Baking cooling racks are essential tools for both professional and home bakers. They provide a convenient surface for cooling baked goods evenly and quickly, preventing them from becoming soggy or misshapen. Cooling racks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, catering to a broad range of baking needs and preferences. They not only serve their primary purpose of cooling but also facilitate other baking processes such as roasting and grilling.
The construction of a cooling rack determines its durability and suitability for different types of food. Picking the right material, such as thick, sturdy wire or stainless steel, ensures that the rack supports the weight of baked goods without bending or warping. Moreover, it’s crucial to choose an oven-safe cooling rack, which allows experimenting with cooking techniques, enhancing your baking experience, and elevating the quality of your final products.
By incorporating cooling racks into your baking routine, you can achieve professional-level results, improve efficiency, and maintain the integrity of your creations. Becoming familiar with the factors affecting the durability and performance of cooling racks, as well as proper usage and maintenance, can make a significant difference in your overall baking experience.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Baking Cooling Rack:
Ultra Cuisine Cooling and Baking Rack Set
Runner Up:
Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks
Best Cooling Rack for Baking and Cooking in 2023
Ultra Cuisine Cooling and Baking Rack Set
This cooling and baking rack set is a great addition to any kitchen.
Pros
- Made with heavy-duty stainless steel
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- Oven-safe up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- May not fit all baking pans
- Some users have reported rusting over time
- Slightly more expensive than other cooling racks on the market
This set of two cooling racks is made with professional grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel, ensuring that they are sturdy and food-safe. The strong, heavy duty wire grids and small holes allow for even cooking, cooling, and roasting every time. The full 1 inch height also provides greater all-around airflow.
Cleaning these racks is a breeze, as they are 100% stainless steel and can be safely washed in the dishwasher. They are also oven-safe up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for multiple uses such as roasting, baking, grilling, smoking, drying, and BBQ.
Designed to perfectly fit large 13×18 inch half sheet baking pans or cookie sheets, this baking tool makes the perfect addition to your bakeware collection. The dimensions of the baking rack are 16.5 x 11.5 x 1.0 inches.
While this cooling and baking rack set is versatile and high-quality, it may not fit all baking pans and some users have reported rusting over time. Additionally, it is slightly more expensive than other cooling racks on the market.
Overall, the Ultra Cuisine Cooling and Baking Rack Set is a great investment for any home cook or professional chef looking for a durable and versatile cooling rack.
Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks
If you’re looking for a sturdy and versatile cooling rack, the Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks might be a good option for you.
Pros
- Made of durable and rustproof stainless steel
- Unique cooling design for better air circulation
- Oven safe up to 575℉
Cons
- Grid spacing might be too small for some types of food
- Not non-stick, so some food might stick to it
- Might take up more space than other cooling racks due to the 6 supporting feet
The Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks are made of standard food-grade stainless steel, which makes them durable and rustproof. The thick grid can bear weight better and is not easy to break. The 6 support feet combined with 3 cross bars strengthen the stability and make it won’t tilt and spill. Additionally, the cooling rack is completely dishwasher safe and easy to clean, even if you have to clean it manually.
One of the unique features of these cooling racks is their cooling design. The 6 supporting feet allow the entire cooling rack to be raised by 0.6 inches, which improves air circulation and makes foods much crispier than just laying flat on a baking sheet. Moreover, the ⅜” x ⅜” grid spacing maximizes the contact with the air and leaks residues under the premise that the food will not fall. However, the size of the grid is small, so some types of food might not fit well on it.
Another advantage of these cooling racks is their high temperature resistance, which makes them suitable for use in the oven or grill. You 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.
Measuring 11.8” x 16.5”, these cooling racks fit inside a half sheet (13″ x 18″), making them suitable for hosting family dinners or parties or in restaurants or bakery. However, due to the 6 supporting feet, they might take up more space than other cooling racks.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and versatile cooling rack that can handle high temperatures and improve air circulation, the Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks might be a good option for you.
Wilton Industries Perfect Results Mega Cooling Rack
If you’re looking for an affordable cooling rack that offers all the right qualities for better baking results, the Wilton Industries Perfect Results Mega Cooling Rack is a great option.
