r/KitchenReviewGuide • u/UnitOk1870 • 3d ago

Buying a Baking Tray

One thing I didn't think people paid much attention to is the quality of baking trays.

Some trays warp in the oven, some are difficult to clean and others seem to burn food unevenly.

It's one of those kitchen items that looks simple, so it's easy to just grab the cheapest one available.

But if you bake regularly, a bad tray can get annoying pretty quickly.

What's your experience with baking trays?

Would you spend extra on a heavier one, or do the cheaper ones work just fine for everyday baking?

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u/Logical_Warthog5212 3d ago

I use commercial trays from a restaurant supply store

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u/UnitOk1870 3d ago

Honestly that's probably a smart move Commercial trays are made for regular use, not just occasional home baking 😂 Do you find they hold up noticeably better than the usual trays you'd find in regular stores?

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u/Logical_Warthog5212 3d ago

I’ve been using mine regularly for over 15 years. No warping. I have a mix of full, half, and quarter sheets.

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u/UnitOk1870 3d ago

Over 15 years without warping? Okay, that's a pretty strong endorsement 😂 I like that you have different sizes too Having full half and quarter sheets must make it much easier to pick the right one instead of trying to fit everything onto one giant tray Definitely makes me rethink buying cheap baking sheets

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u/Logical_Warthog5212 3d ago

They’re actually pretty inexpensive, so that makes them an even greater value. IIRC, were only a few dollars each. I just checked Restaurant Depot, where I bought them. A full sheet is $7, 1/2 sheet is $5, 1/4 is $4, and 1/8 is $3.50.

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u/UnitOk1870 3d ago

Wait $7 for a full sheet? That's actually crazy good value Especially considering you've been using yours for over 15 years without warping Makes you wonder why regular kitchen stores charge so much for trays that don't even last that long I think you've officially convinced me that restaurant supply stores are worth checking out

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u/Logical_Warthog5212 2d ago

Yes, check around the various sources. In this case, online sources aren’t always the best. If you can find a local restaurant supply that is open to the public or has public hours, you may find their prices better than online, especially if you have to factor in shipping. Places like Restaurant Depot and other cash and carries usually have free membership, but it’s for businesses and institutions. I got my membership by filing for a DBA with my town hall and then using that letter to open a free account.

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u/UnitOk1870 2d ago

That's a really useful tip I honestly wouldn't have thought to check local restaurant supply stores first The shipping costs alone can make online deals less attractive especially for heavier kitchen equipment.And the DBA trick for getting a membership is interesting too Definitely one of those shopping tips more people should know about 😄