Best Cooling Racks of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Cooling racks are an essential tool for any home baker or professional pastry chef. These racks are designed to allow air to circulate freely around freshly baked goods, ensuring that they cool down quickly and evenly. Made from durable materials such as stainless steel or chrome, cooling racks come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any baking sheet or pan. They are also easy to clean and store, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen. Whether you're making cookies, cakes, or bread, a cooling rack is a must-have for achieving perfectly baked goods every time.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cooling Rack 2-Pack, 16x10 Inches Cover #TOP 1
Cooling Rack 2-Pack, 16x10 Inches
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling and Baking Rack Set Cover #TOP 2
Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling and Baking Rack Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HIWARE 3 Tier Cooling Rack Cover #TOP 3
HIWARE 3 Tier Cooling Rack
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cooling Racks

#TOP 1

Cooling Rack 2-Pack, 16x10 Inches

Rack2PC
Silver
16"x10"-2PC
Cooling Rack 2-Pack, 16x10 Inches Cover
Cooling Rack for Baking 2-Pack, 16x10 Inches Baking Rack, Thick Wire Cookie Rack for Cooking, Roasting, Grilling, Drying, Oven Safe, Fits Half Sheet Pan, Silver

This Cooling Rack 2-Pack is made of solid stainless steel construction with no plating or coating, making it a safe and healthy baking partner. It is high temperature resistant and suitable for use in the oven or grill. Measuring 16 x 10 inch, it is perfect for cooking and cooling. The 6 supporting feet raise the entire wire rack for better air circulation which makes foods much crispier. It is oven safe and dishwasher safe, and is cost effective and just as good as similar products.

What We Like
Durable and sturdy construction
Easy to clean
Good value for price
Lightweight and portable
Perfect for cooling baked goods
What We Don't Like
Mesh spacing may allow small items to slip
Size may not fit all pans

Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling and Baking Rack Set

115-125-2pc
Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling and Baking Rack Set Cover
Ultra Cuisine Oven-Safe, Dishwasher-Safe 100% Stainless Steel Cooling and Baking Rack Set Heavy Duty Tight-Wire - 11.5 x 16.5-inch - Set of 2 - Half Sheet Pan Cooling Racks

The Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling and Baking Rack Set includes two cooling racks made of food-safe, professional grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel with strong, heavy duty wire grids, small holes, smooth no-snag edges, and a full 1 inch height resulting in greater all around airflow for even cooking, cooling, and roasting every time. The cooling racks are dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for roasting, baking, grilling, and more. The baking tool fits perfectly in a large 13x18 inch half sheet baking pan or cookie sheet, making it a versatile addition to your bakeware collection.

What We Like
Durable and sturdy construction
Perfect fit for standard baking sheets
Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
Prevents food from sitting in grease
Great for various cooking methods
What We Don't Like
Somewhat higher price
Could be larger for quarter pan
#TOP 3

HIWARE 3 Tier Cooling Rack

CR-3Tier
Silver
HIWARE 3 Tier Cooling Rack Cover
HIWARE Stainless Steel Stackable Cooling Rack for Baking, 3 Tier 12”x 16.5”,Oven & Dishwasher Salf and Fit Half Sheet,Wire Cooling Racks for Cookie, Pizza, Cake

The HIWARE 3 Tier Cooling Rack is a great choice for baking and cooling batches of cookies, muffins, cakes, pies, tarts, donuts, toasts, scones, waffles, and more. Made of food-grade stainless steel, it is oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, and its stackable design allows you to maximize space savings. The 3/8” square spacing ensures that smaller items won't fall through, and the stackable feet fold to 1” height for easy storage.

What We Like
Sturdy stainless steel construction
Stackable design for space-saving
Oven and dishwasher safe
Even support for small items
Perfect for multiple cooking batches
What We Don't Like
May feel flimsy with heavy items
Some users prefer non-collapsible design

NEWDRIP Stainless Steel Cooling Rack

Silver
NEWDRIP Stainless Steel Cooling Rack Cover
2 Pcs Cooling Rack for Cooking and Baking, 14.5"x10" Stainless Steel Cookie Cooling Rack, Thick Wire Rack for Baking Sheet, Baking Rack for Roasting, Grilling, Dishwasher Oven Safe,Fit Half Sheet Pan

The NEWDRIP Cooling Rack is crafted from premium stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. This means you can enjoy long-lasting use without worrying about any metallic taste in your food. Cleaning is a breeze since it's dishwasher safe, making post-cooking cleanup effortless. The unique design with elevated feet enhances air circulation, allowing your baked goods to crisp up perfectly. With its high-temperature resistance, this rack is versatile enough for oven or grill use, making it ideal for roasting and baking a variety of foods.