Pros
- The nonstick surface offers reinforced coating that provides quick release and easy cleanup.
- The convenient handles are designed for easy handling in and out of the oven, even while wearing oven mitts.
- The heavy gauge construction spreads heat evenly and prevents warping.
Cons
- The size of the rack is not as large as some may expect from a “mega” cooling rack.
- The rack may start to rust after a little bit of moisture.
- The rack can be difficult to clean after cooking bacon on it.
This cooling rack is perfect for those who want a reliable and affordable option for their baking needs. The nonstick surface ensures that your baked goods will release easily and the handles make it easy to move the rack in and out of the oven. The heavy gauge construction also ensures that heat is spread evenly across the rack, preventing any warping.
If you’re looking for a cooling rack that is truly “mega”, you may be a bit disappointed with the size of this rack. Additionally, the rack may start to rust if it comes into contact with moisture. Finally, if you use the rack to cook bacon, it can be difficult to clean afterwards.
Checkered Chef Cooling Rack – Set of 2 Stainless Steel
This cooling rack set is perfect for anyone who wants to elevate their baking game with a sturdy and easy-to-use cooling rack.
Pros
- The solid stainless steel construction makes these racks oven safe and easy to clean, making them perfect for cooking and cooling.
- The grid design of the racks prevents food from falling through, while allowing for airflow to cool your baked goods quickly and evenly.
- With a size of 8” x 11 ¾, these racks will fit in most standard ovens and cookware sheets, making them a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Cons
- Some users may find the racks to be a bit shallow for cooling cakes or other tall baked goods.
- While the racks are dishwasher safe, some users may prefer to hand wash them to ensure they stay in top condition.
- The price point may be higher than some other cooling racks on the market.
If you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-use cooling rack set, the Checkered Chef Cooling Rack – Set of 2 Stainless Steel is a great option. The solid stainless steel construction ensures that these racks will last for years, and the grid design allows for even cooling without any food falling through. While some users may find the racks to be a bit shallow for cooling taller baked goods, the size is perfect for standard baking sheets. Overall, these racks are a great investment for any baking enthusiast.
BRIOUT Cooling Rack
If you’re looking for a reliable cooling rack for your baked goods, the BRIOUT Cooling Rack is a great option.
Pros
- Made of solid stainless steel for maximum durability and safety
- Large size (16×10 inches) with 1/2″ x 1/2″ grid spacing for healthier meals
- 4 supporting feet for better air circulation and crispier food
Cons
- May not be as sturdy as some other cooling racks
- Some users may prefer a wider rack
- Not suitable for very large baked goods
The BRIOUT Cooling Rack is made of solid stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about any unhealthy substances getting into your food. It’s also oven and grill safe, making it a versatile tool in your kitchen. The 1/2″ x 1/2″ grid spacing allows grease to drip away from your food, resulting in healthier meals. Plus, the 4 supporting feet raise the rack for better air circulation, resulting in crispier food.
While some users may find that the rack isn’t as sturdy as other options on the market, it’s still a great choice for everyday use. Some users may also prefer a wider rack, but the 16×10 inch size should be sufficient for most baked goods. Keep in mind that the rack may not be suitable for very large items.
Overall, the BRIOUT Cooling Rack is a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile cooling rack.
Key Takeaways
- Baking cooling racks are essential for achieving evenly cooled baked goods and supporting various cooking techniques.
- Selecting the right material and construction ensures durability and adaptability for different types of food.
- Proper usage and maintenance of cooling racks enhance baking efficiency and improve the quality of your creations.
Basics of Baking Cooling Racks
Cooling racks are an essential tool in the baking process. They serve a functional purpose for both amateur home bakers and professional pastry chefs. Cooling racks consist of a network of wire grids that elevate foods, such as baked goods, above a flat surface, allowing air to circulate around them. This even distribution of air leads to faster cooling times and prevents foods from becoming soggy or excessively moist.
Typically, cooling racks are constructed of metal wires that are arranged in a grid-like pattern on a frame. These wires ensure that heat dissipates efficiently, and they’re built to provide stability and support for baked goods and other foods. Additionally, many cooling racks now feature nonstick coatings, making it easier for bakers to handle delicate pastries without damage or residue.
