Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing in my home kitchen, here are my winners:
Best Overall: Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling Rack Set View Price on Amazon
Best Value: Spring Chef 10″ x 15″ Cooling Rack Set View Price on Amazon
Best Space Saver: Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack View Price on Amazon
Our Expertise
I bake at least three times a week. My kitchen has seen hundreds of cookies, cakes, and roasted meats over the past five years.
I tested these racks for over a month. Each one went through the same tests in my oven and sink.
Here’s what I did:
- Baked chocolate chip cookies on each rack
- Roasted chicken wings at high heat
- Cooled fresh bread loaves
- Washed each rack ten times
- Checked for rust and wear
I’m not a professional chef. But I am a home baker who knows what works in a real kitchen.
My goal was simple. Find racks that do the job and last long.
Why You Need a Good Cooling Rack
A good cooling rack changes how you bake.
Hot cookies on a pan get soggy bottoms. They steam and lose their crisp.
Hot meat sits in its own grease. It gets soft instead of crispy.
A cooling rack lifts food up. Air flows all around. Everything cools evenly.
I use mine for:
- Cooling cookies and cakes
- Roasting meats without grease
- Drying herbs and pasta
- Glazing donuts and pastries
- Holding hot pans
The right rack makes all these tasks easier.
What Makes a Great Cooling Rack
I learned a lot during my tests.
Good racks share these traits:
Strong Grid Pattern
The wires should be close together. Too far apart and small cookies fall through. Too close and cleaning becomes hard.
I found that 0.5-inch spacing works best.
Solid Build Quality
Cheap racks bend under weight. They warp in the oven.
Good racks use thick wire. They stay flat even when loaded with food.
Easy to Clean
Food gets stuck in tight spaces. Grease builds up over time.
The best racks go in the dishwasher. The wire spacing makes scrubbing easy.
Oven Safe
Some racks only work for cooling. Better ones handle oven heat.
This lets you roast meat and veggies. You can use them for baking too.
Right Size
Your rack should fit your pans. Half-sheet pans are the most common size.
I tested racks that fit these standard pans.
How I Tested Each Rack
Every rack went through the same process.
Cookie Test
I baked two dozen chocolate chip cookies on each rack. I checked how they browned. I timed how fast they cooled.
Roasting Test
I made chicken wings at 425°F for 40 minutes. I watched for warping. I measured how crispy the skin got.
Cooling Test
Fresh bread loaves went on each rack. I used a thermometer to track cooling time.
Cleaning Test
After each use, I washed the racks. Some went in the dishwasher. Others got hand-washed.
I noted which ones cleaned easily.
Durability Test
I loaded each rack with 10 pounds of canned goods. I checked for bending or weak spots.
These tests showed me which racks perform best.
1. Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling Rack Set
This is the rack I reach for most often.
Product Features
- Set of 2 racks
- Size: 11.5″ x 16.5″
- Made from 304 stainless steel
- Oven safe to 575°F
- Dishwasher safe
- 1-inch height for airflow
- Fits half-sheet pans perfectly
How It Performed
These racks impressed me from day one.
The cookies I baked cooled in just 8 minutes. That’s 3 minutes faster than cooling on a pan.
The bottoms stayed crispy. No soggy spots at all.
For the chicken wing test, these racks shined. The wings got crispy all over. The grease dripped through to the pan below.
The rack didn’t warp even at 425°F. It came out of the oven flat and true.
Bread cooled evenly on all sides. The 1-inch height gave plenty of air space.
What I Like
The tight wire grid is perfect. Cookie dough doesn’t drip through. Small items don’t fall.
The all-steel construction feels solid. I can tell this rack will last for years.
It fits my half-sheet pans exactly. No gaps on the sides. No overhang to get in the way.
The smooth edges don’t snag my towels. I’ve never cut myself on sharp wire.
Why It’s Better
Most racks use coated wire. The coating chips over time. It flakes into your food.
These racks are pure stainless steel. Nothing to chip or peel.
The wire gauge is thicker than cheaper racks. It doesn’t bend when I lift a heavy roast.
The 1-inch height beats most racks I’ve tried. More air space means better cooling and crisping.
How I Clean It
I usually just toss these in the dishwasher. They come out spotless every time.
For stuck-on food, I soak them in hot soapy water for 10 minutes. Then I scrub with a brush.
No rust has appeared after a month of heavy use. The steel stays shiny and clean.
Testing Results
- Cookie cooling time: 8 minutes
- Warping at 425°F: None
- Weight capacity: Held 12 pounds without bending
- Dishwasher cycles: 15 with no damage
- Rust after month: None
Who Should Buy This
Get this rack if you bake or roast often. It’s perfect for serious home cooks.
The two-pack gives you flexibility. Use both at once or keep one as backup.
If you want racks that last forever, these are worth it.
Price and Value
At around $33 for two racks, these aren’t the cheapest. But the quality justifies the cost.
I’ve used $10 racks that warped in weeks. These feel like they’ll outlast my oven.
The free recipe ebook is a nice bonus. It has over 100 recipes to try.
