8 Best Cooling Racks for Baking

If you’re planning to do some baking this summer, you’re going to need a handy cooling rack on your side. Cooling racks ensure that your baked goods are cooled all around so they don’t end up soggy or have an unpleasant texture. I suggest the Checkered Chef Cooling Rack for all your cooling needs.

Hi, there! My name is Michelle, and I’ve been baking for the past ten years. I love baking all kinds of treats, whether it’s mint chocolate chip cookies (my favorite), triple chocolate coffee walnut brownies (another must-have), or perfectly tart lemon bars (yum!).

I can tell you one thing about my baking career: I couldn’t live without my cooling rack. And I won’t lie to you, either. I have been lazy here and there and decided not to use my cooling rack. Oh, what a mistake. The texture was flawed, and it simply wasn’t my best work. Never again!

Luckily, there are plenty of high-quality cooling racks on the market for bakers, new and old. My favorite is the Checkered Chef. The pack comes with two durable and high-quality stainless steel racks with a picture-perfect grid design that’s great to avoid slipping and falling through the cracks.

I understand that everyone has different wants and needs for baking racks, and that’s okay. My favorite doesn’t have to be your favorite (I won’t hold that against you – promise). That’s why I crafted this comprehensive top eight list – so you can find your perfect rack.

Let’s find out which cooling racks made the list. 

Best Cooling Racks: Top Picks

I performed plenty of research to discover which cooling racks should make the top eight list. I considered things such as features, honest reviews, and price range to make a solid list you can feel confident in. Let’s dive in!

1. Checkered Chef Cooling Rack (Top Pick)

• Key Features: Exquisite grid pattern, durable material, oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, comes with two 
• Size: 8×11 ¾ (10×15 and 11.75×17 also available)
• Material: Stainless Steel

When it comes to cooling racks, simplicity is vital. And that’s why I love this pack of two from Checkered Chef. These racks are made of durable and high-quality stainless steel that functions in and out of the oven with no chance of warping.

Aside from being versatile, these racks are also the perfect size. At 8×11 ¾, they’re small enough to fit most of my baking sheets when necessary, yet still large enough to cool my fresh batch of cookies. (There are larger sizes available if required, too).

Thanks to a beautifully crafted grid design, you don’t have to worry about treats falling through the cracks, either. Trust me – not all cooling rack designs are the same, and soft cookies can quickly become crumbly messes. But not with this perfectly-crafted rack from Checkered Chef.

These racks are easy to use, reliable, and versatile. They’re dishwasher-friendly, too, making them a cinch to clean. Just watch out for those edges. Some buyers have found them to be on the sharp side!

2. Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack (Best Tiered Option)

• Key Features: Tiered, three racks, folds for storage, sets up in seconds
• Size: 16.25 x 10.25 x 2.25 inches
• Material: Steel

If you’re planning to buy a cooling rack that’s solely used for cooling, then you will love this grand-tiered option. With three rows of top-notch cooling racks, you can efficiently cool dozens of cookies or several cakes at a time. Oh, so handy!

While this tiered cooling rack offers plenty of rooming for cooling treats, it surprisingly doesn’t take up too much space. That’s thanks to the “tiered” construction, which focuses on going vertical rather than horizontal. Basically, this tiered rack won’t cover your entire kitchen countertop.

But wait – there’s one last added convenience. The steel rack collapses entirely for easy storage when not in use. When you’re ready to cool once more, set up the stand in seconds and enjoy the non-stick surface for easy release and simple cleanup. Perfect!

Now, keep in mind that no clips or anything is holding the tiers together. Some users have stated that they’re a tad “flimsy” but get the job done, even for heavier items like XL cinnamon buns. The key is to be gentle with the racks and try not to bump into them while cooling.

3. OXO Good Grips Pro Cooling Rack(Best Aluminum Option)

• Key Features: Non-stick, generous handles, wire design for airflow, and easy cleanup
• Size: 11.5 x 18.5 x 1.5 inches
• Material: Aluminum

Some people swear by aluminum when it comes to buying baking products. If this is you, then you will appreciate the OXO cooling rack. It’s designed with aluminum and a non-stick finish for easy release and swift cleanup. 

This cooling rack also comes with generous handles on each side of the cooling rack, making it a cinch to maneuver whether you’re using it for cooling or baking. By the way, this rack can handle heat up to 450F, making it a pretty versatile piece of equipment.

The wired design makes this cooling rack a top-notch option for cooling all of your baked treats, too. The squared pattern is large enough to allow airflow while also being easier to clean than other cooling racks out there.

There has been a warping issue with these cooling racks, but that’s why it’s stated not to use in temperatures over 450F. If you’re using them for cooling specifically, this isn’t something you need to worry about at all. Enjoy your aluminum pan!

4. P&P CHEF Round Cooking Rack (Best Round Cooling Racks)

• Key Features: Pack of three, circular, 1-inch clearance, thick steel wiring design
• Size: 10 ½, 9, and 7 ½ inches
• Material: Stainless Steel

Do you prefer circular cooling racks over rectangular or square ones? Then this set of three round cooling racks from P&P Chef is right for you. This pack comes with three stainless steel racks that are rust-free and practically impossible to warp.

Each rack (large 10 ½, medium 9, and small 7 ½) elevates an inch off your kitchen countertop to allow for superb air circulation. The racks also come with thick stainless steel wiring complete with seamless welding to ensure no slippage or breakage through the cracks.

These highly versatile cooling racks can be used to cool various baked goodies, but they’re also suitable in air fryers, pressure cookers, ovens, and more. With smooth edges, you’ll have no trouble removing or using the cooling racks regardless of how you use them.

Some buyers have stated that the cooling racks are a bit thin, but it has not affected their overall quality. They can still be used in various applications, especially when cooling your baked delights.

