For many years my kitchen has functioned without a cooling rack. Many years meaning almost 12 years. So, why am I just now discovering cooling racks and just how important they are? Well, I guess I have operated on the belief that if I have been baking this long without one why get one now? If you are also living under this same assumption I am here to tell you that you need to rethink it and find a cooling rack that is right for you!
So, why do you need a cooling rack?
Well, think about it. If your cookies, muffins, cupcakes, etc remain on the pan they are cooked on they can continue to cook inside the pan even once the pan has been removed from the oven. Let’s say you want to keep your item inside of the pan (cake for example), the cooling rack is still going to help circulate the air around the container as opposed to just setting your pan on a heat proof surface. Overall, your baked items will not be overcooked and the sides will not be a soggy mess from the condensation of the steam! Get one. Now. It will be your friend.
Which cooling rack is the best one for me?
Great question! In order to answer this question think about the type of baking you do. Are you mostly a cookie/brownie eater baker? Or maybe you have your grandma’s favorite bundt cake recipe that you bake for every single new baby, bake sale and holiday. Keeping in mind what you bake will determine if you need tiers or just a flat or round.
The Cookie Lover (that’s me)
I own this expandable cooling rack ($14.99). It is perfect because it is easily stored and I can use as much or as little of it as I would like. When I am done it fits perfectly in our pan stand under the cabinet. Gotta love neat.
If you have a huge kitchen you may want to go for the Wilton Three-Tier Cooling Rack ($11.99). Maybe make it part of your kitchen decor? I like that idea. Cookies for kitchen decor. Sign me up!
Sheet Cake Lover
There are a couple different options for you. The Culinary Institute of America creates 2 different sizes (10×15 for $12.99) or (12×17 for $15.99).
Round Cake Lover
If you love to cook up the cutest homemade birthday cakes then maybe you should go with a 9 inch round cooling rack ($3.99).
Do you use a cooling rack? If so, which type?
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