7 Best Oven-Safe Coolers (And Why You Need One)
Have you ever wondered why baking recipes often call for your baked goods to be cooled on a cooling rack before serving? Cooling racks are an essential piece of equipment for both home cooks and professional chefs. While they may seem simple, the best cooling racks can have a significant impact on your cooking and the final outcome of your dishes. In this article, we will explore the importance of cooling racks and provide a list of the seven best oven-safe cooling racks available.
Why do I need a cooling rack?
The answer is simple: you need a cooling rack to prevent your baked goods from overcooking and becoming soggy. A cooling rack is a rectangular wire rack that allows air to circulate and flow through its openings. By placing your baked goods on a cooling rack, you allow them to cool evenly.
If you leave your baked goods or hot pans on a flat surface, air cannot reach the bottom, causing moisture to build up. This can cause your baked goods to sag at the bottom, compromising their quality. Cooling racks also help prevent overbaking. When you remove a pan from the oven, the residual heat continues to cook the food. Placing the hot pan on a cooling rack allows air to circulate freely, helping it cool faster than if it were left on a flat countertop.
Types of cooling racks
Cooling racks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, designs, and types. Let’s examine two of the most common and used types: flat cooling racks and tiered cooling racks.
Flat Cooling Racks
Flat cooling racks are the most common type and are what typically comes to mind when we think of oven-safe cooling racks. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with round, square and rectangular options being the most popular. Flat-bottom cooling racks typically have feet on the edges that raise them off the surface and allow air to circulate freely around the rack, including the bottom. The wires on the rack are thick and sturdy to support the weight of baked goods and baking utensils, such as pans and trays. They also have small gaps between the wires to prevent smaller items from slipping through.
Tiered Cooling Racks
Tiered cooling racks are an excellent choice for those with limited counter space. These racks consist of two or more racks stacked on top of each other with at least 4 inches between them. They are especially useful when you have multiple batches of food that need to cool at the same time, such as a large number of cookies, cupcakes or muffins. In addition to saving space, tiered cooling racks can also be used for food presentation at buffets, parties, or gatherings.
There are two other types of cooling racks worth mentioning: baking racks and bread cooling racks. These racks are very different from the ones commonly used in home kitchens. Bakery and bread cooling racks are much larger, equipped with wheels for easy mobility, and are typically found in large commercial kitchens and food processing plants.
How to choose the best oven safe cooling rack
There are several factors to consider when choosing an oven-safe cooling rack that best suits your cooking and baking needs. These factors include material, rack size and grate size.
Rack Material
Cooling racks are typically made of stainless steel, carbon steel or chrome-plated metal, all of which are safe to use and highly durable. Many cooling racks have a non-stick coating that makes them easier to clean and dishwasher safe. However, it’s important to note that non-stick coatings are not oven safe, as they can crack and warp when exposed to high heat. To ensure your cooling rack is oven safe, choose metal racks without non-stick coatings.
Rack Size
The size of the cooling rack is another important factor to consider. It should be compatible with the space available on your counter and the size of your baking pan or tray. When space is limited, collapsible and stackable tiered cooling racks are a practical choice because they can hold large amounts of food while minimizing the amount of counter space required. For baking or grilling, make sure the cooling rack is compatible with the baking sheet you intend to use.
Grid Size
The size and design of the grid on the cooling rack determines its strength and ability to withstand heat and weight. Most cooling racks have a strong metal wire grid pattern that provides optimal support. It is recommended to choose a rack with a grid pattern rather than a parallel pattern. The latter can cause baked goods to sag between the wires and provide limited support. A grid pattern rack can withstand high heat and effectively support heavy food items.
The 7 Best Oven-Safe Cooling Racks
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of cooling racks and the factors to consider when choosing one, let’s explore our selection of the seven best oven-safe cooling racks:
- Stainless Steel Cooling Rack from Checkered Chef
- Stainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack by Kitchenatics
- Tebery 4-Pack Cooling Racks
- Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling Rack
- Hamilton Housewares Stainless Steel Cooling Rack
- Spring Chef Cooling Rack
- Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Deck Cooling Rack
Each of these cooling racks is made of durable stainless steel and features a grid-like design to promote proper airflow and prevent food from becoming soggy. They are oven safe and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for cooling baked goods or even as a roasting rack.
Whether you’re a professional chef or a passionate home cook, investing in a high-quality, oven-safe cooling rack is essential to achieving optimal results in your baking and cooking endeavors. The versatility and functionality of cooling racks make them indispensable tools in the kitchen, ensuring that your baked goods cool evenly and maintain their quality.
In conclusion, a good oven-safe cooling rack is a must for any kitchen. It helps prevent baked goods from overcooking and becoming soggy, allowing them to cool evenly and maintain their texture. When choosing a cooling rack, consider factors such as material, rack size, and grid size to ensure it meets your specific needs. The seven best oven-safe cooling racks mentioned in this article offer durability, functionality, and reliable performance, making them excellent choices for any baking enthusiast or professional chef. Invest in a quality cooling rack today and take your baking and cooking experience to new heights.
FAQS
What is an oven-safe cooling rack?
An oven-safe cooling rack is a wire rack designed to be placed in the oven to cool baked goods or as a roasting rack. It is made of materials that can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting.
Why do I need an oven-safe wire rack?
An oven-safe cooling rack is essential because it allows air to circulate around your baked goods, preventing them from becoming soggy. It helps your baked goods cool evenly and maintain their texture.
Can I use a regular wire rack as an oven-safe cooling rack?
Not all wire racks are oven safe. Ordinary wire racks may not be made of materials that can withstand high temperatures. It’s important to choose a cooling rack that is specifically labeled “oven safe” to ensure it can be used safely in the oven.
Can I put an oven-safe cooling rack in the dishwasher?
It depends on the specific rack. Some oven-safe cooling racks are dishwasher safe, while others require hand washing. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance.
Can I use an oven-safe cooling rack for something other than cooling baked goods?
Absolutely! Oven-safe cooling racks are versatile kitchen tools. They can also be used as roasting racks, allowing air to circulate around meats and vegetables for more even cooking. They can also be used to dry dishes or drain fried foods.
Can I use an oven-safe cooling rack for grilling?
Yes, oven-safe cooling racks can be used for grilling. They can be placed on a grill rack to elevate food, promote even cooking and prevent sticking. However, make sure the cooling rack is compatible with your grill and can withstand the heat.