(Part 2) Best baking & cookie sheets according to redditors

I think I'll organize by equipment?

tiny fry pans

• eggs and fried egg related dishes. Bread + egg + ham + cheese slice is real good.
  
• French toast
  
• stir fry
  
• ramen
  
• hamburger
  
  Tiny saucepans
  
  
• ramen
  
• boiled eggs
  
• blanched veggies
  
• lentils (if you soak overnight them they take next to no time or water to cook)
  
• egg noodles (I know egg noodles can be cooked shallowly in water)
  
  Quarter sheet pan like this
  
  
• roast veg
  
• hobo packets
  
• baked potato
  
• pizza
  
• biscuits
  
• no knead quick bread
  
  You can also get small rice cookers that be used daily for one person. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07Q81ZPGV/ref=psdc_678540011_t4_B00KDNKTJG

Is your apartment unfurnished? If so you will need some basic furnishings:

• a table
  
• some chairs to go with that table
  
• comfortable seating of some sort- possibly a couch (a futon is nice if you are going to possibly have guests sleep over) or love seat or upholstered chair of some sort
  
• a TV if you feel like you want one (optional)
  
• a bed and a mattress and some bedding and sheets (obviously)
  
• a bedside table (optional)
  
• somewhere to store your clothing if your room does not come with a closet already
  
  As far as basic living supplies go:
  
  
• 4 spoons, knives, forks
  
• mugs
  
• 2 dinner plates, bowls
  
• some knives for cooking
  
• cutting board
  
• mixing bowl
  
• spatula (HEAT RESISTANT) and turner and spoons for mixing. Also possibly a whisk but really you could usually get the job done with a fork
  
• cheap set of pots & pans
  
• a cookie sheet
  
• a fan is usually useful for some airflow
  
• microwave if this is already not included
  
• books just for fun
  
• cleaning supplies: shower cleaner, clorox wipes, swiffer, toilet cleaner, dish soap, windex
  
• plunger & toilet brush
  
  School supplies in college are pretty basic- you don't need much, but depending on your major this could go waaay up or down. But as far as I'm concerned your basic supplies are as follows:
  
  
• laptop (optional- there are always computers everywhere anyway, laptops are just convenient)
  
  
• notebooks and folders OR binder with looseleaf paper, depending on your organizational preference
  
  
• stapler
  
  
• pens and pencils (I like to have two different colors for pens)
  
  
• calculator (if you will be taking math courses- go for scientific because a lot of the time graphing is not allowed)
  
  Things to consider:
  
  
• Will you be paying for wifi and/or basic cable (if you want a TV)?
  
  
• Is your lease for a year or X months? If it is a year, will you have to sublease while you're away for the summer (if you are going away)?
  
  
• How far from campus do you live? What does the general area look like? Are you going to have to take public transportation different places? Know the area.
  
  I know its scary, but living alone is great, and studying in a university is really not a huge deal once you get into the rhythm of things. You'll do great, kid.

I use a reusable parchment paper, like this. It works great. I find regular parchment paper chars at 500F when I cook my pizza. But this stuff works fine and is reusable.

Agree with all of the above. I have a standard oven (nothing fancy, no big commercial sized cooker) and a half sheet pan fits quite nicely in my oven with room to spare. And I find a half-sheet is the perfect size for almost everything.

Ditch the non-cook stuff, buy basic aluminum sheet pans like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Daddios-Aluminum-Gauge-Sheet/dp/B001IZZGKU

And get either a Silpat:

http://www.amazon.com/Silpat-AE420295-07-Premium-Non-Stick-Silicone/dp/B00008T960

Or a box of parchment sheets:

http://www.amazon.com/2dayShip-Premium-Quilon-Parchmet-Baking/dp/B00UVTEPXS

(or both, really - the parchment is useful for so many things)

Get yourself an airbake pan. It's a pan with two layers and a pocket of air between - perfect for breads, cookies, etc because it makes them cook more evenly and the bottoms don't burn.

http://www.amazon.com/AirBake-Nonstick-Cookie-Sheet-14/dp/B000EOX12Q

DON'T DIE

For most things a bunch of quarter sheets are really the way to fly. I use them for everything -- from prep through service. Get something like https://www.amazon.com/Checkered-Chef-Quarter-Sheet-Four/dp/B07QLBFR4M/ and never look back.

Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick 21 x 15-Inch Mega Baking Pan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KIF5LLK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bYh1DbYK18ZVS

So does Kenji. He gets great results with it.

http://www.amazon.com/Matfer-Bourgeat-310101-Baking-Sheets/dp/B008BH46GI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396897666&sr=8-2&keywords=baking+steel

mmmmmmmm, steeeeeeel

sheet pans by Chicago Metallic. You can roast anything on them or use them for baking. They are great. https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Metallic-Commercial-Traditional-Jelly-Roll/dp/B003YKGRPK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1538136226&sr=8-4&keywords=chicago+metallic+sheet+pan

I did this for a friends wedding. I made 100 mini salted caramel apple pies, as well as their cake and fresh made cinnamon ice cream.

I can give you my recipe, if you want.

• Use cupcake pans to make the mini pie shells. Cut appropriate sized circles, tamp them into the cupcake pan, and crumple balls of foil into each cavity. Par-bake (or full bake, depending on your pie choice) with the foil in them to make a good cavity for filling. 96 in 2 bakes, with two racks of your oven being used!
  
  
• For time constraints, you can slowly make everything ahead of time, your crust, your filling, then par bake the crust another day, and if you have time, the day before, up to 3 days before, bake them all off, cool completely and then put in sheet pan, saran wrap sheet pan to seal.
  
  
  
• As for transporting, they were delivered in a cooler, with a layer of dry ice on the bottom, covered with a towel (the ice covered). We drove them 3 hours I believe and everyone really enjoyed everything.
  
  
• These pans are lifesavers, my favorites for transporting: https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Natural-Aluminum-Commercial/dp/B00008UA3Y

These look like aluminum quarter sheet pans. Here are the ones that I have: Vollrath (5220) Wear-Ever Collection Quarter-Size Sheet Pans, Set of 2 (9 1/2-Inch x 13-Inch, Aluminum) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TJL5UGA/

You need to wash them by hand because (i think) the dishwasher detergent will discolor them.

We have Calphalon stainless everything plus a workhorse cast iron skillet and dutch oven. They're all great for everything. My husband got the Calphalon pots on sale on Amazon as a set and it was a great deal. I've never wanted for another type of pan or pot honestly. I just replaced my cookie sheets with Nordic Ware aluminum sheets and praise the cooking gods, they are amazing.

​

Edit: adding some links :D

Cookware: https://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-Tri-Ply-Stainless-13-Piece-Cookware/dp/B003L1CW8S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1542771501&sr=8-4&keywords=calphalon+stainless+steel+cookware

Baking sheets(I really can't recommend these enough): https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-43174-Delight-Aluminum/dp/B079Q671Q5/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1542771580&sr=8-5&keywords=nordic+ware+bakers+half+sheet+pan

A sheet pan with a rack that fits in your oven is very useful. One made out of stainless steel is the most versatile, like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-HKJ-Chef-Nonstick-Rectangle/dp/B07CYGK46T/

Also even though you don't have a lot of space, having 2 (or more) cutting boards can be handy. I have 3 wooden boards, and two plastic ones, though I could get by with only one of each.

Whenever I'm looking into new kitchen great I always check America's Test Kitchen reviews first. Their testing methods are on an Ikea level so I know I'm buying reliable products.

The baking pans I got on their recommendation can be found on Amazon, they don't flex, they have rims, and they're great for lightly browning the bottom of baked goods, not scorching them prematurely like some dark pans can.

besides what I listed?

Tongs(several pair), pancake turners nylon and or silicone, a whisk or two, preferably silicone coated so you can use them in your pans. A mini prep (mini chopper) and maybe a stick blender or counter blender, good skillets (I like to keep a small ceramic skillet (not the expensive ones,a bout $25. and a larger nonstick) the small skillet I like for making my eggs in the morning, cooking a piece of sausage or two etc. the large is for everything else and by large I mean about a 10 3/4" pan. a couple of saucepans, Dutch oven, and a crockpot. this will give you several different ways to cook things, such as braising, slow cooking stir frying an sautéing. also I would invest in a good microwave steamer. that can be used to steam veggies, and cook rice.

mini prep: (I have this one) https://www.amazon.com/Conair-Cuisinart-DLC-2ABC-Processor-Brushed/dp/B0000645YM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469469352&sr=8-1&keywords=mini+prep