2. Spring Chef 10″ x 15″ Stainless Steel Cooling Rack Set
These racks surprised me with their performance.
Product Features
- Set of 2 racks
- Size: 10″ x 15″
- Made from 304 stainless steel
- Oven safe to 575°F
- Dishwasher safe
- 4 raised feet for airflow
- Fits jelly roll pans
How It Performed
The Spring Chef racks work great for smaller batches.
My cookies cooled in 9 minutes. Just one minute slower than the Ultra Cuisine racks.
The spacing between wires caught all my cookies. Nothing fell through.
For chicken wings, these racks delivered crispy skin. The 4 raised feet gave good clearance.
I did notice slight flexing under heavy weight. But it bounced back to flat.
The racks stayed true in the oven. No warping at high heat.
What I Like
The price point is excellent. You get quality for less money.
The smaller size fits my jelly roll pans perfectly. They’re easier to store too.
The four feet are strategically placed. They keep the rack stable on the counter.
These racks feel lighter than the Ultra Cuisine set. But they’re still sturdy enough for daily use.
Why It’s Better
Many budget racks use thin wire that bends easily. These use heavy gauge steel instead.
The all-steel construction means no coating to worry about. Nothing toxic touches your food.
The grid spacing is just right. Not too tight to clean. Not too wide for small items.
These racks cost less but perform almost as well as premium options.
How I Clean It
The dishwasher handles these racks well. They come out clean with no water spots.
I’ve hand-washed them too. The wire spacing makes it easy to reach all areas.
A quick soak removes stuck-on cheese or grease. Then a scrub brush finishes the job.
No rust or discoloration after multiple washes.
Testing Results
- Cookie cooling time: 9 minutes
- Warping at 425°F: None
- Weight capacity: Held 10 pounds with slight flex
- Dishwasher cycles: 12 with no damage
- Rust after month: None
Who Should Buy This
Buy these if you bake smaller batches. They’re perfect for couples or small families.
If you want quality on a budget, these deliver. They cost less but work well.
The smaller size is better for tight storage spaces.
Price and Value
At around $23 for two racks, these offer great value. You get 80% of the quality for 70% of the price.
I’d buy these again without hesitation. They’re my backup set now.
The quality surprised me for the price point.
3. Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack
This rack solves a different problem.
Product Features
- 3-tier design
- Collapsible for storage
- Non-stick coating
- Made from steel
- Black finish
- Saves counter space
- Not oven safe
How It Performed
This rack excels at cooling large batches.
I cooled 5 dozen cookies at once. Each tier held about 20 cookies.
The vertical design freed up my counter. I could prep while cookies cooled.
The non-stick coating worked as promised. Cookies slid off easily.
But this rack has limits. It’s not oven safe. You can only use it for cooling.
The coating started to show wear after heavy use. Small chips appeared near the joints.
What I Like
The space-saving design is genius. I can cool 3 batches in the space of one rack.
Assembly is quick. The tiers pop into place in seconds.
It collapses flat for storage. This is huge in my small kitchen.
The black finish looks nice on my counter. It matches my other kitchen tools.
Why It’s Better
Standard racks take up tons of counter space. This rack goes vertical instead.
If you bake big batches, the 3-tier design is a game changer. No more waiting for space.
The collapsible feature beats solid racks for storage. It fits in a drawer.
For cooling only, it works perfectly.
How I Clean It
The non-stick coating makes cleaning easy. A quick wipe usually does it.
I hand-wash this rack. The coating might not survive the dishwasher.
Hot soapy water and a soft sponge work best. I avoid steel wool to protect the coating.
It dries fast due to the open design.
Testing Results
- Cookie cooling time: 10 minutes per tier
- Oven safe: No
- Batch capacity: 60 cookies at once
- Storage size: Fits in a drawer
- Coating wear: Minor chips after heavy use
Who Should Buy This
Get this rack if you bake huge batches. Holiday cookie bakers will love it.
If counter space is limited, the vertical design helps a lot.
This is perfect as a second rack for special occasions.
But don’t buy this as your only rack. You need an oven-safe option too.
Price and Value
At around $21, this rack offers good value for what it does. The 3-tier design justifies the price.
The coating will wear over time. But I expect a few years of use first.
It’s a specialty tool that solves a specific problem well.
Direct Comparison
Here’s how these racks stack up:
Size
- Ultra Cuisine: 11.5″ x 16.5″ (largest)
- Spring Chef: 10″ x 15″ (medium)
- Wilton: Variable (vertical)
Oven Safe
- Ultra Cuisine: Yes, to 575°F
- Spring Chef: Yes, to 575°F
- Wilton: No
Dishwasher Safe
- Ultra Cuisine: Yes
- Spring Chef: Yes
- Wilton: Hand wash only
Best For
- Ultra Cuisine: Daily use, roasting, baking
- Spring Chef: Budget option, smaller batches
- Wilton: Large batch cooling, tight spaces
Price
- Ultra Cuisine: ~$33 for 2
- Spring Chef: ~$23 for 2
- Wilton: ~$21 for 1
My Winner
The Ultra Cuisine rack set wins for me.
