Toaster Oven Sheet Pan Sizes

Toaster oven sheet pans come in a variety of sizes, but the most common are the quarter sheet pan and the eighth sheet pan. The quarter sheet pan is typically about 11-12 inches in length and 8-9 inches in width, while the eighth sheet pan is about half that size. These pans are designed to fit into most toaster ovens, which usually have interior dimensions of around 13-14 inches in length and 11-12 inches in width. It's important to measure your toaster oven before purchasing a sheet pan to ensure a proper fit, as some ovens may have rack guides or attachments that affect the usable space.

Measure your toaster oven

To measure your toaster oven, you'll need a tape measure. It's important to make sure your toaster oven is unplugged and has cooled down completely before you start.

First, measure the length. Place your tape measure against any rack guides or pop-outs that extend beyond the wall, rather than just measuring the walls of the toaster oven.

Next, measure the height. Place the cooking rack in the lowest position and measure the distance between the rack and the upper heating elements. Be careful not to touch the heating elements as they can be delicate and easily damaged.

Finally, measure the depth. Measure from the front of the cooking rack to the rear of the toaster oven. If your toaster oven has a curved pop-out at the back to accommodate large pizzas, measure the shortest distance to the back wall and ignore the pop-out.

Now you've got your measurements, make a note of them so you can easily refer to them when shopping for pans. It's worth keeping in mind that there should be at least 1/2 inch between the oven walls and each side of the pan to allow for airflow.

Avoid flimsy toaster oven sheet pans

Toaster oven sheet pans are usually thin and flimsy. They are often made of cheap, lightweight metal that conducts heat poorly, leading to uneven cooking. Some pans are even prone to warping at high temperatures, which can cause your food to slide to one side. Others are impossible to keep clean, and may rust or fall apart over time.

To avoid flimsy toaster oven sheet pans, look for those made of heavy aluminum, which cooks evenly and doesn't bend or warp. Cast iron is another good option, though it is heavy and may require more muscle to lift. Enamelware is also a good choice, as it is easy to clean and cookies baked on it have been described as having "soft and chewy centers and nicely golden browned bottoms."

When shopping for toaster oven sheet pans, it's best to check the reviews. Avoid pans that:

• Warp significantly at higher temperatures (leading to uneven cooking)
• Have folded edges that can trap water and are hard to keep clean
• Are lightweight and made from super-thin metal
• Have cheap colored coatings that can wear off or chip over time

If you're unsure about the measurements of a pan you're interested in, email the company and ask. It may take a day or two to hear back, but it's worth the wait if it helps you avoid the hassle of a return.

Try an eighth sheet pan

If you have a small toaster oven and are struggling to find a suitable pan, an eighth sheet pan could be the answer. These pans are about half the size of a quarter sheet pan and are perfect for smaller toaster ovens.

The Nordic Ware eighth sheet pan is a popular choice, known for its heavy-duty aluminium construction that cooks food evenly without bending or warping. The pan's dimensions are 10.1"L x 7"W x 1.1"H externally, with an internal cooking space of 9.4"L x 6.3"W x 1.1"H. It's easy to clean with just soap and hot water, and its compact size makes it ideal for countertop and toaster ovens, as well as conventional ovens.

• Reheating leftovers: Perfect for reheating pizza, fries, veggie nuggets, and more.
• Making classic treats: Try buttery, crispy cinnamon toast with a twist of orange zest, broiled to caramelize the sugar.
• Upgrading recipe ingredients: Toast nuts, coconut, and oats to enhance their flavour and texture.
• Making nachos: Experiment with sweet apple nachos or savoury veggie nachos.
• Baking potatoes: You can usually fit one large or two small baked potatoes or sweet potatoes on this pan.
• Broiling: Quickly cook zucchini slices, jalapenos, marinated tofu, or a toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
• Indoor s'mores: An easy dessert, or try swapping the graham crackers for Saltines for a salty-sweet treat.
• Roasting veggies: Cook smaller batches of vegetables like asparagus, carrots, broccoli, or roasted red peppers.
• Making grilled cheese sandwiches: Preheat the pan for a mini griddle effect, no flipping required!
• Quick soup and salad toppings: Make crispy baked tortilla strips or toaster oven croutons.
• Reheating muffins: Turn leftover muffins and biscuits into crispy, buttery treats.
• Cooking frozen snacks: From taquitos to jalapeno poppers, single servings of fries, or homemade bagel bites.
• Small-batch baking: Bake a few cookies, make a graham cracker crumble topping, or whip up a pair of buttery biscuits.
• Handy foil alternative: Cover small baking dishes to prevent spills or catch drips from dishes like potatoes au gratin.
• Homemade spiced nuts: Make small batches of rosemary cashews, cinnamon walnuts, or curry cashews for salad toppings, snacks, or holiday gifts.
• Avoiding spills: Place ramekins on the pan for easier handling and to prevent accidental knocks.

Eighth sheet pans are a versatile addition to your kitchen, perfect for cooking smaller portions and saving countertop and oven space.

Consider a quarter sheet pan

A quarter sheet pan is a fantastic addition to your kitchen, especially if you have a smaller oven. It is a smaller version of the popular full and half-size rimmed sheet pans used in restaurants and larger kitchens.

The quarter sheet pan is a versatile and durable option for all your baking needs. Its aluminized steel construction ensures even heat distribution, and its reinforced rims provide a good grip for your hands, even when you're wearing oven mitts. The fluted bottom is not just for show; it helps circulate air for even baking and strengthens the pan. The non-stick coating ensures that food releases easily and makes cleaning a breeze.

The quarter sheet pan's dimensions are typically around 12.5 x 9 x 1 inches for the baking surface, and 13 x 9.5 x 1 inches for the outer dimensions. This makes it the perfect size for those with smaller ovens or limited counter space. You can easily roast veggies, bake cookies, cakes, brownies, and more without compromising on quality.

The quarter sheet pan is a great investment for any home cook. Its durability, even heat distribution, and easy cleanup make it a valuable tool in the kitchen. Whether you're an ambitious apartment baker or a busy home cook, the quarter sheet pan is a convenient and reliable option.

Don't forget to measure your pan

Before you buy a toaster oven, it's important to measure the interior of the oven to ensure the pan will fit. Measure the length, height, and depth of the toaster oven. Place your tape measure against any rack guides or pop-outs that extend beyond the walls of the oven. For the height, place the cooking rack in the lowest position and measure the distance between the rack and the upper heating elements. When measuring the depth, measure from the front of the cooking rack to the rear of the toaster oven.

Once you have these measurements, you can easily refer to them when shopping for a toaster oven pan. It's important to ensure that the pan has enough space to circulate hot air and prevent a fire hazard. For sheet pans, it is recommended to have at least 1/2 inch between the oven walls and each side of the pan. For covered baking dishes, aim for at least 1 1/2 to 2 inches of space from the top elements.

Additionally, be mindful of the pan's interior and exterior dimensions. The interior dimensions refer to the measurements from one inside edge to another, excluding any exterior handles or the pan's thickness. Some manufacturers provide both interior and exterior dimensions, making it easier to select the right pan. If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact the company to request specific measurements.

By taking the time to measure your toaster oven and choose a pan that fits properly, you can avoid the frustration of purchasing a pan that doesn't fit and ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.

Frequently asked questions