Whether you’re to replace an old cooling rack that isn’t working the way that it should be anymore or are moving into a new place and need a starter cooling rack, deciding which is the best cooling rack for you can be a challenge. There are hundreds of options on the market, and it’s not always easy to separate the great options from the mediocre ones. That’s why we wanted to take out the stress and share some of the top cooling racks here in one place.
In addition to sharing the 15 best racks for cooling today, we’ll also go into why you would want a cooling rack in the first place. We’ll share the key features to look for when buying one, so you can make the best possible decision. By the time you read through everything, you’ll know everything you need to know to add a cooling rack (or several!) to your kitchen.
Best Pick
Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack is a fantastic choice that offers tons of room for cooling cookies, cakes, and other dishes and is our best pick in this article. It has a non-stick coating and lets you pile up on baked goods without taking up all your coveted counter space. Together with the ensured airflow and 10-years limited lifetime warranty, this is our favorite.
Budget Pick
The most pocket-friendly option that will give you a taste of a premium product is no other than the Checkered Chef Cooling Racks for Baking. It comes in a pack of 2 and can maintain even air ventilation. Not only that, being capable of withstanding high heat without warping makes it not only a cooling rack but a baking one too as it is oven-safe.
Quick Comparison: Top 15 Best Cooling Racks
Highlighted Features
If you’re a professional baker or an amateur who likes to make plenty of cakes and pies, the Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack could change the way you use your kitchen for the better. It comes with three racks that stack on top of each other to take up little space while still cooling plenty of food at once. Each rack measures 15.9x9.9 inches and has a non-stick coating for easy release.
Wilton is a highly-regarded company that offers a variety of baking and cooking supplies, so you can expect excellent quality with these cooling racks. However, it is recommended that you wash the racks in warm, soapy water before you use them for the first time.
Moreover, even though it is a spacious cooling rack, its collapsible design makes storing a piece of cake when not in use. Not only that, the racks ensure even airflow. The reinforced non-stick coating on the rack prevents your food from sticking and offers a very easy cleaning process.
What we liked: We love that this product comes with a 10-year limited warranty which means you can relax and not look for a replacement anytime soon
What we did not like: We found that the cooling rack is only suitable for light items like cookies. Heavier items can cause the rack to topple.2. Checkered Chef Cooling Racks for Baking
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The next entry in our review article is from Checkered Chef and comes in a set of two so you can always have a clean rack ready when you want to start baking. These cooling racks are completely oven-safe, so they can be used to bake chicken wings, bacon, or crispy chicken, too. Due to its stainless steel body, it is built to last. Its construction boosts its durability and strength. Moreover, it is capable of withstanding warping and wobbling when exposed to high temperatures.
While one rack is small enough for tiny pans, you can also use both at once for a quarter sheet pan for more significant recipes. On top of that, these racks are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, so you won’t have to spend ages cleaning up after a meal. Last but not least, the crosswire mesh grids are spaced perfectly which plays a crucial role in ensuring a well-ventilated airflow that would help your cookies to cool down quickly.
What we liked: A range of food items can be cooled down using this as the gaps are perfectly spaced so your cookies will not slide through the gaps.
What we did not like: The setback in this product is that you need to clean this properly, otherwise, it will start to corrode if the food residues are not washed properly.
Highlighted Features
This stainless steel wire cooling rack by Ultra Cuisine is an excellent choice for holding freshly baked food in your kitchen. The stainless steel used in its construction features a thickness of 18/8 which is considered professional grade. Not only that, the heavy-duty material is food-safe and extremely durable and comes with small holes and no-snag edges so that air can flow freely and quickly cool down your desserts. This cooling rack is also 100% dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
This rack can be used for baking, roasting, smoking, grilling and barbecuing as long as you don’t raise the temperature too high. It can fit flat inside of a large 13x18 inch cookie half sheet, as well, to prevent uneven cooking and baking. For those who want a top-notch option from a great company, this is one to watch.
Having said that, you should already be able to say that it is oven-safe. Moreover, unlike cheap iron ones, this will not rust or flake off, resulting in being hazardous if mixed with your food. The design also has three-foot support that helps it stand with stability and grids with small gaps that do not allow your cookies to slide through.
What we liked: We love the fact that the rack is accompanied by a complimentary recipe ebook which allows us to try out many delicious recipes.
What we did not like: The angled design seems a bit odd to us as it may cause the cookies to slide off
4. Wilton Industries Perfect Results Mega Cooling Rack
Highlighted Features
When you’re searching for an affordable cooling rack that is effortless to use, the Wilton Perfect Results Mega Cooling Rack is one you should consider. It offers a surface that makes it simple and straightforward to clean so you don’t need to spend too much extra time in the kitchen. This is also a lightweight model at only eight ounces, so transport is a breeze.
