Cooling is an important step in baking. If your baked goods are not cooled properly, condensation can happen, which will make the crust soggy. If not appropriately cooled, your frosting will end up dripping all over the place. This is why you need the best cooling racks for baking.
Having the proper cooling rack can save you a ton of baking problems. By decreasing the internal temperature, you are allowing the baked goodies to continue cooking but slowly settling to room temperature. A cooling rack is necessary when you want to have the perfect moist cake, chewy cookies, or fluffy cupcakes. Here, we have the seven best cooling racks for you to choose from.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checkered Chef Cooling Racks for Baking | If you are looking for a cooling rack that can stand the test of time, the Checkered Chef Cooling Racks for Baking is built with solid steel and can stand up to the expectations. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market. | ||
| Checkered Chef Cooling Rack Twin Set | Are you searching for a high duty wired grid suitable for cooling cookies, bread, and cakes, which is secure for the oven? If so, then the Ultra Cuisine 100% Stainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack is the perfect addition to your kitchen. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market. | ||
| P&P CHEF Cooling Rack | P&P CHEF Cooling Rack is made healthy for everyday cooking. It is made with pure stainless steel and nontoxic materials. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market. | ||
| KITCHENATICS 100% Stainless Steel Wire Cooling and Baking Pan with Rack | The best cooling rack for baking sometimes comes with the proper baking pan, so you don’t have to look for the right-sized sheet pan. The KITCHENATICS 100% Stainless Steel Wire Cooling and Baking Pan with Rack can make your life easy having both items. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market. | ||
| OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack | If you are not keen about cleaning up food particles in between joints and narrow bars, the OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack has a non-stick finish. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market. | ||
| Oven Safe, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Baking Rack | Maybe you are looking for the best cooling rack for baking that is slightly wider and bigger than the standard half-sheet size. The Oven Safe, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Baking Rack fits that need perfectly. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market. | ||
| Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack | If you’re planning to buy in multiples, the Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack comes with three cooling racks that can cool three cake layers at one time! One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market. |
The 7 Best Cooling Racks For Baking
Checkered Chef Cooling Racks for Baking
If you are looking for a cooling rack that can stand the test of time, the Checkered Chef Cooling Racks for Baking is built with solid steel and can stand up to the expectations. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market.
Product Highlights
The Checkered Chef Cooling Racks for Baking comes with two racks and are built with solid stainless steel construction. And the best part is that it has no artificial coatings or chemical treatments, which makes the rack safe for food.
The Good
You can cool your cookies and cakes on this rack, as well as treat bacon, too. It measures 16.9 x 11.8 inches, which can carry a standard 18 x 13 half sheet pan. The grid pattern allows cool air to flow.
The Bad
It is made of stainless steel and is dishwasher safe. However, it may rust if not properly cleaned of food particles. If you are baking chicken wings or other goodies that may stick to the rack, it is best to brush them or use a rough sponge to remove the food particles.
PROs
- It is designed with solid stainless steel construction
- It has no artificial coatings or chemical treatments
- It is durable and won’t warp in high heat
- It is dishwasher safe
CONs
- It may corrode if food particles are not removed
- It is made of steel and may have sharp edges if not handled carefully
Checkered Chef Cooling Rack Twin Set
The best cooling rack for baking should be the perfect size for your standard oven. The Checkered Chef Cooling Rack Twin Set offers the perfect size. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market.
Product Highlights
The Checkered Chef Cooling Rack Twin Set comes with two cooling racks that can fit a standard half sheet pan. It is perfect for drying or curing meat, as well as baking pastries and cakes.
The Good
The neat thing about this product is that it doesn’t warp and twist. It has a unique crossbar along the body of the rack to resist wobbling and warping.
The Bad
The wide area also allows plenty of space for cooling cakes and cookies, and will not warp because of the crossbar. But the bar may have sharp edges and should be handled with care.
PROs
- It has no artificial coatings or chemical treatments
- It is durable and won’t warp in high heat
- It is dishwasher safe
- It is designed with solid stainless steel construction
CONs
- It is made of steel and may have sharp edges if not handled carefully
- It may corrode if food particles are not removed
P&P CHEF Cooling Rack
P&P CHEF Cooling Rack is made healthy for everyday cooking. It is made with pure stainless steel and nontoxic materials. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market.
Product Highlights
The P&P CHEF Cooling Rack is designed to perfectly fit a standard baking pan. The narrow grid pattern assures you that your goodies will not sag, drop or fall off while it is cooling.
The Good
The pattern is narrow but still allows airflow to cool your baked goodies and provide proper air circulation. It is made for heavy duty use and you won’t have to worry about food sticking. This sturdy product has smooth edges and comfortable to hold.
The Bad
Users of this product said that it easily develops rust when not dried properly after cleaning. They also said that food may stick on it at times.
PROs
- It is dishwasher safe
- It has smooth edges
- Comfortable to hold
- Solid construction
- Non-toxic materials
CONs
- May rust if not dried properly
- Food may stick on it at times
KITCHENATICS 100% Stainless Steel Wire Cooling and Baking Pan with Rack
The best cooling rack for baking sometimes comes with the proper baking pan, so you don’t have to look for the right-sized sheet pan. The KITCHENATICS 100% Stainless Steel Wire Cooling and Baking Pan with Rack can make your life easy having both items. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market.
