In a Mexican kitchen the sheet pan works harder than any cake pan. It roasts tomatoes, tomatillos, onions and garlic for salsa, blisters poblanos and jalapeños under the broiler, bakes bolillos and conchas, and holds a tray of empanadas on the way into the oven. A good one heats evenly, keeps its shape and has a rim tall enough to hold the juices.
This guide names nine baking sheets worth buying, from Nordic Ware, USA Pan, Vollrath, Chicago Metallic, Made In, OXO and Winco, in half, quarter and oversize sheets. It explains the differences between bare aluminum, aluminized steel and nonstick, and which suits roasting, baking or broiling.
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Quick verdict: which baking sheet to buy
The best baking sheet for most kitchens is the Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet: bare aluminum for even browning, a steel-reinforced rim against warping, made in the USA, and it is the pan America’s Test Kitchen names as its favorite rimmed baking sheet. If you want a plain restaurant pan for daily roasting, buy the Vollrath Wear-Ever Half-Size Sheet Pan, 18-gauge aluminum with a wire-reinforced rim.
Five baking sheets compared
Our five standout baking sheets, one for each kind of cook. All nine are reviewed in full below.
| Baking sheet | Best for | Material | Nonstick | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-PackBest overall
|
Roasting and baking | Aluminum | No | View on Amazon |
Vollrath Wear-Ever Half-Size Sheet PanBest restaurant-style
|
Daily, high-volume use | 18-gauge aluminum | No | View on Amazon |
USA Pan Bare Half Sheet PanBest aluminized steel
|
Broiling chiles and nachos | Aluminized steel | No | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Half Sheet PanBest nonstick
|
Cookies, easy release | Aluminized steel | Ceramic coating | View on Amazon |
| Prep, extra pans | 3003 aluminum | No | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Sizes, materials and ratings are as each maker or listing states them.
Our picks for the best baking sheets
The nine pans below include bare aluminum, aluminized steel and one ceramic nonstick pan, in quarter, half and oversize sheets. Each review gives the maker’s or listing’s specifications, who the pan suits and one honest reason to skip it. If you want a pan sold with a matching wire rack, see our guide to the best baking pan and rack sets; for coated pans only, our nonstick baking pan guide goes further.
1. Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack – Bare Aluminum with a Steel-Reinforced Rim
America’s Test Kitchen names the Nordic Ware Baker’s Half Sheet its favorite rimmed baking sheet, saying it bakes and roasts food beautifully and is affordable, lightweight and easy to handle. That is the Naturals half sheet, sold here as a pair. It is pure aluminum, uncoated, with a galvanized steel rod sealed inside the rim to resist warping.
The pan measures 17.9 by 12.9 by 1 inches outside and 17.1 by 12.1 inches inside, the standard half-sheet size that fits most home ovens, wire racks and silicone mats. Aluminum spreads heat quickly and evenly, which is what you want for a tray of tomatillos or a batch of conchas, and it will not rust.
Nordic Ware makes it in the USA from domestic and imported materials and gives a lifetime limited warranty. Like all bare aluminum, it darkens and stains with use, and it does best washed by hand. ATK also notes that acidic ingredients such as tomatoes can react with uncoated aluminum, so line it with parchment when you roast tomatoes for salsa.
Why we like it
- ATK’s favorite rimmed baking sheet
- Encapsulated steel rim resists warping
- Standard half-sheet size, two pans
- Made in the USA, lifetime limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 43105AMZM (2-pack) |
|---|---|
| Size | Half sheet; 17.9 x 12.9 x 1 in outside, 17.1 x 12.1 in inside |
| Material | Pure aluminum |
| Gauge/thickness (stated) | Not stated |
| Rim | Encapsulated galvanized steel rim |
| Nonstick | No, uncoated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated; Nordic Ware recommends hand washing Naturals pans |
| Max temp (stated) | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits almost every home cook: one pan for roasting vegetables, baking rolls and sheet-pan dinners, with a spare.
Skip it if you want a pan that stays bright and goes in the dishwasher; bare aluminum discolors and prefers hand washing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Even browning
- Light and easy to handle
- Warp-resistant rim
Cons
- Discolors with use
- Hand wash
- Line it for acidic foods
2. Vollrath Wear-Ever Half-Size Sheet Pan – A Restaurant Pan with a Reinforced Rim
Vollrath is a foodservice maker, and the Wear-Ever sheet pan is a common sight in restaurant kitchens. Model 5303 is a single 18 by 13-inch half sheet in 18-gauge, impact-resistant 3000-series aluminum, tapered so pans stack and sized to fit standard baker’s racks.
