A half-size sheet pan is a flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking pastries such as bread rolls, cookies, sheet cakes, Swiss rolls, and pizzas. It is typically made of aluminum or sheet steel and has a raised lip around the edge to retain food and liquids. The standard dimensions of a half-size sheet pan are 18 inches by 13 inches, with a rim height of about 1 inch. This makes it approximately half the size of a full-size sheet pan, which measures 26 inches by 18 inches. Half-size sheet pans are commonly used in both home and commercial kitchens due to their versatility and compatibility with most oven sizes. They are ideal for baking cookies, sheet cakes, and roasting vegetables.
What You'll Learn
Half-size sheet pans are 18 x 13 inches
Half-size sheet pans are a versatile addition to your kitchen. Their standard size means they fit perfectly in most home ovens, with plenty of space for air circulation. They are a good size for roasting vegetables, giving them room to brown and cook evenly. They are also ideal for making sheet pan dinners, and for roasting a Thanksgiving turkey.
Half-size sheet pans are the go-to for home bakers. They are perfect for baking cookies and cakes. For most bakers, having two of these pans is enough, but if you're on a cookie-baking spree, it's good to have three. They are also useful for freezing cookie dough and for small cooking jobs like roasting vegetables or nuts.
Half-size sheet pans are also handy for meal prep and organising ingredients. They are a useful size for storing in the fridge and fit easily in a Brod and Taylor proofer.
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Quarter-size sheet pans are 13 x 9 inches
If you're an avid baker, you might want to get a few quarter-size sheet pans, as they are very useful for portioning cookie dough for freezing. They are also handy for gathering ingredients, toasting nuts, or small cooking jobs.
When buying a quarter-sheet pan, look for one with a rim around the outside, which is typically about 1 inch high. This rim will help prevent your food from sliding off the pan.
Quarter-size sheet pans are a great option for those with smaller ovens, as they are easy to store and can fit into most ovens and refrigerators. They are also a good choice if you're looking for an affordable option, as they are usually inexpensive.
So, if you're in the market for a new sheet pan, consider the quarter-size option. With its versatile functionality and compact size, it might just become your go-to pan in the kitchen!
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Sheet pans are made from aluminium or steel
Sheet pans are made from a variety of materials, but the most common are aluminium and steel. Aluminium is the best and most versatile option for most sheet-pan uses. It heats up and cools down quickly, resulting in food that cooks evenly. Aluminium is also light in colour, giving the baker more control over how brown the bottom of their baked goods becomes. Aluminised steel, on the other hand, is less effective at conducting heat.
Sheet pans made from bare aluminium are prone to staining and scratching, and acidic foods like tomatoes can cause discolouration, pitting, and corrosion. Aluminised steel combines the conductive, reflective, and food adherence properties of aluminium with the rigidity, mass, and strength of the inner steel core. However, the aluminium surface of aluminised steel is not the same as pure aluminium – it's typically 90% aluminium and 10% silicon.
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Pans have a standard rim height of 1 inch
When it comes to baking, the right equipment is essential. While there are many types of baking pans available, sheet pans are a common choice for home bakers and professional chefs alike. Sheet pans, also known as baking trays, baking sheets, or baking pans, are flat, rectangular metal pans used for baking pastries, cookies, cakes, and pizzas.
Now, let's talk about the specifics of a half-size sheet pan. As the name suggests, a half sheet pan is half the size of a full sheet pan. Typically, a full sheet pan measures 26 inches by 18 inches, which is too large for most home ovens. A half sheet pan usually measures 18 inches by 13 inches, making it a more suitable option for home bakers.
Here's the crucial part: pans have a standard rim height of 1 inch. This rim is an essential feature as it helps to retain food and liquids during the baking process. The rim height remains consistent across different sizes of sheet pans, so whether you're using a half sheet pan or a quarter sheet pan, you can expect the rim to be about 1 inch high. This consistency in rim height is also important for commercial kitchens, as it allows for standardized equipment, such as cooling racks and ovens, to fit these pans properly.
In addition to the rim height, it's worth noting that sheet pans come in various materials, including aluminum and sheet steel. The rigidity of the pan is an important factor, especially if you plan to place it directly on a flat heat source. Rims and ridges contribute to the rigidity of the pan, ensuring that it can withstand the heat and weight of your baked goods.
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Half-size sheet pans are good for baking cookies
Half-size sheet pans are a great option for baking cookies. They are the perfect size for most home ovens, measuring 13" x 18" with a rim of about 1 inch. This size allows for good air circulation, which is important for even baking. The rims also help to contain any juices or oils that may be released during baking, making them more versatile than a cookie sheet.
Half-size sheet pans are a good size for a batch of cookies, and having two or three of these pans can be useful if you want to bake multiple batches. They are also a good size for your freezer, taking up less space than larger pans while still allowing you to freeze a decent number of cookies.
When choosing a half-size sheet pan, look for one made of a heavier-gauge material such as uncoated aluminum or aluminized steel. These pans conduct heat evenly and are resistant to warping. A rimmed pan is a more versatile option than a rimless one, and a rolled rim will be more comfortable to grip, especially when wearing oven mitts.
Some half-size sheet pans may have a textured surface, but these can make cleaning more difficult, so it's best to opt for a pan with a flat bottom. You may also want to avoid pans with embossed logos, as these can be tricky to clean.
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Frequently asked questions
A half-size sheet pan typically measures 18" x 13" with a rim of about 1 inch around the outside.
A full-size sheet pan is approximately twice the size of a half-size sheet pan, measuring 26" x 18".
Half-size sheet pans are a convenient size for home bakers as they fit in most home ovens and are suitable for baking cookies, sheet cakes, and roasting vegetables.
Look for a half-size sheet pan made of heavy-gauge material such as uncoated aluminum or aluminized steel. These materials conduct heat evenly, release food easily, and are resistant to warping.
You can find half-size sheet pans at kitchen supply stores, online retailers like Amazon, or even in the baking aisle of some supermarkets. Look for reputable brands like Nordic Ware and Vollrath.