This is another cooling rack that can also be used in the oven, giving it an added layer of versatility. Use it to cool cakes, rest bread, or make broiled and baked dishes at every meal. The use of chrome materials also means it will last a good amount of time without extra maintenance.
Moreover, its heavy-duty construction helps it maintain an even heat distribution and resists warping like a champion. Moreover, its special design also features four large openings around the feet of the rack. This is important in terms of storage as you can stack one rack on top of another. This way your cupboard will not be occupied by one rack only. Lastly, you must be careful with its cleaning. Even though it is dishwasher-friendly, you need to be meticulous about which soap you are using as the wrong choice can cause damage to it. It is suggested that you hand wash for extended use.
What we liked: The non-stick finish of the grid is amazing and to us, that is the best feature of this product as it does not require aggressive cleaning.
What we did not like: It might not be a healthy choice as it is prone to rust and the non-stick coating can flake off.
5. Checkered Chef Stainless Steel Cooling Rack
Highlighted Features
Are you looking for a high-quality baking rack? Do you need a cooling rack that you can count on for all the pies you make? With the Checkered Chef Stainless Steel Cooling Rack, you get both of these great qualities in one. Yes, you read it right. You can use this to bake bacon and chicken wings as it is oven-safe. Featuring a standard size, it can easily hold half sheet pans and uses this for cooling cakes, cookies, and many more food items.
This cooling rack is specially designed to prevent crumbs from slipping through when cakes or cookies are cooling. Also, the racks are dishwasher-safe, so you never have to spend ages on cleanup. The materials are resistant to corrosion and rust for easy maintenance.
Sick of flimsy racks? Then you should consider buying this as the stainless steel rack gives it its added strength and durability. Moreover, the unique design that is seen in the grid pattern is truly commendable as they are perfectly spaced which not only prevents your cookies from sliding off but optimizes airflow which is necessary for speedy cooling down.
What we liked: The rack resists warping and wobbling like a champ due to the presence of a strengthening crossbar and we love this about this.
What we did not like: This too like the previous one reviewed from the same brand is prone to corrosion if not cleaned properly and food particles are left behind.
6. Spring Chef Stainless Steel Cooling Rack
Highlighted Features
Another excellent cooling rack that can double as an accessory for a cooking pan is the Spring Chef Stainless Steel Cooling Rack. It has no coatings or plating, so toxins and chemicals won’t end up in your food. These racks fit into 10x13 inch quarter sheet pans to help with your cooking when you want something crispy and delicious.
These racks are designed for optimal air circulation during use and can be cleaned up in seconds after you’re done. There are four feet on each rack to ensure the best results when baking or cooking. This is a versatile option that can be used for decorating, cooling, baking, roasting, or broiling sweet and savory dishes.
The product has a sturdy construction due to its solid 304 (18/8) thick stainless steel. This not only gives the rack a fine outlook but also ensures that it does not chip or scratch. Moreover, since there is no additional coating on the rack, there is no risk of your food being impregnated with harmful toxins. In addition to all these amazing benefits, your rack will also resist rust, warp, high-quality, rustproof, or bend, making this a durable choice.
Lastly, it is always a bonus if your product comes with a warranty and this one does. It is backed by a lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee which further boosts its durability.
What we liked: The product has multipurpose use apart from cooling which includes broiling, baking, and roasting, and allowing the grease to drip. Not only that, you can use it for decorating your cakes as well.
What we did not like: We have not come across any major downsides to this product that is worth mentioning.
7. Wilton 3-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack
Highlighted Features
Are you someone who starts baking and then finds yourself unable to stop? The Wilton 3-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack is designed for people just like you, offering several tiers to stack cookies or other small baked goods on. The three racks stack on top of each other so you can bake and cool up to three dozen cookies at one time.
The other great feature of this cooling rack is that it’s fully collapsible. Once you get done cooling your food, you can press it all together and store it in a small space. Those with a small kitchen will find this is one of the cooling trays that won’t take up too much counter space.
Moreover, if you are running low on storage, this spacious yet collapsible product which does not take much space in your kitchen is the perfect one for you. The multi-layer cooling rack has enough room for airflow. The non-stick coating is reinforced which prevents the food from sticking and the cleanup is super quick and easy.
What we liked: We love that the product is backed by a 10-year limited lifetime warranty which ensures that you can make a worry-free purchase.
