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10 Best Cooling Racks in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Love to bake? If you want to make sure your cookies are crisp and cakes are soft, then a cooling rack will ensure they cool down evenly and faster without becoming soggy. Maybe you're even looking for one that can be used right in the oven, or for draining fried foods.


To help you find the best cooling rack, we pored through customer reviews and researched the options available. We chose the Checkered Chef's Stainless Steel Cooling Rack as our favorite due to its versatility and strength. We've also put together a 10 best for you to consider and created a handy buying guide reviewed by a professional chef to help you make your choice!

Last updated 09/26/2023
Jim Quast
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Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef that loves everything food-related and the tools both big and small to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-quast-59769011/

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Cooling Rack - Buying Guide

Before buying a cooling rack, there are a few points you should take into consideration. To assist you with this, we've put together this helpful buying guide!

1

Get the Right Design for Your Needs

Get the Right Design for Your Needs

A cooling rack is an important tool for baking or cooking. It allows for air circulation and prevents your baked goods from getting soggy and will keep your fried food crispy. This is why it is important to look for the right design and size depending on the kind of baking or cooking you are doing. 


When it comes to design, there are two types of cooling racks you can choose from: grid and ladder. Ladder racks feature bars that run horizontally while grid racks have bars that go in both directions making a hatch-style design.


Ladder racks are great for big cookies, cakes, or cupcakes in liners that won't fall through, and grid racks will work well with smaller cookies, fries, and vegetables that can easily fall through the gaps if you're not using a tray. Moreover, the more crosswires and the smaller the gaps, the less likely it will be that your food will sag as it cools.
2

Pick a Size and Shape Based on How You'll Use It

Pick a Size and Shape Based on How You'll Use It

Cooling racks also come in different sizes, so be sure to consider what you will use it for. Make sure it fits your sheet pan and oven if you'll be cooking or baking with it. One that will fit inside a standard-size baking sheet is roughly about 16 and a half by 12 inches. Don't forget to make sure it's safe for oven use; not all cooling racks are!


You can go bigger or smaller depending on how you want to use your cooling rack. Some can double as roasting racks for baking chicken or other meats. If you want to cool pies and round cakes, a round one will fit just right without taking up extra space.


You can also opt for multi-tiered cooling racks if you don’t have enough kitchen space for all of the racks you need. These come with three or more stacked shelves, giving you maximum cooling space while only taking up a little counter space.

3

Choose the Right Cooling Rack Material

Choose the Right Cooling Rack Material

Cooling racks are made with different materials from stainless steel to aluminum to ceramic to wood. The most common material for a cooling rack is stainless steel. These are typically the best option as they are not likely to rust if cared for properly and are strong. 


Racks made of metals like aluminum are good for heat dissipation but are often less durable and may bend. However, you can find some that may be coated with a non-stick material that makes them easier to use without food sticking to them.  


You can also find racks with a ceramic non-stick coating. These are rust-proof and come in different colors. The coating makes your baked goods slide right off the rack with ease! They’re also durable, but aren’t as common as stainless steel racks.


It’s even possible to get wooden cooling racks. They’re tough and safe to use with all types of food, but the wood may absorb food odors or stain over time.

4

Consider Nonstick Racks for Easier Use

Consider Nonstick Racks for Easier Use

Many cooling racks are nonstick. After all, the last thing you want is a perfect cake or cookies to stick to the rack! However, not all coatings they are the same. 


Cooling racks are usually coated with Teflon. However, Teflon has come under fire in the past for being potentially harmful. While most Teflon nowadays is safe, some may still be concerned about it eventually rubbing off. Still, Teflon works really well to prevent sticking and if you are using the rack only for cooling or low-heat cooking it is a safe choice. 


They can also be coated with ceramic, a material that can withstand higher heat and will still maintain its nonstick quality. There are some made with silicone, typically in black, that allows for easier use, but they are not oven safe and they flake as they age.