Whisks like these, and you can usually find them in packs of two or three: https://www.amazon.com/Freshware-KT-130RD-Stainless-Silicone-Covering/dp/B00405W824/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1469469422&sr=8-13&keywords=silicone+coated+mini+pancake+turner

these are GREAT! I have 3 and they get used a lot! ***https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Silicone-Cookie-Spatula/dp/B001QTVT4K/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1469469554&sr=8-15&keywords=mini+silicone+spatula

shoot almost forgot you will need a casserole such as a 9X13 (highly called for size) and an 8X8 somewhere around that size too. and baking sheets. If you have a same club or costco near you that you can get to they are Cheap there these are Heavy duty and will last you for years!

they have a pack of two of these at Costco/Sam's for about 18 or 20 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/Vollrath-17-3-12-7-Half-Size-Sheet/dp/B001BQKRJG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1469469725&sr=8-5&keywords=vollrath+sheet+pan


I also like this size for smaller jobs I have two of these also. Bought at separate times because I could't find a deal on these and they cost me a bit.

https://www.amazon.com/Vollrath-9-1-Quarter-Size-Sheet/dp/B0001MS400/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1469469725&sr=8-4&keywords=vollrath+sheet+pan
Hope this helps you.

When I got my own place I was surprised how important this one pan was!

Can opener

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Cutting boards The flexible ones are the best!

I've seen others have already said the obvious plates, bowls, pans, silverware. I'm trying to think of other usual stuff that after living in my own place for 6 years that I could simply not do without!

Bottle and wine opener

Nigh light To help make late night trips to the kitchen or bathroom less scary and dangerous for toes.

Shower caddy another style of caddy

Shoe rack another style of hanging shoe rack

Wall clock that doubles as a secret hide away!

I could go on and on but I know the great people of this sub will be recommending everything under the sun. Congrats on the new place. Good luck. Thanks for the contest.

To help store my minis I came up with a nice plan..

On bottom of each figure is a small magnet, and I use covered brownie trays with cover for storage

One issue I hit was them sliding around , so I got some spray rubber coating to help stop slipping
I sprayed the inside and the underneath (that way trays don't slip when stacked)

I strongly suggest if you do this, that make sure the glue on bottom of figure has had a day to dry
even if you use zipkicker to speed up drying. The degassing seems to weaken the spray rubber bonding

I am able to turn trays upside down and even can take some decent shaking.

I have found that this makes finding figures really easy and so much better than digging around in foam or such

Magnets https://www.amazon.com/ZJWEI-Multi-Use-Refrigerator-Magnets-Science/dp/B076NVJ82G

Tray https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D9Z7PDC

anti slip https://www.amazon.com/Performix-11207-Multi-Purpose-Coating-Aerosol/dp/B000981AA2/

I use 1 and
2. This works too

YAY! also check out the sheet pans they are very heavy duty and CHEAP at Sams on line there are more!! I love these things! they are heavy and I use the half sheet pans to make beer can chicken. they are great! the quarter size is great for small things or amounts like 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, a prepackaged frozen mac and cheese etc.

this is what I am talking about.

these are on amazon (1/2 size sheet pan 2 pack)
https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Natural-Aluminum-Commercial/dp/B0049C2S32/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?

and at Sam's (1/2 size sheet pan 2pack)
https://www.samsclub.com/p/half-size-aluminum-sheet-pan-2ct/132731?xid=plp_product_1_1

Quarter size sheet pan 2 pack Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Vollrath-Wear-Ever-Collection-Quarter-Size-Aluminum/dp/B00TJL5UGA/ref=sr_1_6?

Sams club quarter size sheet pan Single pan
https://www.samsclub.com/p/quarter-size-aluminum-sheet-pan-10-x-13/prod2030376?xid=plp_product_1_4

I used the silicone mats from Excalibur. I got them same time as my Excalibur dehydrator. Worked perfect for this task.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RM1QSWE

I didn't have enough - so I used parchment paper for some trays. Worked okay.

Chicago metallic can take abuse, I use multiples of their pans every night for work.

http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Metallic-Commercial-Traditional-Jelly-Roll/dp/B003YKGRPK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300919516&sr=8-1

Get a square silicone baking mat. Or cut a rectanglular one? Also plastic wrap will definitely not work, parchment paper is your best bet.

Edit: boom --> https://www.amazon.com/Set-Excalibur-ParaFlexx-Re-usable-Dehydrator/dp/B00RM1QSWE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550446078&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Excalibur+ParaFlexx+Ultra+Silicone+Re-usable+Non-stick+Sheets&dpPl=1&dpID=41CJtIATnBL&ref=plSrch

Nice find!
Amazon has some too: 2 size A4 black sheets for $4.99 free shipping.