What We Like
Dishwasher safe
Lightweight yet sturdy
Effective for cooling baked goods
Good quality materials
Versatile size for various uses
What We Don't Like
Short height for cooling
More effort to clean
#TOP 5

Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks for Baking

CR1015
Silver
10" X 15"
Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks for Baking Cover
Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks for Baking - 10" x 15" - Stainless Steel Wire Cookie Rack Fits Jelly Roll Sheet Pan, Oven Safe for Cooking, Roasting, Grilling

The Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks for Baking are made of durable stainless steel and are oven safe up to 575℉. The cooling racks feature a unique design with 4 supporting feet and a 3/8”x 3/8” grid spacing for maximum air circulation. The 10" x 15" size fits inside a jelly roll sheet and is perfect for baking, roasting, grilling, and more. The racks are easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

What We Like
Durable construction
Perfect fit for baking sheets
Versatile usage
Easy to clean
Heavy-duty design
What We Don't Like
Wire legs may bend
Possible rusting issues
#TOP 6

Checkered Chef Cooling Rack Set

8541892195
8" x 11.75"
Checkered Chef Cooling Rack Set Cover
Checkered Chef Cooling Rack for Cooking and Baking - 8” x 11 ¾" Set of 2 Stainless Steel, Oven Safe Grid Wire Cookie Cooling Racks

The Checkered Chef Cooling Rack Set is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and durable set of stainless steel racks. The set includes two 8” x 11 ¾" racks that are oven safe and have a perfectly spaced grid pattern to prevent food from slipping through. The racks are easy to clean and are perfect for elevating food from fat and grease for a healthier meal.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Dishwasher safe
Good fit for sheet pans
Versatile uses
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Suboptimal fit for some cookie sheets
#TOP 7

Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack

2105-459
Black
Cakes and More
Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack Cover
Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack for Cookies, Cake and More - Cool Batches of Cookies, Cake Layers or Finger Foods, Black

The Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack is the perfect solution for bakers with limited counter space. This three-tiered rack expands to stack on top of each other to cool dozens of cookies or 3 cakes all at once without taking up a lot of space. The durable non-stick and scratch-resistant coating allows your food to slide or pop out easily, making cleanup almost effortless. It also collapses right back down for easy storage.

What We Like
Stackable design
Easy to clean
Space-saving
Non-stick surface
Durable construction
What We Don't Like
Initial misunderstanding about connection
May require careful stacking
#TOP 8

Wilton Mega Cooling Rack with Nonstick Surface and Convenient Handles

2105-6813
Black
1 Pack
Wilton Mega Cooling Rack with Nonstick Surface and Convenient Handles Cover
Wilton Industries Perfect Results Mega Cooling Rack, Black (1 pack)

The Wilton Industries Perfect Results Mega Cooling Rack is a nonstick cooling rack that allows for quick release and easy cleanup. Its convenient handles are designed for easy handling, even with oven mitts. Made with heavy gauge construction, it spreads heat evenly and prevents warping. This affordable bakeware is perfect for achieving better baking results.

What We Like
Durable and sturdy construction
Easy to clean
Perfect size for various baking
High quality materials
Affordable pricing
What We Don't Like
May be small for large batches
Prone to damage during shipping
#TOP 9

Qukaka 2PCS Stainless Steel Cooling Racks

ZLX-Cooling Rack-2 PACK-Silver-00
Silver
Qukaka 2PCS Stainless Steel Cooling Racks Cover
2PCS Cooling Racks for Cooking and Baking - 10" x 15"Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Wire Rack for Baking, Grilling, Roasting - Oven & Dishwasher Safe - Fits Jelly Roll Sheet Pan-Silver

The Qukaka Cooling Racks are crafted from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and safety in your kitchen. These racks can endure high temperatures up to 575°F, making them perfect for baking or grilling. You'll appreciate how easy they are to clean; simply soak and brush them after use, or toss them in the dishwasher. The unique design features raised feet that promote air circulation, which helps your food cool evenly and become crispier. Their 10" x 15" size is ideal for jelly roll pans and offers ample space for cooling multiple items at once.

What We Like
Sturdy and heavy-duty design
Easy to clean
Nests for compact storage
Prevents cookies from falling
Good size for half sheet pans
What We Don't Like
Short legs affect cooling speed

OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack and Baking Rack,Metal

OXO
11231100
Metal
Cooling Rack
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack and Baking Rack,Metal Cover
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack and Baking Rack,Metal

The OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack and Baking Rack is constructed from durable steel with a PFOA free non stick finish for easy release and quick clean up. It is designed to fit in standard half sheet pans and has a wire design optimized for air flow and easy cleaning. It is oven safe up to 450° F and great for cooling baked goods, letting meats rest and more.

What We Like
Sturdy and well-made
Easy to clean
Fits standard sheet pans
Non-stick surface
Space-saving design
What We Don't Like
Handles may not fit all ovens
Initial investment cost
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Cooling Racks

Introduction

When it comes to baking, having the right tools can make all the difference in the quality of your finished product. One essential tool for any baker is a cooling rack. Cooling racks allow hot baked goods to cool down quickly and evenly, preventing the bottom of your cookies or cakes from becoming soggy. But with so many different options on the market, choosing the right cooling rack for your needs can be overwhelming. In this article, we will go over some important factors to consider when choosing a cooling rack, so you can find the perfect one for your baking needs.

