Great cooling racks keep baked goods crisp and make kitchen life simpler. These six top picks cover stacked batches, big cookie sheets, oven-to-counter duty, and heavy trays that need extra strength.
Options include stackable tiers, durable stainless steel, and easy-clean nonstick finishes.
Read on to find the rack that matches your oven size and baking rhythm.
| Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Black Cooling Rack |
| Space-Saving Stacker | Material: Steel/iron (nonstick coated) | Oven-safe / Heat resistance: Implied oven-safe cooling/roasting (no max temp listed) | Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning: Nonstick coating — easy wipe cleanup (dishwasher not specified) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 4-Pack 4-Tier Stackable Carbon Steel Cooling Racks |
| Best for Big Batches | Material: Carbon steel (nonstick coated) | Oven-safe / Heat resistance: Heat resistant up to 446°F | Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning: Dishwasher-safe (also hand wash) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling & Baking Rack Set |
| Professional Grade | Material: 304 stainless steel | Oven-safe / Heat resistance: Oven-safe to 575°F | Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning: Dishwasher-safe | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 3-Tier Stackable Heavy-Duty Cooling Rack (15.8″x10″) |
| Heavy-Duty Workhorse | Material: Stainless steel | Oven-safe / Heat resistance: Oven-safe up to 575°F | Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning: Dishwasher-safe | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 2-Pack 10″x15″ Grid Cooling & Baking Racks |
| Versatile Essentials | Material: Stainless steel | Oven-safe / Heat resistance: Heat resistant up to 575°F | Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning: Dishwasher-safe | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| KitchenAid Nonstick Steel Cooling/Baking Rack 12.5×17.75-Inch Silver | Easy-Release Classic | Material: Steel (nonstick finish) | Oven-safe / Heat resistance: Suitable for roasting/crisping (intended to be used in/with oven; max temp not specified) | Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning: Nonstick surface — easy to clean (dishwasher not specified) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Black Cooling Rack
If you bake a lot for family gatherings or small events, the Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Black Cooling Rack is made to save your counter space and calm your schedule. You’ll stack three sturdy steel racks to cool cookies, cake layers, and finger foods without spreading trays across every inch. The grid pattern lets air move freely, so treats don’t get soggy while you finish other prep. A nonstick coating makes cleanup quick; you’ll wipe crumbs away and get back to work. It folds flat for storage, feels solid in your hands, and even handles roasting or dehydrating when you need versatility.
- Material:Steel/iron (nonstick coated)
- Oven-safe / Heat resistance:Implied oven-safe cooling/roasting (no max temp listed)
- Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning:Nonstick coating — easy wipe cleanup (dishwasher not specified)
- Stackable / Tiered design:3-tier expandable (stacks for vertical cooling)
- Intended uses:Cooling cookies/cakes, roasting vegetables, dehydrating fruits
- Dimensions / Fit:16.25 x 10.25 x 2.25 inches
- Additional Feature:Nonstick wipe-clean coating
- Additional Feature:Expands to three tiers
- Additional Feature:Collapses for storage
4-Pack 4-Tier Stackable Carbon Steel Cooling Racks
You’ll love these 4-pack 4-tier stackable carbon steel cooling racks when you need heavy-duty capacity without wasting counter space, because they’re built for bakers who make large batches, host parties, or run small food businesses. You’ll get four 13.4 by 9.4 inch racks with nonstick coating that resists sticking and tolerates heat up to 446°F. Each rack holds about 80 cookies or fits pizzas across the set. The grid and dense welds keep food secure while arc feet stop sliding. Legs fold for storage. Use them stacked for airflow or separate for tasks like roasting, dehydrating, draining, or drying.
- Material:Carbon steel (nonstick coated)
- Oven-safe / Heat resistance:Heat resistant up to 446°F
- Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning:Dishwasher-safe (also hand wash)
- Stackable / Tiered design:4-pack stackable into 4-tier unit
- Intended uses:Cooling pastries/cookies/pizza, roasting, dehydrating, draining
- Dimensions / Fit:Each rack 13.4 x 9.4 inches (4-pack)
- Additional Feature:Holds 80 cookies/rack
- Additional Feature:Arc-design non-slip feet
- Additional Feature:Heat resistant to 446°F
Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling & Baking Rack Set
For home bakers who want sturdy, reliable cooling racks that hold up to heavy use, the Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling and Baking Rack Set fits the bill and won’t let you down. You’ll appreciate the 100 percent 304 stainless steel build and tight wire grids that resist rust and chrome flaking. The 1 inch height improves airflow so cookies and breads cool evenly. Each 16.5 by 11.5 rack fits a half sheet pan and goes in the oven to 575°F for roasting or drying. They’re dishwasher safe, easy to care for, and come with a useful recipe eBook.
