6 best metal baking racks

Metal baking racks, also known as cooling racks, are essential kitchen tools used primarily in baking and cooking to help cool down baked goods and allow air to circulate around them.They are an integral part of bakeware and are designed to serve several purposes in the kitchen. Here's what you need to know about metal baking racks:

  1. Cooling Baked Goods: The primary function of metal baking racks is to cool freshly baked items such as cookies, cakes, bread, and pastries. When you take these items out of the oven, placing them on a rack allows air to flow around them, which helps prevent moisture buildup and ensures even cooling. This helps maintain the texture and crispness of baked goods.

  2. Icing and Glazing: Baking racks can also be used for icing or glazing baked goods. When you place cookies or cupcakes on a cooling rack and drizzle icing or glaze over them, any excess icing drips through the rack, making it easier to clean up and resulting in a more even coating.

  3. Drying and Draining: In addition to cooling, these racks are handy for drying items such as fried foods. If you've fried foods like chicken tenders or donuts, placing them on a metal rack helps excess oil or grease to drain away, preventing sogginess.

  4. Baking and Roasting: Metal baking racks can be used as a roasting rack when cooking meats in the oven. Elevating the meat on a rack allows heat to circulate evenly, promoting even cooking and allowing any drippings to collect in a pan below for making gravies or sauces.

  5. Space-Saving: Baking racks are typically designed to be stackable, making them easy to store when not in use. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different baking sheets and pans.

  6. Easy to Clean: Metal racks are relatively easy to clean. They can often be washed by hand or placed in a dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

  7. Material Variety: While metal is the most common material for baking racks, they can also be made from materials like stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, or non-stick coated steel. The choice of material can affect their durability and ease of cleaning.

In summary, metal baking racks are versatile kitchen accessories that serve multiple purposes, from cooling baked goods to aiding in roasting and draining excess oil. They are a valuable addition to any kitchen, making baking and cooking tasks more efficient and effective.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best metal baking racks on the market
  

Goson Kitchen Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Metal Wire Cooling, Cooking, Baking Rack For Baking Sheet, Oven Safe up to 575F, Dishwasher Safe Rust Free | 8.5"x12"; SET OF 2

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • SET OF 2 X STAINLESS STEEL WIRE RACKS for baking, cooking, roasting, grilling, and broiling
  • VERSATILE USE WITH SHEET PANS - Compatible with other similar sized sheet pans, jelly roll pans
  • HEAVY DUTY - 1/2" square cross wire pattern ensure fast heat ventilation
  • STURDY - 3/4" elevation from 6 wielded feet optimize even heat distribution for baking.
  • OVEN AND DISHWASHER SAFE - Made from Stainless Steel, the wire racks can withstand up to 575F in the oven and will not rust in dishwashers

User questions & answers

Question: Where is this made
Answer: Yes, the can is square-shaped and the handle comes out just a little. It's a beautiful product. I liked it even better than the pic.
Question: How much space between bottom of rach and pan? I want something that will drain the grease into the bottom of the pan so meat doesn't sit in grease
Answer: It's L 7.7 x W 9.4 x H 12.6 inch.
Question: Does this rack hold up in the broiler? Around 500 degrees
Answer: Hi Thoppe, the dimensions for this trash can are: L 7.7 x W 9.4 x H 12.6 inch. It's more of a wastebasket than a large kitchen garbage can. I would say any typical plastic grocery bag would fit well in here. Thanks for your interest.
Question: Do these work well for letting the oil/grease drip off of meat
Answer: Queen

Checkered Chef Cooling Racks For Baking - Quarter Size - Stainless Steel Cooling Rack/Baking Rack Set of 2 - Oven Safe Wire Racks Fit Quarter Sheet Pan - Small Grid Perfect To Cool and Bake

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Introducing Your New Favorite Cooling Racks !

Following on from the success of our best selling half sheet cooling rack, which achieved perfect scores for both “Cleanup” and “Strength and Stability” in recent product testing by Cook’s Country (America’s Test Kitchen). Checkered Chef is excited to introduce our new quarter sheet cooling racks. The ideal size for compact kitchens, RV’s and countertop ovens or when you’re baking for 1 - 2 people instead of a crowd.

Cooling or Cooking - the choice is yours!

Solid stainless steel construction with no artificial coatings or treatments makes these metal racks warp resistant, rust resistant and 100% safe to use in your oven or broiler. Use individually in quarter sheet pans or team the pair together to fit your half sheet pan or cookie sheet.