What we did not like: Since the rack is lightweight it may wobble when heavy food items are placed on it for cooling so it is ideal mainly for cookies and light cakes
8. KITCHENATICS Quarter Sheet Roasting & Cooling Rack
Highlighted Features
If you are looking for a heavy-duty durable cooling rack that will last for years then the KITCHENATICS quarter sheet cooling rack should be at the top of your priority list. It is very well-built as the material used to make this is commercial grade 304 stainless steel which is bend-proof and will never rust. The durability is further strengthened with the lifetime warranty that comes with so you get the manufacturer’s word for the durability of the product.
The durability is further boosted due to the multiple welds it comes with and the 3-cross support bars. This makes it suitable for heavy duties and you can use this to rest up to 45 lbs of weight on the grate. The 1-inch height of the cooling rack allows air to circulate from all directions which ensures perfect cooling and cooking.
Moreover, it can be washed in a dishwasher without causing any damage like discoloration to it. Additionally, what makes this one perfect is its perfectly spaced wired which measures a 3/8ths of an inch square that prevents the food items from falling through the gaps.
What we liked: We love the extra goody- a free recipe book that comes with the cooling rack which allows you to try a wide range of different recipes every day.
What we did not like: This is a high-end product which may be a problem for those who are on a budget.9. Bellemain Cooling Rack
Highlighted Features
The Bellemain Cooling Rack features more crosswire than most competitors, so you never have to worry about food falling through the cracks during use. It has a narrow pattern to prevent drooping and sagging while ensuring plenty of air can circulate. Unlike some models of cooling racks, this one has smooth edges that won’t snag clothing or skin to cause injuries or accidents.
Since this is such a durable choice, it can be used for all sorts of things beyond cooling cakes and cookies. It can even be used to hold a 10-pound pot of soup without warping or bending. If you’ve been wondering where you can find a cooling rack that can do it all, you now have a great place to start.
What we liked: Due to its supporting feet, the rack gets extra stability which makes it perfect for holding heavier food items like bread loaves without wobbling and we love this.
What we did not like: Even though it comes with a dishwasher-safe label, the coating comes off if washed in a dishwasher which causes it to rust.
10. Tebery Cooling Racks
Highlighted Features
The 4 in 1 pack of cooling racks from Tebery comes with a very sophisticated outlook that elevates the look of your kitchen. The small wire mesh design prevents even the smallest cookies and maintains good air ventilation.
The product features a steel body that is super-durable and a black non-stick coating that will ensure quick food release. Moreover, the cleaning is breezy as the residues (if any) can be washed off with the help of a non-abrasive cleaner or a scrubber. The rack also comes with 4 stable feet which ensure greater stability and facilitates proper air circulation underneath.
What we liked: We love that it is particularly ideal for cooling cookies as the grids are closely spaced.
What we did not like: The only downside of this product is that it is not dishwasher safe so you need to allocate separate time to hand wash this.11. Nifty Solutions BC4422 Cooling Rack
Highlighted Features
With the Betty Crocker BC4422 3-Tier Cooling Rack, you get three levels of space for cooling while avoiding taking up your entire counter space. It works well for everything, from small items like cupcakes and muffins to large pies and cakes of significant weight. This cooling rack makes it easy to cool tons of foods while still giving you plenty of room to prepare other dishes.
Once you’re done making and cooling desserts, you can clean up the cooling rack and fold it up. It turns into a small, flat device that will fit easily into your cupboards, even if you have limited space. This is a dishwasher-safe option for days when you don’t feel like spending time doing much cleaning.
The product features a unique vertical design with a mesh that comes with tiny holes which are fit for cooling small cookies and the support arms keep the rack in place which makes it perfect for heavier food items like cakes and pies.
What we liked: The design has greater stability and will not wobble when all the three tiers are in use and we love this feature!
What we did not like: Even though as a whole it offers a large capacity of food to be cooled, the individual racks feature small space and this is the only issue that we came across.
12. Hiware Cooling Racks for Baking
Highlighted Features
If you are looking for a value deal pack of cooling racks, this one from Hiware weighs the greatest value. Made from high-quality food-grade quality stainless steel, it lasts for a long-long period. Not only that but apart from being durable, is also dishwasher and rustproof.
They can easily fit half sheet pans and jelly roll pans and therefore allow a larger capacity for cooling, which is ideal for baking for a larger crowd. Together with the 4-feet support and 2-cross bars, the stability is further strengthened. This prevents it from wobbling or warping and is therefore capable of supporting heavy food items like turkey.
What we liked: The grid spacing is small so it is exposed to an even airflow, will prevent your food from falling, and will not change the shape of the food
What we did not like: The cooling process may be slower compared to other products as the height is low which decreases the airflow.
