Best Baking Sheets
Whether you’re a professional baker or a home cook, having the right tools in your kitchen is essential. You don’t necessarily need an arsenal of electric appliances, but you do need the basics. A good set of baking sheets is a must – you’ll use them more than almost anything else in your kitchen.
The Top 5 Baking Sheets
One baking sheet is like any other, at least until it comes time to use it. Some baking sheets are so flimsy they don’t support the recipe while others warp or stain in the oven. If you can’t depend on your baking sheet to do the job well, why do you even bother having them?
Even if you’re not a professional baker or a private chef, it pays to have a good set of quality baking sheets around. After you throw out your old set and try the new ones for the first time, you’ll see why.
The trouble with baking sheets is they all look more or less the same. How do you tell the difference? It really comes down to a few simple features like size, thickness, shape, and materials. You may also want to explore options for rimmed versus rimless baking sheets as well as nonstick options.
Here are the best 5 baking sheets on the market:
Nordic Ware Aluminum Baker’s Half Sheet
Award: Best Overall
If you’re looking for a baking sheet that is durable without being super heavy, this half-sheet baking pan set is the perfect option.
Having one high-quality baking sheet is great but having two is better. The Nordic Ware Aluminum Baker’s Half Sheet comes in a 2-pack priced at $25 so you never have to worry about squeezing your entire recipe onto one pan. Made from pure aluminum guaranteed not to rust for life, these baking sheets are lightweight but surprisingly sturdy and the reinforced steel rim adds strength. It also helps prevent the pan from warping which can be an issue at high temperatures.
The Nordic Ware Aluminum Baker’s Half Sheet set is designed for superior heat conductivity to ensure even baking and browning. The pans are easy to clean even though they don’t have a nonstick coating, so you won’t have to worry about adjusting baking times. These baking sheets are compatible with parchment paper and silicone baking mats, however, in case you want to make cleanup even easier.
Pros:
- Affordably priced for a 2-pack set
- Pure aluminum for superior heat conductivity
- Sturdy reinforced steel rim for durability
Cons:
- May be too large for smaller ovens
- Must be washed by hand
Specs:
- Price: $25 (2 pack)
- Size: 17.9 x 12.9 inches
- Materials: Aluminum
- Non-Stick: No
Good Cook 13×9 Inch Baking Sheet
Award: Best Value
Why spend a fortune on a baking pan if you don’t need to? This option simple but functional and, best of all, affordably priced.
Unless you do a lot of cooking and baking, you may not see the point in spending a small fortune on cookware. If you’re looking for a baking sheet that gets the job done but you don’t want to waste your money on something that won’t last, the Good Cook 13×9 Inch Baking Sheet is the right choice.
The Good Cook 13×9 Inch Baking Sheet is perfectly sized for most standard ovens and made from professional-gauge steel to ensure durability against warping, staining, and scratching. This pan is compatible with metal spatulas and has an easy-to-clean nonstick coating. Best of all, it’s dishwasher safe for quick and simple cleanup.
Pros:
- Perfect size for standard 22-inch ovens
- Nonstick coating for easy cleanup
- Made from professional-gauge steel
Cons:
- May warp at higher oven temperatures
- Nonstick coating may wear off quickly
Specs:
- Price: $7
- Size: 13 x 9 inches
- Materials: Steel
- Non-Stick: Yes
Wilton Recipe Right 3-Piece Baking Sheet Set
Award: Best Set
Why settle for a single baking sheet when you can have three for the price of one? This rimmed baking sheet set comes with three different sizes all with nonstick coatings.
You never know what your next recipe is going to call for, so it’s a good idea to have an assortment of different baking sheets on hand. With the Wilton Recipe Right 3-Piece Baking Sheet Set, you’ll have three different options to choose from. Priced under $25, this 3-set of aluminum baking sheets is a great buy and perfect for cookies and other baked goods.
The Wilton Recipe Right 3-Piece Baking Sheet Set is made from heavyweight steel to ensure even heating and exceptional baking performance. Because each pan has a nonstick coating for easy food release, handwashing is recommended (though they are technically dishwasher safe). You’ll also be glad to know the set comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
- Convenient 3-set of different sizes
- Make from aluminum with a nonstick coating
- Pans designed to stack for easy storage
Cons:
- May warp at higher oven temperatures
- Thicker pans may be more durable
Specs:
- Price: $22
- Size: 3 sizes
- Materials: Steel
- Non-Stick: Yes
OXO Good Grips Pro Nonstick Baking Sheet
Award: Best Rimless
Constructed from heavy-gauge aluminum with a micro-textured surface, this rimless baking sheet enables maximum airflow for even cooking and nonstick protection.
When you want to take advantage of as much surface space as possible, a rimless baking sheet is the way to go. This OXO Good Grips Pro Nonstick Baking Sheet is generously sized and Swiss-engineered for maximum durability and optimal performance. Made from heavy-gauge aluminized steel to promote even heat distribution, this baking sheet delivers a perfect bake each and every time.