Used as cooling racks for baking, the grid design allows for optimum airflow and prevents your treats from falling through - no more cookies sliding through the gaps! Great for cookies, cupcakes, muffins and more!

Used as a baking rack, the grid design allows for even heat distribution and lets oil and grease drip through to elevate your food for healthier cooking. Perfect for baking and roasting, try some reverse seared steaks or finish fillets in the oven.

Compatible with quarter sheet size oven pans, broiler pans, baking sheets and cookie sheets, these racks make the perfect cook’s companion. Use them to crisp up some chicken wings, oven bake some bacon or even to broil meat in your toaster oven.

And when you're done, wash up is easy. Simply hand wash or pop them in the dishwasher! It doesn’t get easier than that!

Sturdy, strong and versatile - no kitchen should be without these racks.

Whether you are looking for a wire cooling rack, or a wire rack for baking, grab your twin pack today by clicking the "Add to Cart" tab above.

  • Use as a cooling rack or baking rack– the choice is yours! With solid stainless steel construction and no artificial coatings or treatments, these baking racks are 100% oven safe. Perfect for oven baked bacon and chicken wings or as a cake or cookie cooling rack.
  • The perfect size! Great for compact kitchens, toaster ovens and RV’s, or just when you’re not baking for a crowd, each rack measures 8” x 11 ¾“ to fit inside a standard 9 ½” x 13” quarter sheet pan or jelly roll pan, leaving enough space to easily insert and remove without spoiling your meal. Alternatively, use both racks together inside a half sheet baking pan or cookie sheet to elevate and cook, broil or grill ribs, meat or fried food.
  • Sick of flimsy racks that warp and twist? These 100% stainless steel cooling racks are designed for maximum strength and durability, and to resist warping and wobbling.
  • No more cookies sliding through the gaps on this wire cooling rack! Our perfectly spaced crosswire mesh grid pattern optimises airflow and prevents your treats from falling through. Great for cookies, cupcakes, muffins, bread, cakes and more!
  • Clean up is a breeze! Dishwasher safe! Every bakers dream - just like our best selling half sheet cooling racks, these quarter sheet racks can be safely washed in the dishwasher without corrosion or rust. Whether it's cooking, cooling, baking, drying, broiling or grilling, you'll find so many uses for these handy heavy duty cooling racks!

User questions & answers

Question: How high is the rack above the pan when in use
Answer: Before cooking on racks in pans, spray top and bottom of racks with shortening . If the dishwasher does not clean racks sufficiently, try the following. As soon as you remove food from the racks, place racks in hot soapy water in sink. Wait a few minutes then clean soapy end with scrubbie or brush and flip so that opposite end is in water and repeat the process. It is important not to let racks cool too much or dry before cleaning.
Question: Cleaning is the big problem. Food sticks and very hard to get off. any suggestions
Answer: 1/2 in. square. I use them in my smoker for jerky and have not had a problem of anything falling through.
Question: How tight is the spacing? 1/4 in? 3/8 in
Answer: 8 and 1/8 x11 and 5/8 inches. They fit perfectly in my NordicWare 1/4 sheet pans/
Question: What are the exact rack dimensions
Answer: This product is extremely tough. It requires strong tin snips to cut through. I can’t see any way even a human could break through it with shear force. Just be sure the edges are secure and orientated where they can’t cut your pup or anyone else.

Oven Safe, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Baking Rack & Cooling Rack, 10 x 15 inches Fits Jelly Roll Pan

Spring Chef

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price
  • 100% Solid 304 (18/8) Stainless Steel Construction - NO metal platings or coatings that can chip or scratch and transfer toxins/chemicals to your food
  • Broil, Bake, Roast, Decorate or Cool with this versatile 10" x 15" rack. Try it for making crispy chicken in the oven, allowing grease to drip after frying foods, making baked potatoes, decorating cakes and more.
  • Engineered for supreme durability and rust/warp-resistance with Heavy Gauge Steel. Grid size and 4 raised feet were specifically designed to allow optimal air circulation.
  • Rack fits perfectly in 10.25" x 15.25" Jelly Roll Pan or Cookie Sheet (as shown in image - pan not included).
  • Oven Safe, Dishwasher safe and backed by a LIFETIME Warranty.

