Sheet Pan Weight: Full Facts

A full-sheet pan is a large rectangular metal pan used for baking. It typically measures 26 by 18 inches and has sides that are about one inch high. These pans are often too large for home use and may not fit in most home ovens. They are commonly used in catering and restaurants, where they are a workhorse pan due to their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. Full-sheet pans are made of materials such as aluminum or sheet steel and are designed to distribute heat evenly, ensuring consistent cooking. They are a versatile tool in any kitchen and can be used for baking pastries, roasting meats, and even storing and organising food.

Sheet pan dimensions

Sheet pans, also known as baking trays, baking sheets, or baking pans, are flat, rectangular metal pans used for baking pastries such as bread rolls, cookies, sheet cakes, Swiss rolls, and pizzas. They are made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, sheet steel, and aluminized steel. Commercial sheet pans typically measure 18 inches by 26 inches, which is considered a full-size sheet pan. This size is often too large for home ovens, with half-size sheet pans being more commonly used in home kitchens. Half-size sheet pans measure 18 inches by 13 inches and are perfect for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, and making sheet pan dinners.

Quarter-size sheet pans, measuring 13 inches by 9 inches, are ideal for smaller batch cooking, toaster oven use, and freezing batches of cookies. Jelly roll pans, typically measuring 15.5 inches by 10.5 inches, are named for the dessert that requires this specific pan size. Cookie sheets, on the other hand, have one raised side and three flat edges, allowing air to circulate around the baking cookies.

Sheet pans come in a variety of sizes, including full-size, two-thirds, half-size, quarter-size, and eighth-size. The two-thirds size measures 16 inches by 22 inches, while the eighth-size pans are great for roasting and baking smaller amounts of food.

Sheet pan materials

Sheet pans are made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of some common sheet pan materials:

Aluminum

Aluminum is a popular choice for sheet pans due to its affordability, lightweight construction, and ability to heat up and cool down quickly. It is also durable and resistant to corrosion and rust. However, aluminum pans are prone to staining and scratching, and acidic foods can cause discoloration and corrosion.

Aluminized Steel

Aluminized steel combines the benefits of aluminum and steel. It offers efficient heat distribution, durability, and corrosion resistance. However, it tends to be more expensive and requires regular maintenance and careful cleaning.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is known for its resistance to warping, denting, scratching, corrosion, and rust. It is also non-reactive, ensuring that acidic ingredients won't affect the integrity and flavor of your baked goods. However, stainless steel is an inefficient heat conductor, which can lead to uneven baking and hot spots.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is a durable material that requires regular seasoning and maintenance. It is an excellent heat conductor and has non-stick properties. However, it is prone to rust and must be carefully cleaned to avoid long-term damage.

Silicone

Silicone baking molds are flexible, naturally non-stick, stain-resistant, and odor-absorbent. They are ideal for delicate foods but are poor heat conductors, resulting in longer baking times.

Stoneware

Stoneware retains heat well and ensures slow, even heat distribution. However, it can cause browning or burning in sweet dishes and is susceptible to thermal shock and breakage. Stoneware can also be quite heavy and must be handled with care.

Glass

Glass baking dishes provide an even, consistent temperature, making them ideal for foods that require stable heat. However, they are poor heat conductors, resulting in longer heating and cooling times. Glass dishes are also susceptible to thermal shock and can crack or shatter under sudden temperature changes.

Tin-Plated Steel

Tin-plated steel retains and distributes heat effectively, making it suitable for crafting delicate pastries. However, it is prone to rust and must be thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent permanent damage. The surface of tin-plated steel pans will also darken with use, which may be visually unappealing.

Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum is durable, lightweight, and an excellent heat distributor and retainer. It is also affordable, but it will react to acidic ingredients and darken over time.

Sheet pan features

Sheet pans, also known as baking trays, baking sheets, or baking pans, are flat, rectangular metal pans used for baking pastries, bread, cookies, sheet cakes, Swiss rolls, and pizzas. They come in a variety of materials, sizes, and designs, each with unique features that cater to different baking needs. Here are some of the standard features you'll find in sheet pans:

• Flat edges: One or more flat edges are designed to assist in removing food from the pan easily.
• Raised edges: Also known as lips, these edges help retain food and liquids within the pan.
• Contiguous rim: The rim keeps food contained and prevents liquids from spilling over.
• Handles: These make it easier to move the pan in and out of the oven safely.
• Insulation: Some sheet pans have a layer of insulation, typically air, to protect delicate food from burning.
• Perforations: Small holes in the pan speed up cooking, making it ideal for pizzas.
• Rigidity: The pan's rigidity is essential, especially when placed directly on a flat heat source like a hearth stone or induction element. Rims and ridges contribute to this rigidity.
• Standard sizes: Commercial sheet pans used in professional kitchens are typically made of aluminum with a raised lip and come in standard and non-standard sizes.
• Stackable design: Sheet pans often have tapered shapes or rims that allow them to stack easily for storage.
• Even heat distribution: Quality sheet pans distribute heat evenly, ensuring consistent cooking and browning.
• Durability: Sheet pans made from heavy-duty materials like aluminum or steel resist rusting, corrosion, and warping, ensuring long-term use.
• Easy maintenance: Most sheet pans are easy to clean and maintain, although hand washing is recommended to preserve their quality.

Sheet pans are versatile and can be used for various cooking tasks beyond baking, such as broiling, cooling, and storing food. They are a staple in both commercial and home kitchens, with sizes available to fit most ovens.

Sheet pan uses

Sheet pans, also known as baking trays, baking sheets, or baking pans, are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks. They are typically made of aluminum and come in various sizes, including full, half, and quarter sheet pans. Here are some common uses for sheet pans:

Baking Pastry and Breads

Sheet pans are commonly used for baking pastries such as cookies, sheet cakes, Swiss rolls, and pizzas. They are also great for baking bread rolls, ensuring even browning and baking thanks to their flat construction.

Roasting Vegetables

Sheet pans are perfect for roasting vegetables. Their large surface area allows you to roast a large batch at once, and the raised rim prevents any liquids or juices from spilling over.

Oven-to-Table Vessel

Sheet pans can also be used as an oven-to-table vessel for serving nachos, melting cheese, or any other dish that requires a flat, rectangular serving platter.

Cooking Meat

You can use a sheet pan to cook meat in various ways. For example, you can place a cooling rack inside the sheet pan to cook crispy bacon or crank up the oven to broil and add texture to braised meat.

Sheet Pan Dinners

Sheet pan dinners are a popular trend where you cook an entire dinner on a single pan, including meat, starch, and vegetables. This method is loved by meal preppers and busy families as it streamlines the cooking process and makes cleanup easier.

Bread-Making

Sheet pans are essential in bread-making, especially when the dough needs to rest for long intervals. The dough is placed on sheet pans, which are then stacked in open or enclosed sheet pan racks, sometimes on wheels, to facilitate the bread-making process.

Sheet pans are a versatile addition to any kitchen, whether in a restaurant or a home setting. Their durability, ease of cleaning, and ability to withstand high temperatures make them a go-to choice for various cooking tasks.

Sheet pan care

Sheet pans are a versatile kitchen essential, perfect for baking, roasting, and cooking a variety of dishes. Caring for your sheet pans properly will ensure their longevity and maintain their performance. Here are some tips for sheet pan care:

Cleaning and Maintenance:

• For regular cleaning, hand-wash your sheet pans with warm soapy water immediately after use. Use a soft sponge or dish rag, and for non-stick pans, avoid using abrasive pads or brushes to prevent scratches.
• To remove stubborn stains or burnt-on food, soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a while before scrubbing gently. You can also make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply it to the stains, and scrub it off after an hour or two.
• Avoid putting your sheet pans in the dishwasher, as this can cause oxidation, resulting in a dull, etched appearance.
• To restore some shine to oxidized pans, you can use a product like Bar Keepers Friend.
• For non-stick pans, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Some non-stick pans are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is often recommended.
• To maintain the appearance of your pan, use silicone baking mats or line the pan with aluminum foil when roasting or baking fatty foods.
• Avoid using sharp metal utensils on non-stick pans. Instead, opt for silicone, nylon, or wooden utensils.

Storage and Temperature Considerations:

• Sheet pans are susceptible to warping, especially when exposed to extreme temperature changes. Avoid placing a hot pan directly into cold water, and vice versa.
• When placing cool or frozen food on a preheated pan, distribute it evenly to minimize temperature differentials that can encourage warping.
• Sheet pans can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from freezing to high-heat roasting and broiling. However, non-stick pans often have a lower maximum safe temperature, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
• If appearance is a concern, know that sheet pans will likely develop stains and a darker patina over time, especially with frequent use and exposure to oils and high temperatures. This is normal and will not affect the performance or safety of your pan. In fact, darker pans may even perform better due to increased heat absorption and radiation.

By following these care instructions, your sheet pans will serve you well for a long time, becoming trusty tools in your culinary adventures.

Frequently asked questions