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Most home cooks can attest to the value of cookie sheets as essential kitchen tools. While their primary function is baking cookies, these versatile pans are also ideal for roasting vegetables, cooking proteins, and preparing the increasingly popular sheet-pan meals. While the larger half-sheet pan is certainly a staple in many kitchens, the smaller quarter sheet pan offers distinct advantages.
Typically measuring 13 by 9 inches, the quarter sheet pan is comparable in size to standard baking dishes. This makes it suitable for a variety of dishes without overwhelming spaces—an especially common concern for smaller households. The excess space of a half-sheet can lead to uneven cooking, especially when baking items like cookies where uniformity is crucial. With a quarter sheet, I can easily bake a batch of four to six cookies, which is a manageable quantity for a couple, while the remaining dough can be frozen for future baking.
For years, I leaned towards the Nordic Ware brand for my quarter sheet pan needs due to its affordability and durability, consistently praised by fellow bakers. The first pan I bought, part of a three-pack from Costco, remains in regular use. However, it has its shortcomings; for instance, its aluminum build necessitates hand-washing to avoid oxidation that leads to an unappealing film, and despite its robustness, warping is still a concern.
Seeking better options, I explored various quarter sheet pans online and here are my findings.
Testing Methodology
To evaluate these sheet pans rigorously, I baked multiple batches of cookies, including both snickerdoodles and peanut butter cookies, and roasted a range of frozen and fresh vegetables on each one. All pans were subjected to identical cooking conditions using a standard, less efficient oven and underwent hand-washing to assess their cleaning ease. To evaluate their long-term durability, I reviewed customer feedback while also relying on my own experiences with them over repeated uses.
Best Overall: Great Jones Little Sheet
The Great Jones Little Sheet is available in a vibrant selection of colors, from magenta to a trendy cobalt blue. Initially, I approached this kitchen brand with skepticism, anticipating it might be a mere fad. However, during a direct comparison with my Nordic Ware pan, the Great Jones model surpassed it in performance. The cookies baked on this pan demonstrated superior texture—browner bottoms, fluffier insides—thanks to a ceramic layer that enhances heat retention. In contrast, cookies from the Nordic Ware pan emerged flatter and required more baking time.
When it came to roasting vegetables, both pans performed comparably, though the colorful design of the Great Jones pan added a visually appealing touch to the dining experience. Clean-up was where the Great Jones truly excelled; cookies slid off effortlessly, and remnants of roasted vegetables were easily discarded, a welcome feature during washing up compared to the non-stick challenges of the Nordic Ware and other aluminum counterparts.
Best for Solo Cooks: Baker’s Lane Quarter Size
I received the Baker’s Lane quarter sheet pan unexpectedly, having mistaken it for a budget-friendly alternative to the Great Jones model due to its appealing price tag and nonstick finish. Its compact size, although surprising, turned out to be beneficial for our household since we often find ourselves cooking smaller portions. This little pan has proven effective for reheating single servings, preparing small nacho batches, or roasting a few vegetables.
While I could bake three cookies without them touching—though four proved too many—the cookies released easily without residue. The downside is that it is not dishwasher-safe, but for a $10 price, hand-washing feels manageable.
Best Aluminum Quarter Sheet: Vollrath
Among the aluminum quarter sheets I tested—including those from Vollrath, Nordic Ware, and Made In—I detected no significant differences in their cooking performance. All were robust, aesthetically pleasing, and had a weight that suggested durability. Ultimately, the Vollrath model stood out for its heft and shiny surface, consistently producing golden cookie bottoms and evenly roasted vegetables.
Sheet Pan Maintenance
To keep these pans in pristine condition, hand-washing is essential. Placing aluminum sheets in the dishwasher induces oxidation, resulting in a grayish, unattractive film. Additionally, ceramic-coated pans may chip or lose their finish over time, and using metal utensils can further compound wear.
One should also be mindful of polymerized oil build-up from cooking sprays or high-temperature cooking. Stains due to burnt oils can be persistent but can often be removed with abrasive cleaners, such as Bar Keeper’s Friend, provided that the cleaner is safe for the particular pan’s surface. Alternatively, some may choose to embrace the stains as part of the cooking journey.
Source
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