- Material:304 stainless steel
- Oven-safe / Heat resistance:Oven-safe to 575°F
- Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning:Dishwasher-safe
- Stackable / Tiered design:Not stackable (set of 2 separate racks) — still a set for multiple batches
- Intended uses:Cooling, baking, roasting, grilling, smoking, drying
- Dimensions / Fit:16.5 x 11.5 x 1.0 inches (each; fits half-sheet 13 x 18 in)
- Additional Feature:100% 304 stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Oven-safe to 575°F
- Additional Feature:Includes recipe eBook
3-Tier Stackable Heavy-Duty Cooling Rack (15.8″x10″)
Bakers who need to cool big batches fast will love the 3-Tier Stackable Heavy-Duty Cooling Rack because it turns crowded counter space into an organized, efficient station. You’ll notice the sturdy stainless steel feels solid and won’t bend under heavy trays, so you can trust it with dense cakes or trays of bacon. It stacks three high to cool many items at once, yet folds to one inch for single-rack use on half sheet pans. It’s oven safe to 575°F and dishwasher safe, and you can hand wash with a soak and brush. Qukakas backs it with helpful support.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Oven-safe / Heat resistance:Oven-safe up to 575°F
- Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning:Dishwasher-safe
- Stackable / Tiered design:3-tier stackable design
- Intended uses:Cooling/baking cookies, jerky, bacon, vegetables
- Dimensions / Fit:15.8 x 10 inches
- Additional Feature:Foldable tiered feet
- Additional Feature:Heavy-duty for large loads
- Additional Feature:Qukakas brand support
2-Pack 10″x15″ Grid Cooling & Baking Racks
If you want a reliable cooling rack that fits a standard jelly roll pan and doubles as an oven-safe baking platform, this 2-pack of 10 by 15 inch grid racks is a great choice. You’ll appreciate the sturdy stainless steel and smooth polished finish that won’t peel or rust. The welded four feet keep trays steady while grid mesh speeds cooling and drains grease without letting food fall through. You can use them for baking, grilling, smoking, drying fruit, and plating desserts. They handle up to 575°F, resist bending under heavy loads, and clean easily in the dishwasher.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Oven-safe / Heat resistance:Heat resistant up to 575°F
- Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning:Dishwasher-safe
- Stackable / Tiered design:Set of 2 racks (fits sheet pan; can be used separately) — not tiered but supports multiple racks
- Intended uses:Cooling, baking, grilling, roasting, smoking, drying, draining
- Dimensions / Fit:10 x 15 x 0.5 inches (each)
- Additional Feature:Welded support feet
- Additional Feature:Smooth polished finish
- Additional Feature:Fits jelly-roll sheet pans
KitchenAid Nonstick Steel Cooling/Baking Rack 12.5×17.75-Inch Silver
Easy-Release Classic
View Latest PriceYou’ll love this KitchenAid nonstick steel cooling and baking rack when you want a reliable, multiuse tool that fits neatly inside a 13 by 18 inch baking sheet and holds up to frequent use. You’ll find the 12.5 by 17.75 inch grid gives steady support for cookies, cakes, and roasted meats. The heavy duty steel feels solid and resists scratching, so you won’t worry about wear. A special nonstick finish helps food release cleanly and makes cleanup easier. Nest it in a sheet to crisp fries or roast vegetables. It’s practical, durable, and gentle on your baking routine.
- Material:Steel (nonstick finish)
- Oven-safe / Heat resistance:Suitable for roasting/crisping (intended to be used in/with oven; max temp not specified)
- Dishwasher-safe / Easy cleaning:Nonstick surface — easy to clean (dishwasher not specified)
- Stackable / Tiered design:Single rack sized to nest in baking sheet (not tiered)
- Intended uses:Cooling baked goods, roasting meats, crisping foods, decorating
- Dimensions / Fit:12.5 x 17.75 inches
- Additional Feature:Special nonstick treatment
- Additional Feature:Resists scratching
- Additional Feature:Nests in 13×18″ sheet
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cooling Racks
When you pick a cooling rack, think first about material and durability since stainless steel, coated steel, and chrome each last differently and feel different in your hand. Also check size and fit so the rack works in your oven, on your counter, and for the trays you use, and notice the construction pattern and heat resistance rating because tighter grids hold small baked goods and higher ratings handle hotter uses. Finally, consider stackability and storage so you can stack racks for cooling or nesting them away when not in use while keeping an eye on how those features affect durability and cleaning.
