Top-rated Baking Sheets of 2023 Exquisite Testing and In-Depth Reviews
The 4 Top-Rated Baking Sheets of 2023 Tried, Tested, and Reviewed
The Humorous and Lovely World of Baking Sheets
Underneath the mouth-watering chocolate chip cookies and buttery roasted potatoes lies the unsung hero of the kitchen – the baking sheet. Yes, that unassuming piece of cookware that can transform into a vessel for everything from one-pan meals to grandma-style pizza and loaded nachos.
But here’s the thing: baking sheets don’t get the credit they deserve. They silently do their job while you enjoy the delicious creations that come out of your oven. So, let’s give these sheets the spotlight they deserve and dive into the marvelous world of baking sheets!
Introducing the Best Baking Sheet: The Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet
Let’s cut to the chase. After testing several pounds of butter, potatoes, and onions (yes, we take our job seriously), we found the ultimate baking sheet champion – the Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet. This sheet has everything you could ever want – affordability, easy maneuverability, and even heat distribution. It’s the superhero of baking sheets, saving you from any baking disasters.
Now, if you’re pressed for kitchen space, fear not! The Nordic Ware Naturals Quarter Sheet is here to save the day. It’s a smaller version of its half-sheet cousin, but it still possesses the same amazing qualities. It’s the sidekick you never knew you needed.
The Crème de la Crème: Our Top Picks
Now, let’s take a closer look at our top picks for baking sheets. Feast your eyes on these beauties:
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Best Overall: Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet – This sheet is a baking dream come true. It conducts heat evenly, releases cookies effortlessly, and makes your baking experience pure bliss. See it at Walmart
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Best Cookie Sheet: Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Cookie Sheet – If you’re a cookie aficionado, this sheet is your new best friend. Its excellent heat conductivity and flat edges prevent underdone or broken cookies. Plus, it’s as sturdy as a rock. See it at Williams Sonoma
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Best for Roasting: OXO Non-Stick Pro Half Sheet – Roasting vegetables, meat, and more has never been easier with this non-stick wonder. Oil and burnt food slide off effortlessly, leaving you with perfectly roasted goodness. It’s like having a personal sous chef in your kitchen. See it at OXO
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Best Quarter: Nordic Ware Naturals Quarter Sheet – Don’t underestimate the power of this small but mighty sheet. It’s affordable, easy to use, and provides the same outstanding performance as its larger counterpart. See it at Target
Product Details: – Size: 17 1/4” x 12 1/4” x 0.9” deep – Coating: Uncoated – Material: Aluminum – PFOA free: Yes
Pros: Conducts heat evenly, cookies release easily
Cons: Shows wear and tear after first use
Let’s face it – baking can be a daunting task. But with the Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, you can bid adieu to all those worries. As one of our diligent testers, I can personally vouch for this sheet’s incredible performance. Olive oil prevented sticking, and any burnt pieces were easily scrubbed off. The uncoated aluminum baked cookies to perfection, unlike its nonstick counterparts that tend to speed up the baking process.
But here’s the best part – this sheet requires minimal brainpower. No more adjusting for warped spots or worrying about charred cookies. The Nordic Ware sheet bakes evenly and maintains its shape like a champ.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the wear and tear. Yes, this sheet may show some signs of battle scars after the first use, but trust me, it’s purely cosmetic. It doesn’t affect its performance one bit. Think of it as a badge of honor for a well-loved baking sheet.
Oh, and if you prefer a coated sheet, we’ve got you covered! Our favorite is the Crate & Barrel Slate Blue Half Sheet Pan. Its slate blue beauty bakes cookies slightly faster than its uncoated counterparts, but fear not – no burning occurred. The pan is a breeze to clean, shows only minor scratches, and has proven its worth in kitchens for years.
Best Cookie Sheet: Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Cookie Sheet
If you’re like me and consider cookies a food group of their own, you need a cookie sheet that can handle the job. Enter the Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Cookie Sheet – a baking marvel like no other.
Product Details: – Size: 17” x 12 1/4” x 1” deep – Coating: Goldtouch (Williams Sonoma proprietary nonstick coating) – Material: Aluminized steel – PFOA free: Yes
Pros: Sturdy, even browning, easy to maneuver
Cons: Requires adjusted baking time or temperature
Cookie sheets can often feel wobbly and unreliable, but not this Goldtouch Pro sheet. It’s as sturdy as a knight’s armor, giving you the confidence to conquer any baking challenge. And its even browning capabilities will have your cookies looking like they came straight out of a fairy tale.
But here’s the secret sauce – the Goldtouch Pro is a bit of a magician. It bakes cookies slightly faster than usual, but don’t panic! The cookie bottoms come out golden and crisp, without any burnt surprises. And did I mention how effortlessly the cookies release from the sheet? No spatula needed here, my friend.
