The Real Reason Your Baking Sheets Don't Last As Long As You'd Think
Baking sheets are a kitchen staple, and it might seem straightforward enough to put a batch of cookies on a baking sheet and pop them right in the oven. But taking care of your baking sheets is also important to making sure they don't warp and lose their durability too quickly. If you find that your baking sheets warp quickly, there could be a simple explanation. According to The Kitchn, your baking sheets just might not be high-quality, especially if you bought them for cheap. Luckily, the fix is also easy: spend a little more money for a better baking sheet.
Wondering why you shouldn't be using warped baking sheets? Since the sheet itself is uneven, your food will also cook evenly, meaning some cookies might be too toasty while others remain underdone. Buying a high-quality baking sheet ensures that whatever you're baking or roasting comes out just right.
Don't forget that you should be washing your baking sheet by hand! Although this might seem more tedious, this will keep your baking sheet in better condition, and if you're not convinced, you can learn more about how your dishwasher could be ruining your baking sheets.
What should you look for in a good baking sheet?
Bon Appétit also recommends investing in a nicer sheet pan, and at the end of the article, there's a link to one from Nordic Ware. The Kitchn also recommends Nordic Ware's baking sheets; you can get a baking sheet from them for about $25, though price may vary based on size.
Nordic Ware products are made from aluminum, according to their FAQs page. Aluminum is what you should be looking for when you're shopping for a new baking sheet; Taste of Home explains that aluminum the best material for sheet pans because it's durable, easy to clean, and distributes heat evenly. Remember, uneven heat is the main issue with warped pans!
If you're searching for a silicone baking tray, Aldi shoppers think that these baking trays are worth the purchase. Just be aware that you probably shouldn't be replacing your metal baking trays entirely — Serious Eats notes not everything bakes correctly on silicone.