I use these racks almost daily. They handle everything I throw at them.
The quality is obvious. The thick wire and solid construction inspire confidence.
Being oven-safe opens up so many uses. I roast veggies, bake bacon, and make crispy chicken on these racks.
The Spring Chef racks are a close second. They cost less and perform nearly as well.
The Wilton rack serves a specific purpose. It’s great for big batches but limited in use.
If I could only buy one, I’d choose the Ultra Cuisine set without thinking twice.
Tips for Using Cooling Racks
I’ve learned some tricks over time.
Line With Foil for Easy Cleanup
When roasting meat, put foil on the pan below. The grease drips through the rack. The foil catches it all.
Don’t Overcrowd
Leave space between items on the rack. Air needs to circulate for even cooling.
Preheat for Better Results
Put the rack in the oven while it preheats. Hot racks help food crisp better.
Use Parchment for Delicate Items
Small cookies or fragile items can get rack marks. A sheet of parchment prevents this.
Clean Right Away
Don’t let food dry on the rack. Clean it soon after use. Stuck-on food is harder to remove later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made these mistakes so you don’t have to.
Using Coated Racks in the Oven
Some non-stick coatings can’t handle oven heat. Check the specs before baking on any rack.
Stacking Wet Racks
This traps moisture and can cause rust. Let racks dry completely before stacking.
Washing in Cold Water
Cold water sets grease and makes cleaning harder. Always use hot water.
Ignoring Weight Limits
Every rack has a maximum weight. Overloading can cause permanent bending.
Using Metal Scrubbers on Coated Racks
Steel wool damages non-stick coatings. Use soft sponges instead.
How to Store Your Racks
Storage depends on your space.
Vertical Storage
Stand racks on edge in a cabinet or drawer. This saves tons of space.
Nested Storage
Some racks nest together. This works if they’re different sizes.
Hanging Storage
Install hooks inside a cabinet door. Hang racks by their corners.
Pan Storage
Keep racks inside their matching sheet pans. Everything stays together.
I use vertical storage. My racks stand between my cutting boards.
Maintaining Your Racks
Good care extends rack life.
Regular Cleaning
Clean after every use. Don’t let grease build up.
Deep Cleaning Monthly
Soak racks in hot soapy water for 30 minutes. Scrub thoroughly. This removes hidden buildup.
Dry Completely
Water spots can lead to rust over time. Dry racks right after washing.
Check for Damage
Look for bent wires or rust spots. Address problems early.
Store Properly
Keep racks dry and away from moisture. Good storage prevents rust.
My stainless steel racks still look new after a month of heavy use.
Budget vs Premium
Is expensive better?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
Budget Racks ($10-15)
These work for light use. But they bend easily. The coating often flakes.
I’ve owned budget racks that lasted only months.
Mid-Range Racks ($20-30)
This sweet spot offers good value. You get quality without breaking the bank.
The Spring Chef racks fall here. They perform well and last.
Premium Racks ($30+)
These offer the best quality. Thick wire, pure materials, and long life.
The Ultra Cuisine racks are worth the extra cost if you use them often.
My advice? Buy the best you can afford. Good racks last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cooling racks in the oven?
Only if they’re labeled oven-safe. Check the maximum temperature. Stainless steel racks usually handle oven heat. Coated racks often don’t. I always verify before using any rack in my oven.
How do I prevent rust?
Dry racks completely after washing. Store them in a dry place. Buy stainless steel racks instead of chrome-plated ones. I’ve never seen rust on quality stainless racks.
What size rack should I buy?
Match your rack to your most-used pan. Half-sheet pans are standard. They measure 13″ x 18″. Get racks that fit inside these pans. I prefer racks slightly smaller than the pan.
How many racks do I need?
Two racks handle most home cooking. Get more if you bake large batches often. I own four racks total. Two see daily use. Two are backups for holidays.
Can racks go in the dishwasher?
Stainless steel racks can. Coated racks should be hand-washed. Check the product details first. I put my stainless racks in the dishwasher weekly.
What’s the best way to clean stuck-on food?
Soak the rack in hot soapy water for 15-20 minutes. Use a brush to scrub between wires. For tough spots, make a paste of baking soda and water. This method works every time for me.
Do I need different racks for sweet and savory?
No. One set works for everything. Clean them well between uses. Stainless steel doesn’t hold flavors. I use the same racks for cookies and chicken.
Final Thoughts
Good cooling racks make cooking easier.
They cool food faster. They help achieve crispy textures. They last for years with proper care.
After extensive testing, the Ultra Cuisine racks earn my top recommendation. They do everything well and feel built to last.
The Spring Chef racks offer excellent value. They perform nearly as well for less money.
The Wilton rack solves the space problem for large batches. But it’s not versatile enough to be your only rack.
Buy quality once instead of replacing cheap racks every year. Your future self will thank you.
I hope my testing helps you choose the right rack for your kitchen.
Happy baking!