Best Baking Mats
Baking mats are that must-have time-saver every busy household needs. Not only are they ideal for rolling out cookie, pastry, or bread doughs but their non-stick surface ensures foods don’t stick and clean-up is always quick and easy. And because today’s designs feature food-grade silicone with heat-proof fiberglass construction, they can be placed directly onto your baking tray and go straight into the oven. You don’t even have to worry about transferring delicates pastries off the mat and onto the pan. For health-conscious cooks, you’ll appreciate that these mats not only take the place of parchment and foils in providing a no-stick bake surface, they also eliminate the need for greasing your pans with butters and oils.
What Are the Benefits to a Using a Baking Mat?
Baking mats are possibly the most under-appreciated utensil in the kitchen. While you may assume they’re intended solely for baking delicate pastries, they’re actually much more versatile than that. Made from oven-proof silicone, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes that make them ideal for fitting into your roasting tray, pizza pan, or baking sheet when preparing meals or heating up leftovers. And with some designs, their non-stick surface makes them perfect for rolling out all types of dough with many even featuring ruled templates to help ensure no-fail measuring and trimming of crusts.
What to Look for When Buying a Baking Mat
Construction
Before you invest, consider how you want to use your baking mat. While all offer heat-proof counter-to-oven convenience, not all will deliver the size and surface you may require. Some mats are perfect for rolling and cutting pastry dough while others are geared more toward the actual baking process and aren’t designed to accommodate raw dough or have their surfaces scored by a knife. Additionally, the mat size can impact your ability to streamline prep work. Too-small mats aren’t suitable for rolling out large quantities of bread, pie, or pizza doughs while a too-large design won’t fit most microwave ovens.
Quality
Look for 100% food-grade silicone construction for a non-stick finish with a fiberglass component for even-heat distribution. And although many are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 450-degrees Fahrenheit – ideal for bread, cookie, or pastry baking – you need to verify max temps prior to purchase to ensure it suits your needs. For heavier items like pizza or various cuts of meat, you’ll also want a baking mat that’s a little more rigid and won’t collapse during transfer. Particularly for bread-baking, a breathable surface will promote better circulation of hot air and a more evenly finished crust.
Ease of Use
A non-stick finish makes hand-washing easy, and in some instances is the only recommended method of cleaning your baking mat. If dishwasher-safe is important to you, be sure the manufacturer offers this as an option. For those planning to use their mats to roast meats and vegetables as well as bake breads and pastries, purchasing two separate mats is the only sure way to prevent the transfer of tastes and odors. And while a number of designs include measuring and cutting templates for pastries, not all mats are suitable for this purpose. Those with a mesh surface are not designed for rolling dough or to have the material compromised by knife scores.
Top 6 Baking Mats
RENOOK 5-Piece Set Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mats with Fiberglass Core and Silicone Basting Brush
Best for Those Who Want to Cook and Eat Healthier
For those whose culinary specialties range from roasting meats and vegetables to baking up the perfect pizza, this 5-piece set of 100% food-grade silicone baking mats has you – and your cookware – covered. From the larger sized mats that are perfect for lining a cookie pan to the smaller half- and quarter-sheets that tuck nicely into a smaller crock or microwave oven, you’ll never have to resort to parchment, foil wrap, or added oils again. The heat-resistant fiberglass core transfers heat evenly across the entire surface for a perfect bake with no worries about the mat breaking down in extreme heat. Best of all, the non-stick cook surface requires just a quick hand-wash between uses, or you can toss into the dishwasher for when a deeper clean is needed.
Who Should Buy This Baking Mat?
These mats are ideal for those that regularly use their oven for cooking meals and are looking for a healthy alternative to adding oils. The five non-stick mats are sized to fit into standard baking trays and make preparing multiple dishes at the same time, so much easier.
Pros:
- 5-piece set
- Sized to fit standard pans
- Silicone basting brush included
- Fiberglass core
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Not large enough to roll out dough
EEH 20-Piece Set of Silicone Pastry Baking Mats with Piping Bags, Tips, and Coupler
Best for Those Who Want to Excel at Pastry Baking
Ready to take your baked goods to patisserie caliber? If yes, the most important pieces of equipment you can purchase are professional-grade silicone baking mats and the utensils needed to produce those top-quality results. With this 20-piece set, you get it all; the non-stick silicone mats the piping bags, tips, and coupler needed to begin serious macron, candy, and pastry production. Both baking mats are generously sized to fit a standard cookie sheet and because the breathable design delivers a consistent, even heat, you never need to worry about scorching or over-baking. Template measurements and guidelines along with six different sizes and shapes of tips allow you to customize the look of your creations. The mat and tips are dishwasher safe but hand-washing is recommended.
Who Should Buy This Baking Mat?
This set of silicone mats, piping bags, and tips is the ideal kit for those who want to get into serious pastry baking. The non-stick mats are sized to fit standard baking trays with an optimal cookie placement template that helps guide the user and keep the process fun and fool-proof.
