Best Cooling Rack For Baking : Top 10 Picks by an Expert

If you’re into baking or cooking, you know how important it is to keep crispy food crispy.

After putting a mountain of work into your gingerbread cookies, and your nuggets, you want them to maintain the crunch in every bite.

And a cooling rack does just that by helping with air circulation. You'd notice that when you take hot food out of the oven, it lets out steam.

That steam would stick to the food if it doesn’t have anywhere to escape, thus making your food soggy.

That’s when a cooling rack will help you; it allows the steam to circulate underneath, giving the air a chance to escape.

But that’s not even half of it; these racks can be used to decorate your favorite desserts as well. We all love a multipurpose kitchen tool!

There are a lot of them available on the market, so you might find it a little tricky to find the best cooling rack for baking. But fear not, I'm here to help you with that.

Top 8 Best Cooling Rack for Baking

1. Checkered Chef Heavy Duty Cooling Rack

Checkered chef cooling racks are constructed with 100% stainless, solid steel. This doesn’t accommodate any artificial coatings or treatments, and is safe to use in the ovens! So, with this rack, you can bake in the oven with ease.

The size of this rack is 17 inches by 12 inches, which makes it fit inside a standard 18 inches by 13 inches half sheet pan perfectly.

Tired of tacky and flimsy racks that twist?

Well, you don’t have to worry about that with this one, as it’s designed for maximum strength. But the rack isn’t nonstick.

There is also a unique strengthening cross bar added to the rack, in order to prevent warping and wobbling.

The grids are perfectly spaced, which optimizes air circulation, and stops your delicious treats from sliding through.

The racks can be washed safely in the dishwasher, without having to worry about rust and corrosion. With all that, it’s definitely a cook’s, or a baker’s perfect companion.

Highlighted Features:

• Dishwasher safe.
• Oven safe.
• Distinctive cross bar, which makes it easier to use.
• Hundred percent stainless steel.
• Super strong and durable.

2. Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Bakery Cooling Rack

The specialty of this cooling rack is its three levels, which allows you to store more goods without occupying much space. Thus, this stacked cooling rack would let you cool off dozens of cookies, or even three cakes all at once.

If you need a rack that holds a large capacity, this will be a valuable tool in your kitchen collection.

For easy storage, the racks have foldable legs. It has nonstick coating, so it helps with easy release and makes the clean-up process easier. However, the steel is not fully stainless.

The measurements of each rack are 15.9 by 9.9 inches, or 40.4 by 25.1 centimeters. All the racks are strong and durable.

It's easy to clean and is dishwasher safe; after each use, wash with warm and soapy water for ideal result.

Although it’s great for cooling your baked, or deep-fried goods, it’s not ideal for microwave safe uses.

Highlighted Features:

• Three levels provide you with a lot of space to work with.
• Dishwasher friendly.
• Nonstick coating for quick release.
• Designed to collapse down, which makes it easy to assemble.

3. Spring Stainless Steel Cooling Rack

This strong stainless steel cooling rack is considered the best cooling rack for baking by many. It’s fully microwave safe as well.

The rack has no metal plating or coatings, and can resist temperature up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit.

Since it has no plating, it won’t transfer or chip toxins to your food. The steel is strong and the rack will not rust, warp.

The rack fits really well in half sheet baking pans. The size of the rack is 11.8 inches by 17 inches.

Grids provided in the rack are tight and spaced perfectly, which would stop your food from slipping through. The grids are also designed for optimal air flow.

It's dishwasher proof and simple to clean. Four raised stands were specially made to allow proper air circulation; hence you get satisfactory cooling results for both baking and cooking.

No one likes the excess oil in their deep-fried chicken. It's unhealthy and gross, right?

So, if you’re trying to get rid of that, cooking racks will come in handy. This rack can be used to drip extra grease from meat, which makes healthy living easier. However, it’s not nonstick.

Highlighted Features:

• Dishwasher proof.
• Microwave safe; resists up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Tight, perfectly spaced grids.
• No artificial coatings.

4. Tebery 4 Pack Baking Racks for Cooling

This comes in a package of four; each measuring 16 inches by 10 inches. It's made with durable steel with a narrow grid pattern.

The racks have a nonstick coating that is practical, which releases the food easily and washes off quickly. Nonstick grids are a top choice on the market as of now.

However, nonstick coatings usually leave off toxins with the food, so be careful with that.

These racks also come with 4 stable feet that allow proper air circulation, by raising the food above a solid surface.

Works great as a cupcake cooling rack, and cookies cooling rack amongst many other desserts. These types of cooling racks aren’t microwave friendly, but they’re a good choice for cooling the food once it’s out of the oven.

