Whether you’re a newbie to the world of baking or a muffin master, you’ll know the importance of having the right equipment for the job.
You’ll be forgiven for thinking that a jelly roll pan is a niche tool used only by professionals, but they’re loved by amateur bakers worldwide and are surprisingly versatile. Jelly roll pans can help you make the perfect jelly roll but they’re also great for baking big batches of cookies, making multi-layered sponge cakes, roasting vegetables and many other roasting tasks that require a shallow dish.
Jelly roll pans are rectangular baking trays with a shallow lip and they tend to be made from strong, heavy metals so that it distributes heat evenly. This rim is also great for stopping oil and juices from flowing over the edge and causing a greasy mess in your oven. The most common size jelly roll pan is approximately 12 inches x 18 inches, the perfect size for large but thin cake layers and jelly rolls.
There are many different types of jelly roll pans on the market to choose from including ones that come with helpful cooling racks, ones with corrugated surfaces for easy release and even ones with intelligent non-stick coatings to make cleaning up super simple.
Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorite jelly roll pans and highlighted a few of their advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the article, you’ll find our handy Buyers Guide and FAQ section to help you make the right choice.
Knead some help? Muffin compares to our Top Pick.
We understand that you’re probably more than eager to get back to baking some sweet treats and sieving the dream, so we’re here to help.
Our favorite is the USA Pan Jelly Roll Baking Pan. Here are a small rundown of its key features and why we think you’ll love it.
- It’s made from a super-strong aluminized steel material which is favored among professionals
- Has a protective non-stick silicone coating so bakes can be released with ease
- A cooling rack is included
- Dimensions: 14.25 x 9.37 x 0.50 inches
- This pan has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon
- Its fluted design and corrugated surface promotes an even bake
Top 5 Best Jelly Roll Pans
OUR TOP PICK
When it comes to jelly roll pans, this one from USA Pan takes the cake.
USA Pan is a well-loved brand across the states and its quality baking equipment and kitchenware. Not only does this product contain the pan itself, but even comes with a handy cooling rack which is hard to come by when buying a jelly roll pan.
The pan itself is made from aluminized steel which is a firm favorite among baking professionals as it’s durable and long-lasting as well as being super heavy.
The pan is also non-stick thanks to its intelligent corrugated surface, so there’s no risk of you having to scrape your tasty treats from the bottom of the pan. This wavy surface also ensures that the whole pan remains the same temperature which is ideal for achieving an even bake.
Its special non-stick coat is made from Americoat and silicone which makes it super easy to clean up after baking. Don’t just take our word for it, this product has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and it even comes with a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
Pros:
- Made from strong aluminized steel
- Special non-stick coating made from silicone and Americoat
- Fluted design with corrugated surface allows for an even bake every time
- Comes with a handy cooling rack
Cons:
- A handful of people have noticed that the coating can warp slightly at high temperatures
EDITORS CHOICE
As well as specializing in stock cubes and herbs, the OXO brand is also a strong competitor in the kitchenware industry, creating quality products and their Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Jelly Roll Pan is no exception.
This Swiss-engineered pan has a ceramic reinforced two-layer coating that promotes easy food release while remaining scratch, stain and corrosion-proof. These two layers have gauge aluminized-steel between them which allows perfect heat distribution and makes the pan stronger in general.
The dimensions of the pan are 8.49 inches by 13.37 inches which are conveniently engraved onto the pan’s surface so you know you’re using the correct pan as soon as you grab it from the cupboard. It also features square rolled edges that allow you to grip the pan comfortably and with ease.
This pan is ideal for making the perfect jelly roll, cookies and even roasting vegetables.
Pros:
- Non-stick ceramic coating
- Has 2 layers of heavy-gauge aluminized steel which promotes heat distribution
- The micro-textured pattern on the surface promotes airflow
- Square rolled edges make it easy to grip and maneuver
Cons:
- It’s not dishwasher safe
- The coating contains PTFE
BEST VALUE
If safety is important to you, the Rimmed Baking Pan from Chefmade is a good option. It is free from harmful chemicals and materials such as Teflon, PTFE and PFOA.
