among these baking sheets at your disposal, you may simply make your best batch of cookies but.
Best baking sheet
Its punny title apart, this sheet pan from Great Jones is simply as strong and dependable as it’s engaging sufficient to be at your superbly organized dinner desk.
The Great Jones Holy Sheet is an undeniably incredible baking sheet. And I’m not simply saying that due to its punny title, which I’m truly obsessive about. (Its quarter-sheet model known as Little Sheet!)
Made of high-quality aluminum-sandwiched metal with strengthened rolled rims, this 18.5-by-13.5-inch baking sheet can stand up to heavy use and look good doing it. As a lot as I wished to watch out with it, I handled it the identical approach I dealt with my cheap baking pans.
This included leaving it within the dishwasher for per week after cleansing and letting it scrape in opposition to sharp edges and corners; it by some means survived with no dents, no rust and solely minor, superficial scratches. Even after a few weeks of use and dealing with, this baking sheet nonetheless seems to be model new.
Meanwhile, these strengthened rims have completed an amazing job retaining warping at bay, which in flip helps guarantee extra even heating. Although, to be honest, it’s already wonderful at warmth distribution, delivering stunning, evenly cooked and baked outcomes. Honestly, the veggies and cookies I made with this pan had been my best but.
Cleanup is a breeze as properly, because of the model’s proprietary, chemical-free, nonstick coating and its dishwasher-safe design. To lengthen your pans’ lifespan, I extremely suggest utilizing a lining, akin to a baking mat, parchment paper or aluminum foil, and hand-washing. However, in cases the place you’d a lot quite desire to go with out or simply can’t be bothered to make use of one, you’ll be able to relaxation assured that the Great Jones Holy Sheet received’t make cleansing an enormous chore for you.
The solely factor that bugged me about it’s that it’s not stain-resistant. I purposely added curry powder to my roasted veggies recipe and skipped the foil to see if it could stain, and now my pan has yellow discoloration throughout.
The largest challenge customers might need is its weight. At 2 kilos, pulling it out of the oven isn’t a one-handed effort. But as somebody who’s at all times making an attempt to drag issues out of the oven one-handed, I might say it’s manageable. It received’t be straightforward, particularly if its contents are additionally on the heavy facet, however I’ve completed so a number of instances, albeit accompanied by some grunts and groans. Not that I like to recommend it; I’m merely stating that in the event you’re multitasking and the kitchen is a large number, and you’ve acquired only one working hand to take it out of the oven, it’s not unattainable.
As far as baking sheets go, the Great Jones Holy Sheet is actually spectacular, ticking off many issues on the checklist with very minor drawbacks. It’s reasonably priced too, at solely $45. This is hands-down the best baking sheet for most individuals.
When spending below $20, you may anticipate a baking sheet that’s respectable high quality and appropriate in your baking and roasting wants. You in all probability wouldn’t anticipate one which’s pretty much as good as this alloy metal sheet pan from Chicago Metallic, which truly seems to be, feels and performs like a professional-grade pan quite than a finances possibility. Trust me; I’ve purchased my share of sub-$50 baking sheets, and none of them had been pretty much as good as this one.
Admittedly, as a half sheet, the Chicago Metallic Professional Nonstick Baking Sheet is barely on the smaller facet with its 17-by-12.25-inch dimensions, and it’s on the heavy facet (heavier than the Great Jones Holy Sheet Pan) at 2.75 kilos. But not like different finances baking sheets, it feels high-quality and sturdy — simply the kind that may stand up to the pains of an expert kitchen.
At the very least, it survived my careless remedy throughout testing, because of its strong construct, with a thick, hefty, far-from-flimsy body and strengthened rims that do a incredible job of retaining warping at bay.
The alloy metal shines right here if you’re roasting veggies and cooking one-pan dishes, delivering completely cooked however constant outcomes. But baking cookies on that is incredible too. The draw back is that alloy metal is often heavy. Thus, the two.75-pound weight. I might get into the behavior of eradicating this from the oven with each fingers to keep away from an accident.
Meanwhile, the nonstick coating not solely permits for simple cleanup, however it has additionally, thus far, completed an amazing job of resisting scratches. Of course, I can’t let you know how lengthy the coating will final; that’s why I’m conducting long-term testing on the 2 winners. For what it’s value, some verified Amazon clients have attested that it lasts for years.
Compared to a fan favourite, the Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet, the Chicago Metallic pan is superior in construct high quality, particularly on the subject of scratch and dent resistance, and simpler to scrub, particularly since it’s dishwasher-safe.