Product Highlights
The KITCHENATICS 100% Stainless Steel Wire Cooling and Baking Pan with Rack comes with a 13.1 x 17.9-inch half sheet pan while the rack is 12.2 x 17-inches in measurements. You no longer have to worry about finding the right rack that can carry your half-sheet pan and vice versa.
The Good
The pan is made of heavy-duty aluminum and will not warp from repeated oven use. IT also has a rimmed edge that will catch drippings when used to broil meats. The wire rack is made from 304 stainless steel, has multiple-welded three cross support bars so it will not warp, and comes with a grid pattern so your baked goodies won’t sag or fall off. Plus, it is raised an inch high to provide optimal airflow.
The Bad
The pan is not dishwasher safe and recommended for hand-washing only. And because it is made with a polished finish, it may be prone to scratches. Food particles may get stuck in the joints between the crossbars and may need to be cleaned manually.
PROs
- It comes with a half-sheet pan
- The pan is made of heavy-duty aluminum
- The wire rack is made from 304 stainless steel
- The wire rack is dishwasher safe
CONs
- The pan is not dishwasher safe and recommended for hand-washing only
- Food particles may get stuck in the joints between the crossbars
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack
If you are not keen about cleaning up food particles in between joints and narrow bars, the OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack has a non-stick finish. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market.
Product Highlights
The OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack is made from durable steel with a PFOA free non-stick finish allowing you to clean it with no fuss. The food is easily released as well.
The Good
The fabulous thing about this rack is that it comes with handles on the side so you can easily carry or transfer it. It fits well with the standard half-sheet baking pans.
The Bad
The fabulous thing about this rack is that it comes with handles on the side so you can easily carry or transfer it. It fits well with the standard half-sheet baking pans.
PROs
- It is made from durable steel with a PFOA free non-stick finish
- It is oven safe up to 450 degrees F
- The generous handle provides a secure grip for safe transfer
CONs
- It is not dishwasher safe and requires manual hand wash only
- After several uses, the non-stick capability may wear off
Oven Safe, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Baking Rack
Maybe you are looking for the best cooling rack for baking that is slightly wider and bigger than the standard half-sheet size. The Oven Safe, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Baking Rack fits that need perfectly. One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market.
Product Highlights
The Oven Safe, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Baking Rack can fit 10.25 x 15.25-inch jelly roll pans as it measures 10 x 15-inches. The flat rimless surface allows a stable surface for your sheet pan.
The Good
The wire rack is made of 100% solid 304 stainless steel. It does not have metal platings or coatings that can chip off. It is corrosion-resistant and is very durable. The grid size allows drippings from cooking meat and allows proper air circulation for cooling baked goodies. The rack retains its shape because it is bend-proof, too. It is corrosion-resistant and is very durable.
The Bad
It does not have metal platings or coatings that can chip off, but food particles may stick to the grid. It can still hold your mini cookies, but it isn’t as narrow as some racks on the market.
PROs
- It measures 10 x 15-inches
- The wire rack is dishwasher safe
- The wire rack is oven safe
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
- The wire rack is made of 100% solid 304 stainless steel
CONs
- It cannot be used against direct heat and flame
- It does not have a non-stick coating, so food particles may stick to the grid
Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack
If you’re planning to buy in multiples, the Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack comes with three cooling racks that can cool three cake layers at one time! One of the best cooling racks for baking in the market.
Product Highlights
The Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack can let you cool a dozen cookies (and more) without taking up a lot of space as it stacks on top of each other. Once done, it collapses right back down for easy storage.
The Good
Each rack measures 15.9 x 9.9-inches, and saves space on your countertop but does not compromise the airflow. It still provides enough room for air to flow through in between tiers. With the legs folded under, it is one inch high. With the legs up, it is three inches high. It is reinforced with non-stick coating for easy release and quick cleanup.
The Bad
The racks are meant for cooling food items only. It is not meant to be used on top of flames, direct heat or in the oven. The brand states that before first and after each use, you need to wash in warm, soapy water for best results. It works well with cookies or light cake layers. It may wobble under dense loaves of bread.
PROs
- It is reinforced with non-stick coating
- It comes with a limited ten-year warranty
- It collapses right back down for easy storage
CONs
- The racks are not oven safe
- It is ideal for small-lightweight food items like cookies
Stuff You Should Know When Buying The Best Cooling Rack
Cookies, cakes, and even bread require the appropriate amount of cooling time. You can’t enjoy chewy cookies, moist chocolate cakes, or fresh bread if they aren’t allowed to cool. You can’t even decorate cakes if they’re still warm. Having the best cooling rack is essential for any baker or cook. To help you decide, here are three things you should know before purchasing a cooling rack.
- Easy to Clean – Working with dough, batter, and icing is tough work. When left on its own, these can harden on the grid and can break down the rack. Look for racks that are easy to clean or dishwasher safe.
- Durable – Whether you are using it for cooling or cooking in the oven, you will want something that can last a long time and withstand multiple uses.
- Safe to Use – Find a rack that is safe to use with food. Some grids are coated and are not food or BPA safe.
Conclusion
Having the best cooling rack for baking is a great investment. You are ready to frost your cake, decorate your cookies and cupcakes, or even cure and dry your meat without worry because you have the proper cooling rack within reach. Arm yourself with the best cooling rack today and enjoy a kitchen that smells like fresh sweet baked goods! Know more about cooling racks.