Its coating is also constructed from food-grade silicone. The pan itself is made from superior quality carbon steel which is 0.8mm thick, this allows for even heat distribution. Its non-stick qualities are actually a good option for your health, as the manufacturers claim that there’s no need to add any oil.
The pan weighs 2.2lbs which is an adequate weight for it to be long-lasting and durable as well as being less prone to warping at high temperatures. However, this pan is considerably more expensive than others available on the market but with Chefmade’s no quibble returns and refund policy, it’s definitely worth a shot.
Pros:
- Teflon, PTFE and PFOA free
- Heavyweight and durable
- Available in an attractive champagne color
- Made from high-quality carbon steel
- No-quibble money-back guarantee
Cons:
- The pan isn’t 100% scratch-resistant and can tarnish over time
RUNNER UP
This Jelly Roll Pan from Nordic Ware caught our eye due to its unique features such as being made from 100% natural aluminum which promotes long-lasting durability.
Aluminum is also praised for its heat-conducting properties, promoting an even bake every time. This pan will also never rust, despite how greasy your food is or how often you wash it. This pan also comes with unique reinforced steel wire rims, which protect the pan from damage and prevent it from changing shape.
This pan is almost 16 inches wide, which is more than enough space to bake an array of different treats. The surface of the pan is etched with a prism grid design, which is unique only to the Nordic Wave brand and enables easy release of baked goods from the tray.
These pans are also available in a 2-pack option which is cheaper than buying 2 individually.
Pros:
- Made from 100% natural aluminum
- The unique prism grid design makes releasing bakes easier
- Reinforced steel wire rims
- Rust and scratch proof
Cons:
- This pan is not dishwasher safe
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for a pan that can create flawless, perfectly symmetrical brownies every time, then the Professional Brownie Pan from Chicago Metallic could be exactly what you need.
So how does it work? Simply pour your batter into the pan, place the removable divider inside, and it will bake
This convenient set of pans from Chicago Metallic is a great find as it comes with two pans in different sizes and a handy cooling rack making it perfect for professionals and novices alike. This pan is super versatile and can be used to make jelly rolls, cookies, roast vegetables and even reheat leftovers.
The pan is made from a heavyweight carbon steel material which is super heavy, making it durable and easy to get in and out of the oven. The carbon steel material also promotes even air distribution resulting in a better bake.
The pan can handle temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and unlike many other jelly roll pans, it is dishwasher safe although we recommend using a damp cloth instead to help it last longer. These pans are super easy to store as they stack on top of each other and are suitable for stacking with other pans that you already have at home.
Pros:
- Made from heavyweight carbon steel material
- Durable and warp-resistant
- Can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes in a pack of two pans and a convenient cooling rack
- Stackable for easy storage
Cons:
- This pan isn’t coated with an easy-clean material so it may need some scrubbing after use
Best Jelly Roll Pan Buying Guide
Before deciding which jelly roll pan you’re going to buy you need to know what factors to consider and what great features to look out for to ensure you’re going to get the most out of your pan.
We understand that scrolling through a comprehensive list of the best jelly roll pans on the market can be overwhelming and you may be at a loss for which one to choose. That’s where our handy buyer’s guide comes to the rescue.
We’ve created a rundown of key characteristics you should consider when buying your pan, so you can go back and make an informed decision.
After all, going in headfirst without considering all of your options is whisky business.
Pan Material
Getting a jelly roll pan made from the right material is crucial as different materials can give your recipe different results. Paying a little more for a pan made from high-quality material will give your bakes the best finish.
There are many different material options to choose from such as aluminum and stainless steel which are heavy-duty and durable and will last a lifetime. There are also a ton of non-stick options on the market which prevent any sticky baking mishaps and make cleaning up a breeze. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so we recommend researching these and checking Amazon reviews to get an idea of how high the quality is and how it stands up in the kitchen.