13. Goson Kitchen Stainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack
Highlighted Features
This option from Goson Kitchen comes with two separate wire cooling racks. They come in a size of 8x10 inches and can be used in pans that are slightly larger. These pans are also simple to clean and dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is straightforward and easy.
There are six welded feet on each rack to support the weight of whatever you’re cooling, whether that’s a batch of cookies or a cake. These keep the rack almost an inch from the counter for fast heat ventilation. The cross-hatch style design of the holes on the rack also means you don’t have to deal with crumbs.
What we liked: The cooling rack is offered in a wide range of sizes which gives you the luxury to choose the one that best fits your preferences.
What we did not like: Since it is made from stainless steel, you might have metal edges sticking out of it which can cause injuries.
14. P&P CHEF Cooling Rack
Highlighted Features
The P&P Chef cooling rack is one of the healthiest options out there since it does not come with any sort of coating. To explain it simply, the coatings are usually made from not-so-healthy materials and have the risk of flaking off. This will put your food at risk of being impregnated with harmful chemicals. So, with this one, you can stay tension-free. Moreover, the solid and heavy gauge stainless steel body makes it compatible with dishwashers without rusting it. In addition to the amazing features, the material used in the construction also makes it durable as it can resist warps.
Being suitable for fitting standard half sheet pans, this 5-tier collapsible cooling rack is perfect for baking and cooling a variety of bakery items as well as grilling or roasting meats. It is a multipurpose rack that will fulfill all your baking needs. Moreover, the rack facilitates a better and even airflow which bakes and cools quickly making it time-efficient.
The mirror finish cooling rack ensures both quick food release as well as an easy cleanup process. The rack can be disassembled by the feet as they are flexible. This will allow you to stack them on top of one another. Since it comes with a very smooth edge, you are in no way put in any danger of cutting yourself.
What we liked: They are offered in various sizes so you can choose whichever suits your baking needs.
What we did not like: You may not be able to cool small cookies as they might fall off
15. Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Thick Wire Cooling & Baking Rack
Highlighted Features
The Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Thick Wire Cooling & Baking Rack is a versatile kitchen tool made of high-quality components. It uses a grid wire design to prevent food from falling through when it’s being cooled after baking. It also includes two thick crossbar legs that go down the entire length of the rack for the best support without bending.
You can use this cooling rack in the oven at temperatures of up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it can be used to cook chicken, pork, beef, veggies, and more. Just stick it inside of a sheet pan, and it will help keep the drippings away from the meat for healthy meals.
The cooling rack outlasts most of its competitors in the market due to its sturdy construction. Being made from food-grade professional grade 304 stainless steel which helps it resist rust and chrome flaking off like a champ. Not only that but the food-grade quality makes it safe for human health. All these features give this an extra durability boost.
What we liked: The stainless steel body makes it super easy to clean and restore its shine without rusting by both hand or in a dishwasher
What we did not like: We have not come across any major issue that you need to worry about
The Top Reasons That You Should Add a Cooling Rack to Your Kitchen
Whether you prefer to cook, dabble in baking, or are continually making sweet treats in your kitchen, a cooling rack can make life a lot easier. Not sure whether it’s something you should invest in? We’ll go over some of the key ways a good cooling rack can make a difference in your kitchen.
Ideal for Amateur and Professional Bakers
As you might expect, a cooling rack is a great way to cool baked foods quickly. When baked goods stay on a cookie pan, they spend longer in contact with the hot surface. This can result in your desserts continuing to cook, even after they’re already perfect and ready to eat.
When you use a cooling rack, you can avoid this problem. This prevents baked goods from additional cooking by letting air circulate around your cakes or cookies, resulting in an even texture and a better flavor when you sit down to eat.
A Great Option for All Kinds of Cooks
Sometimes when you’re learning to cook, you may not know all the science-based aspects that can make or break a meal – even if you did nothing wrong. One of those things is the challenge of keeping food tasty and crispy after cooking, such as with chicken that has a marinade or other toppings.
You can cook chicken to a gorgeous crispness, but without a cooling rack, you might find it ends up sticky and soggy. The reason for this is because steam builds up during cooking and sticks around even as the chicken cools down to a temperature where you can begin eating. Without ventilation, the steam will turn into condensation and can ruin the crispiness of your recipe.