Material And Durability
Choosing the right material for a cooling rack matters more than you might think, because it shapes how long the rack will last and how reliable it feels in your kitchen. You’ll want stainless steel 304 when you need rust resistance, oven safety up to about 575°F, and lasting strength. If you like nonstick release, carbon steel with a coating works well and heats evenly, but the finish can wear and needs gentler cleaning. Bare steel or iron gives sturdy, budget-friendly performance, though it can rust if you don’t dry and store it properly. Check wire gauge and weld quality for load capacity. Look for reinforced frames, welded feet, and corrosion-resistant finishes to prevent bending, warping, and flaking over time.
Size And Fit
If your counter and oven space are limited, measure before you buy so the rack fits snugly and doesn’t wobble, and if you have plenty of room, pick a larger surface that lets you cool more at once. First, measure your most used baking sheets and oven interior so the rack nests inside a half sheet or fills the oven without blocking airflow. Next, compare overall dimensions to your counter and storage space, since larger racks cool more but need room to store. Also check rack height and whether legs fold, because taller profiles boost circulation and folding legs save space. For batch baking, look for stackable tiers with about 2 inches between levels. Finally, test oven door clearance if you plan to use racks inside the oven.
Rack Construction Pattern
Pick a rack pattern that suits the foods you bake most often and the way you like to work. If you bake cookies or small pastries, choose tight wire grids with small openings so nothing sags or falls through and air flows evenly for faster cooling. For general baking, parallel or traditional grids give good airflow, but wider spacing can leave bottoms softer on delicate items. If you want crisp edges, pick elevated racks with full-height wires about an inch high so air circulates all around the food. Look for welded or continuous-grid construction for strength and to hold heavy trays without bending. Also prefer smooth, nonstick finishes that won’t snag or stick and that make cleanup easier after a busy bake day.
Heat Resistance Rating
You chose a rack pattern that fits your baking needs, and now you’ll want to check how much heat it can handle before you use it for oven tasks. Look for the maximum safe oven temperature printed by the maker. Coated or nonstick-finished racks often stop around 446°F because coatings can break down, flake, or release fumes at high heat. Stainless steel racks, especially 18/8 or 304 grade, usually tolerate 575°F or more and work well for roasting, broiling, and baking without coating failure. If you plan to cook directly on the rack or broil, pick one with a safety margin above your highest oven setting to prevent warping. Remember dishwasher-safe labels speak to cleaning, not oven heat performance.
Stackability And Storage
Think about how your racks stack up in both use and storage so you can keep baking without clutter. You’ll want stackable tiers or a modular design so you can cool many cookies or cakes vertically while saving counter space. Check the collapsed height since some fold to about 1 to 2 inches and tuck neatly into cabinets or drawers. Also verify tier spacing when stacked, commonly around 2 to 2.5 inches, to make sure tall cake rounds or pastries fit. Look for stability features like interlocking feet, wide bases, or arc-shaped supports to prevent wobble and slipping when racks are piled. Prefer racks that work solo or combine, so you can switch between small batches and big baking days with ease.
Ease Of Cleaning
Stackable racks save space, but how easy they are to clean will shape how often you’ll actually use them, so it’s worth paying attention to cleaning features before you buy. You want dishwasher-safe materials like stainless steel or high-temp coatings so cleanup is quick and you don’t dread hand-scrubbing. Tight-wire grids keep crumbs from falling through, though you’ll need a small brush to reach between wires for a thorough wash. Nonstick coatings wipe clean easily, but don’t use metal scrubbers or rough pads or you’ll shorten the finish. Racks with removable or foldable legs fit sinks and dishwashers and give better access to all surfaces. Smooth welded joints and rounded edges stop food traps and slow rust, making regular washing and sanitizing simpler and faster.
Multiuse Versatility
When you pick a cooling rack for more than just cookies, think about strength, heat tolerance, and ease of cleaning so the rack can move from oven to countertop without drama. You want oven safe metals like stainless steel or carbon steel rated 450 to 575°F so you can bake, roast, smoke, or crisp without worry. Look for smooth polished or nonstick finishes and tight wire grids so crumbs and glaze stay put and cleanup is quick. Choose stackable or multi tier designs when you need high capacity for batches or dehydrating while saving counter space. Check for sturdy welded feet or arc supports and a non slipping stance to hold heavy pans. Prefer dishwasher safe, corrosion resistant 304 stainless or coated steel for long lasting, low fuss use.