Using a cooling rack with a baking sheet can increase the versatility of this kitchen tool. By placing a cooling rack over a baking sheet, you can create an oven-safe setup for specific cooking methods. For example, baking bacon on a cooling rack set over a sheet pan in an oven heated to 450°F allows the grease to drip away from the bacon, making it crispier and less greasy. This method also helps circulate hot air around the food, promoting even cooking.
When choosing the right cooling rack, it’s important to look for a product that is compatible with your existing bakeware. By selecting a cooling rack that fits comfortably in your baking sheet, you’ll ensure stability and convenience. It’s also important to check if the cooling rack is oven-safe, as some are only meant for cooling and may warp when exposed to high heat.
In summary, a cooling rack is an indispensable tool for both baking enthusiasts and professional chefs. They’re designed to facilitate efficient cooling of baked goods by allowing air to circulate freely. Paired with a baking sheet, cooling racks become increasingly versatile and can contribute to improved cooking results. When choosing the right cooling rack, compatibility with existing bakeware, oven-safe materials, and nonstick coatings should all be considered.
Materials and Construction
Baking cooling racks are essential tools for any baker, allowing for even and quick cooling of baked goods. The materials and construction of these racks can have a significant impact on their performance and durability. In this section, we will discuss the most common materials used in cooling rack construction: stainless steel, chrome, and stainless steel construction.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for cooling racks due to its strength, durability, and resistance to rust and corrosion. This material offers excellent heat resistance, allowing the cooling rack to withstand high oven temperatures. A prime example of a stainless steel cooling rack is Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Half Sheet Baking and Cooling Rack, which is made of thick, sturdy wire and fits easily into a half-sheet pan without significant shifting.
Chrome is another material used in cooling racks. Chrome-plated cooling racks often have a shiny appearance, but their main advantage is their non-stick surface. This non-stick property allows for easy removal of baked goods and simplifies the cleaning process. However, chrome-plated racks may wear out faster than stainless steel racks over time, especially when exposed to extreme oven heat.
Stainless steel construction is a term that refers to the overall design and build of the cooling rack. A well-constructed stainless steel cooling rack will feature even and tight wire spacing to provide ample support for baked goods, reduce the chances of cookies misshaping, and prevent spatulas from snagging on the rack. The Hamilton Housewares Stackable Stainless Steel Wire Half Sheet Cooling Rack is an example of a well-constructed cooling rack suitable for various baked goods, including bread.
In conclusion, the materials and construction of a baking cooling rack play a vital role in its performance and durability. Stainless steel, chrome, and stainless steel construction are commonly used materials that offer different advantages. When selecting a cooling rack, consider the properties of each material and the overall design to ensure you choose the best rack for your baking needs.
Suitable for Various Foods
Cooling racks serve a versatile role in the kitchen, providing the optimal space and airflow for a variety of foods to cool evenly. They are particularly useful for cooling baked goods like cookies and muffins, as placing them directly on a cooling rack prevents them from becoming soggy.
Bread, a staple in many households, benefits greatly from proper cooling. Placing a loaf on a cooling rack allows air to circulate around all sides, preventing the crust from getting damp, and helps maintain the bread’s overall structure. Additionally, the enhanced air circulation aids in managing the intensity of the heat after the baking process, ensuring the bread remains fresh and delicious.
Meats such as bacon are often cooked on cooling racks placed inside rimmed baking sheets. This setup allows the excess fat to drip away from the bacon, resulting in a crispier texture and a healthier meal. By using a cooling rack, bacon can be cooked evenly, avoiding overcooking certain sections while ensuring crispiness throughout.
In summary, a baking cooling rack is an essential tool in the kitchen for a variety of foods, including cookies, bread, bacon, and muffins. By promoting even cooling and better air circulation, cooling racks contribute to achieving an improved texture and taste for all of these dishes.
The Benefits of Cooling Racks
Cooling racks are an essential tool for bakers and home cooks alike. They provide a range of benefits that make it easier to achieve perfectly baked goods every time. In this section, we will explore some of the key advantages of using cooling racks in your baking process.
