Can You Put Your Cooling Rack in the Oven? (Proper Way, Types, and Uses)

You use your cooling racks generally to cool baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and bread, but you can utilize its full potential by using it for cooking in the oven.

You can put cooling racks in the oven as long as they are made of 100% non-stick stainless steel and can take the temperature up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Non-stick cooking racks are also easy to clean. It is better to not use cheap cooling racks that are made of iron and chrome coating, as they can leach into the food.

Most people also don’t recommend using cooling racks for baking as cookies can get stuck to the rack while baking and also don’t become crispy. 

How to Know if Your Cooling Rack Is Safe in the Oven

The first thing you need to know is what is a cooling rack. A cooling rack is meant to cool baked goods after they come out of the oven. Cooling racks have shorter legs and are more open than baking racks, which are designed for use inside the oven.

If you’re not sure whether your cooling rack is oven-safe, the best way to find out is to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some manufacturers will clearly state that their racks are not for use in the oven. Others might not say one way or another.

If you can’t find any information from the manufacturer, there are a few things you can look for to see if your cooling rack is safe to use in the oven. First, check to see if the rack is made of metal. If it’s made of plastic or silicone, it’s not likely to be oven-safe.

Next, take a look at the legs of the rack. If they’re very thin or flimsy, they’re probably not meant to go in the oven. Cooling racks with thick, sturdy legs are more likely to be oven-safe.

Finally, check the overall construction of the rack. If it feels cheaply made, it’s probably not meant for use in the oven. A good quality cooling rack will be solid and well-made.

LEARN MORE: Can Cardboard Go in the Microwave?

The Proper Way of Using a Cooling Rack in the Oven

As you already know, cooling racks are designed to help cool baked goods after they come out of the oven. However, there are some recipes that call for using a cooling rack in the oven. This can be done, but there are a few things you need to know first.

1. First, not all cooling racks are created equal. Some cooling racks are made of plastic or other materials that are not safe to use in the oven. Make sure your cooling rack is made of stainless steel or another oven-safe material before using it in the oven.
2. Second, when using a cooling rack in the oven, make sure it is placed on a baking sheet. This will help prevent the cool rack from warping or melting in the oven.
3. Third, always preheat your oven before placing the cooling rack inside. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the cooling rack from sticking to the food.
4. Cooling racks can withstand temperatures of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. So, it is better not to use temperatures above 450 degrees.
5. It is better not to use cooling racks for baking cookies. If you put uncooked cookie dough on the rack, it will sink through the rack bars as it heats up and drips on the oven floor, resulting in a foul mess.
6. Cooling racks come in different sizes and wire gauges. When using a cooling rack in the oven, make sure to choose one that is big enough to fit in the oven. Rectangular-shaped cooling racks may not fit in the oven.

Follow these tips and you’ll be able to use a Cooling rack in the oven with no problem! Just make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions first to be sure your cooling rack is oven-safe.

Which Cooling Racks Are Safe to Use in the Oven?

There are a few different types of cooling racks that are safe to use in the oven. Here are some types of cooling racks that can be used in the oven with proper care:

Using Stainless Steel Cooling Racks in the Oven

The most common type is made of stainless steel. These racks are typically very sturdy and can be used in the oven without any problems. Moreover,  they are easy to clean and can be used repeatedly.

Using Silicone Cooling Racks in the Oven

Silicone cooling racks are also safe to use in the oven. These racks are also very sturdy and can withstand high temperatures. They are often used by professional bakers because they are non-stick and easy to clean.

Using Aluminum Cooling Racks in the Oven

The last type of cooling rack that is safe to use in the oven is made of aluminum. Aluminum racks are not as common as the other two types, but they are just as effective. Also, they are often less expensive than the other two types.

Using A Wire Cooling Rack in the Oven 

Wire cooling rack in the oven is perfectly safe as long as it is used correctly. These cooling racks are designed to allow air to circulate around food so that it cools quickly and evenly.

When used in the oven, they help promote even cooking by allowing heat to circulate around all sides of a pan.

Using Coated Cooling Rack in the Oven 

If the coating is not chipped, it is safe to use coated cooling racks. If there are any bare metal parts, it’s not recommended to use them in the oven because those areas can rust and leach metals into your food. Cooling racks that are made of 100% stainless steel or silicone are oven-safe.

LEARN MORE: Can You Use Pyrex in The Oven?

Different Uses of Cooling Racks in the Oven

Cooling racks have a few different uses in the oven. They can be used to help with even baking, and act as a drip pan. Cooling racks are also great for getting that crisp outer layer on things like chicken wings. Here are some uses of cooling racks for cooking in the oven:

For Making Crispier Baking Foods

Cooling racks help with even baking by providing airflow underneath the food. This is especially helpful for things that you want to be crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. Also,  if you are baking multiple items at once, cooling racks also help to keep them from overcooking.

For Making Oven Bacon

You can make bacon using a cooling rack in the oven! This is how you do it: First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Then, line a baking sheet with foil and place the cooling rack on top of the foil.

Place bacon strips on the cooling rack, making sure that they are not touching each other. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Let cool on the rack for a few minutes before serving.

For Making Smoked Fish Or Meat

If you want to make smoked fish or meat, you need a cooling rack that is safe to use in the oven. As smoking needs a lot of air circulation,  you need to use a cooling rack that has legs. This will allow the air to circulate under the food as well.

If you don’t have a cooling rack with legs, you can use a wire mesh.

LEARN MORE: Can You Put Stainless Steel In The Microwave?

Conclusion

So, there you have it! You can use cooling racks in the oven as long as they are made of stainless steel, silicone, or aluminum, but you need to be careful. Cooling racks are made of different materials and some are not meant to withstand high temperatures.

If you’re not sure if your cooling rack is safe to use in the oven, follow manufacturers’ instructions or the customer reviews who used cooling racks in the oven.