Baking trays are essential to any kitchen with a standard oven. Fancy chips for tea? Finding bakeware that works for you and your oven is going to help improve your dinners. Whether hand-cut and homemade or frozen from a bag, you’re going to need a baking tray or dish that holds up.
Finding the right baking essentials comes down to its material and design – not forgetting the cost. If you want your dish to bake your culinary masterpieces nicely, then you need to choose what works for you, your kitchen and what you’re cooking. For example, there’s no use in getting your mitts on a quality glass baking dish if you’re not big on pasta bakes or lasagne, for example.
Best Baking Trays And Dishes At A Glance
• Best baking tray for roast potatoes: Salter COMBO-8224 Olympus 39cm Roasting Tin – Set of 2 – View on Amazon UK
• Best baking tray for roasting meat: John Lewis, Non-Stick Carbon Steel Roaster – View on John Lewis
• Best versatile baking tray: John Lewis, Professional Non-Stick Baking Tray – View on John Lewis
If you’re a fan of using the oven when you cook meals and snacks, it’s worth investing in a durable baking tray that is reliable. But this doesn’t mean you have to fork out for something on the top end of the scale. Something middle-range with good reviews will do.
Although more and more of us are embracing energy-efficient air fryers, there's still a place in the kitchen for a good old-fashioned oven – whether it's an integrated appliance or a freestanding oven – it gives you the capacity to bake trays of cookies, cakes and bread. Whilst some of these are doable in a countertop air fryer, you can get more treats for your money by batch-cooking larger quantities – imagine how many gingerbread men you could fit in a range cooker.
Best Baking Trays And Dishes
Best baking tray for roast potatoes
Tested
If you've spent years trying to perfect the perfect roast potatoes (or any potatoes, for that matter), this Salter COMBO-8224 Olympus 39cm Roasting Tin might help you on your way to the perfect roastie. Made from durable carbon steel, this tray is guaranteed not to warp and it is covered in a textured-based making for even heat distribution. Handwashing is recommended. Oven safe up to 220° C.
Our review: "I've really put this baking tray through its paces in recent months and nothing has managed to stick. In fact, things just glide off the base, which is covered in little holes that help distribute heat (and oil) evenly. The design is probably the reason for my now award-winning (in my family) roast potatoes."
Pros
- Textured base
- Non-stick
Cons
- Handwash recommended
Best baking tray for roasting meat
www.johnlewis.com
Picture this, a Sunday afternoon, a nice piece of hearty, roasting meat sizzling away in the oven on a durable roasting tray. Made from durable carbon steel, this John Lewis, Non-Stick Carbon Steel Roaster is guaranteed not to warp. It’s non-stick, and the high sides prevent any hot oil from splattering all over you. John Lewis recommends that you should avoid using metal utensils with this roaster, and it “will last for years to come". This product is dishwasher safe, but handwashing is recommended.
Customer review: “I was really pleased with this roasting tin. The quality is great and it's a good size for roasts of all types. It washes nicely. Family-sized tin. I would buy it again for sure."
Pros
- Deep
- Great for roasting
Cons
- Handwash recommended
Best versatile baking tray
www.johnlewis.com
As John Lewis puts it, this baking tray is really essential for every kitchen. This classic piece of kitchen kit is versatile, promising an even bake of roast crispy potatoes on a Sunday. The double-layer non-stick provides an excellent base for choux pastry. John Lewis’ range of bakeware is freezer and oven-safe. Though this John Lewis Professional Non-Stick Baking Tray is dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended. We love this because the professional gauge carbon steel prevents buckling or warping.
Customer review: “We purchased two oven trays - just the right size to go in the oven side by side. The quality is excellent and has a comforting heavy feel.”
Pros
- Versatile
- Non-stick
- Quality
Cons
- Heavy
Best baking tray for oven chips
www.lakeland.co.uk
Made from ridged and perforated carbon steel, this Lakeland Crisper Oven Tray is a winner when it comes to chippy tea. It has a double layer of Quantum 2 professional non-stick and is oven-safe up to 240 degrees. Also, this oven tray has handles – which makes the prospect of taking it out of the oven much easier. This tray is perfect for cooking chips as the air is allowed to circulate for crispy results. Lakeland’s Ovenware range is dishwasher-safe, durable and reliable.