The rim is a closed bead, which Vollrath reinforces with a galvanized rod that will not rust. That is a different build from the 13-gauge, open-bead Wear-Ever pan America’s Test Kitchen reviewed, so ATK’s findings do not carry over to this one. At 18 gauge it is also thinner than the Chicago Metallic 14-gauge pan further down.
Vollrath says it is made in the USA. It gives no care or temperature instructions for this model that we could find, so we mark both not stated.
Why we like it
- 18-gauge, 3000-series aluminum
- Closed bead with a galvanized rod
- Fits standard baker’s racks
- Made in the USA, per Vollrath
Key specifications
| Model | 5303 |
|---|---|
| Size | Half size, 18 x 13 x 1 in |
| Material | 3000-series aluminum |
| Gauge/thickness (stated) | 18 gauge |
| Rim | Closed bead, galvanized rod |
| Nonstick | No, uncoated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
| Max temp (stated) | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who roast and bake several times a week and want one plain restaurant pan.
Skip it if you want the heaviest pan here; the Chicago Metallic is 14 gauge.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made by a foodservice maker
- Reinforced closed rim
- Stacks and fits baker’s racks
Cons
- Single pan, not a set
- Not the gauge ATK reviewed
- Care and heat limit not stated
3. USA Pan Bare Half Sheet Pan – Uncoated Aluminized Steel, Broiler-Safe
Most USA Pan sheets carry the company’s silicone nonstick coating and a ridged surface. This one has neither: a flat, uncoated half sheet of commercial-quality aluminized steel, which is steel coated with an aluminum-silicon alloy. USA Pan says it heats quickly and evenly and holds its temperature.
The listing rates it oven and broiler safe to 450°F, which matters if you char chiles or melt cheese on nachos under the broiler. USA Pan says it darkens slightly with use and that this improves its performance. America’s Test Kitchen recommends the USA Pan bare half sheet, describing aluminized steel as a little heavier than all-aluminum pans but lighter than stainless; its pan warped slightly in ATK’s trials but returned to shape as it cooled.
Because it is uncoated, grease it or line it with parchment or a silicone mat. It is made in the US from domestic and globally sourced materials. The listing does not give exact dimensions.
Why we like it
- Flat, uncoated, no ridges
- Oven and broiler safe to 450°F
- Recommended by ATK
- Made in the US
Key specifications
| Model | 1050HS-UN-6 |
|---|---|
| Size | Half sheet; exact dimensions not stated on the listing |
| Material | Aluminized steel |
| Gauge/thickness (stated) | Not stated (“commercial quality”) |
| Rim | Not stated |
| Nonstick | No, uncoated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
| Max temp (stated) | 450°F, oven and broiler |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who broil often and want a sturdier steel pan without a coating.
Skip it if you want the lightest pan; aluminized steel is heavier than aluminum.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Broiler-rated
- No coating to wear
- Holds heat
Cons
- Needs greasing or lining
- Darkens with use
- Dimensions not on listing
4. Made In Sheet Pan – 18-Gauge Aluminum Rated to 500°F
Made In designed its sheet pan with chef Matt Horn for his restaurant, Horn Barbecue. It is commercial-grade 3004 aluminum, which Made In gives as 18 gauge, in a 17.75 by 13 by 1-inch half sheet, and it is rated heat safe to 500°F, the highest stated rating here.
The pan is fully rimmed with a rolled edge. America’s Test Kitchen noted its straight, tall walls held liquids without spilling, and that it warped slightly as it preheated but returned to shape after cooking.
Made In says hand wash only, and it backs the pan with a lifetime warranty. It is made in the USA with imported components. A quarter sheet and a nonstick version are also sold.
Why we like it
- Heat safe to 500°F
- 18-gauge 3004 aluminum, per Made In
- Straight walls hold juices, per ATK
- Lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | BAKE-SHEET-HALF |
|---|---|
| Size | Half sheet, 17.75 x 13 x 1 in |
| Material | 3004 aluminum |
| Gauge/thickness (stated) | 18 gauge |
| Rim | Fully rimmed, rolled edge |
| Nonstick | No, uncoated |
| Dishwasher-safe | No, hand wash only |
| Max temp (stated) | 500°F |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who roast hot and want a pan with a clear heat rating and a long warranty.