Although Nordic Ware is technically the cheaper of the 2 (a two-pack is barely $33) and delivers comparable efficiency, it’s additionally made from aluminum. The Chicago Metallic Professional Nonstick Baking Sheet proved extra sturdy in my two weeks of testing. I’d gladly pay $3 extra for a pan that’s not susceptible to scratching, staining and scorching.
Whoever stated you’ll be able to by no means have too many cookies has by no means tested seven baking sheets in two weeks. I’ve by no means made and eaten so many cookies and a lot roasted meals in my life, however it needed to be completed to place each single one among these sheet pans via their paces. I whipped up three kinds of cookies, roasted greens and bacon and made hand pies, evaluating every pan primarily based on the outcomes.
I additionally evaluated every baking sheet utilizing the next major standards.
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Even heating: For best outcomes, select a baking sheet that distributes warmth evenly and minimizes burning. This depends upon a number of issues, together with the fabric, thickness, warping and rim (or lack thereof).
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Warping resistance: Thickness and strengthened or galvanized rims assist reduce warping, guaranteeing even warmth distribution. You need one which received’t warp.
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Scratch, stain and scorch resistance: Even the highest-quality sheet pans could be susceptible to scratching, staining and scorching, so I gave those with the least quantity of injury extra factors.
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Build high quality: Other than warping, scratching and staining, a baking sheet also can maintain different put on and tear from on a regular basis use, akin to dents and the sporting off of nonstick coating.
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Cleaning and upkeep: When it involves pots and pans, we are able to all agree that the better the cleanup, the higher.
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Price: After assessing every baking sheet in opposition to the factors above, I in contrast its general efficiency in opposition to its worth and the competitors.
While it might seem to be a baking sheet is a type of kitchen merchandise you shouldn’t overthink, you’ll reap the advantages of not simply getting a high-quality one but additionally selecting one which fits your wants.
It’s not only a matter of going with essentially the most reasonably priced possibility on Amazon. Besides my overview standards above, there are different issues to think about primarily based in your wants and preferences:
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Material. Fernandez prefers “heavy-duty aluminum pans for even heating and maximum durability” and “rimmed ones to prevent any spills.” However, whether or not you’re selecting a chrome steel, aluminum or aluminized metal, there are professionals and cons. Select the choice that best meets your wants.
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Size. Baking sheets are available in quarter (13 by 9 inches), half (18 by 13 inches) and full (18 by 26 inches) sizes. For most households, a half sheet is spacious sufficient. However, it’s best to select the scale that fits you best. Just guarantee it suits in your oven.
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Rimmed versus non-rimmed. Most baking sheets in the marketplace are rimmed (with a raised lip on all sides) as a result of that makes them extra versatile. However, there are non-rimmed choices, typically known as cookie sheets, that present higher air circulation, leading to quicker and extra even cooking. The lack of rim additionally permits for simpler elimination of contents.
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Nonstick coating. With baking mats, aluminum foil and parchment paper readily available, there’s actually no must get a baking sheet with a nonstick coating. Besides, that coating can degrade over time. If you need a nonstick baking sheet, ensure it’s unhazardous.
Another wonderful finances choose, this half sheet from Nordic Ware is a crowd favourite for good cause. Its heating efficiency and warp resistance are top-notch for a finances baking pan.
The Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet is a extremely lauded one, and for good cause. Made of aluminum, it heats quick, spreads evenly and delivers wonderful outcomes persistently. Thanks to its galvanized metal rim, warping isn’t a problem, which additionally improves its efficiency for cooking and baking.
What’s extra, as a result of it’s made from aluminum, it’s light-weight at simply 1.65 kilos, in contrast with the Chicago Metallic sheet’s 2.75 kilos. If you’re susceptible to one-hand dealing with like me, that is the sheet pan for you.
At $16.50 per baking sheet (it’s normally offered as a two-pack for $33), it affords nice worth and is an apparent alternative for bakers on a finances. However, the truth that it’s extremely prone to scratching, staining and scorching could be irritating for some individuals. Cleaning it received’t be a breeze.
This wonderful baking sheet from Le Creuset is a premium various to the Chicago Metallic pan and an amazing possibility if you need a carbon metal construct with a fancier look.
In phrases of construct high quality and heating efficiency, the Le Creuset Large Sheet Pan is virtually faultless. Its heavy-gauge carbon metal not solely distributes warmth evenly to ship constant outcomes but additionally ensures it doesn’t warp, even at 475 levels Fahrenheit.
Admittedly, it’s a pricier proposition at $54. Still, its development makes it well worth the splurge in the long run and its nonstick silicone coating makes positive that cleanup is less complicated, regardless that it’s not dishwasher-safe. Le Creuset even contains extensive rims with silicone grips which might be heat-resistant.