Customer review: “I have used this tray a lot since purchasing. It’s brilliant with skinny chips, onion rings – and anything that you want crisp. I would definitely recommend!”
Pros
- Durable
- Designed for crispy results
Cons
- None
Best baking tray for pizza
Kit your kitchen out with this perforated pizza set containing three 11-inch pans. This Chef Pomodoro Pizza Baking Set is a great solution to cooking three pizzas at once. Pizza party, anyone? Easily bake frozen pizzas with these carbon steel pans, which distribute heat evenly and can withstand temperatures of 450 degrees. Ready to use out of the box, these trays are separated by a steel rack. Simply place the rack in the oven and load up each layer with each of your uncooked pizzas. They are even easy to clean.
Customer review: “Made the best bread ever! The holes make the bread crispy underneath… same with pizza 🍕 I love these they are great. I just hand wash with soapy water, dry and store till next needed. (Which is more regularly now)”
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Handwash
Best baking tray for Yorkshire Puddings
www.lakeland.co.uk
It’s time to triumph with some homemade Yorkshire puddings. This Lakeland 6-Hole Deep Yorkshire Pudding Tray is the perfect pairing for your Sunday roast. You’re guaranteed six deep, crisp and light puds with this tray which has two layers of Quantum 2 professional non-stick. Also, there are handles for a firm hold. Dishwasher, freezer and oven safe, this tray comes with a terrific guarantee.
Customer review: “I have never been good at Yorkshire puddings. Like any bad workman, I usually blame my tools. No longer! These are deeper than my old Yorkshire pudding tins and finally, at the age of 60, I have found myself making decent ones. Better late than never!”
Pros
- Safe for the dishwasher
- Handles
Cons
- Coating not always long-lasting
Best baking tray for cakes
www.argos.co.uk
This Pyrex Magic Spring Form Cake Tin is a great choice if you’re looking to get on GBBO. For its money, it’s fabulous. The tin features a quick-release clasp and loose bottom, allowing you to remove your bake with ease – why not try a pie? Carbon steel and non-stick, this cake tin is oven-safe up to 250 degrees and dishwasher-safe. Not only that, but the manufacturer guarantees a five-year life.
Customer review: “I needed a large cake tin to make the base of a two-tier cake. This is perfect and the price was exceptional.”
Pros
- Decent size
- Non-stick
Cons
- Tricky to clean
Best baking tray for pasta bakes
For making lasagnas or stuffed peppers for the family, this Pyrex Classic – Heavy Duty Rectangular Glass Baking Dishes (Set of 2) makes a great addition to your kitchen, offering a great solution for your culinary needs. Made with borosilicate glass, this set of dishes is extra resistant to heat, can withstand thermo-shock and is scratch-proof. You can portion out your lasagnas or shepherd’s pie straight out of the dish. Suitable for use in ovens, microwaves, refrigerators or freezers. It’s easy cleaning, too – and dishwasher safe.
Customer review: “Pyrex has always been good and these dishes are no exception. They came in a two-pack of handy sizes. They are easy to clean and a pleasure to use. Highly recommended.”
Pros
- Easy clean
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Only two sizes
- Scratches if not handled properly
Best baking tray for family dinners
Impress your guests with this set of durable porcelain baking dishes, designed to transport your food from oven to table. Add a splash of colour to your bakeware with this dazzling set of red dishes. If red is not your style, they’re available in black, too. Not only is the SWEEJAR Home Ceramic Bakeware Set stackable, to save space in your cupboards, the smooth glaze makes them easy to clean. Though they can withstand a dishwasher, handwashing is recommended. Ceramic never looked snazzier.
Customer review: “This was bought as a gift for my son and daughter-in-law and they are thrilled. The varying sizes are ideal for differing sizes of cooking. The smallest one would accommodate a lasagne for four people. The largest they use when all the family are there but could easily hold a large roast.”
