Cody Casey
Sheet pans, also known as baking sheets or baking trays, are flat, rectangular metal pans used for baking pastries, cookies, cakes, and pizzas. They are also used for roasting meat and vegetables. Sheet pans are commonly made of aluminum or steel and come in various sizes, including full-sheet pans, half-sheet pans, quarter-sheet pans, and eighth-sheet pans. The size of a sheet pan is important for ensuring it fits inside an oven and for determining how much food can be cooked on it. The standard size for a half-sheet pan is 18x13 inches, but they can also be found in slightly smaller or larger dimensions. A quarter sheet pan measures 13x9 inches, making it ideal for cooking smaller portions. Sheet pans typically have rims or raised edges to prevent food or liquids from spilling and to provide a comfortable grip for handling the pan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Sheet pan, baking sheet, baking tray, baking pan, rimmed pan |
| Common materials | Steel, aluminium, aluminized steel |
| Common features | Flat edges, raised edges, contiguous rim, handles, layer of insulation, perforations |
| Common sizes | 18" x 13", 16" x 12", 17" x 11.25", 10" x 15", 12" x 17" |
| Ideal for | Roasting vegetables, baking cakes, accommodating entire dinners, serving as a resting tray for cooked meat |
| Pros | Can handle high temperatures, can be used as a serving platter, good for browning and broiling |
| Cons | Prone to warping, can accumulate rust if not thoroughly dried |
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What You'll Learn
Standard sheet pan sizes
Sheet pans, also known as baking sheets, come in a variety of standard sizes. The foodservice industry has set standard baking sheet dimensions so that professionals can easily identify baking sheets. The most common sheet pan sizes are:
- Full-size sheet pan: 18" x 26" with a 1-inch rim. This is the standard sheet pan size for commercial kitchens and restaurants. It is too large for most residential ovens.
- Half-size sheet pan: 18" x 13" with a 1-inch rim. This is the most common size for home bakers and is often used for baking cookies and sheet cakes.
- Quarter-size sheet pan: 13" x 9" with a 1-inch rim. This size is ideal for cooking smaller portions of food.
- Eighth-size sheet pan: 6 1/2" x 9 1/2". This size is perfect for oven-to-table use and can also be used as a serving tray.
It is important to note that while these are the standard sizes, there may be slight variations among different manufacturers. Additionally, jelly roll pans and cookie sheets are also types of baking sheets with different dimensions, typically smaller than the half-sheet size. When purchasing a sheet pan, it is recommended to check the product description for the exact dimensions.
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Sheet pan materials
Sheet pans are made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed overview of the most common sheet pan materials:
Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular choice for sheet pans due to its excellent heat conduction properties. It heats up quickly and evenly, resulting in consistent baking results. Aluminum sheet pans are typically lightweight, making them easy to handle and store. They are also known for their durability and resistance to warping. However, one potential downside is that aluminum pans can be prone to discolouration and staining over time.
Aluminized Steel
Aluminized steel is another option for sheet pans. It combines a steel core with an aluminum coating, aiming to offer the best of both materials. The steel core provides strength and rigidity, while the aluminum surface offers good heat conduction and food release properties. However, aluminized steel may be more prone to uneven heat distribution compared to pure aluminum. Additionally, the nonstick coatings on some aluminized steel pans can be delicate and require special care.
Stainless Steel
While stainless steel is a preferred material for many cookware pieces, it is not as effective for sheet pans. Stainless steel has poorer heat conduction properties compared to aluminum, which can impact the evenness of baking results. However, stainless steel sheet pans may be more resistant to warping and can be more aesthetically pleasing.
Nonstick Coatings
Some sheet pans feature nonstick coatings, such as ceramic or traditional nonstick coatings. These coatings can make food release and cleanup easier, but they may affect bake times and temperatures. Nonstick coatings can also be delicate and require special care, such as avoiding metal utensils and handwashing instead of using a dishwasher.
Rolled Edges
While not a material per se, the style of the sheet pan's edges can impact its performance. Rolled edges or rims can help reinforce the structure, reducing the risk of warping due to temperature changes. They also provide a more comfortable grip when handling the pan. However, rolled edges can sometimes accumulate rust on the underside if not thoroughly dried after washing.
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Sheet pans with rolled edges
Sheet pans, also known as baking sheets, come in various sizes, including full-sheet pans, half-sheet pans, quarter-sheet pans, and eighth-sheet pans. The most commonly used size is the half-sheet pan, which typically measures 18 by 13 inches with a 1-inch rim, although slight variations in dimensions exist.
The Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half-Sheet is a popular option that features rolled edges, providing warp resistance and even cooking. Its 20-gauge bare aluminum construction allows for efficient heat conduction, resulting in evenly cooked and browned food.
While rolled edges offer advantages, they can sometimes accumulate rust on the underside if not thoroughly dried after washing. To prevent rust, some sheet pans, like the Matfer Bougeat, feature a tighter crimped edge design.
Overall, sheet pans with rolled edges are a common feature designed to enhance the durability and functionality of the pan, making them a preferred choice for home cooks and professional kitchens alike.
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Sheet pans with flat edges
Sheet pans, also known as baking sheets, are incredibly versatile kitchen tools. They can be used for everything from baking cookies, cakes, and pizzas to roasting meat and vegetables. They can even be used as informal serving platters!
Sheet pans come in various sizes, including full-sheet pans, half-sheet pans, quarter-sheet pans, and eighth-sheet pans. The most common size for home cooks is the half-sheet pan, which typically measures 18 inches by 13 inches with a 1-inch rim, although slight variations exist. If you have a smaller oven, you may want to consider a quarter-sheet pan, which measures 13 inches by 9 inches.
When choosing a sheet pan with flat edges, look for one made from lower-gauge uncoated aluminum or aluminized steel. These materials conduct heat evenly, release food easily, and resist warping. Avoid using harsh detergents and high temperatures when cleaning, as this can dull and damage the pan. Instead, hand-wash with hot, soapy water and a sponge.
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Sheet pans with raised edges
The raised edges on these sheet pans serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they prevent warping by reinforcing the structure of the pan. Warping occurs when metal stretches and contracts due to extreme temperature changes, and the raised edges help mitigate this issue. Additionally, the raised edges contain liquids, preventing them from spilling over and creating a mess in the oven.
Some sheet pans feature folded edges, which not only help prevent warping but also add strength to the pan. These edges create a taller barrier, making them suitable for shallow sheet cake recipes or any dish that requires more containment than a standard sheet pan.
When choosing a sheet pan, it's important to consider the material. Aluminum is a popular choice due to its excellent heat conduction, allowing food to cook evenly and quickly. It also cools down rapidly, ensuring that your food stops cooking when removed from the oven. Additionally, aluminum's light colour gives you more control over the browning of your baked goods.
Another option is aluminized steel, which combines steel sandwiched between aluminum. While it may be more prone to uneven heat distribution, it can still be an effective choice for certain tasks.
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Frequently asked questions
A standard half-sheet rimmed pan measures 18 by 13 inches with a 1-inch rim.
Yes, rimmed sheet pans can come in various sizes, including 16x12 inches, 17x11¼ inches, and quarter-sheet pans that are 13 by 9 inches.
Yes, full-size sheet pans are 26 by 18 inches, but these are designed for commercial kitchens and won't fit in most home ovens.
The rim, or raised lip, helps retain food and shallow liquids, and also provides rigidity to the pan, especially important when placed directly on a flat heat source.
Yes, there are rimless cookie sheets, which are flat with only one raised edge for gripping. However, rimmed sheet pans are generally preferred for their versatility and ability to contain food and liquids.
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