I use this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PS5NCBQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one is steel and fairly large, 15 by 21, but doesn't say how deep the pan is.

Matfer Bourgeat blue steel baking sheets. If your giftee is in the US or Canada, get Amazon to do the shipping for you, because they're heavy: http://www.amazon.com/Matfer-Bourgeat-310101-Baking-Sheets/dp/B008BH46GI/ref=sr_1_1?srs=2596208011&ie=UTF8&qid=1449430320&sr=8-1&keywords=baking+sheet

I use these for macarons. They distribute and hold heat perfectly, and the low rim makes for even baking.

This is the pan I was using. I've been wanting to try out those silicon pans and my boyfriend told me yesterday he needed xmas gift ideas for me. We'll see.

Seventeen bucks on Amazon-double layer, no hot spots.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ORBJDA?aaxitk=a-CQ4HnHM4Tk5wkPsyhy9w&pd_rd_i=B001ORBJDA&pf_rd_p=44fc3e0f-4b9e-4ed8-b33b-363a7257163d&hsa_cr_id=7494711910201&sb-ci-n=asinImage&sb-ci-v=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F615B6As%2BDnL.jpg&sb-ci-a=B001ORBJDA

I was in line at the supermarket complaining about baking cookies and stuff. Like to talk to the cashiers. Two women in line said AirBake. ??? They said they have air in the center and work great. I got a set and definitely do the job.

https://www.amazon.com/AirBake-Nonstick-Pack-Cookie-Sheet/dp/B001ORBJDA/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3T2VZ7DFVMUHG&keywords=airbake+baking+sheet&qid=1563623619&s=gateway&sprefix=air+bake+b%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

The pieces I use the most are:

12" cast iron skillet

All-Clad d5 1.5qt and 3qt pots

Staub cast iron enameled cocotte (dutch oven) 4qt
(I personal prefer Staub with it's dark interior to Le Creuset. Also this is a great popcorn pot.)

Outside of that I have other All-Clad pieces including a 12" frying pan and some smaller and larger pots. I use them some but they're not the workhorses that the above are. I also have a larger Staub (I think a 7 qt) and a large oval Le Creuset that I found at an overstock store for $50. :)

Other pieces that I use ALL THE TIME are half sheet and quarter sheet pans. I like Fat Daddios brand. They're inexpensive to begin with and they go on sale on Amazon fairly frequently. The quarter sheet pans fit perfectly into my toaster oven so I can do small batches of things like a half batch of biscuits or a single serving of roasted veggies in a toaster oven.
https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Daddios-Aluminum-Gauge-Sheet/dp/B001IZZGKU

My favorite cutting boards are made by Epicurian and they are all I use anymore. I have 2 large ones (one is for meat and one is for other stuff) and 2 medium ones and one small cocktail sized one.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FDN77A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think that's about it as far as the things I use all the time.

​

A normal baking/cookie sheet should work fine. It might take some fine-tuning of your method for a sheet like that, mostly just adjusting the cooking time or maybe temp. A decent pizza stone is pretty cheap.

If just the surface is bad on your cookie sheets, how about cutting silicone sheets to fit your old pans? Extremely easy cleanup. You can also roll out pie and cookie dough on it.

Amazon has them:
http://www.amazon.com/Regency-Reusable-Cookie-Sheet-Liner/dp/B0000VYSB6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1301060837&sr=1-5

Or this:
http://www.amazon.com/Kaiser-Bakeware-Patisserie-Reusable-Parchment/dp/B0000CFFU2/ref=pd_bxgy_k_text_b

You said "baking tray" and many people recommended bakeware (Pyrex). I'm not familiar with the term, but I'm guessing this is what Americans often call "cookie sheets" or "baker's sheets", ie - a large flat pan.

If that's what you want, I highly recommend Nordic Ware Aluminum. Doesn't warp, heats evenly, and lasts forever. Do be careful - dishwashers will ruin the surface (but still works great!). I bought this one 4 years ago, then found a set of 3 at Costco for the same price. Love having 4 of them (sizes - 2 full and 2 half sheets). I roast veggies and meat on them on a daily basis. Also use under other pans to catch drippings. Can handle high heat. Used in commercial kitchens.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008UA3Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1