Material

One of the first things to consider when choosing a cooling rack is the material it is made of. Cooling racks are typically made of either metal or silicone. Metal cooling racks are typically more durable and can withstand higher temperatures, making them a good choice for heavy duty baking tasks. They are also less likely to warp or bend over time. On the other hand, silicone cooling racks are more flexible and can be easily folded or stored in a small space. They are also non-stick, so your baked goods are less likely to stick to the rack.

Size and Shape

Another important factor to consider is the size and shape of the cooling rack. Cooling racks come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small rectangular racks that are perfect for cookies, to larger ones that can accommodate a whole cake or a tray of muffins. If you are limited on counter space, you may want to opt for a smaller rack or one that can be easily folded for storage. On the other hand, if you do a lot of large batch baking, a larger cooling rack may be more practical.

Grid Size

The size of the grid on a cooling rack can also make a big difference in its performance. A cooling rack with a tight grid pattern will provide more support for your baked goods, preventing them from sagging or collapsing as they cool. On the other hand, a cooling rack with a wider grid pattern will allow more air to circulate around your baked goods, helping them cool down faster. Consider your baking needs and the types of items you will be using the rack for when choosing the grid size.

Ease of Cleaning

Baking can be messy, and cleaning up after a big baking session can be a chore. That's why it's important to choose a cooling rack that is easy to clean. Metal cooling racks are typically dishwasher safe, making them a convenient choice. Silicone cooling racks are also easy to clean, as they are non-stick and can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cooling rack can make a big difference in the quality of your baked goods. Consider the material, size and shape, grid size, and ease of cleaning when choosing a cooling rack to find the perfect one for your needs. With the right cooling rack, your cookies, cakes, and other baked goods will come out of the oven perfectly every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are cooling racks worth it?

Yes, cooling racks are worth it. They allow air to circulate around the baked goods, helping them cool faster and preventing over-baking. This is especially beneficial for hot pans, as a hot pan can continue to bake the food inside it.

2. What can I use instead of a cooling rack?

If you don't have a cooling rack, there are alternative options you can use. These include using a cooking pan with parchment paper, creating a DIY cooling rack, using crumpled foil as a rack, using wood slats, or using larger plates.

3. Are cooling racks oven safe?

Metal cooling racks are generally safe to put in the oven. However, they may not be as easy to clean as non-stick racks. It's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions for specific oven safety guidelines.

4. Are cooling racks the same as baking racks?

Cooling racks and baking racks are different. Cooling racks are typically made from iron with a chrome coating or a non-stick material, and they are not suitable for use in the oven. Baking racks, on the other hand, are made of heat-resistant materials like stainless steel or aluminum and are safe to use in hot ovens.

5. What is the best material for a cooling rack?

The best material for a cooling rack is heavy-gauge stainless steel. It provides sturdiness and stability, especially when supporting heavier baked goods like double-crusted fruit pies or heavy cake layers. Lighter weight stainless steel may struggle to support heavier items without bending.

6. Can you bake chicken on a cooling rack?

Yes, you can bake chicken on an oven-safe cooling rack. Using a cooling rack allows the chicken to bake up crispy because it prevents the thighs from sitting in grease while cooking.

7. What can I put cookies on if I don't have a cooling rack?

If you don't have a cooling rack, you can cool cookies on paper towels on the countertop. The paper towels will absorb any excess fat from the cookies, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

8. What makes a good cooling rack?

A good cooling rack should have a grid pattern rather than just wires running in one direction. The grid provides better support for delicate baked goods, like freshly baked cookies, preventing them from sagging as they cool. It also makes it easier to slide a spatula across the rack.

9. What is the maximum temperature for a cooling rack?

Cooling racks made with stainless steel or aluminum are highly durable and can withstand high temperatures. They are generally safe for temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or even higher, depending on the quality and thickness of the rack.

10. Why put cookies on a cooling rack?

Putting cookies on a cooling rack allows them to cool evenly and prevents them from continuing to bake on a hot baking sheet. This helps avoid overcooking and ensures that the cookies have the desired texture and doneness.

11. What happens if you put a cooling rack in the oven?

It is not recommended to put a cooling rack in the oven unless it is specifically labeled as oven-safe. Non-oven-safe cooling racks may melt and potentially damage the oven. It's best to keep the cooling rack on the countertop and use it for its intended purpose.

Editor's Notes

During our cooling rack research, we found 24 cooling rack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 378,647 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cooling racks list. We found that most customers choose cooling racks with an average price of $21.91.

The cooling racks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cooling racks, including BRIOUT, Ultra Cuisine, HIWARE, NEWDRIP, Checkered Chef. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,076 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.