One of the primary benefits of cooling racks is their ability to provide ample support for your freshly baked goods. This support prevents delicate items like cookies and cakes from breaking or becoming misshapen as they cool. Cooling racks are specifically designed to hold baked goods in a stable position, ensuring that they maintain their shape and presentation.
Air circulation is another key advantage of cooling racks. By elevating your baked goods, cooling racks allow air to flow freely around them. This increased airflow helps prevent sogginess by allowing steam to escape and promoting even cooling. The result is a crisper, more appealing texture in your final product.
For those with limited kitchen space, stackable cooling racks are a valuable asset. With their interlocking design, you can easily stack multiple racks on top of one another. This allows you to cool a larger number of baked goods simultaneously, without taking up precious counter space.
Elevation is crucial when it comes to cooling your baked goods effectively. Cooling racks lift your baked items off the countertop or pan, ensuring that they are not sitting in excess moisture or oil. This elevation helps maintain the quality and taste of your baked goods, as well as protecting your countertops from heat damage.
In conclusion, cooling racks offer a range of benefits that make them an indispensable tool for anyone who loves to bake. From providing support and air circulation to offering stackability and elevation, these versatile tools help to ensure that your baked goods come out just right every time.
Incorporating Cooling Racks in Baking
Cooling racks are versatile and essential tools that can be incorporated into various baking and cooking techniques. They aren’t limited to just cooling baked goods; they can also be used in conjunction with baking sheets, sheet pans, and rimmed baking sheets to enhance different processes.
When roasting meats, a cooling rack can be placed on top of a sheet pan or rimmed baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the meat evenly, contributing to a more uniform cooking and better browning. The elevated position also helps fats and juices to drain, avoiding a potential soggy end product.
In addition to roasting, cooling racks can also be used for the baking process. Placing a baking pan on a cooling rack ensures optimal airflow around the pan, which can result in even baking and reduce the risk of overcooking the edges. This technique is especially useful when baking delicate pastries like cookies and scones.
When using cooling racks in the oven, it is important to ensure they are oven-safe, like the ones made by OXO, which can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees and feature a non-stick surface for easy food release. Combining these cooling racks with sheet pans or rimmed baking sheets allows for a more efficient cooking process.
Another useful application of cooling racks involves seasoning slabs of meat or poultry before refrigeration. By setting the rack over a sheet pan, the excess moisture and seasoning can drip away, ensuring a flavorful and well-seasoned final product. This also helps prevent a potential mess in your refrigerator.
In conclusion, incorporating cooling racks in baking can elevate not only the process but the end result as well. Whether it’s roasting, baking, or seasoning, these versatile kitchen tools can be utilized alongside sheet pans, baking sheets, and rimmed baking sheets to bring about optimal results and enhance your culinary experience.
Factors Affecting Durability
When it comes to cooling racks used in baking, durability is a crucial factor that should be taken into account. There are several aspects to consider, including their oven-safe and rust-resistant properties, as well as the quality of the welds.
First and foremost, oven-safe cooling racks are a great addition to any kitchen, as they can withstand high temperatures without getting damaged. Many cooling racks, like the ones made by OXO, are safe to use in the oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for more versatility in the baking process.
Another essential factor to consider is whether the cooling rack is dishwasher safe. This feature ensures easy cleaning and maintenance, which contributes to the overall durability and lifespan of the rack. Some cooling racks, like Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Half Sheet Baking and Cooling Rack, are made from sturdy materials like thick wire, making them suitable for both hand washing and dishwasher use.
Rust-resistant materials play a significant role in prolonging the life of a cooling rack. Stainless steel or chrome-plated steel are commonly used for cooling racks, as they are less likely to corrode or rust when exposed to moisture or high levels of humidity. This quality ensures that your cooling rack will last for years, even after continuous use and washing.
The quality of the welds on a cooling rack cannot be overlooked. Secure and reliable welds ensure that the rack remains sturdy and maintains its shape, even when supporting heavy bakeware or baked goods. Good-quality welds also prevent the risk of wires bending or breaking, which could affect the functionality of the cooling rack.