Some other racks may also be coated or plated with chrome, or something similar, to give them a different color or finish. It’s possible for these coatings to eventually wear off and get transferred to your food. If you are concerned, look for racks that specify that they’re uncoated.


You can also spray a rack with cooking oil or rub it with melted butter to prevent food sticking.

5

Consider Oven- or Dishwasher-Safe Models

Consider Oven- or Dishwasher-Safe Models

Unless specifically stated, cooling racks can’t be used as oven racks. The coating often used on cooling racks can’t always cope with the high heat of an oven. You can, however, get racks suitable for the oven if you wish!


There are also cooling racks that can be used on a grill. These are useful especially if you are grilling vegetables or small pieces of food that can easily fall through the grates. The ones that you can use on the grill are usually made with stainless steel and might be a bit small so they can fit well. 


Some cooling racks are dishwasher safe, but others are best washed by hand. If you’re looking for something you can put in the dishwasher, check the product description to ensure it can be. If you're concerned about rust, we recommend handwashing the rack and drying it immediately.

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10 Best Cooling Racks

Here are our 10 best choices for cooling racks. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available. *Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Jim Quast.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Checkered Chef

Stainless Steel Cooling Rack

Checkered Chef Stainless Steel Cooling Rack 1枚目

Best Multipurpose Rack for Baking and Cooking

2

P&P Chef

5-Tier Stainless Steel Stackable Baking Racks

P&P Chef 5-Tier Stainless Steel Stackable Baking Racks 1枚目

Best Stackable Stainless Steel Racks

3

OXO

Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack

OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack 1枚目

Best Nonstick Aluminum Rack With Handles

4

Wilton

3-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack

Wilton 3-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack 1枚目

Best Collapsible Space-Saving Rack

5

Nifty Home Products

Nifty Home Products  1枚目

Best Expandable Cooling Rack

6

Nifty Home Products

100% Stainless Steel Roasting & Cooling Rack

Nifty Home Products 100% Stainless Steel Roasting & Cooling Rack 1枚目

Best Tiered Rack With 2 Designs for Light or Heavy Foods

7

P&P Chef

Round Cooking Racks

P&P Chef Round Cooking Racks 1枚目

Best Round Racks for Cooling Pies and Cooking

8

KPKitchen

Stainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack

KPKitchen Stainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack 1枚目

Best Cooling Rack With Soft, Nonslip Feet

9

Wilton

Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack

Wilton Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack  1枚目

Best Rack for Cake Layers

10

Tebery

Cooling Racks

Tebery Cooling Racks  1枚目

Best Set of Racks for Big Batches of Cookies

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Checkered ChefStainless Steel Cooling Rack

Stainless Steel Cooling Rack Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Stainless Steel Cooling Rack Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$8.99
Reference price
$8.99

Best Multipurpose Rack for Baking and Cooking

Pros:

  • Made with rust-resistant stainless steel
  • Features a crossbar for strength
  • Will fit most standard-sized ovens and half sheet pans
  • Has a grid design so small pieces of food won't fall through
  • Can be used in the grill and oven
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Might be some sharp edges left unfinished

This grid rack is made from uncoated stainless steel, making it safe for oven use. You can also use the rack for the grill or broiler up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The rack has a narrow grid design and a crossbar underneath to give it extra strength.


A few reviewers said the wires weren't welded strongly enough and a few sharp edges were left. Still, a lot of reviewers were happy with how useful the rack is and how it can be used for cooling, in the oven, grill, and even the air fryer. Reviewers also say that it's easy to clean

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No.2

P&P Chef5-Tier Stainless Steel Stackable Baking Racks

5-Tier Stainless Steel Stackable Baking Racks Image 1
Source:amazon.com
5-Tier Stainless Steel Stackable Baking Racks Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$25.99
Reference price
$25.99

Best Stackable Stainless Steel Racks

Pros:

  • Made with sturdy and easy-to-maintain stainless steel
  • Comes with two to five racks that can be used stacked or individually
  • Collapsible and can be easily stored 
  • The feet can be extended depending on your needs
  • Features a ladder design for bigger baked goods or food
  • Oven and dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Might not be the best for smaller baked goods or food that can fall through

If you bake in various batch sizes, this rack set is for you! This set of tiered cooling racks can be stacked or used individually. The feet can be extended to heights of about one or 3.5 inches, depending on your baking and cooling needs. The racks are made from uncoated stainless steel, which is very durable. 


