Standard Half-Sheet Pan Dimensions

A half-size sheet pan is a kitchen essential, perfect for baking cookies, cakes, and roasting vegetables. It is also a popular choice for making sheet pan dinners and even roasting a Thanksgiving turkey! Measuring 18 inches by 13 inches, with sides about one inch high, it fits comfortably in most home ovens, making it a versatile and popular choice for home cooks and bakers.

Half-size sheet pans are 18 x 13 inches

Half-size sheet pans are typically made from heavy-gauge materials like uncoated aluminium or aluminised steel, which conduct heat evenly and are resistant to warping. They usually feature a rim around the outside, often about 1 inch high, although the exact dimensions may vary slightly between brands. The rims make them more versatile than cookie sheets as they can contain food, oils, and juices from meat.

When purchasing half-size sheet pans, it is important to consider the material and quality. Thinner pans may be more affordable, but they are more prone to warping over time. Investing in a heavier-gauge pan will give you a more durable and warp-resistant product. Additionally, some pans may have textured surfaces, which can make cleaning more challenging. Flat-bottomed pans are generally easier to clean and perform just as well.

Half-size sheet pans are a fantastic addition to any kitchen, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. They are a great size for a variety of tasks and, due to their standard dimensions, are easy to store and can be nested together with other brands.

Quarter-size sheet pans are 13 x 9 inches

A quarter-size sheet pan is a versatile tool in the kitchen. It can be used for baking, of course, but also for organising and preparing ingredients. It's a good size for toasting nuts, roasting a small amount of vegetables, or baking a few cookies from the freezer.

A quarter-size sheet pan is a quarter of the size of a full sheet pan and half the size of a half sheet pan. A full sheet pan is 26 x 18 inches and a half sheet pan is 18 x 13 inches.

When buying a quarter-size sheet pan, look for one made from a heavier-gauge material, such as uncoated aluminium or aluminised steel. These pans conduct heat evenly, release food easily, and are resistant to warping.

It's worth noting that some vendors label their pans differently. For example, some call a quarter-size pan a half-size pan, and vice versa. So, it's a good idea to check the measurements before you buy.

Sheet pans are categorised differently to other baking pans

A full-size sheet pan is 26 x 18 inches (660mm x 460mm) and is too large for most home ovens. A half-size sheet pan is 18 x 13 inches (460mm x 330mm), and a quarter-size sheet pan is 13 x 9 inches (330mm x 230mm). An eighth-size sheet pan is 9 x 6.5 inches.

The reason for this difference in categorisation is likely due to the fact that sheet pans are designed to fit specific commercial kitchen equipment, such as cooling racks, ovens, and shelving. This means that standard sheet pans are more uniform in size than other types of baking pans, which can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Sheet pans also tend to have specific uses, such as for cookies or sheet cakes, whereas other baking pans can be used for a wider variety of dishes.

Sheet pans are used for roasting vegetables

Sheet pans are a versatile kitchen tool, especially for roasting vegetables. They are a type of baking tray with a rim, and come in various sizes, from full-size to half-size and quarter-size.

The full-size sheet pan is a large 26 x 18 inches and is designed for commercial kitchens, as it won't fit in most home ovens. The half-size sheet pan is a more manageable 18 x 13 inches and is a good option for roasting vegetables. It provides ample surface area to spread out the vegetables, allowing them to brown and cook evenly. The quarter-size sheet pan, measuring 13 x 9 inches, is also useful for smaller batches of roasted vegetables.

When roasting vegetables, it is important to ensure the pan is hot before adding the vegetables, to achieve that sought-after crispy texture. The vegetables should be cut into uniform sizes so they cook evenly, and it is crucial not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the vegetables to steam rather than roast. A thin coating of oil and your choice of seasonings are then all you need to roast your vegetables to perfection.

A wide variety of vegetables can be roasted, including root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, as well as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Onions, bell peppers, and zucchini are also delicious when roasted.

Sheet pans are a convenient and effective way to cook vegetables, resulting in a tasty, crispy exterior and a tender interior. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can roast vegetables like a pro.

Sheet pans are great for baking cookies

A half-size sheet pan is typically 18 x 13 inches, with a rim of about 1 inch. Sheet pans are great for baking cookies because they are usually large enough to fit multiple batches of cookies at once, making them a very efficient option. They are also versatile and can be used for a variety of other baked goods and even savoury dishes like roasting vegetables.

Sheet pans are made of materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron, or metals with a non-stick coating. Aluminum is a popular choice as it is a great conductor of heat, allowing bakers to quickly heat up the pan and cool it down again if they need to bake multiple batches. Aluminum pans are also usually less expensive.

When it comes to baking cookies, some people prefer using a cookie sheet, which has one or two slightly elevated sides to make it easier to get the pan in and out of the oven. Cookie sheets also allow air to circulate more easily around the cookies. However, a sheet pan can be used for baking cookies, and many people don't own a cookie sheet.

Sheet pans are also easy to care for. Most can be hand-washed or put in the dishwasher, although hand-washing is recommended to extend the life of the pan. To avoid scratches, it's best to avoid using sharp tools on the pan and to line the pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. A good-quality sheet pan should last for several years if well-maintained.

Frequently asked questions