How to Prevent and Even FIX a Warped Baking Sheet!
Have you ever had a baking sheet warp? Me too. I remember the day I was startled by a BANG! in my oven, and peered in to find that my baking sheet had suddenly seized into a warped position. Talk about a disappointment!
And I’d always assumed there wasn’t a thing that could be done about it. That is, until I read this terrific article from America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) experts, Steve Dunn and Emily Rahravan. According to Steve and Emily, a misshapen baking sheet may look like a disheartening done deal, but it is both preventable and fixable. “Thankfully, this isn’t cause for alarm” they reassure us.
They say any baking sheet can warp at least a little. It is the natural result of the metal expanding and contracting unevenly across the pan as it heats during cooking and then cools down.
Most pans will spring back into place when the hotter and cooler spots equalize, but they can remain warped if the thermal stress is too great. A warped pan will still do its job, but we prefer one that sits flat. So here’s what the ATK pros say to do to get a warped sheet bake to its desired flatness. While the following may seem extreme, trust them. It works.
But, it’s no surprise that Steve and Emily advise that our best bet is prevention. And I’ll conclude with their suggestions on how to prevent a baking sheet from warping:
First of all, always avoid rinsing a hot baking sheet in cold water. Instead, let the sheet cool before washing so that the metal can contract gently and evenly in the process.
Next, ensure that the food covers the entire pan. Any bare spots will heat faster, and the temperature differential can cause the pan to buckle. If the food won’t cover the pan, switch to a smaller baking sheet.
Finally, buy a sturdy brand. ATK’s expert testers tried ‘em all. Their conclusive winner was the Nordic Ware Naturals Bakers Half Sheet. For smaller tasks, they loved this brand’s quarter-sheet and eighth-sheet versions as well.
‘Nuff said. I’m getting a couple of these pans very soon. Baking with warped sheets is not just a disappointment, it’s frustrating!
And I’d always assumed there wasn’t a thing that could be done about it. That is, until I read this terrific article from America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) experts, Steve Dunn and Emily Rahravan. According to Steve and Emily, a misshapen baking sheet may look like a disheartening done deal, but it is both preventable and fixable. “Thankfully, this isn’t cause for alarm” they reassure us.
They say any baking sheet can warp at least a little. It is the natural result of the metal expanding and contracting unevenly across the pan as it heats during cooking and then cools down.
Most pans will spring back into place when the hotter and cooler spots equalize, but they can remain warped if the thermal stress is too great. A warped pan will still do its job, but we prefer one that sits flat. So here’s what the ATK pros say to do to get a warped sheet bake to its desired flatness. While the following may seem extreme, trust them. It works.
- Heat the baking sheet in a 200-degree oven for about 10 minutes, or until warm to the touch.
- Lay a towel down on a hard and flat surface, such as concrete floor or workbench.
- Place the pan upside down on the towel.
- Cover the pan with another towel to prevent scratching, then tap gently with a mallet until the original shape returns. Voila!
But, it’s no surprise that Steve and Emily advise that our best bet is prevention. And I’ll conclude with their suggestions on how to prevent a baking sheet from warping:
First of all, always avoid rinsing a hot baking sheet in cold water. Instead, let the sheet cool before washing so that the metal can contract gently and evenly in the process.
Next, ensure that the food covers the entire pan. Any bare spots will heat faster, and the temperature differential can cause the pan to buckle. If the food won’t cover the pan, switch to a smaller baking sheet.
Finally, buy a sturdy brand. ATK’s expert testers tried ‘em all. Their conclusive winner was the Nordic Ware Naturals Bakers Half Sheet. For smaller tasks, they loved this brand’s quarter-sheet and eighth-sheet versions as well.
‘Nuff said. I’m getting a couple of these pans very soon. Baking with warped sheets is not just a disappointment, it’s frustrating!
Alice Osborne
Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
Email the author! alice@dvo.com