Cleaning this sheet is a breeze, and it cools down quickly, saving you from impromptu finger dances of pain. It’s a cookie sheet that understands your needs.
Best for Roasting: OXO Non-Stick Pro Half Sheet
Roasting lovers, rejoice! The OXO Non-Stick Pro Half Sheet is here to make your culinary dreams a reality.
Product Details: – Size: 18” x 13” x 1” – Coating: Nonstick – Material: Aluminized steel – PFOA free: Yes
Pros: Easy to clean, texture does not transfer to food, sturdy
Cons: Speeds up bake time, can’t clean it with steel wool
What sets this sheet apart is its textured diamond pattern. Don’t mistake it for mere decoration – this pattern limits direct food-to-sheet contact and promotes better airflow. While we didn’t witness any miracles with cookies, it worked wonders when roasting potatoes. Say goodbye to stubborn burnt bits and oil residue; this sheet lets go with ease.
Not only is the OXO sheet sturdy and balanced, but it also handles heavy loads like a weightlifting champion. Transporting a full pan of roasted vegetables from the counter to the oven is a piece of cake, minus the crumbs.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room again – the bake time. Yes, the diamonds magic up some speed, and the cookies might surprise you by baking faster than expected. But fear not – they won’t leave you with charred nuggets. The texture of the sheet doesn’t imprint on the cookies, leaving them free to shine in all their golden glory.
Best Quarter: Nordic Ware Naturals Quarter Sheet
Last but not least, let’s not forget about the Nordic Ware Naturals Quarter Sheet. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to this champion of a sheet.
Product Details: – Size: 9” x 13” x 1” – Coating: Uncoated – Material: Aluminum – PFOA free: Yes
Made of uncoated aluminum with a reinforced steel rim, it’s lightweight but never wimpy. However, be mindful of its delicate nature; it may scratch more easily than a puppy’s belly. Treat it gently and it’ll repay you with even, rapid heat distribution. Trust me, your cookies and potatoes will thank you.
Now, let’s spice things up a bit. If you’re seeking a smooth operator, we also recommend the King Arthur Baking Company Quarter Sheet Pan. It’s smooth like velvet but has the same nonstick coating and unbeatable performance as the Nordic Ware. It’s a win-win situation for both you and your baked goodies.
What to Look for in a Baking Sheet
As you dive into the wonderful world of baking sheets, you may have a few burning questions (pun intended). Allow us to provide some sweet answers:
Cookie Sheet vs. Baking Sheet
Let’s clear up the confusion. When we say “baking sheet,” we’re talking about all sheet pans. But a “cookie sheet” refers specifically to a flat, rimless sheet with one raised edge. This design allows you to slide your baked goods off without lifting them over a rim, preserving their shape like magic.
Size Matters
Full-size sheet pans may be too big for home ovens, so go for a half sheet measuring 13 by 18 inches – the largest option suitable for home cooks. If you have limited space or need a sidekick for your oven, a quarter sheet will be your new best friend. It’s ideal for small ovens and cooking sides, and it makes spacious toaster ovens feel complete.
Color and Material Tales
Darker colors absorb more heat, which can lead to burnt bottoms for delicate foods. However, they’re great for achieving a crispy finish. On the other hand, lighter pans heat up quickly and are cheaper, but they don’t retain heat as well. Just keep in mind that they may discolor easily.
To Coat or Not to Coat
A nonstick coating is a game-changer in the kitchen, making your cooking tasks a breeze. However, there have been concerns about the environmental impact of the chemicals used in nonstick production. If you opt for a nonstick baking sheet, be sure to use silicone or wooden utensils, as metal can scratch the surface.
Our Baking Sheet Adventure
Now that you’re well-versed in the art of baking sheets, let’s take a peek behind the scenes of our testing process. We consulted the baking gurus Kristy Greenwood Bortz of Victory Love + Cookies and Beth and Maddie Barnett of Eat Me Cookies to help us fine-tune our methodology.
For this epic baking sheet quest, we tested eight top contenders, including two rimless cookie sheets. We put them through the ultimate tests: baking, roasting, and cleaning. We evaluated browning, ease of use, and their ability to handle the demands of our culinary escapades.
It was a baking extravaganza, with mouth-watering butter cookies and perfectly roasted potatoes gracing our test sheets. We even tackled the cleaning process like champions, armed with non-abrasive sponges and dishwashers.
Our mission was clear – to find the ultimate baking sheet soulmates for all the home cooks out there. And after countless cookie trials and potato-roasting feats, we triumphed with our top picks.
So, dear bakers, choose your baking sheet soulmate wisely, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen. Happy baking!