They're dishwasher safe and easy to clean. Nonstick grids are usually the easiest to clean, and that saves you a lot of time. If you don’t have much time to spare, or if you’re just impatient like me, try going for this cooling rack.

Highlighted Features:

• 100% nonstick steel.
• Easy to wash.
• four legs help with proper air flow.
• Narrow grid pattern helps keep the food in place, without sliding.

5. Hiware 2-Pack Racks

This cooling rack is constructed with standard food grade, stainless steel that will get your job done perfectly. The thick grid of this rack is designed to bear weight; it’s strong and won’t break easily.

It is fully rustproof and will not warp. The six strong feet accompanied with three crossbars provide incredible support, so your delicacy will stay on top perfectly without tilting, which also makes it one of the finest cooling racks for cakes.

The racks are completely dishwasher safe and easy to clean. To clean it without much hassle, just soak it in warm water instantly after use, then you can scrub it off.

For an even easier cleaning experience, try using cooking spray before using the racks.

This rack also has a unique cooling design. As it can be raised by 0.6 inches above a counter, or a surface, it gives you a better air circulation, which makes your food much crispier than lying flat on a baking sheet.

The size of the grid is small, so as to make sure the food will not slip underneath, and the size of the rack is 11.8 inches by 16.5 inches.

 To maximize the contact with air, the spacing of the grids is 3/8 inches by 3/8 inches.

It's oven safe and is capable of resisting heat up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it versatile.

Highlighted Features

• Microwave safe.
• Has six supportive feet along with 3 crossbars.
• Perfect grid spacing size.
• 100% stainless food grade steel.

6. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling and Baking Rack

This one is a versatile, nonstick cooling rack that won’t let you down. Its nonstick finishing had been designed for easy release, and simple clean.

It's made with durable steel that won’t wear off. The cool thing about this is that it’s oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s also nonstick at the same time. That makes it a reliable baking rack for oven.

So, if you’re searching for a cooling rack that is both oven safe and nonstick, this one could be your helper.

These racks come with easy-to-use handles, for easy removal from pan or for transferring rack.

The wire design of this rack makes sure you get the optimal air flow, to keep your goods crispy. The size of the rack is 11.5 x 18.5 x 1.5 inches.

Although its versatility is to be praised for, it has a small downside. As it has no legs for support, it doesn’t give you ideal result when it comes to air circulation.

The legs help to hold up the racks straight on a surface, which gives you a better air flow from all directions.

Highlighted Features:

• Can be used for different purposes.
• Nonstick steel.
• Easy to clean after you are done.
• Easy to use handles.
• Oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. MAVONDRA Commercial Grade Baking Rack for Oven

Designed with durable materials and a nonstick finishing, it’s one of the most efficient commercial cooling racks to get your cooling done. It's easy to clean and isn’t prone to rust or warp.

The set comes with two racks with the measurements of 10 inches x 16 inches. It also has 4 heightened feet to give you great air flow.

It's heavy duty and dishwasher safe. Cleaning up after is also just a breeze; the nonstick finish will make the job hundred times easier for you. As you can clean it quickly, it’ll save your precious time as well.

Its commercial grade strength is perfect for cooling load bearing desserts, such as cakes and pies. You can cool them off without worrying about wobbling.

The racks can be safely used in the oven, so you can bake, grill with this product easily. These can be used as a base to hold your desserts while you decorate, just like the other ones we talked about.

Fits perfectly in standard sized half sheet trays and baking trays. It's a cooling rack you’d love to add to your collection, if you need an oven safe, nonstick cooling rack.

Highlighted Features:

• 100 % nonstick coating.
• Microwave safe.
• Dishwasher proof.
• Easy and quick clean.

8. ARBELLE 3-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack - Bonus Baking Mat Included

If you want a cooling rack that will allow you to cool off 3 dozen cookies at once, try this out! It's a 3-tier collapsible rack that provides you with a lot of storage.

The size of these racks is 10 inches x 16 inches, and the total height is 12 inches. Once you’re done with cooling your baked goods, you can fold down the rack into one compact piece, which saves your space.

These racks are built with thick, solid and sturdy materials. It's extremely strong and won’t warp or bend, making it an awesome heavy duty cooling rack that gives you the utmost premium results.

The racks are reinforced with a nonstick finishing, which provides easy release and easy clean.

They're professionally designed for perfect air circulation, while securely holding your favorite desserts on top.

Stands provided with the rack guarantee air flow from all angles, keeping your food crispy to the bite.

Although it’s not oven safe, it works really well as a cooling rack for all different types of sugary goods, or spicy fried foods.