Skip it if you want the best value; the Nordic Ware does the same job as a pair.
Pros and cons
Pros
- High heat rating
- Tall straight walls
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Single pan
- Hand wash only
- Slight warping when preheating, per ATK
5. Chicago Metallic 14-Gauge Half-Size Aluminum Sheet Pan – Foodservice Weight, Plain Finish
Chicago Metallic’s foodservice half sheet is 14-gauge aluminum, plain and uncoated, measuring 12-7/8 by 17-3/4 by 1 inch overall. Chicago Metallic sells it to bakeries and restaurants, and the listing says it fits half-size foodservice equipment.
The rim is an open-bead, semi-curled edge that gives a firm grip when you carry a full pan. The pan is made in the USA with global materials. Chicago Metallic describes even heat for cookies, pastries and roasted vegetables.
The listing does not give a heat rating or dishwasher guidance; treat it like other bare aluminum and wash it by hand. America’s Test Kitchen reviewed other Chicago Metallic pans but not this model.
Why we like it
- 14-gauge aluminum
- Open-bead, semi-curled rim for grip
- Fits half-size foodservice racks
- Made in the USA
Key specifications
| Model | 40950 |
|---|---|
| Size | Half size, 12-7/8 x 17-3/4 x 1 in |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Gauge/thickness (stated) | 14 gauge |
| Rim | Open bead, semi-curled |
| Nonstick | No, plain uncoated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
| Max temp (stated) | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a commercial pan from a long-standing bakeware maker at a single-pan size.
Skip it if you want independent test results; we found none for this model.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Heavy gauge
- Good grip
- Plain, no coating
Cons
- No heat rating stated
- Care not stated
- No independent test found
6. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Half Sheet Pan – Easy Release with Wide Rim Handles
If you bake cookies and soft pan dulce more than you roast, a coated pan saves scrubbing. OXO’s Non-Stick Pro sheet is heavy-gauge aluminized steel with a ceramic nonstick coating that OXO says is made without PFAS and resists scratching, staining and corrosion. The light interior color is meant to help even browning.
It is larger than most half sheets: 19 by 13.4 inches outside, 16.5 by 11.7 inches inside, because the rim widens into handles at the ends. Measure your oven and racks before buying. The corners are rounded inside for easier cleaning, the edge is square-rolled for strength, and the pan size is marked on the top surface.
OXO’s listing gives neither a maximum temperature nor dishwasher guidance. America’s Test Kitchen notes that nonstick pans in general should not go above 450°F or under the broiler, so keep this one for baking and gentle roasting.
Why we like it
- Ceramic nonstick coating made without PFAS, per OXO
- Expanded rim handles
- Rounded interior corners
- Light interior for even browning
Key specifications
| Model | 11415200 |
|---|---|
| Size | 19 x 13.4 in outside; 16.5 x 11.7 in inside |
| Material | Aluminized steel |
| Gauge/thickness (stated) | “Heavy-gauge”; number not stated |
| Rim | Square-rolled edge, expanded handles |
| Nonstick | Yes, ceramic coating |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
| Max temp (stated) | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits bakers who want cookies and pastries to release cleanly and the pan to wipe clean.
Skip it if you broil chiles or roast very hot; a bare pan is the better tool.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy release
- Easy to grip
- Easy to clean corners
Cons
- Larger than a standard half sheet
- No heat rating stated
- Not for the broiler
7. Winco 13 x 18-Inch Aluminum Sheet Pan, Half Size – A Plain Restaurant-Supply Pan
Winco supplies restaurant kitchens, and this is its basic half-size sheet pan: 13 by 18 inches, made from 3003 aluminum, with a galvanized wire set into the rim to stop it bending and a closed bead that Winco says prevents rust and corrosion.
The Amazon listing does not state the gauge. KaTom, a restaurant-supply retailer, lists this model as 20 gauge, which is thinner than the Vollrath or Chicago Metallic pans. That makes it lighter and less expensive, and more likely to flex in a very hot oven.
It is a sensible extra pan for prep work: holding chopped onions and chiles, cooling a tray of tamales, or carrying ingredients to the grill. The listing does not give care or heat guidance.
Why we like it
- 3003 aluminum, per Winco
- Wire-reinforced rim
- Closed bead resists rust
- Standard half-size fit
Key specifications
| Model | ALXP-1318 |
|---|---|
| Size | Half size, 13 x 18 in |
| Material | 3003 aluminum |
| Gauge/thickness (stated) | Not on the Amazon listing; 20 gauge per KaTom |
| Rim | Galvanized wire-reinforced, closed bead |
| Nonstick | No, uncoated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
| Max temp (stated) | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits kitchens that want extra pans for prep and everyday roasting without spending much.