User questions & answers

Question: How far off the pan does it sit? (the gap between the pan and the wire for air flow
Answer: As Curly says, they are aluminum over steel. I am notorious for having strange outcomes with my baking. These cookie sheets make me look like I know what I'm doing. No problem with rust or discoloration.
Question: Would anyone happen to know the height of the "feet"? [i.e.one of the other drying/cooking racks I am looking at states the feet are 3/4" high] Thanks
Answer: Amazon lists two sizes for the same item, choose when purchasing. I use the "Medium" size, 15 x 10 x 1 (14.75 x 9.75 x 1 on the product insert). The pan is flared. My personal measurement is 15.5 x 10.5 at the top.
Question: What are the dimensions of the steel itself? I'm thinking about strength. What are the diameters of the wires in the mesh, the legs and the border
Answer: Hi, Jessika. Pan is 17 5/8 inches long and 12 13/16 inches wide from outer rim to rim.
Question: Where is this made
Answer: Does the spray have Lecithin in it? (That’s the stuff that bakes on hard and is like glue on a pan.) I use lite olive oil and a silicon brush to spread it around. You could even get a spritzer fill with olive oil. (Would be cheaper than canned olive spray. :) Hope that helps. These are better than using aluminum sheets! aluminum absorbs into the body and lodged in the brain.

Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack for Cookies, Cakes and More

Wilton

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Love to bake but have limited space? This three-tiered cooling rack just solved that problem. It expands to 3 racks that stack on top of each other so you can cool batches of cookies, cake layers or countless finger foods all at once without sacrificing counter space. Once done, it collapses right back down for easy storage.

  • Stacked cooling racks let you cool dozens of cookies or 3 cakes all at once without taking up a lot of space
  • Reinforced non stick coating for easy release and quick cleanup
  • Each rack measures 15.9 x 9.9 inches (40.4 x 25.1 centimeter)
  • Limited 10 year warranty
  • Before first and after each use, wash in warm, soapy water for best results

User questions & answers

Question: what is the height of each rack
Answer: I think as long as you don’t turn it past 55 the alarm won’t sound, but I’ve never tried as we use the alarm for our kids.
Question: Do the grids separate to be used individually
Answer: Well, I guess you could manually, but it would be a pain, this is a very simple gadget, you turn it all the way around from zero to 55 and then back the other way to the number you want, say 10 minutes so to pause you would have to remember where you wanted to stop and then reset it to that number I guess, not really practical. This thing has a nice big face so you can see it across the room.
Question: if I pay the said amount, get 3 plates or just one
Answer: This is the only size in this timer I have found.
Question: oven safe
Answer: Before each use, simply drag the control knob to ‘55-minute’ to active the timer,and then move control knob to your desired amount of time . The red part shows how much time is remaining before time is up. It is very simple.

Product features

Bakeware for Every Day and Every Occasion

Whether you love to bake once a week or once a month, Wilton has the bakeware to help you make the most out of your favorite foods. From heavy-duty aluminum cake pans to durable, non-stick all-purpose cookie sheets, there's something for everyone. Replace your old bakeware or build on your current collection with an assortment of standard, shaped and silicone pans.

Wilton bakeware comes in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes, including round, square and oblong pans, small, medium and large cookie sheets, standard and mini muffin tins ranging from 6-cup to 48-cup, and all kinds of shaped pans like hearts, animals and popular children's characters.

Our silicone baking pans and molds also come in an array of fun shapes so you can make treats to fit different occasions and party themes. So go ahead, get your bake on with Wilton and make the kitchen your happy place.

Non-Stick Bakeware

No matter what you're making, the durable non-stick and scratch-resistant coating on our Recipe Right Non-Stick, EverGlide and Perfect Results Non-Stick Bakeware allows your food to slide or pop out easily, making cleanup almost effortless. The dimensions are stamped on the handles for easy reference, and all are dishwasher safe. Non-stick bakeware is a must-have for busy cooks.

Heavy-Duty Aluminum Pans

If you're a frequent baker, these should be a staple in your kitchen. The heavy-gauge construction provides long-lasting durability and allows for even heating so food cooks thoroughly. Grab pieces from our line of standard aluminum bakeware, or make baking even more fun with any of the many shaped pans from the collection. You'll enjoy years of use from these sturdy pans.

Baking with Silicone

Using silicone molds and pans can open you up to a whole new way to bake. Usually, there's no greasing the pan first, and foods bake quickly and evenly with burning or overcooking. You just have to give the silicone a quick twist and food pops right out. The non-stick silicone surface makes cleanup quick and easy. Another big benefit is that they are freezer, refrigerator, microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. There's so many more things you can do with them too, including molding ice cubes, gelatin or even ice cream. These flexible molds and pans will become a favorite go-to in the kitchen.

