Half Sheet Pans: Cost And Uses

Half-sheet pans are a kitchen essential, typically measuring 18 x 13 inches and fitting comfortably into a home oven. They are simple in design and offer a lot of versatility, being used for everything from baking cookies and crackers to roasting vegetables and proteins. They come in a range of materials, from traditional aluminium to cutting-edge ceramic coatings, and you can choose from rimmed or rimless styles.

Prices vary depending on the material and brand, but you can find them for as little as $5.23 and up to $51.

Where to buy them

Half sheet pans can be purchased from a variety of online retailers, including:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Sur La Table
• Wayfair
• Target
• WebstaurantStore

Some of the brands that sell half sheet pans include:

• Nordic Ware
• Vollrath
• Baker's Lane
• Baker's Mark
• Choice
• Chicago Metallic
• Fat Daddio's
• Winco
• USA Pan
• GreenLife
• Blue Diamond
• Artisan Professional
• New Star Foodservice
• OXO
• Checkered Chef
• HONGBAKE
• CURTA
• TeamFar
• CEKEE
• Restaurantware

Best materials

Half-sheet pans are usually made from aluminium or aluminised steel. They can also be made from stainless steel, carbon steel, or have a ceramic coating.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a popular choice for half-sheet pans because it is durable, affordable, and conducts heat evenly. It is also lightweight, which makes it easier to handle when removing from the oven. However, aluminium is a softer metal and can be prone to warping over time.

Aluminised Steel

Aluminised steel is a heavier-gauge material that is less likely to warp than aluminium. It conducts heat evenly and is more durable, making it a good option for those who use their half-sheet pans frequently or are tough on their bakeware. Aluminised steel is also non-stick and easy to clean, but it can scratch easily.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another option for half-sheet pans, but it is less commonly used. It is a durable material that can withstand heavy use. However, it is important to note that stainless steel is not non-stick, so it may not be the best option for baking sticky foods.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is a less common material for half-sheet pans, but it offers some benefits. It is a durable material that can withstand heavy use and has a non-stick surface. Carbon steel also has a higher heat capacity than other materials, making it a good option for baking foods that require high temperatures.

Ceramic Coating

Some half-sheet pans have a ceramic coating, which gives them a non-stick surface. This coating is also PFOA-free, making it a safer option for those concerned about the chemicals used in non-stick coatings. However, ceramic-coated pans can be more expensive than other options.

Best for the price

If you're looking for a half-sheet pan that offers the best value for money, the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet is a great option. This pan is a favourite of many, including Irvin Lin, a contributing writer for Serious Eats, and Clémence Gossett, pastry chef and co-owner of The Gourmandise cooking school in Santa Monica, California.

The Nordic Ware half-sheet pan is made of pure formed aluminum, which conducts heat efficiently and evenly. It features a sturdy construction that resists warping, ensuring consistent baking results. The pan has rolled, encapsulated steel rims that provide structure and make it easy to grip, even with bulky oven mitts.

This half-sheet pan is very reasonably priced and can be found on Amazon for $28, or at Walmart for $13. It's also available at Sur La Table for $40, but that option is less of a bargain. With proper care, this pan will last you a long time and provide excellent value.

Another excellent option for the price is the Vollrath Wear-Ever Half Sheet Pan. This pan performed almost as well as the Nordic Ware in tests, with barely any variance in performance. Cookies, potatoes, and cakes all cooked evenly, with no hot spots or oil pooling. The tapered edges of the Vollrath also make it efficient for stacking, but it does tend to be a bit more expensive than the Nordic Ware.

If you're specifically looking for a heavy-duty option, the Chicago Metallic Commercial II Traditional Uncoated Large Jelly Roll Pan is a great choice. This pan is made of a thicker gauge metal and heats up evenly without warping. It consistently produces evenly cooked and browned cookies, cakes, and potatoes. You can find this heavy-duty pan on Amazon for $26, or at Walmart for $42.

When it comes to getting the best value, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. The above-mentioned options offer excellent performance, durability, and affordability, making them great choices for your kitchen.

Best for heavy-duty use

If you're looking for a half-sheet pan that can withstand heavy-duty use, there are a few great options to consider. Here are some detailed recommendations for the best heavy-duty half-sheet pans:

Chicago Metallic Commercial II Sheet Pan

The Chicago Metallic Commercial II Sheet Pan is an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and reliable baking sheet. Made from 18-gauge aluminized steel, this pan is thicker and heavier than most standard bakeware. It features a rolled rim reinforced with wire rods, ensuring it can withstand daily use without warping. The steel conducts heat effectively, resulting in even cooking and browning. It also has a light colour, preventing over-browning that can occur with darker pans. This pan is slightly pricier than some alternatives but offers superior performance and durability.

USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan

The USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan is constructed from heavy-gauge aluminized steel, making it a sturdy and durable option. It features a corrugated surface that promotes even heat distribution and easy release of baked goods. The rims of the pan are also reinforced with steel wire to enhance its strength and prevent warping. While this pan offers superior performance, it is recommended to hand wash it to preserve the integrity of the nonstick coating.

Baker's Mark Half Size Sheet Pan

The Baker's Mark Half Size Sheet Pan is a heavy-duty option made from 12-gauge aluminum. It features an open bead rim design and is rated highly for its durability and performance. This pan is ideal for commercial use and can withstand the demands of a busy kitchen. While it may not be as well-known as some other brands, it is a reliable choice for those seeking a sturdy and long-lasting half-sheet pan.

Vollrath Wear-Ever Half Sheet Pan

The Vollrath Wear-Ever Half Sheet Pan is another excellent choice for heavy-duty use. It is made from 18-gauge aluminum and features a concave bottom that ensures even heating. The tapered edges allow for efficient stacking, making it a great option for those with limited storage space. While this pan is more expensive than some alternatives, it offers superior durability and performance.

When choosing a heavy-duty half-sheet pan, consider your specific needs and budget. All of the above options will provide superior performance and durability, ensuring your baking and roasting tasks are a breeze.

Best for home use

Half-sheet pans are a must-have for any home kitchen. They are versatile and can be used for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and even making sheet pan dinners. When looking for a half-sheet pan for home use, there are a few things to consider, such as material, size, and ease of cleaning.

First, let's talk about materials. Half-sheet pans come in various materials, including traditional aluminum, aluminized steel, stainless steel, and even ceramic coatings. Aluminum is a popular choice because it is durable, affordable, and conducts heat evenly. If you're looking for something even more durable, aluminized steel is a good option. It is thicker and heavier than aluminum and is less likely to warp. However, it is also more expensive and can heat up faster, so you may need to adjust your baking times. Stainless steel is another option, but it is not as good at conducting heat as aluminum and can be more difficult to control the browning of your baked goods.

Next, let's discuss size. Half-sheet pans typically measure around 18 x 13 inches, which fits comfortably into most home ovens. This size is perfect for roasting vegetables, as it provides plenty of surface area to spread out your food and allow it to cook evenly.

Finally, let's talk about cleaning. Some half-sheet pans are dishwasher-safe, while others recommend hand-washing to prevent discolouration and prolong the life of the pan. If you're looking for a low-maintenance option, go for a dishwasher-safe pan. However, if you don't mind hand-washing, you'll have more options to choose from.

Now, here are some specific product recommendations for the best half-sheet pans for home use:

• Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet: This pan is made of uncoated aluminum, which conducts heat efficiently and evenly. It has a sturdy construction that resists warping and heats evenly across the entire baking sheet. It is also relatively inexpensive, usually costing around $25 for a single pan or $29 for a pack of two.
• Chicago Metallic Commercial II Sheet Pan: This pan is made of 18-gauge aluminized steel, making it thicker and heavier than most home bakeware. It conducts heat effectively and heats up faster than aluminum, so you may need to adjust your baking times. It is also dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended to extend the life of the pan. It typically costs around $24 for a single pan or $42 for a pack of two.
• Vollrath Wear-Ever Half Sheet Pan: This pan is designed for stacking, with tapered edges that nestle into each other. It is made of aluminum and has excellent heat conductivity, making it a favourite for commercial bakers. It typically costs around $33.
• USA Pan Aluminized Steel Half Sheet Pan: This pan is made of heavy-gauge aluminized steel and has a corrugated surface to promote even heat distribution and easy release of food. It has a nonstick coating, but it is recommended to hand wash to preserve the integrity of the coating. It usually costs around $24.
• Great Jones Holy Sheet Pan: This pan is a newcomer to the market but has quickly gained popularity for its combination of vibrant colours and outstanding performance. It is made of aluminized steel with a nontoxic, ceramic coating that is free of PFOA. It is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. The typical price is around $50.

When choosing a half-sheet pan for home use, consider your specific needs and budget. All of the above options are great choices and will surely enhance your baking and roasting game!

Frequently asked questions