Pros
- Great design
- Stackable
Cons
- Can crack if overheated
Best baking try for pies
www.procook.co.uk
Enjoy delicious homemade pies in this enamel oblong pie dish from ProCook. This large ProCook Enamel Bakeware Pie Dish will make a pie that will serve a family, and we love the retro style. However, we are assured that the quality is completely up to modern standards – because it features a triple coating of enamel, which makes it highly durable and chip-resistant. This dish is hand wash only and comes with a 10-year guarantee. If round dishes are your thing instead, here is one we love from ProCook.
Customer review: “Bought for myself, excellent value, looking forward to baking my first pie!”
Pros
- Large
- Durable
Cons
- Enamel coating can chip
Best baking tray set
circulon.uk.com
If you’re looking for a set with varying sizes and depths, here is your answer. Circulon has this Ultimum 5 Piece Bakeware Set at a great price. Made from carbon steel and coated in a triple layer of non-stick, these trays ensure great results. Oven safe up to 230 degrees, dishwasher safe and even freezer safe, this set is perfect for a new kitchen. Also, it’s covered by a lifetime guarantee.
Customer review: “Lovely bakeware set at a great value. Looks great in my kitchen.”
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Variety of sizes
Cons
- Non-stick coating wears off
Best baking tray for cookies and pastries
AmazonThis lightweight and non-stick Progress Go Bake 38cm Baking Tray is the perfect match for your pastries or cookies that need to slide off the tray easily, thanks to its PFOA-free and non-stick coating. Progress will even plant one tree for every tray sold, committing to an environmentally sustainable future for our customers and planet.
Customer review: "Nice little tray, quite lightweight and not as sturdy as others but pleased."
Pros
- You can buy matching bakeware in the teal colour
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
Our Verdict: Best Baking Trays
For a great all-round baking tray, we recommend the John Lewis, Professional Non-Stick Baking Tray. With a durable non-stick layer and robust carbon steel body, this tray can withstand daily use. Also, it comes with a John Lewis 10-year guarantee.
FAQs: Best Baking Trays
What to look for when choosing the best baking tray
Design: Think about what you will be cooking in a baking dish and how often you make certain recipes. If it needs to be bigger, smaller or has a specific use. There’s no point in getting a muffin tin if you’re not going to use it. There are trays for every food you can think of: from pizza to Yorkshire puddings.
Material: Getting acquainted with the different types of materials used in baking dishes is an important step and will ultimately make your baking tray last longer. There are so many different types of material, and they all have different needs and requirements to last in your kitchen.
Quality: If you’re a big oven user, investing in quality baking trays will be worth your while. Often, cheap trays don’t last as long and without the right care, can warp pretty easily and even start to lose their stick quickly. That’s why looking at reviews is the way to go. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t be looking at cheaper options, but durability is key to a baking dish.
How and when do I dispose of baking trays?
If your baking tray doesn’t have that non-stick that it used to, it’s time to get rid of it. If you find any particles in your food from your enamel-coated baking trays, throw them away.
You should take them to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Are baking trays safe for the dishwasher?
We’re all guilty of relying on the dishwasher to do all the work. Why scrub them when you have an appliance designed for that very purpose? Well, you should be checking what your trays are made of before you do this. For example, stainless steel and anodised aluminium work just fine. However, do not put trays made from cast iron or regular aluminium in there; they need to be washed by hand.
Do not microwave, and always check with the manufacturer regarding freezing.
How do I clean my baking tray effectively?
According to Oven Pride, this is a good way to keep them in good nick:
1. Cover your baking tray in hot, soapy water.
2. Leave it for 30 minutes.
3. Once that time is up, scrub the tray with a 2p coin using a circular motion.
4. Rinse the baking tray and clean the tray in a dishwasher as normal.
What is warping – and how can I prevent it?
Have you ever come home from the shops to use your new tray – and within ten minutes of using it, you hear a loud noise? You take it out, put it on the counter and it won’t sit flat on the worktop.
That is called warping.
Warping happens when a metal baking tray is heated or cooled quickly. Consequently, some parts expand or contract faster than others, and the uneven expansion and contraction are what result in warping. Warping can occur from rinsing a hot pan in cold water or overheating.
How do I stop warping? Cover the pan's entire surface with food as evenly and uniformly as possible, and heat the pan slowly and gradually rather than abruptly.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Gardens and Wellness Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in cookware. When she’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Piper is re-watching a TV show or listening to a podcast.