When you have a cooling rack, air can circulate fully around the food, which will also remove the steam. Without steam, there is less water in the air, so your chicken will stay juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Can Be Used for General Kitchen Tasks
While cooling racks aren’t made for this purpose, they can also ensure that hot pots and pans aren’t placed on your counter, where they can lead to damage. When the heat is allowed to disperse, it will prevent issues that may be expensive to repair. These racks are also ideal for roasting, as a wire rack on top of a baking pan traps hot air and can make your food heat up faster.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Cooling Rack
Everything from the material a cooling rack is made from to its size, coatings, and special features make a difference in how it works. However, some things are more important than others, depending on what you do in the kitchen. Here, we’ll share some key factors to pay attention to when you’re considering buying a cooling rack or two.
Size of the Cooling Racks
Having the right size of cooling rack is essential, and it should also fit into your oven if you plan to use the rack for cooking as well. If it’s too small, you may end up needing to use it several times, which can lead to additional burnt-on grease. This will mean you have to spend extra time cleaning the rack or even buying additional racks regularly.
However, if the rack is too large, it can take up all of your cabinet space and may not fit into your oven. Enormous racks may also be hard to store when they are not in use. This might mean you have to leave the rack on the countertop when it’s not being used, which wastes space that could be used for other kitchen appliances and tools.
Choice Between Designs on Cooling Racks
The two major types of cooling rack designs are grid and ladder. Those with a ladder design have bars that only run horizontally. The problem is that food can fall between the rails when using this type of rack. A grid design is more versatile and will prevent food from falling through onto the counter.
With the best grid designs, the openings will be around 3/8 of an inch. Larger holes can have the same issues as a ladder design, while those that are smaller may restrict airflow. To get the best baking and cooking results possible, air needs to flow around all parts of your cakes or other dishes.
Types of Coating on Cooling Racks
One of the most common types of coatings for kitchen pots and pans is PTFE, which is also known as polytetrafluoroethylene or referred to by the brand name Teflon. However, most people simply refer to it as a non-stick coating, which is a lot easier to remember. However, this is a chemical, and there is concern about whether using PTFE regularly is a safe practice or not.
Because of this, some cooks and bakers refuse to use items with this kind of coating, even though it makes it a breeze to lift cooked and baked items from surfaces. Some studies have shown that the coating is likely safe in environments below 662 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s uncommon to go higher than this during home cooking, so it’s likely low risk, but the decision is ultimately your own.
Cooking Racks and Materials Used to Make Them
In most cases, cooling racks will be made of metal, but there are a few made of wood or plated with chrome. Regardless of the material you choose, it’s essential that you check that it’s high quality, resistant to wear and rust, and won’t contaminate the food that you cook or bake.
The least likely options to rust will be made of stainless steel, which also happens to be the most straightforward material to clean. Chrome-plated steel is the next best choice since the finish is similar to stainless steel. Wooden racks are going to be the hardest to clean and care for while being unfit for things like cooking, as they cannot handle extreme temperatures. However, wooden racks are least likely to be chemically treated.
Cleanliness and Convenience of Cooling Racks
A cooling rack is created to make life easy, while also adding a desired amount of ventilation to your cooking and baking. Choosing an inconvenient cooling rack would clearly defeat the purpose of having one in the first place. To make sure the rack will be a help rather than a hindrance, always consider whether the cooling rack is easy to use, clean, and store.
Many of the top cooling racks are going to be dishwasher-safe, although most can also be cleaned easily with soap and water. However, the ones that have multiple tiers may be harder to clean due to the inclusion of moving parts. On the other hand, these work well for small countertops and can be folded and stored when not in use.
Having a coating on the rack can also make tidying up and cleaning a lot easier, but you should consider the negative aspects we mentioned earlier, too.
Thoughts About Cooling Rack Feet and Crossbars
Most of the racks on the market have four feet at a minimum. These should be high enough to allow proper airflow around the food. Those who plan to use the rack in the oven may want them to be higher, so they are raised up from the base of a baking sheet.
Some of the highest quality cooling racks will also have crossbars with feet to offer additional support to the rack. There are typically up to three crossbars, which provide extra support and strength to prevent warping, sagging, and bending while in use.
When it comes to storage, some feet allow for several trays to be stacked together. If you have limited storage space, keep an eye out for racks that will fit together nicely. If not, the racks should be stored in the pans you use them with for cooking to create more space.
Extra Features Included in Cooling Racks
Versatility is always something you should consider when buying a cooling rack. Many people use a cooling rack only for baked goods after they have been cooked, but others may want a rack that lets you cook marinated meat to a moist and crisp texture.
Most of the options listed here can handle extreme temperatures while also acting as a standard cooling tray. They can also be used to place hot pots and pans on while you are cooking. However, others are specially made for cooling baked goods, and you can usually see this reflected in the price.
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