Lastly, durability is an important aspect to consider. Investing in a cooling rack that is made of robust materials and features good welds not only ensures that it can withstand the test of time but also provides a stable surface for cooling and baking purposes. A well-constructed cooling rack will retain its shape and effectiveness, even when subjected to heavy use in the kitchen.
In conclusion, when selecting a baking cooling rack, keep these factors in mind: oven-safe properties, dishwasher safety, rust resistance, quality welds, and overall durability. These characteristics will ensure that the cooling rack not only adds value to your baking experience but also remains a long-lasting and reliable kitchen essential.
Using and Maintaining Cooling Racks
Cooling racks are essential kitchen tools for baking enthusiasts and professionals alike. They serve various purposes, such as allowing baked goods to cool down evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy, and even allowing food items to crisp up in the oven. To ensure a long-lasting and functional cooling rack, proper use and maintenance are crucial.
When using a cooling rack, it is important to consider whether it is oven-safe. To elevate food items off the pan and allow hot air to circulate around them, place an oven-safe cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet. This method keeps the baking sheet cleaner during the cooking process and helps prevent scorching by diffusing heat and keeping delicate foods away from the pan’s bottom.
To promote the longevity of a cooling rack, it’s essential to maintain its cleanliness. Begin by gently wiping away any residual grease or oil with a clean cloth or paper towel. If the cooling rack is dishwasher-safe, place it in the dishwasher for a convenient and thorough cleaning. However, in some cases, hand washing might be necessary. Fill a rimmed baking sheet with warm, soapy water and soak the cooling rack for about five minutes to loosen food particles. Afterward, scrub the rack gently with a non-abrasive sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Ensuring proper storage of the cooling rack is another significant aspect of maintaining its quality and functionality. Store the cooling rack in a dry and cool place, away from heat and humidity, to prevent rust or damage. If space is limited, consider investing in a stackable cooling rack, which offers a space-saving solution without compromising efficiency.
In summary, using an oven-safe cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet helps elevate food items and facilitate even heat distribution. Proper cleaning—either by using a dishwasher or handwashing with warm, soapy water—and storage in a cool, dry place are essential steps in maintaining the durability and functionality of any cooling rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cooling racks be used in the oven?
Yes, some cooling racks are safe to use in the oven. However, it is important to make sure the cooling rack you have is oven-safe. One example is the OXO cooling rack, which is safe to use in the oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and has a non-stick surface for easy food release.
What is the difference between a cooling rack and a baking rack?
A cooling rack is primarily designed to allow baked goods to cool down after being removed from the oven. It usually features a grid-like wire design that permits air to circulate around the item for even cooling. A baking rack, on the other hand, is typically a metal or wire rack that’s placed inside an oven or on a baking sheet while cooking, in order to promote even baking or roasting.
What are some alternatives to a cooling rack for baking?
If you don’t have a cooling rack at hand, you can use some alternatives like an overturned muffin tin, a cutting board, or simply placing the item on parchment paper or aluminum foil on your counter. However, using a proper cooling rack is recommended since it ensures optimum airflow around your baked goods.
What is the purpose of a cooling rack for cookies?
The main purpose of a cooling rack for cookies is to let cookies cool down after baking. Placing cookies on the cooling rack helps prevent them from overcooking or becoming soggy in their own residual heat. The space between the wires on the cooling rack also allows air to circulate around the cookies, ensuring adequate cooling and preventing condensation.
How do I choose the best cooling rack?
To choose the best cooling rack, consider the following factors:
- Size: Make sure the cooling rack fits your baking pans and countertop space.
- Material: Stainless steel is durable and resistant to rust, making it a popular choice.
- Oven safety: If you plan on using the rack in an oven, ensure it’s oven-safe and can handle the temperatures you need.
- Design: Look for a tight grid-like design to provide better support for baked goods.
- Easy to clean: Opt for a non-stick surface or a dishwasher-safe rack for easy cleaning.
Are there cooling racks available at Walmart?
Yes, Walmart offers a variety of cooling racks in different sizes, materials, and designs. You can find both in-store and online options to suit your baking needs and preferences.
