Six Alternatives to Cooling Racks You Probably Already Have in Your Kitchen

You don’t have to be a baker to understand the value of a wire cooling rack. This is what I use almost every day, and not just for apple turnover . The cooling rack provides a wide, stable surface for hot baking sheets and baking sheets, as well as cookies, grilled cheese sandwiches or pancakes. Unfortunately, the good news has yet to spread and I walk into many kitchens that don’t have cooling racks. If that’s you, here are some of the best cooling rack alternatives you can rely on (until you buy the real thing).

The purpose of a cooling rack is to allow air to circulate around and under whatever you put on it. This ensures rapid cooling, prevents over-browning due to residual heat from the pan, and prevents moisture from accumulating underneath. Refrigeration racks usually have legs. They sit about a half-inch above the countertop so air can flow underneath them, making them more comfortable than a folded tea towel, cutting board, or countertop (which can get damaged). None of this will create a useful cooling environment. You want something with ridges or open spaces underneath the food to allow for faster cooling and moisture release.

Best Alternatives to Cooling Racks

There are two main things that need this kind of refrigeration: whole pans, such as baking sheets, cast iron skillets and skillets, or individual foods, such as cookies, brownies or grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are six options. Some are better for whole pans, some for individual foods, and some are better for both.

Turn the muffin tin upside down

Turning your muffin tin or muffin tin upside down gives you a flat metal surface, and the channels between the cups allow air to pass through easily. Ideal for cooling hot pans, baking sheets and large structured foods such as toasted sandwiches. (Small cookies, hot cakes, or soft items may not fit well between cups.) Simply turn the muffin tin upside down on the counter and place the hot tin on top to cool.

Upside Down Egg Box

If you don’t have a cooling rack, you probably won’t have a muffin tin, but a paper egg carton is more common. This option works the same way as a muffin tin: the bottom of the egg cup supports the hot item, and the spaces in between allow air and moisture to flow around and out. Turn the empty egg carton over (just take the eggs out and let them sit somewhere else for a hot second) and place the hot item on top. Paper or cardboard boxes are best. If you place a hot pan on top of a plastic egg crate, you may have a melting problem.

Two offset sheet trays

I use this trick when I’m roasting vegetables or baking cookies. Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and place it on another baking sheet of the same size or slightly smaller. Instead of lining them up, place the top one diagonally. The walls of the bottom tray hold the top tray up, allowing air to pass through, and the open corners provide entry for airflow.

Crumpled some foil

This trick doesn’t work for pans and baking sheets, but it works great for light, small-to-medium-sized foods that need quick cooling, like thick cookies, bacon, and biscuits, or for air fryer treats like spanakopita pockets . Take a large sheet of foil (very strong if you need extra support) and scrunch it up slightly. Knead it and leave peaks and valleys. Carefully place the hot food on top so that it rests on the edges of the crumpled foil. If the foil wrinkles under the weight of food, you can make neater, evenly spaced folds and place forks, knives, or other utensils under it to prevent it from flattening completely. Be careful because the foil can be surprisingly sharp, and don’t squeeze the foil too hard or it will be difficult to unroll without tearing.

Lay out some chopsticks

This trick is convenient because you can adjust the distance between the chopsticks according to your needs. You can stack large pots, trays and pans on just two widely spaced chopsticks, but if you have a collection of these utensils, you can lay them out parallel to each other about a half-inch apart to create a makeshift rack for cooling food. small items. Sturdy wood will only lift your food a quarter of an inch, but even that low height allows for more airflow than placing it directly on the countertop.

Change the toaster grill

A regular oven does have racks, but they are very large and you were probably just using them to bake something if you are looking for a cooling rack. On the other hand, a toaster oven has a proportionally small rack that is very similar to a cooling rack. It even has wires on each side that can act as legs. Make sure the toaster is not hot and remove the rack. Place it on the counter and place hot items directly on top.

Nothing will ever replace a wire cooling rack, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Between the six of them, you’ll be able to meet most of your cooling needs. Try one or more of these options the next time you’re desperate for a cooling rack alternative.