The OXO Good Grips Pro Nonstick Baking Sheet features a micro-textured surface and two-layer coating to keep food from sticking while also protecting against scratching, stains, and corrosion. Square rolled edges boost the strength and give you a secure grip for transfer into and out of the oven. OXO also offers an assortment of other baking sheets and pans with similar design.
Pros:
- Swiss-engineered for maximum durability
- Micro-textured surface and two-layer coating
- Square rolled edges boost the strength
Cons:
- May be too large for some users
- Requires handwashing to preserve nonstick coating
Specs:
- Price: $25
- Size: 14.5 x 18.5 inches
- Materials: Aluminized steel
- Non-Stick: Yes
Chicago Metallic Professional Nonstick Baking Sheet
Award: Best Nonstick
When you want to know your recipe absolutely won’t stick, this rimmed baking sheet protected by a silicone-based coating is the one you can trust.
Nothing is worse than spending an hour or two making a perfect meal just to spend another hour scrubbing the dishes. If you’re looking for a reliable and durable nonstick baking sheet, we recommend the Chicago Metallic Professional Nonstick Baking Sheet. This pan is made from heavy-weight carbon steel to ensure maximum durability while also ensuring even distribution of heat for consistent baking results. You won’t have to adjust all your recipes just to avoid burning them.
The Chicago Metallic Professional Nonstick Baking Sheet is generously sized but perfect for standard ovens at 15.5×10.5 inches on the outer rim and 14.75×9.75 on the interior. This baking sheet is rimmed for added durability and spill protection, plus it’s rod-reinforced to prevent warping. With a nonstick coating, this pan is easy to clean and you can pop it in the dishwasher if you’re in a rush (handwashing is recommended). It comes in two colors and is suitable for all oven types.
Pros:
- Evenly distributes heat for a consistent bake
- Nonstick coating for easy food release
- Perfectly sized for standard 22-inch ovens
Cons:
- Requires handwashing to preserve nonstick coating
- Sizing is a little awkward (not standard jelly roll)
Specs:
- Price: $20
- Size: 14.75 x 9.75 inches
- Materials: Carbon steel
- Non-Stick: Yes
Baking Sheets vs. Cookie Sheets
When you read a recipe for chocolate chip cookies, you’ll prepare the batter then place it on cookie sheets for baking. If you read another recipe, you might follow the same exact instructions with a single difference – they refer to it as a “baking sheet.” Is there a difference and, if so, what is it?
The terms baking sheet and cookie sheet are often used interchangeably but there is, in fact, a difference. The term baking sheet usually refers to a baking tray with a raised edge while most cookie sheets are flat. Each has its own uses and, in many cases, which you choose is a matter of preference.
The benefits of using a baking sheet are that it contains spills and the materials are often a little sturdier. There are, of course, cases when a rimless baking sheet is a good option – when you need as much surface area as possible and when air circulation is important.
What to Look for in a Baking Sheet
Not all baking sheets are created equal, but you may not fully understand the difference until you try a few options for yourself. It doesn’t hurt, however, to have an idea what the options are when you start shopping. It’s important to understand the terms used to describe baking sheets so you can make a direct comparison between different options.
As you can imagine, baking sheets come in a wide variety of sizes, but the standard shape is generally rectangular. You’ll come across round baking sheets as well, but these are often specialized for specific dishes like pizza or pies. You’ll need to think about the materials from which the baking sheet is made as well as its thickness and whether you want some kind of protective coating on it.
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for baking sheets:
- Rimmed vs Rimless – Whether you choose rimmed or rimless baking sheets largely depends on the recipe. If you’re worried about spills, go with rimmed. If you need air circulation, go rimless.
- Size – The standard size for baking sheets varies, though you’ll usually find a minimum width of 12 to 13 inches and a minimum length of 18 inches. A 13×18-inch baking sheet is also referred to as a “half sheet” pan which is perfectly sized for a standard 22-inch oven.
- Materials – Baking sheets are typically made from some type of metal, but there are many different options. Untreated aluminum is one of the most common options, though you’ll also find materials like steel. Consider the color of the material as it will affect baking time.
- Coating – Many baking sheets have a nonstick coating which makes the pan easier to clean. Keep in mind that nonstick pans are often darker in color, so your recipe may cook more quickly and come out crunchier or darker in color.
- Gauge – The gauge or thickness of the baking matter is important because it affects the cook time and sturdiness. Generally, 10- to 18-gauge baking pans are best.
In addition to these factors, think about some potential additional features as well. Some baking pans are insulated – they are designed with a thin layer of air between two sheets of metal. Insulated baking pans distribute heat very evenly, but they take longer to warm up and they can increase baking time.
The Bottom Line
Nothing is worse than getting halfway through a recipe just to discover you don’t have the right pan. The baking pan is one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen, so it’s definitely a good idea to make it a good one. You might even want to stock several baking pans of different sizes, so you’ll always have what you need. In addition to investing in a good baking pan, be sure to take proper care of it.
If you do any cooking or baking on a regular basis, it is well worth having a good set of baking sheets. You don’t necessarily need to take our recommendations, but the ones reviewed above should provide a good overview of the options available to help you narrow your search.