Every baker knows the critical moment when a perfectly baked treat comes out of the oven. The final step, cooling, is just as important as the mixing and baking. Without proper airflow, your cookies can turn soggy, your cakes can steam, and your roasted vegetables may lose their crispy texture. The right cooling rack is an unsung hero in the kitchen, ensuring your creations set correctly and maintain their ideal consistency from the first bite to the last.
Choosing a rack isn’t just about function; it’s about finding the right tool for your specific needs. From heavy-duty stainless steel models that can handle a full sheet pan to elegant designs for presentation and space-saving tiered racks, the options are vast. This guide highlights the best cooling racks available, focusing on their construction, airflow efficiency, and versatility to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen.
The Best Cooling Racks for Superior Airflow
- KITCHENATICS Half Sheet Cooling Racks
- Nordic Ware Round Cooling Grid, 13-inch
- Ultra Cuisine Heavy Duty Cooling Rack
- Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack
- Spring Chef Stainless Steel Cookie Cooling Rack
- Cooling Rack by Wilton, Set of 2
- Baker’s Advantage Cooling Rack, Set of 3
- OXO Good Grips Cooling Rack, Set of 2
KITCHENATICS Half Sheet Cooling Racks
Built for both home bakers and commercial use, the KITCHENATICS Half Sheet Cooling Rack is a powerhouse made from pure 100% 304 stainless steel. Its robust construction ensures there is no artificial chrome coating, which eliminates concerns about flaking or rusting. This makes it a reliable and food-safe option for all your baking and cooking needs.
The rack’s durability is a key feature, with patented welds that allow it to support up to 45 pounds without bending. With three support bars and a one-inch height, it promotes excellent heat and air circulation for even cooling and cooking. It is incredibly versatile, being oven-safe, grill-safe, and dishwasher-safe, with a heat resistance of up to 575°F, making cleanup simple.
Nordic Ware Round Cooling Grid
The Nordic Ware Round Cooling Grid stands out with its beautiful copper-plated finish, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. This 13-inch circular rack is not just a kitchen tool but also a serving piece, sturdy enough to present your Bundt cakes and other round desserts directly to the table.
Its circular design is specifically tailored for round baking pans, providing stable and even support for delicate cakes and pastries. The steel wire grid ensures proper airflow around all sides of your baked goods, which is essential for preventing a soggy bottom and achieving a perfect texture. It’s an excellent choice for those who value both performance and presentation.
Ultra Cuisine Heavy Duty Cooling Rack
Engineered for professional results, the Ultra Cuisine Cooling Rack is constructed from professional-grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel. Its heavy-duty wire grid features small holes and smooth, no-snag edges, providing a safe and efficient surface for all your food. The full one-inch height is designed for greater all-around airflow.
This rack is built to last, with a design that resists rust and corrosion. Its high heat tolerance, up to 575°F, makes it suitable for a wide range of culinary tasks, from roasting and baking to grilling and smoking. Like other high-quality stainless steel options, it is dishwasher-safe, ensuring a hassle-free cleaning process after use.
Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack
For bakers who need to cool large batches efficiently, the Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack is a game-changer. Its vertical design saves valuable counter space, allowing you to cool multiple sheets of cookies, cake layers, or other finger foods at once. The sturdy steel construction provides reliable stability.
The rack features a nonstick coating that makes cleanup remarkably easy—simply wipe away crumbs and residue. The grid pattern on each tier is designed to promote optimal air circulation around your baked goods, which helps prevent sogginess and ensures everything cools evenly and quickly.
Spring Chef Stainless Steel Cookie Cooling Rack
The Spring Chef Cooling Rack prioritizes food safety with its 100% solid 304 (18/8) stainless steel construction. It contains no metal platings or coatings, so you never have to worry about chemicals chipping or scratching off into your food. This design also guarantees that the rack will not rust, warp, or bend over time.
This rack is oven-safe up to 575°F and is perfectly sized to fit standard half-sheet pans. The grid spacing is carefully designed to be tight enough to prevent food from falling through while still allowing for optimal air circulation. Four raised feet lift the rack to maximize airflow from below, improving results for both cooling and baking applications.
Cooling Rack by Wilton, Set of 2
This practical set from Wilton offers two rectangular cooling racks, providing excellent value and convenience. Having two racks on hand is ideal for busy bakers who are working on multiple recipes simultaneously or who need to cool a large batch of cookies in stages.
The compact size of each rack makes them versatile for various tasks and easy to store. They are designed to provide the essential function of elevating baked goods to allow air to circulate freely on all sides. This is a straightforward, reliable solution for everyday baking needs.
Baker’s Advantage Cooling Rack, Set of 3
The Baker’s Advantage set includes three rectangular cooling racks, making it an economical choice for those who bake frequently or in large quantities. With three racks, you can efficiently manage the cooling process for an entire batch of baked goods without needing to reuse a single rack.
