Half Sheet Pan: Nordic Ware Size Guide

The Nordic Ware Half Sheet Pan is a kitchen essential, with a standard half-sheet size of 18 x 13 x 1 inches. Its heavy-duty, commercial-grade aluminium construction means it's durable, heats up evenly and efficiently, and is easy to clean. The reinforced steel rim prevents warping, and the sloped edges make transferring food a breeze.

However, the stamped logo on the top of the tray can be tricky to clean and can leave imprints on softer foods. The pan is also prone to scratching and staining, and shouldn't be used with acidic foods.

Design and size

The Nordic Ware Baker's Half Sheet is a classic, heavy-duty baking sheet made of commercial-grade aluminum. Its dimensions are 17.9"L x 12.9"W x 1"H, with interior dimensions of 17.1"L x 12.1"W x 1"H. The pan is lightweight, easy to handle, and fits well in most ovens. Its rolled edges make it warp-resistant and easy to transfer in and out of the oven. The reinforced encapsulated steel rim adds strength and prevents warping.

The design of the Nordic Ware Half Sheet is simple and versatile. Its smooth, slightly sloped edges make food transfer easy. The pan also stacks well, making it convenient to store. However, the stamped logo on the top of the tray can be difficult to clean and may leave imprints on delicate foods like cookies and cakes.

The uncoated, natural aluminum construction of the Nordic Ware Half Sheet has its pros and cons. The pan is generally nonstick and has fewer chemicals. It also conducts heat evenly and efficiently, resulting in consistent, evenly browned baked goods. However, aluminum is a reactive metal that can scratch easily and is not suitable for acidic foods. It is recommended to use non-metal utensils, such as wood, plastic, or silicone, with this pan.

The Nordic Ware Half Sheet is easy to clean, but the embossed logo can be a challenge. It is recommended to hand wash the pan with warm, soapy water, as dishwasher use may cause discoloration due to cleaning agents. While this discoloration does not affect the pan's performance, it can be unsightly.

Overall, the Nordic Ware Baker's Half Sheet is a sturdy, durable, and reliable baking sheet that performs well and is easy to use and maintain. Its simple design and commercial-grade aluminum construction make it a valuable tool in any kitchen.

Material

The Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet is made from pure, uncoated natural aluminum. The aluminum alloy used in the pan is designed to provide uniform heat conductivity and maximize scratch resistance. The pan is also designed with an encapsulated steel rim to prevent warping.

The durability of the pan is emphasized in reviews, with some reviewers claiming that their pans have lasted for years or even decades. However, some reviewers note that the pan is prone to scratching and staining, and that acidic foods like vinegar and tomatoes may cause discoloration, pitting, or corrosion.

The pan is compatible with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, and it is recommended to use nylon, wood, or silicone utensils to prevent scratching.

Cooking performance

The Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet is a sturdy, inexpensive sheet pan that bakes evenly and lasts for years. It is made of pure aluminum, which will never rust and provides superior heat conductivity. The reinforced encapsulated steel rim prevents warping and adds strength. The pan exterior dimensions are 17.88 x 12.88 x 1.06 inches, and the interior dimensions are 16.5 x 11.38 x 1 inch.

The Nordic Ware pan performed wonderfully, producing evenly cooked and beautifully browned food while remaining easy to clean after the fact, especially for an uncoated aluminum pan. The 20-gauge bare aluminum conducts heat efficiently, which means food cooks evenly and quickly, and the pan itself warms up and cools down in record time. The light color makes it less likely to produce cookies that are too dark, yet it’s thick and sturdy enough to turn out crispy crusts.

The Nordic Ware pan browned sugar cookies to a beautiful, even golden brown. It holds up at high temperatures. During tests, the pan didn’t warp, buckle, or bend. It also comes in multiple sizes, including quarter- and eighth-sheet sizes, which are good for small tasks like toasting nuts or baking a few pieces of fish, and they’re easier to fit in the fridge.

The main downside of the Nordic Ware pan is its embossed logo, which can be tricky to clean and can leave imprints on more delicate foods. The pan is also prone to staining and scratching, and acidic foods like tomato can cause discoloration, pitting, and corrosion.

Cleaning

Nordic Ware is a popular brand of baking sheets, with their products frequently topping "best of" lists. Their baking sheets are made of uncoated aluminium, which is known to be a very sticky metal. As such, it is important to wash your Nordic Ware baking sheets thoroughly after each use.

Everyday Cleaning

For everyday cleaning, hand-wash your Nordic Ware baking sheet with warm water and dish soap. Be sure to get into the corners of the pan and wash the underside thoroughly. If you are looking to minimise the buildup of seasoning, this is a good method to use.

Tougher Stains

For tougher, stuck-on food and grease, fill the pan with hot water and add a little dish soap. Let the pan sit for about 30 minutes, then tackle the crusty spots with a dish brush or the scouring side of a sponge. After a good soak, scrub the pan until the gunk lifts off. Finish with a final rinse in hot water.

Getting Back to Bare Metal

If you want to get your pan back to its original finish, you can make a paste using warm water and either Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda. Coat the pan with the paste and let it sit for at least 30 minutes if using baking soda. If using Bar Keepers Friend, start scrubbing right away. This will take a lot of elbow grease and you may need to repeat the process a few times. Once you've removed as much of the residue as you can, wash the baking sheet with soap and water.

Preventing Stains

To prevent stains, always line your baking sheets with aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat. This will create a layer between food, oils, and the pan, helping to prevent stains.

Other Tips

• Avoid putting your Nordic Ware baking sheets in the dishwasher, as this can cause discolouration.
• Avoid using metal utensils on your Nordic Ware baking sheets, as these can cause scratches. Instead, use nylon, wood, or silicone utensils.
• Avoid using vinegar or tomato products with your Nordic Ware baking sheets, as these can cause discolouration, pitting, or corrosion.

Price

The Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet is available in a set of two and is priced at $27.99 on Amazon.com. The price per count is $14.00. The product is also available on the Nordic Ware website, where it is currently on sale for $20.00, down from $25.00.

The product is also available on Wayfair and Walmart, although the price is not listed.

Frequently asked questions