The 5 Best Non-Stick Baking Sheets | What to Look for

When baking, having the right tools can make all the difference. A non-stick baking sheet is a must-have for any baker. The perfect baking sheet will ensure that your baked goods come out perfectly every time. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which is the best? This article will discuss what to look for in a non-stick baking sheet and recommend some of the best currently available. This information will allow you to choose the best options for your specific needs.

What to Look for in a Non-Stick Baking Sheet

1. Material: Non-stick baking sheets are typically made from aluminum, aluminized steel, or stainless steel. Aluminum sheets heat up quickly and evenly, making them ideal for baking cookies and other delicate pastries. Stainless steel sheets are more durable and warp-resistant, making them suitable for heavier baking jobs.
2. Coating: The coating on a non-stick baking sheet prevents your baked goods from sticking. Look for a sheet with a high-quality, PFOA-free coating that is scratch-resistant and long-lasting. Keep in mind, however, that non-stick coatings do not brown food as well as uncoated surfaces, and the coatings often become less effective over time.
3. Size: Non-stick baking sheets come in various sizes: quarter, half, and full. The half sheet is considered the standard size and measures 18×13 inches, but the quarter sheet measuring 13×9 inches is handy for smaller baking jobs. The full-size sheet measuring 18×26 inches is standard for commercial ovens but is too large to fit in most home ovens, so be sure to choose a size or sizes that fit your oven and baking needs.
4. Edges: Some non-stick baking sheets have raised edges, which are ideal for baking cookies and other items that may spread out while baking. Sheets with rimmed edges are also helpful for containing spills and drips. Some rimmed pans even have handles to ease moving the pans in and out of the oven. The unrimmed baking sheets, however, open up the airflow and allow the food to cook faster and more evenly.
5. Easy to Clean: Look for a non-stick baking sheet that is easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. Avoid sheets that require special cleaning instructions, since they can be more challenging to maintain.

Top Picks for Non-Stick Baking Sheets

1. Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet: Made from natural aluminum, this baking sheet heats up quickly and evenly, ensuring that your baked goods are perfectly cooked. It’s also warp-resistant and easy to clean. The Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum pans have also been among the top-rated baking pans by Southern Living, Food Network and Epicurious.
2. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Half Sheet: This baking sheet features a ceramic-reinforced, two-layer coating that is scratch-resistant and long-lasting. Its textured surface promotes even baking and airflow, making it ideal for cookies, pastries, and many other baking needs.
3. USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan: Made from aluminized steel, this baking sheet is durable and warp-resistant. It features a silicone non-stick coating that is PFOA-free and easy to clean. This pan is also Southern Living‘s choice as the best quality cookie sheet.
4. Rachael Ray Cookie Sheet With Grips: This 11×17″ cookie sheet is made from durable heavy gauge steel and features a long-lasting non-stick coating that promotes quick and easy food release, whether baking or roasting. This pan resists warping and is oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat Sheet, Set of 2: This set is an excellent option if you prefer silicone baking mats. The mats are non-stick and heat-resistant and can be used with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Final Thoughts

A non-stick baking sheet is essential for any baker. Choosing a high-quality sheet with the right features ensures that your baked goods turn out perfectly every time. Whether you prefer aluminum, steel, or silicone, plenty of options are available to suit your baking needs.

If you have a cookie sheet that doesn’t perform well, either sticks or is challenging to clean, and you are not in a position to replace it right away, you can always cover it with waxed or parchment paper. This little trick should work fine until that new cookie sheet arrives.

Anne James

Anne James has a wealth of experience in a wide array of interests and is an expert in quilting, cooking, gardening, camping, mixing drinks (bartending), and making jelly.

Anne has a professional canning business, has been featured in the local newspaper as well as on the Hershey website, and has been her family canner for decades. Anyone growing up in the South knows that there is always a person in the family who has knowledge of the “old ways,” and this is exactly what Anne is.

With over 55 years of experience in these endeavors, she brings a level of hands-on knowledge that is hard to surpass. Amazingly, she doesn’t need to reference many resources due to her vast wealth of experience. She IS the source.

Anne wants nothing more than to pass on her extensive knowledge to the next generations, whether that be family or anyone visiting her website, her YouTube channel, or survivalfreedom.com.