USA Pan Half Sheet Baking Pan and Bakeable Nonstick Cooling Rack, Metal

USA Pan

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The USA Pan nonstick bake able half sheet pan and non-stick half Sheet cooling rack set includes a 17. 25 x 12. 25 x 1 inches half sheet pan and a 16. 75 x 11. 625 x 0. 56 inches half sheet cooling rack. This classic kitchen baking combo is the perfect set for home bakers looking to make freshly baked cookies, cakes, and scones that bake evenly, cool uniformly, and come out tasting great. The USA Pan non-stick half Sheet cooling rack fits seamlessly inside the USA Pan non-stick half Sheet pan and provides home bakers with an easy way to add the perfect glaze or finish to your homemade baked goods. Simply place your oven safe cooling rack in the pan, add your items on top of the cooling rack, and you are ready to start baking like a professional. The cooling rack is easy to use and features a steel cross wire design and 6 raised feet, which elevate your cookies, breads, cakes, and scones into a raised position. This raised position promotes uniform cooling among your baked items. The nonstick coating on both the half sheet and the cooling rack means that your baked goods will release quickly and easily, leaving your cookie bottoms crispy and intact! Both the half sheet and the cooling rack are oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Handwashing is the preferred method of cleaning the half sheet pan. The cooling rack is not dishwasher safe and it is recommended that you clean the rack using a soft sponge or kitchen brush to remove food particles. USA Pan professional grade bakeware helps everyday home bakers produce professional grade baked goods. USA Pan bakeware is long-lasting, durable, and reliable. USA Pan is a Bundy family owned company, based in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area that has been producing high performance bakeware for over 50 years.

  • Classic half sheet pan and cooling rack for baking cookies and cakes or roasting vegetables; both are oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Baking pans feature unique corrugated surface; facilitates air flow for quick release and evenly baked goods; cooling rack has crosswire design and six raised feet for stability and uniform cooling
  • Nonstick Americoat coating - a patented silicone coating which is PTFE, PFOA and BPA free - provides easy release of baked-goods and easy clean up; wash with hot water, mild soap and gentle sponge
  • Rack Dimensions: 16. 75 x 11. 5 x 0. 5 inches; half sheet pan baking area Dimensions: 17. 25 x 12. 25 x 1 inches; outer pan Dimensions: 17. 75 x 12. 75 x 1 inches
  • Sheet pan is made in the USA; Rack is imported; both are made from globally sourced commercial grade and heavy gauge aluminized steel
  • USA Pan is a Bundy family company which has proudly manufactured high quality bakeware and provided jobs in the USA for over 50 years

User questions & answers

Question: Where can I find no aluminum sheet pan
Answer: type in "stainless steel half sheet pan made in usa". there are some here on Amazon. If you live near a commercial resturant supply business, they would have them also. since aluminum is the industry standard, stainless steel is your best option. I'll assume you have a medical reason for this, so try to buy stainless steel made in the USA, Canada or Europe. Other countries processes are not as clean as the USA.
Question: How difficult is the bakeware sheet to clean in sink of course
Answer: While I don't yet have one of these pans, I do have two USA Pan cookie sheets and a muffin tin. The cookie sheets have been used perhaps 30 times and the muffin tin at least 10 times over a 3 year period. None of the pans has "stained" nor has the non-stick coating come off. However, I clean them with nothing but warm soapy water and a cloth. Since they clean easily, I've never had to use much "elbow grease" in the process. In fact, most of my cleaning involves a simple wipe down with a wet washcloth.
Question: Does this work well in a gas BBQ
Answer: I haven't used it in my gas grill yet but they advertise it safe to 450 degrees. I have used it several times in my smoker at 350 degrees with no issues. In fact, I have cooked several chicken halves on it and they were wonderful. I would say you would be safe at indirect temperatures (350 or below) but would avoid extremely high temperatures. I personally could see no reason to use the pan for anything but indirect cooking.
Question: Are both the baking pan and the rack nonstick? The baking pan can be used for baking cookies without the rack, correct
Answer: I wouldn't call it nonstick. I always cover all my baking sheets with nonstick foil or parchment paper. The rack will need a little work, depending on what you baked. I like the size and it is very heavy duty.

Product features

USA Pan Sheet Pans with Baking and Cooling Racks

USA Pan Sheet Pans with Baking and Cooling Racks are available in a variety of sizes making them the go to workhorse in any professional or home kitchen. Each piece can be used as a set or individually making them versatile tools in any kitchen arsenal.