Pros:
- 2 standard-size non-stick baking mats
- Piping bags plus 6 different tip shapes
- Breathable mat construction heats evenly
- Mat includes cookie layout template
- Can be rolled up for easy storage
Cons:
- Mat surface not large enough to roll out bread dough
Kitzini Store, Extra-Large, Non-Stick Baking Mat with Pie and Pizza Templates
Best for Those Who Work with Bread, Pizza, and Pastry Doughs
When rolling out the dough for your favorite breads and baked goods, a little extra elbow room is always appreciated. That’s why this generously sized 20” x 28” silicone baking mat is a top pick. Not only do its substantial dimensions allow you to work without having to constantly reposition your dough back onto the mat, but its food-grade silicone fabrication is 100% non-stick. So, torn and broken pie crusts are a thing of the past. Handy templates and measures plus ruled grid lines for cutting delicate latticework help take the guesswork out of your prep work. Best of all, this baking mat can go straight into the oven, so pies and cookies never lose their shape when being transferred. Just wipe it clean or toss in the dishwasher.
Who Should Buy This Baking Mat?
For those that love to bake breads or pies, this larger format silicone mat is perfect. Its generous proportions make kneading mounds of dough or rolling out delicate pie crusts cleaner and easier because they stay on the mat versus across your counter.
Pros:
- Extra large size
- Template includes guides and measures
- Non-slip base
- Fiberglass core
- Resists knife cuts
Cons:
- Not sized for a standard cookie tray
Baker Boutique, 12-inch Round, Non-Stick Silicone Pizza Baking Mat with Open-Weave Construction
Best for Those Who Love Home-Made Pizzas
If you struggle to get bake-times just right for your home-made pizzas, you may be using the wrong pan. In fact, a baking mat designed specifically for pizza prep might be the better choice. That’s where this non-stick, food-grade silicone mat enters the picture. Not only will your pizzas slide cleanly off its surface, but the mesh design allows hot air to circulate up and under your pie, for a consistent bake and flawless crust. This 12-inch baking mat is sturdy enough to hold the heaviest pizza without folding in on itself or collapsing. Just place your pie onto the mat, slide a sheet pan underneath, then pop it into the oven. Or, use it as a healthy, oil-free alternative when roasting your favorite meats and vegetables.
Who Should Buy This Baking Mat?
While great for meats and vegetables, this baking mat’s smaller, round shape, and more open composition makes it a perfect choice for producing personal pan pizzas. Woven mesh ensures crusts are evenly browned from beneath, while the fiberglass core is suited for use in standard ovens up to 440-degrees.
Pros
- Perforated design for even heating
- Sized to fit ovens or microwaves
- Heavier, more rigid construction
- Fiberglass core
- Hand wash and air dry
Cons
- Doughs cannot be rolled directly on mat
Sapid 4 Piece, Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mats with Measurement Templates
Best for Those Who Need to Prepare Multiple Dishes at Once
If your food-prep typically includes volume production, this 4-piece set of non-stick silicone baking mats is the way to roll. Made from food-grade silicone and fiberglass, they can go straight from the counter to the oven or freezer. And because they feature both circular and grid-style measuring templates you no longer have to guesstimate with sizing pastry crusts, cutting latticework, or cookie dough placement. The smooth finish lets you roll and cut your doughs directly on the mat, then pop straight into the oven to reduce transfer damage. And four mats mean no waiting for a cook cycle to finish; bake cookies on one, rolls on another, and roast meats, fish or vegetables on the others. In fact, they’re a great intro into healthier eating because they don’t require added oils. Hand-wash or pop into the dishwasher for a deeper clean.
Who Should Buy This Baking Mat?
For busy cooks who have multiple dishes on the go at the same time, this set of four baking mats is ideal. Prep a variety of foods directly on these mats, then pop them in the oven or microwave without transferring to a separate pan. Non-stick construction makes clean-ups quick and easy.
Pros
- 4-piece set
- Sized to fit into standard pans
- Features measuring templates
- Fiberglass core
- Dough can be rolled on mat
Cons
- Sealed surface does not circulate hot air
Silpat Silpain Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat for Bread
Best for Those Who Enjoy Baking Artisanal Breads and Rolls
Want to turn out a better bread? It all starts with having the right equipment and that’s why you’ll want to check out this non-stick, aerated silicone baking mat. Not only is it sized to accommodate everything from long baguettes challah braids, rolls, and buns, but its fiberglass mesh construction circulates the hot air up and around the bread to ensure even heat distribution and a consistent bake process. And because its safe for use in temperatures higher than most baking mats can tolerate (up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit) it’s the ideal choice for breads and pizza doughs that require a greater heat to achieve a perfect crust. The non-stick food-grade silicone surface ensures finished items release cleanly, and that a simple hand-wash in soapy water is the only maintenance required.
Who Should Buy This Baking Mat?
For those who love to bake artisanal breads that don’t require a pan or mold, this is the baking mat you’ve been looking for. Tolerant of the high temperatures needed for the perfect crust, this non-stick silicone mat with fiberglass mesh panel fits any standard cookie sheet, and ensures sweet or savory breads slide off cleanly every time.
Pros:
- Consistent heat distribution
- Tolerates higher temperatures
- Sized to fit standard pans
- Fiberglass mesh
- Oven, microwave safe
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
Bottom Line
For those who are looking for a healthier way to cook their favorite foods, who appreciate quick and easy clean-up, or who want to elevate the quality of their breads and pastries, a baking mat ticks every box. They’re ideal for roasting foods without the needed for added oils, and their non-stick surface ensures foods from meats and vegetables to pizzas and pastries, slide off clean and whole. And for those who have invested in expensive metal cookware, a set of quality baking mats preserves the pan finish by eliminating scorching and staining.