This set is perfect for home bakers, hobbyists, or even for use in a classroom setting. The multiple racks allow for an organized workflow, from cooling cookies and pastries to draining fried foods. It’s a simple way to build a more efficient and prepared kitchen.
OXO Good Grips Cooling Rack, Set of 2
OXO is known for its user-friendly designs, and this set of two cooling racks is no exception. The racks are generously sized at 12 by 17 inches, making them compatible with standard half-sheet pans. This large surface area is ideal for cooling big items like sheet cakes or a full batch of bacon.
While specific features may vary, OXO products typically include thoughtful touches like non-slip feet to protect countertops and sturdy construction for long-term use. The set of two provides flexibility and convenience, ensuring you always have a rack ready when you need it.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cooling Rack for Even Airflow
When I’m baking, I know that a good cooling rack is just as important as a good baking sheet. It’s the final step that can make or break your cookies, cakes, and breads. The whole point is to get air circulating all around your baked goods to stop the cooking process and prevent a soggy bottom. But not all racks are created equal. Here’s what I look for when I need a rack that provides superior, even airflow.
First up, let’s talk about material. This is probably the biggest factor. You’ll mainly find wire racks and perforated metal racks. Wire racks, usually made of chrome-plated steel or stainless steel, are the classic choice. The open grid design is fantastic for airflow, letting heat escape from all sides. Just make sure the wires are close enough together that your delicate financiers or biscotti won’t fall through. Perforated sheet-style racks are another great option. They have a flat surface with lots of tiny holes, which is perfect for smaller items like macarons or for setting a hot pot on without it tipping. Both are excellent, but wire racks generally offer the most open space for air to move.
The next thing I consider is the construction and stability. A wobbly rack is a disaster waiting to happen. Look for racks with solid, well-connected joints. Many racks have reinforced borders or crossbars that add rigidity. I also check the feet. Small, rounded rubber feet are my favorite because they lift the rack off the counter, allowing air to flow underneath as well, and they prevent scratches on my countertops. A rack that slides around is annoying, so those rubber feet also provide much-needed grip.
Size and stackability are practical concerns. I own a couple of large racks that can hold a full sheet cake or two dozen cookies at once, which is a lifesaver during big baking sessions. But I also have smaller, half-sheet size racks that are easier to store. If you’re tight on cabinet space, finding racks that stack neatly is a game-changer. Some brands are designed specifically for this, nesting securely inside one another when not in use. Finally, think about cleanability. A rack with a simple, open design is far easier to wash and dry than one with intricate scrollwork or tightly packed wires where crumbs love to hide. For the best results, you need a rack that promotes even airflow across its entire surface, ensuring your baked goods cool perfectly every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just let my baked goods cool on the pan?
You absolutely can, but you might not get the best results. When you leave something like a cake or a batch of cookies on the hot baking pan, the bottom continues to cook from the residual heat. This often leads to overdone edges or a soggy, steamed bottom. Using a cooling rack lifts the food up, allowing air to circulate underneath and carry that heat away. This stops the cooking process evenly and helps create a better texture, like a crisp cookie instead of a soft, chewy one (unless that’s your goal!).
Are all cooling racks dishwasher safe?
Most metal cooling racks, especially those made from stainless steel or chrome-plated steel, are dishwasher safe. However, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions. I usually hand-wash mine to be safe, as the dishwasher’s heat can sometimes affect the finish over time, especially on chrome-plated racks. A quick scrub with a brush and some soapy water is usually all it takes.
What should I look for to ensure even airflow?
To guarantee even airflow, pay close attention to the rack’s design. Look for a grid or perforation pattern that is consistent and offers a high percentage of open space compared to solid material. The wires shouldn’t be too far apart, as this can cause smaller items to dip through and block the air passage. A good rack will have enough structural support without too many large, solid crossbars that can create “dead spots” with less air circulation. The goal is a design that allows heat to dissipate uniformly from the entire surface of your food.
Can I use a cooling rack for anything other than baking?
Definitely! I use my cooling racks for all sorts of kitchen tasks. They are perfect for “draining” fried foods like bacon or doughnuts, letting the excess oil drip away. I also use them when I’m glazing or decorating; the rack catches the drips and keeps my counter clean. Some people even use them for roasting, placing them inside a sheet pan to lift a chicken or roast for crisper skin. They are incredibly versatile tools.
Is there a difference between wire and mesh cooling racks?
Yes, there is a functional difference. Wire racks typically have a more open grid with thicker, wider-spaced wires. They are fantastic for larger items like cakes and loaves of bread. Mesh racks have a much tighter grid, often with thinner wires placed closer together. This makes them ideal for very small items like mini cookies, meringues, or macarons that would fall through a standard wire rack. For the most versatile setup, having one of each type is a great idea.
How many cooling racks should I own?
This really depends on how often you bake. If you’re an occasional baker, one or two large racks will probably suffice. But if you frequently bake multiple batches of cookies or several cake layers at once, having three or four racks is a smart investment. It allows you to cool everything properly without having to wait for a rack to free up. Stackable racks are a great space-saving solution if you want to own several.