Some reviewers feel that the horizontal wires are a little far apart. Still, reviewers love the flexibility of these racks since they can use as many as they need. They say the racks are sturdy and don't warp or sag when stacked. Reviewers also praise how they slot together and the ability to adjust their height. 

No.3

OXOGood Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack

Reference price
$14.99

Best Nonstick Aluminum Rack With Handles

Pros:

  • Made from aluminum with a ceramic nonstick coating
  • Features tight grid for all types of food
  • Has two handles 
  • Oven-safe and dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Might be tricky to clean by hand because of the tight grid

This rack is made from aluminum and has a nonstick coating that's PFOA-free. It fits in a half sheet pan. Plus, this rack is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and has two handles that make it easy to remove from a baking tray!


This rack was slightly too big to fit in the baking trays of some reviewers, so make sure you check the measurements before buying. Still, they love the handles on this rack and say they make moving it around much easier. They also said that the nonstick coating is effective, and the rack cleans up well in a dishwasher.

No.4

Wilton3-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack

Reference price
$19.07

Best Collapsible Space-Saving Rack

Pros:

  • Made with cold-rolled steel with a nonstick coating
  • Expandable and collapsible rack with three tiers 
  • Features a ladder design best for larger baked goods and cookies
  • Compact, easy to store, and space-saving

Cons:

  • Might be a little tricky to open and close
  • Ladder grid might not be best for smaller goods

Although it cannot be separated, this three-tired rack is fully collapsible for easy storage. The side racks fold neatly and lock in place with latches. The racks are made from cold-rolled steel and have a black nonstick finish.

 

Some reviewers find it tricky to open and close the cooling rack correctly. They especially have difficulties locking the racks into place. Even so, they like how it stacks and say there is plenty of room between the racks for larger items such as bread to fit and cool down.

No.5

Nifty Home Products

Reference price
$21.99

Best Expandable Cooling Rack

Pros:

  • Three attached racks that can be expanded
  • Can be collapsed to save storage space
  • Nonstick chrome finish is dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Ladder design might not work well with smaller food

This versatile set of three cooling racks that can be used individually or at the same time depending on the space you are working with and how much you cooked or baked. It is made from chrome-plated stainless steel that is durable, nonstick, and dishwasher-safe. 


A few reviewers thought the ladder design worked better with bigger baked goods or food. Even so, a lot more of them loved that this was easy to close together and pull apart. They also liked that it was compact and saved space when stored. 

No.6

Nifty Home Products100% Stainless Steel Roasting & Cooling Rack

Reference price
$20.99

Best Tiered Rack With 2 Designs for Light or Heavy Foods

Pros:

  • Made with sturdy stainless steel
  • Can hold heavy baked goods by setting up all four legs
  • For lightweight items and better access, set up just the back legs
  • Features tight grid to prevent sagging
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Some reviewers say the assembly instructions aren't great

This cooling rack is made from stainless steel with a nonstick coating. It features a tight grid that will work well with small baked goods. It can be set up two ways. Use just the back legs for lightweight items and to have open access from the front. Or, set up all four corners for heavy foods like pies in glass or ceramic dishes.


A few reviewers say they had a hard time following the instructions, and some others thought it wasn't sturdy enough. Others say if you don't load too much weight onto the top levels, it works perfectly. They love the access provided by having the front and sides open, and say it cleans up quickly.

