Including a heavy-duty, restaurant-quality option to buy in bulk and an Instagram-ready one.
15 items in this article 5 items on sale!
15 items in this article 5 items on sale!
If you were forced to pare down your kitchen supplies to include only the bare minimum, sheet pans would make the cut. In my case, many sheet pans: I have nearly 10 and pull one out almost every day, often multiple times a day. I’ve been known to make a big batch of granola to eat for breakfast throughout the week, and to crisp up bacon on the weekend (way less mess than frying in a skillet). For lunch, I often quickly transform a handful of nuts or a can of chickpeas from raw to golden brown, the perfect additions to salads. For dinner, I prep any number of ingredients — roasted or charred vegetables, filets of fish, cuts of meat. And at least once a week you’ll find me turning to a single sheet pan dinner in an attempt to cut down on dishes, whether a whole roasted chicken nestled on top of a layer of potatoes, or a rectangular pizza loaded with cheese. Then, of course, there’s dessert. Cookies are a given, but sheet pans also make excellent vessels for large-format cakes, as well as trays for catching pie or tart juice overflow. The point is, they’re serious workhorses.
They’re also made by a lot of different brands. So how do you know the one you’re buying will hold up to all that cooking without staining, warping, or scratching? To help answer that question, I tested several out myself and also spoke to 13 professional cooks and bakers about the sheet pans they love (and how they take care of them). And if you’re interested in other essential cookware, take a look at my guide to skillets and Dutch ovens, too.
Best sheet pan for baking
Material: Aluminized steel | Coating: Nonstick | Size: Half-sheet | Rim: Rolled
Oxo is a very solid brand when it comes to kitchen basics (we’ve written about their products many a time), so it’s no surprise their nonstick sheet pan is a favorite, too. And though it’s not as aesthetically striking as the Great Jones Holy Sheet, it’s significantly less expensive, coming in at only $26 instead of $40. It comes recommended by Kristen Tomlan, the founder and CEO of DŌ Cookie Dough Confections, who says it’s her “go-to” because “it’s sturdy, nonstick, and helps make sure sweets are evenly baked.” This is partially because of the micro-texture on the bottom, which improves airflow. Also, “the light color of the sheet pan helps slowly transfer heat so the bottoms of your pastries don’t get too brown,” she says. This may be more noticeable with something like sugar cookies than chocolate chip cookies, but in general, the darker the pan, the faster your baked goods will darken on the outside.
The Kitchen Tools We Use Daily: Rimmed Baking Sheets and Wire Racks
FAQ
What bakeware do professional bakers use?
What are professional baking sheets made of?
What baking sheet is most useful in the kitchen?
Should baking sheets be aluminum or stainless steel?
What are baking sheets used for?
Baking sheets are often used for roasting and other savory preparations. Baking sheets can also be used for very shallow cakes, like those used for jelly rolls. Baking sheets can be used for cookies. Cookie sheets are specifically designed for baking cookies. They have a lip on one side for easy gripping and three flat sides.
What is the best baking sheet?
The Nordic Ware delivers an even bake, wipes clean easily, and food slides off with little effort. This sheet has excellent heat conductivity and flat edges work to prevent underdone or broken cookies. Oil and burnt food slide off the OXO Good Grips Half Sheet with ease, making it perfect for roasting vegetables, meat, and more.
Which baking sheet is best for baking cookies?
The Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet has been our top pick since 2013, and after using it frequently for years, it still lies flat and bakes cookies to an even golden brown. Other aluminum pans may perform similarly, but the Nordic Ware baking sheet consistently costs the least for a pan of its quality.
Are baking sheets a good way to make sheet pan dinners?
Baking sheets are a great way to make sheet pan dinners. There are several different kinds of baking sheets available, and the right pan can serve you well for a long time. Stainless steel and aluminum pans generally last longer than nonstick pans, whose coating tends to flake off over time.