Skip it if you want one pan to last decades; a heavier gauge resists warping better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Reinforced rim
- Lightweight
Cons
- Thinner gauge
- Few details on the listing
- No independent test found
8. Nordic Ware Naturals Quarter Sheet, 2-Pack – Small Pans for Small Jobs
A quarter sheet is half the size of a half sheet, and it earns a place in any kitchen: it toasts a handful of pepitas or sesame seeds, roasts four tomatillos and a jalapeño for a small batch of salsa verde, and fits a toaster oven. America’s Test Kitchen recommends these smaller Nordic Ware sheets for smaller tasks.
Each pan measures 12.9 by 9.6 by 1.1 inches outside and 12.1 by 8.8 inches inside. They are the same pure aluminum as the half sheet, with the same encapsulated steel rim, and Nordic Ware says they work with parchment or silicone mats.
Nordic Ware recommends hand washing. They are made in America of domestic and imported materials, with a lifetime limited warranty.
Why we like it
- Recommended by ATK for small tasks
- Fits many toaster ovens
- Steel-reinforced rim
- Two pans per pack
Key specifications
| Model | 45306AMZM (2-pack) |
|---|---|
| Size | Quarter sheet; 12.9 x 9.6 x 1.1 in outside, 12.1 x 8.8 in inside |
| Material | Pure aluminum |
| Gauge/thickness (stated) | Not stated |
| Rim | Encapsulated steel rim |
| Nonstick | No, uncoated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Hand wash recommended |
| Max temp (stated) | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits small households, toaster-oven cooks and anyone who roasts small batches for salsa.
Skip it if you only want one pan; a half sheet does more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Handy size
- Heats fast
- Two pans
Cons
- Small capacity
- Hand wash
- Discolors with use
9. Nordic Ware Naturals Big Sheet – 21 x 15 Inches for Big Batches
When you roast enough tomatoes and chiles for a party’s worth of salsa, or bake two dozen empanadas at once, a half sheet runs out of room. Nordic Ware’s Big Sheet measures 21 by 15 by 1 inches, with a baking surface of 20.3 by 14.3 inches. America’s Test Kitchen says its cooking surface is about 38 percent larger than the half sheet.
It uses the same pure aluminum and encapsulated galvanized steel rim as the other Naturals pans. Nordic Ware recommends hand washing and gives a lifetime limited warranty; it is made in America of domestic and imported materials.
Before you buy, measure the inside of your oven. A 21-inch pan needs a wide oven and leaves less room for air to circulate around it, and it will not fit most wire racks sold for half sheets.
Why we like it
- About 38% more surface than a half sheet, per ATK
- Same warp-resistant rim as the Naturals line
- Made in the USA
- Lifetime limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 44600AMZ |
|---|---|
| Size | 21 x 15 x 1 in; baking surface 20.3 x 14.3 in |
| Material | Pure aluminum |
| Gauge/thickness (stated) | Not stated |
| Rim | Encapsulated galvanized steel rim |
| Nonstick | No, uncoated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Hand wash recommended |
| Max temp (stated) | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks with a full-size oven who roast and bake for a crowd.
Skip it if your oven is narrow or you use a standard half-sheet rack; it will not fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Big capacity
- Even heating aluminum
- Strong rim
Cons
- Does not fit every oven
- Hard to store
- Hand wash
Aluminum, aluminized steel or nonstick: the best kind of baking sheet
Bare aluminum
Light, quick to heat and even, which is why America’s Test Kitchen calls aluminum its go-to. It does not rust, but it darkens with use and is best washed by hand. ATK notes that acidic ingredients such as tomatoes or vinegar can react with uncoated aluminum, so line it with parchment when you roast tomatoes and tomatillos.
Aluminized steel
Steel coated in an aluminum alloy, as in the USA Pan bare sheet. It is a little heavier than aluminum, according to ATK, holds heat well and is often rated for the broiler. Uncoated versions need greasing or lining.
Nonstick
A coated pan, such as the OXO ceramic sheet, releases cookies and pastries without parchment and wipes clean. ATK notes that nonstick pans should not go above 450°F or under the broiler, so they are poor choices for charring chiles.