Size
Jelly roll pans come in an array of different sizes and choosing the right one for you will be dependent on what you’re going to be using it for. If you have a big family or enjoy baking treats in large batches, a wide surface pan would be ideal. However, if you only bake the occasional treat or bake just for yourself, a small surface pan should certainly suffice.
Smaller surface pans are also more convenient as they can fit neatly in your cupboard and dishwasher whereas larger pans may need to be washed by hand. Most jelly roll pans are smaller than half-sheet pans and usually come in ½ or ¼ size options. The dimensions of a ½ size pan are usually 9” by 13” and the larger ¼ size pans tend to be 12” by 17”. We recommend checking the size of your oven to ensure you’re going to have enough space for what you want.
Weight
Another important factor to consider when buying a jelly roll pan is its weight. As a rule of thumb, heavier pans tend to be of a higher quality. This is because they’re usually made out of stronger, more durable materials.
Another advantage of a heavy pan is that it’s going to remain sturdy and in-shape when removing it from the oven, as a thick heavy material is unlikely to bend. Also, heat distributes more evenly in high-quality heavy pans, so the weight of your pan could have a direct effect on the result of your bake. We recommend opting for a heavier pan if you can afford to.
Edges
It’s understandable that many people seem to confuse jelly roll pans with cookie sheets as they look and feel very similar. While jelly roll pans work great for baking cookies, cookie sheets aren’t an ideal surface for making jelly rolls correctly. To distinguish which one is which, you have to take a close look at the edges of each pan.
A cookie sheet will be a flat pan with no edging whereas a jelly roll pan will have a lipped edge approximately 1-inch thick, making it perfect for making thin cake sheets. We recommend taking care when buying a jelly roll pan and observing the edges to make sure that you’re not actually buying a cookie sheet.
Purpose
Before even deciding whether you want a jelly roll pan or not, you must consider what they can be used for. Jelly roll pans are essentially made for making jelly rolls, a yummy treat made from rolled up thin cake sheets. Jelly roll pans are the only equipment that can do this perfectly. However, there are many other uses for them.
They can be used as a large cookie sheet for big batches and to even roast certain vegetables such as asparagus due to its corrugated surface. If none of these qualities sound useful, a jelly roll pan isn’t for you but it’s a handy piece of kit to have in the cupboard if you’re a baking enthusiast.
Price
Generally speaking, jelly roll pans are super affordable and aren’t just used by fancy chefs and professional bakers. You should be able to find affordable jelly roll pans in your local supermarket or home goods store.
As with any piece of cooking equipment, you pay for quality. So we recommend considering slightly more expensive options as you’ll certainly notice the difference when your bakes come out of the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a jelly roll pan and a cookie sheet?
Both cookie sheets and jelly roll pans can be used for many of the same things. However, are easier to use and more compact than your average cookie sheet. But if you’re specifically interested in making jelly rolls, then buying a jelly roll pan is essential as you can’t bake these properly on a cookie sheet.
Jelly roll pans tend to be smaller in size so they’re ideal for single bakers and small families, whereas you can fit more treats on a cookie sheet.
Do I really need a jelly roll pan?
You may be concerned about whether or not jelly roll pans are actually worth buying. If you’re going to use it for the correct purposes then they’re absolutely worth having as there isn’t really an alternative to a jelly roll pan that can provide the same level of performance and good results.
If you can spare a little money and want a new versatile pan to try out, we recommend looking into a jelly roll pan.
Why do some jelly roll pans have a fluted design?
While browsing the internet or supermarket for a jelly roll pan, you may notice that they can vary in appearance. Some jelly roll pans have a fluted design, these distribute heat evenly to the whole pan.
This fluted style helps to increase airflow and efficiency. Jelly roll pans with a fluted design tend to be long-lasting as they never get too hot so they’re less susceptible to damage. If you happen to come across a fluted jelly roll pan, you won’t regret buying it.