Those extensive rims are a double-edged sword, nevertheless. While they make it simpler to maneuver the baking sheet in and out of the oven, additionally they occupy beneficial inside area that might have been higher used. As it’s, you solely have 16.8 by 12 inches of cooking and baking area. Although it’s a nonstick pan, it’s not dishwasher-safe.
Just need a cookie sheet? Then this light-weight, rimless possibility from Vollrath is the best alternative, with even warmth distribution and a bigger working space for a half sheet.
Rimless baking sheets enable extra air to flow into, leading to quicker baking. And that’s precisely what you’re getting with the Vollrath Wear-Ever Aluminum Cookie Sheet. This aluminum cookie sheet is constant, and its barely bigger 17-by-14-inch measurement helps you to whip up an enormous batch of cookies in much less time. Plus, the light-weight, 1-pound design and the absence of rims make it simpler to take away issues from the sheet.
However, an obstacle of rimless sheet pans is that they’re not very versatile. Imagine making an attempt to make a one-pan meal, a sheet cake or roasted greens with one. Without the edges to maintain all of the moist stuff in, it’s merely not potential to do. The Vollrath Wear-Ever Aluminum Cookie Sheet can be slower to chill and is hand-wash solely in chilly water, making it barely extra time-consuming to scrub than the others I tested.
If you want a baking sheet for cookies, particularly through the holidays, this may final a really very long time with correct care.
Elegant in look, the Caraway Large Baking Sheet is a wonderful sheet pan for cooks and bakers who worth aesthetics. If solely it had been warp-resistant.
I’ve had my Caraway Large Ceramic Baking Sheet for nearly a 12 months now, and I nonetheless love meal-prepping and baking with it. It’s a beautiful sheet pan with elegant handles on all sides that lend it serving-dish credibility, and a glossy exterior accessible in several colours. And it’s freed from poisonous supplies akin to lead, cadmium, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) whereas providing wonderful nonstick properties.
Performance-wise, it’s fairly good and its 550-degree Fahrenheit score offers it a bit extra versatility on the subject of the dishes and baked items you may make. However, it’s embarrassingly susceptible to warping. It did it the primary time I used it and has completed so sometimes since, resulting in uneven outcomes, particularly once I’m roasting greens. It’s additionally not utterly scratch-resistant.
For a $65 baking sheet, I anticipated higher.
This finances baking sheet is strictly what most individuals would anticipate from an affordable possibility. It’s fairly and it does the job, however not very properly.
There are two issues the KitchenAid Nonstick Aluminized Steel Baking Sheet has going for it: it’s low-cost and it is available in fairly colours. As a baking sheet, it does the job — no extra, no much less. And it’s exactly what most individuals would consider in the event that they pictured an affordable sheet pan of their heads, solely barely prettier.
Unfortunately, this baking sheet is skinny, which makes it susceptible to denting. In reality, it arrived already dented. What’s extra, regardless of its skinny and flimsy aluminum development, it’s inexplicably heavy at over 2 kilos.
I normally love KitchenAid merchandise, however I wouldn’t suggest this one. Not when each the Chicago Metallic Professional Nonstick Baking Sheet and the Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet sit on the similar worth level.
The following FAQs had been answered by baker and meals blogger Bianca Fernandez.
Fernandez hand-washes her baking sheets with heat water, dish cleaning soap and a non-abrasive sponge. However, for hard-to-remove meals particles, “I let the pan soak in hot soapy water, then use a plastic scraper to get rid of any stubborn bits.”
“I always recommend hand-washing baking sheets since some dishwasher detergents can cause discoloration,” stated Fernandez. “If you have a thinner baking sheet, the high heat may also warp the pan over time.”
Standard aluminum baking sheets, in line with Fernandez, “are considered to be safe for daily use, and many professional kitchens rely on them.”
That applies to food-grade silicone as properly. However, she cautioned in opposition to chopping meals over them. “Some brands may have an inner layer of fiberglass that can be exposed if the surface is damaged.”
For this text, we consulted the next baking specialists for his or her skilled insights.
NCS Underscored totally checks the merchandise in our testing guides and supplies full transparency about how we take a look at them. We have a talented group of writers and editors with a few years of testing expertise who guarantee every article is fastidiously edited and that merchandise are appropriately vetted. We speak to high specialists when related to verify we’re testing every product precisely, recommending solely the best merchandise and contemplating the professionals and cons of every merchandise.
Testing author Michelle Rae Uy boasts years of expertise overlaying dwelling merchandise and home equipment and writing product reviews. She lined dwelling and kitchen home equipment for varied publications earlier than becoming a member of NCS Underscored. She is chargeable for writing a few of our in style best-tested guides, together with the best stand mixers, best espresso machines and the best countertop ice makers.