Stainless steel
ATK recommends a stainless steel sheet for cooking acidic ingredients often, since stainless does not react with acids, but it is heavier and pricier. Our baking pan and rack guide reviews a stainless set.
How to choose a baking sheet
Size. A half sheet, about 18 by 13 inches outside, is the most useful size for a home oven, according to ATK. Add quarter sheets for small jobs. Check your oven width before buying anything larger.
Rim. ATK prefers straight, smooth sides at least 1 inch tall on a half sheet, so juices from roasted vegetables stay in the pan. A reinforced rim, whether an encapsulated steel rod or a wire bead, helps stop warping.
Gauge. In sheet metal, a lower gauge number is thicker. Commercial pans run from about 13 to 20 gauge; thicker pans resist warping but weigh more. ATK notes that any rimmed baking sheet can warp in a hot oven, and that the warping usually reverses as it cools.
Coating. Bare metal for roasting and broiling; nonstick for cookies and delicate baking. Parchment or a silicone mat gives a bare pan easy release when you need it; our baking pan liners guide covers both.
Heat rating and care. If you broil, check the stated maximum temperature: 450°F for the USA Pan, 500°F for the Made In. Most bare pans should be washed by hand.
Roasting salsa vegetables and baking bolillos on a sheet pan
For a roasted salsa, spread tomatoes, tomatillos, onion wedges, unpeeled garlic and chiles in one layer on a lined half sheet and roast or broil until charred in spots, turning once. Crowding steams the vegetables instead of charring them, which is the main reason to own two sheets or a Big Sheet. Our guides to what a tomatillo is and salsa roja vs salsa verde explain which to roast for which salsa, and Mexican chiles explained covers the peppers.
For bolillos, conchas and empanadas, a light aluminum pan lined with parchment browns the bottoms evenly without burning them. Use an offset spatula to lift pastries off, and store the cooled rolls in a bread box; our best bread box guide covers that.
How we picked these nine baking sheets
We looked at half, quarter and oversize sheets from Nordic Ware, USA Pan, Vollrath, Chicago Metallic, Made In, OXO, Winco, Wilton and Caraway, and kept only those showing as in stock on Amazon when we checked. Specifications come from the Amazon listings and, for Made In, the maker’s own product page; the Winco gauge comes from the restaurant-supply retailer KaTom.
We read America’s Test Kitchen’s review of rimmed baking sheets and cite its findings by name. We did not read Serious Eats, Wirecutter or Consumer Reports for this guide. We have not used these pans for this guide. Several Vollrath and Chicago Metallic listings showed limited stock and were left out, and coated pans already reviewed in our nonstick guide were not repeated.
Baking sheet questions, answered
What is the best kind of baking sheet?
For most cooks, a bare aluminum half sheet with a reinforced rim, like the Nordic Ware Naturals: it heats evenly and is light. Choose aluminized steel if you broil often and nonstick if you mostly bake cookies.
Which baking sheet does America’s Test Kitchen recommend?
ATK names the Nordic Ware Baker’s Half Sheet its favorite rimmed baking sheet, and also recommends Nordic Ware’s quarter sheet and Big Sheet, the USA Pan bare half sheet, and a Williams Sonoma stainless sheet for acidic foods.
What are the top baking sheet brands?
For bare pans, Nordic Ware, Vollrath, Chicago Metallic, USA Pan and Made In all make commercial-style sheets. For coated pans, OXO, USA Pan and Wilton are common choices.
Why do baking sheets warp?
Metal expands unevenly in a hot oven, especially when part of the pan is empty or cold food sits on it. ATK says any rimmed sheet can warp and that it usually returns to shape as it cools; a thicker gauge and a reinforced rim help.
Can you put a baking sheet in the dishwasher?
Check the maker. Made In says hand wash only, and Nordic Ware recommends hand washing its Naturals pans. Dishwasher detergent can dull and discolor bare aluminum.
The baking sheet to start with
Buy the Nordic Ware Naturals half sheet pair for everyday roasting and baking, add the quarter sheets for small jobs, and choose the USA Pan bare sheet if your broiler gets a lot of use.
More specific guides: the best baking sheet sets and the best baking sheets for bacon.
Need somewhere to put a dozen pans? See our guide to the best sheet pan racks.
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To build out the rest of your bakeware, see our baking pan sets guide and, for vegetables in bulk, the best roasting pan for vegetables. If you would rather leave the roasting to our kitchen tonight, see the menu or call to order.