No.7

P&P ChefRound Cooking Racks

Round Cooking Racks Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Round Cooking Racks Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.50
Reference price
$13.50

Best Round Racks for Cooling Pies and Cooking

Pros:

  • Comes with three circular racks of different sizes
  • Made with stainless steel 
  • Features ladder design wires
  • Oven-safe and dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Not specified by manufacturer what maximum temperature they can handle


With this set, you get three circular racks of different sizes ranging from around seven to 10 inches in diameter. They can be used for cooling, roasting and baking in an air fryer, and in the oven. Since they're round and can fit in pots, they also work for steaming, baking desserts in a Dutch oven, and canning.


Reviewers say that the racks are well-soldered and strong. Many reviewers use them as racks for canning heavy goods without any bending. Several reviewers use them in the oven or on the grill, and report no problems up to 500 degrees.

No.8

KPKitchenStainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack

Reference price
$33.99

Best Cooling Rack With Soft, Nonslip Feet

Pros:

  • Made with stainless steel and removable silicone feet
  • Feet won't scratch pans or slide on countertops
  • Rack is dishwasher-safe
  • Aluminum pan included
  • Three-year warranty

Cons:

  • Feet aren't sold separately; don't misplace them


This cooling rack is made of stainless steel that doesn't have any coating. It has removable silicone feet which keep it from sliding and prevent scratches on delicate surfaces. The included pan is aluminum and should be hand washed, but the rack and feet can go in the dishwasher.


A few reviewers say the pan arrived dented by the feet because it was wrapped too tightly, but the company provided refunds for this. The vast majority say this set is sturdy and comes with detailed care instructions. They use the pieces together to bake things like bacon or fried foods, or use the two separately for baking and cooling.

No.9

WiltonElite 3-Tier Cooling Rack

Reference price
$14.99

Best Rack for Cake Layers

Pros:

  • Made with stainless steel with a nonstick coating
  • Comes with three racks that can be used stacked or separately
  • Features ladder design for larger baked goods
  • Compact and collapses for easy storage
  • Comes with a 10-year warranty
  • Cleans easily and is dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Might not be the best for smaller baked goods like cookies

This three-tier cooling rack can be separated into individual racks, so you can use as many as you need. They are made from stainless steel and have a nonstick coating and can be folded down for storage.


Some reviewers say that the wires on these racks were a little too far apart, so these racks are best for larger baked goods like cakes. Still, reviewers like that they collapse neatly for easier storage. They confirm that the racks slot together well and are still sturdy when stacked

No.10

TeberyCooling Racks

Reference price
$18.99

Best Set of Racks for Big Batches of Cookies

Pros:

  • Made with stainless steel and a nonstick coating
  • Features tight grid design so cookies won't sag
  • Set of four can hold all your holiday baking
  • Oven-safe and dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Nonstick coating might come off easily, according to reviews

These four cooling racks are made from stainless steel and have a black nonstick coating. They have a small grid design to prevent hot baked goods from sagging. If you bake big batches of cookies, these will let you place, cool, and remove them with ease.


A few reviewers report that the black coating comes off easily, especially following a cycle in the dishwasher. If you purchase these, it may be best to wash them by hand. Even so, buyers like that the racks are sturdy enough for heavy cakes and the holes are small enough to prevent any cookies from slipping through. 

More Products to Improve Your Baking!

Cooling racks can make your baked goods tastier as they allow hot food items to cool down evenly. Check out these other products that will also improve your baking and make your cookies and cakes look and taste even better!

Amazon's Best Selling Cooling Racks

If you want to make sure you pick the right cooling rack, check out the best ones on Amazon to help you make your choice.

Top 5 Cooling Racks

No. 1: Checkered ChefStainless Steel Cooling Rack

No. 2: P&P Chef5-Tier Stainless Steel Stackable Baking Racks

No. 3: OXOGood Grips Non-Stick Pro Cooling Rack

No. 4: Wilton3-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack

No. 5: Nifty Home Products

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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