They even included a silicone baking mat with the product, to make your cooking experience more joyous!

Highlighted Features:

• Heavy duty materials.
• Nonstick coating.
• Quick and easy wash.
• 3 racks with stable feet give a lot of space.
• Foldable system that gives your super portability.

Comparison Chart of Top Baking Racks

Cooling Rack For Baking Buying Guide

Types

You would mainly find two types of cooling racks on the market: oven safe and not oven safe.

Those that aren’t oven safe work great for people who adore baking, because baked foods only require a cooling rack when they're out of the oven.

However, if you want a rack to use while in the microwave, there are plenty of oven safe ones out there.

Materials

While some cooling racks are made with nonstick steel, others are made with stainless steel. They serve different purposes.

Nonstick ones will give you easy and quick cleaning, whereas stainless ones are safer to use. It's your pick really.

Air Flow

Some of the racks come with stands that give you the optimal air circulation; they work great for cooling down your favorite snacks.

But some don’t have that, which doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not good. They’re also capable of giving you air flow; granted, the other one is better in this case.

Some of them also come with handles that give you easy removal from the oven. So, understand which one you’re looking for, and buy one accordingly.

Size

Baking sheets come in all different sizes, so you’ll have to buy a rack that fits your baking sheet. It’s fully up to you to find the best cooling rack for baking for your needs.

To make sure the cooling rack is compatible with your baking sheet, measure the size of your baking sheet, and then proceed to buy the rack that goes with that size.

Grids

Usually, it’s better to pick a cooling rack that has a grid design, rather than those with parallel lines.

The grids provide your food with support, so they won’t slip through, unlike the ones with parallel lines, which are not designed to support your beloved foods.

Tips To Keep Clean Your Cooling Rack

Now, no one likes to clean up after they’re done cooking or baking. It's such a nuisance, right?

But we have to do it anyway, so I'm here to help you with that. If you follow these tips, it’ll be a piece of cake to clean your cooling rack!

Prevention Before Using

Prevention is better than cure, and it’s no exception here. If you have cooking spray laying around in your kitchen, grab that real quick.

Before you start using the rack, spray some of it on that. It helps prevent the food from sticking to the rack.

And if you don’t have that, you can use some butter or oil instead. Apply an even layer on the rack, and you’re done!

Cleaning It After You’re Done

For the easiest approach to clean it once you’re done, fill up your baking sheet with hot and soapy water.

After that, flip the rack upside down. Then leave it to soak in there for a while. Letting it soak 24 hours will give you the ideal result, but soak longer if the sticky residue is stubborn.

Once you’re done letting it soak, scrub off to clean it properly.

Different Way Of Cleaning A More Stubborn Residue

Some residues are stronger than others. And if you’re struggling with a stronger one, try this method:

You'd have to use your bathtub for this one. In an empty bathtub, put the racks and then sprinkle some baking soda on top. After that, pour in a generous amount of vinegar.

You'll see that it’s starting to foam. Once the foaming reduces, run the hot water in the tub. Let it soak for overnight.

Next day, scrub off using a dishtowel, or use an old toothbrush for better results.

Also, a quick tip; always make sure to soak the racks in hot, soapy water right after you’re done. The faster, the better. This helps with easier cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Are Cooling Racks Important?

Although it’s not a very flattering thing to add in your kitchen collection, its importance is undeniable. It's a baker’s best friend. A good baker is aware of this tool’s importance.

As stated above in the article, you need this tool to maintain the integrity of crispy goods.

2) Can A Cooling Rack Double As A Baking Rack?

That depends on what type of rack you are using. Some of them are fully oven safe, so you’re free to use them as a baking rack.

However, some aren’t oven safe and will break down, or warp under the oven's heat.

3) Can Cooling Racks Be Used On The Grill?

They actually make a great grill basket as they have thin, metal weave. It comes in handy when you want to grill small pieces of food.

But you’ll need a cooling rack that resists heat, so make sure of that. You can place it directly on the grill and preheat it. And voila! You have a small grill to use.

4) How To Use A Cooling Rack For Cakes?

First, invert the cooling rack on top of the cake pan. After that, fetch two hot pads and grab the rack, and the sides of the pan simultaneously.

Then in a swift motion, flip them upside down. The cake is supposed to fall into the cooling rack.

Final Words

And that concludes our article to guide you in buying the best cooling rack for baking. Now that you’ve reached the end, I’m sure you know how to find a cooling rack that helps you in your kitchen.

If you follow all the things stated above, you can find a suitable cooling rack in a minute!

We hope this helped you better understand what you need, and if you have any further queries regarding this topic, ask away in the section below.