5. Tebery 4 Pack Cooling Rack Set(Best Value)

• Key Features: Set of four, budget-friendly, dishwasher-safe, durable and non-stick, stable “feet”
• Size: L 16.75×12, M 16×10, S 12×8, Mini 10×7 ⅞ 
• Material: Stainless Steel

In this day and age, most people are looking for the best deals and values. Well, the Tebery 4-pack undeniably offers the “biggest bang for your buck” out of all of the cooling racks on this list. 

That’s because this set comes with four differently-sized cooling racks to suit all of your baking needs. Inside the pack, you will find a large 16.75×12, medium 16×10, small 12×8, and miniature 10×7 ⅞. Needless to say, no cooling is off limits with this handy set.

Each rack is designed with durable stainless steel that is reliable and non-stick. Smooth edges make these racks easy to manage, and you will love the addition of four stable feet to keep your racks from sliding across the countertops. Dishwasher-friendly, this is undeniably a top-notch set.

While these racks are designed with smooth edges, some customers have found that the ends of the rods themselves are a little sharp. Just be careful when managing these cooling racks, and there shouldn’t be an issue.

6. Ultra Cuisine Baking Pan with Cooling Rack Set (Best Duo Set)

• Key Features: Comes with baking pan, made with stainless steel, anti-rust, anti-flake, dishwasher-safe
• Size: 16.5 x 11.5 x 1 inches
• Material: Stainless Steel

When we’re talking about kitchen must-haves, this is undoubtedly one. A baking pan will be necessary for whipping up all kinds of goodies, whether you’re roasting chicken or baking brownies. The cooling rack will be essential in many baking adventures, too.

The Ultra Cuisine Set is a wonderful choice, especially for those just starting that need both pieces of equipment. The cooling rack is dishwasher-safe and constructed using 100% 304 stainless steel – no undesirable coatings required.

You will love that the rack won’t rust over time or end up flaking or chipping like other chrome-coated products. Built with superior quality, the cooling rack (and accompanying pan) can easily last for years.

While there are many benefits to this duo set, some users have stated that the edges are jagged. Be extra careful when maneuvering the cooling rack, and you will be a-okay.

7. Nordic Ware Stackable Cooling Racks (Best Copper Option)

• Key Features: Two-tiered, snap-on legs for stability, non-stick
• Size: 16.88 x 11.63 x 2 inches
• Material: Copper

Some people love the versatility of having a rack that can go in and out of the oven, but it’s not ideal for everyone. If you want a stand specifically designed for cooling only, you will love this copper cooling rack.

The set is tiered with two entirely non-stick racks. It’s a cinch to cool cookies and other baked treats and slide them off in a flash. Putting the racks together is a “snap,” too – literally. The four legs snap on to create a two-tiered cooling dream come true.

Thanks to the tiered design, this is another excellent cooling rack that won’t take up too much room in the kitchen yet allows for plenty of goodies to cool at a single time. Convenient? Absolutely! Just make sure you don’t ever use this set in the oven or dishwasher.

The issue with these racks (which seems to be a recurring theme here) is that they are a bit jagged on the edges. Watch out for sharpness when working with these racks!

8. M MCIRCO Baking Sheet Tray Cooling Rack with Silicone Baking Mat Set (Best Multi-Use Set)

• Key Features: 9-piece set, includes baking sheets and silicone baking mat, four raised feet, mirror polishing, dishwasher-safe
• Size: L 11×15.2, M 9×11.7, S 7.4×9.7
• Material: Stainless Steel

If you just need a cooling rack, there are plenty of options listed above. But if you’re looking for an entire set to see you through all of your baking needs, then this set from M Mcrico is it. The collection includes nine pieces, including three baking sheets, cooling racks, and silicone baking mats.

The baking sheets and cooling racks are designed with pure stainless steel that resists rusting and warping. You won’t have to worry about cookies and cakes sticking to the pan with mirror polishing. Of course, you should always use the included silicone mats to avoid any stickiness,

The cooling racks have four raised feet and thick parallel lines that ensure proper airflow without crumbling or breaking. Each baking sheet comes with a matching silicone mat and cooling rack, making it a breeze to mix and match for your desired outcome. Super convenient!

With this set, no baking is off-limits. However, some people have claimed that the pans were smaller than anticipated. Double-check the size to ensure it’s right for you and your needs. 

Best Cooling Rack for Baking: Things to Consider

By now, you’re probably looking forward to using one of these cooling racks. But before you buy, it’s essential to consider these few aspects.

Size

The size will play a significant role in deciding which cooling rack is suitable for you. Need a lot of space? Find the largest cooling rack. Don’t do a whole lot of baking? Something smaller will do the trick.

Material

Most of the time, stainless steel will be the go-to option for cooling racks. But not everyone agrees. With that in mind, I added a copper and aluminum option for those that want to venture out from stainless steel.

Number of Racks

A single rack will be fine for most people. But if you’re an avid baker like me, you might consider buying a pack with more than one. That way, you can embark on extra-large baking adventures, or you can simply use one rack while the other is in the dishwasher. 

Tiers

Tiered cooling racks are great. They don’t take up too much counter space but offer plenty of cooling room. Do you need tiers, though? That’s up to you.

Extras

I made it a point to add several options with “extras,” such as baking sheets or silicone baking mats. That’s because I know that plenty of people want their dollar to go “further,” or they simply want to up their baking game. Consider extras when shopping.

Verdict

While there are so many excellent cooling racks on the market, I had to stick with the Checkered Chef Cooling Rack as my number one pick. I love the convenience, reliability, and durability of these cooling racks. They’re super versatile and haven’t let me down, and I know you will love them, too. 

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