USA Pan Sheet Pans with Baking and Cooling Racks

When used together, the baking rack and sheet pan prevent food from getting soggy. The oven-safe baking rack holds food away from any fats or liquids that drip away while cooking and the pan catches the drippings keeping the oven floor clean.

USA Pan Sheet Pans with Baking and Cooling Racks

Using a baking rack with a sheet pan makes it easier to cook delicate foods like fish or summer vegetables. The rack's feet raise the delicate food off of the pan allowing air to circulate providing even heat minimizing the need to turn and flip the food while cooking.

USA Pan Sheet Pans with Baking and Cooling Racks

The rack works well on its own as a cooling rack for baked goods and anything else that benefits from cooling quickly. Removing quick cooking items like cookies from a hot pan and placing them on a cooling rack stops the cooking process faster resulting in perfectly baked treats every time.

Why Bake with Aluminized Steel Bakeware?

Aluminized steel bakeware is the preferred choice by commercial bakeries around the world for its durability, extra strength, and high-performance capabilities. USA Pan proudly brings commercial quality bakeware into the home baker's kitchen. Baking memories with the family has never been easier.

Unique Fluted Design

Unique corrugated surfaces engineered to enhance nonstick properties and add extra strength to the pan for warp resistance. Durable, reliable, and high-performance design for ideal heating distribution and increased air flow.

Americoat Plus Nonstick Coating

Americoat Plus Silicone Nonstick Coating is our patented nonstick coating that is PTFE and PFOA free. Watch your cookies and cakes release effortlessly off your pan. Easy to use and easy to clean.

Reinforced Steel Wire Rim

USA Pan Sheet Pans are reinforced with a steel wire in the rim to further assist in warp resistance and add increased strength to the bakeware. USA Pan bakeware is carefully constructed and built to last.

Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks for Baking - 10" x 15" - Stainless Steel Wire Cookie Rack Fits Jelly Roll Sheet Pan, Oven Safe for Cooking, Roasting, Grilling

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL, STURDY CONSTRUCTION: The cooling rack is made of standard food-grade superior stainless steel, which is durable and rustproof. The thick grid can bear the weight better and is not easy to break. The 4 support feet combined with 2 cross bars strengthen the stability and make it won’t tilt and spill.
  • DISHWASHER SAFE AND EASY TO CLEAN: This cooling rack is completely dishwasher safe and will not wear or fade in it. Very easy to clean even if you have to clean it manually, just soak immediately after use and use a vegetable brush to get crumbs and bits out of the cross sections, then cleaning is simply a piece of cake. And just a tip: when you bake, spray some cooking spray on it and it cleans up pretty easy.
  • UNIQUE COOLING DESIGN: The design of 4 supporting feet allows the entire cooling rack to be raised by 0.6 inches to better air circulation which makes foods much crispier than just laying flat on a baking sheet. The 3/8”x 3/8” grid spacing maximizes the contact with the air and leaks residues under the premise that the food will not fall. The size of the grid is small, so the foods will not get strange shapes at the bottom because placed on a few wires.
  • OVEN SAFE UP TO 575℉ MAKES IT VERSATILE: The advantage of high temperature resistance makes it very suitable for use in the oven or grill. It can not only bake meat, fruits and vegetables, but also put the rack on a biscuit board to make a drip tray to let fat out of the barbecue and let you create a crispy crust on chicken wings, turkey, bread and other foods. Heat resistance also prevents it from melting or bending due to high temperatures.
  • PERFECT SIZE FITS FOR HALF SHEET PANS: Measuring 10" x 15", fits inside a jelly roll sheet. The larger size is suitable for more cooling quantity, and it is very convenient and suitable for hosting family dinners or parties or in restaurants or bakery.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this broiler safe? Sorry if dumb question
Answer: From the table to the top of the tray, including the tray top, is 3/4" high. It fits perfectly in an oven pay.
Question: Where are these made
Answer: 17 7/8 x 11 3/4 , the interior dimensions are 1/2 inch square, there are four feet that run two and three quarter inches from each edge, it can certainly use some feet across the middle, it is very strong but it will sag in the middle because of the lack of feet there. The bent metal rods that act as the feet are a little less than one eighth of an inch in diameter. Check out the photo on Amazon.
Question: Can these stack for cool purposes
Answer: Thankfully I still had the wrapper. It's on the back side in tiny writing, "Made in China."
Question: What is the grid spacing? From inside to inside
Answer: I’m pretty sure it is. To my knowledge it is overheated nonstick coating that might be unsafe for birds. This sheet doesn’t have a nonstick coating. It works great too.

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