Can You Put Cooling Racks In The Oven? Resolved

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

Cooling racks are a baker’s best buddy in any kitchen. **Strong and reliable**, they’re perfect for holding freshly baked treats as they cool down. Picture your cookies peacefully sitting, getting just the right warmth.

But when needed, can you put cooling racks in the oven? Here’s what you need to know about cooling racks and their other functions.

Can Cooling Racks Go In the Oven?

Cooling racks can go in the oven as long as it is oven-safe. In fact, using it can lead to better results on your baked dishes because it allows air to circulate and helps cook anything evenly.

However, not all cooling racks are the same. There are made with different types of metals, those with coating and those with different sizes and shapes.

Those cooling racks labeled oven-safe can be used with no worries, while those coated or non-stick cooling racks might not be good in the oven.

Read:

• Can You Use Metal Utensils On A Le Creuset?
• How Long Does It Take Brownies To Cool?
• How Long Does Boiling Water Take To Cool?

Factors To Consider

Oven-Safe Materials

Cooling racks that are made with oven-safe materials are usually those that are made with metals without any non-stick coatings. They also carry a label that indicates that it is oven-safe.

Most cooling racks made with metal alone are generally safe inside the oven as long as you place it above a baking sheet where it fits.

Read: Can You Put Warm Chicken In The Fridge?

Temperature Capacity

Different types of racks also have different durability at high temperatures. That being said, metals like aluminum and stainless have high endurance on heat and are generally safe below 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Non-stick cooling racks typically melt their coating in high temperatures, which may also release toxic gasses and tend to warp or flake, so it’s not recommended.

What Is a Cooling Rack?

The cooling rack is a kitchen utensil to place freshly baked goods to cool them without getting soggy due to condensation.

It is typically made with metal wires that are crisscrossed or lined parallel close to each other. It may have a different shape but is commonly shaped in squares or rectangles.

Why You Should Not Put Non-Stick Cooling Racks in the Oven?

Non-stick cooling racks are usually coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, [1] a chemical used to wrap these cooling racks, which melts and warps under the high temperature in the oven. 

These inert substances are not poisonous though they can make your foods unattractive and may impart flavors or smell once melts and stick to your foods.

What Will Happen If You Use Non-Oven Safe Cooling Racks?

Chances are it will ruin your foods by imparting off flavors or smell, and some warped or flaked parts of the coating may stick to your baked goods or drip on the bottom of your oven.

“The more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.”

-Julia Child, TV personality/author/cooking teacher.

Though these may not necessarily be harmful, they may affect the outcome of your baked dishes once the coating melts. [2]

Tips & Tricks When Using Cooling Racks In The Oven

• Look for oven-safe labels before using your cooling rack inside the oven.
• Avoid using a non-stick or any coated cooling rack inside the oven.
• Place your non-coated cooling rack above a baking sheet or sheet pan when using it inside the oven so the baking sheet will catch any liquid that may drip from your baked food.

FAQs 

Key Takeaways 

Cooling racks are a great tool to use when baking in the oven, but ensure that your cooling rack is oven safe.

It should not be coated with non-stick and should be made with high-quality metals such as stainless steel or aluminum. 

When purchasing cooling racks to use inside the oven, make sure to look for a label that indicates ‘oven-safe.’

References:

1. https://www.britannica.com/science/polytetrafluoroethylene 
2. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/is-teflon-coating-safe