Best Cooling Racks for Baking: My Honest Guide

If you’re anything like me, you probably once thought that pulling cookies from the oven was the end of the baking process. I used to let my cookies cool right on the tray — big mistake. The bottoms would steam and get soft, sometimes even soggy. I didn’t realize then that I was missing a key tool that could’ve saved countless bakes: a cooling rack.

Yes, it sounds basic. Maybe even boring. But if you want to move from “just okay” to next-level baking, adding the best cooling racks for baking to your kitchen can make a huge difference. They’re not just for cookies. Think breads, muffins, bundt cakes, brownies — even roasted meats if you’re feeling adventurous.

In this guide, I’m going to take you through my honest review of the top baking racks out there — the ones I’ve personally used, tested, and loved (or not). Whether you’re shopping on Amazon or digging through consumer reports, I’ve got your back.

What Makes a Cooling Rack Truly “The Best”?

Before I jump into individual picks, let’s cover the basics. Not all baking cooling racks are created equal, and you’ll want to keep an eye on a few key factors:

 Material

• Stainless steel racks are sturdy, rust-resistant, and easy to clean.

• Non-stick options are handy for sticky bakes, but can wear down over time.

• Copper racks? Gorgeous. Great for show-off kitchens, not dishwashers.

 Size & Shape

• Standard sizes range from 30x25cm to 45x32cm.

• Round racks are great for bundt cakes or pies.

• Tiered or stackable cooling racks save space — especially in small kitchens.

 Features to Look For

• Foldable legs for storage

• Oven-safe materials

• Non-stick coating

• Tight grid wire to prevent delicate items from falling through

Here’s a quick comparison table based on my own tests:

Brand	Size	Material	Best For	Price
ProCook	40 x 25.5 cm	Stainless Steel	Sturdiness	£12
Wilko	32 x 24 cm	Chrome	Budget buys	£2.75
Lakeland	45 x 32 cm	Metal/Foldable	Storage saving	£6.99
Tala (3-Tier)	40 x 25 cm	Non-stick	Space saving	£18.50
IKEA LÄTTBAKAD	39 x 27 cm	Stainless Steel	Multiple batches	£5
Nordic Ware	40 x 28 cm	Copper Grid	Fancy looks	£22
Tala Round	26 cm	Chrome/Non-stick	Bundt cakes	£6.72
Judge Wireware	29 cm (round)	Heavy-grade wire	Versatility	£7.50

Now, let’s dive into the real reviews — my personal experiences with each one.

Pro-Cook Stainless Steel Rack: Solid, Strong, and Seriously Reliable

Let’s kick things off with a workhorse. If you’re after the best cooling rack for sturdiness, this one from ProCook takes the cake — and cools it beautifully too.

This rack feels weighty in a good way. It’s made of heavy-gauge stainless steel that doesn’t warp under a hot tray or bend with a batch of heavy sourdough loaves. At 40 x 25.5cm, it fits most standard baking trays and offers plenty of surface area without hogging counter space.

While testing this one, I noticed a couple of rough spots on the underside joints, but it didn’t scratch my bakes or compromise the non-stick surface. Honestly? For just £12, it punches way above its weight. It’s been through dozens of dishwasher cycles and still looks like new.

If you’re searching Amazon or consumer reports for something durable, this one shows up for good reason. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. And for everyday bakers, that’s gold.

Wilko Cooling Rack: Budget-Friendly, No-Frills Baking Buddy

Sometimes, you just need something that does the job without emptying your wallet. That’s where Wilko’s cooling rack comes in. For under £3, this 32 x 24cm rack is a solid pick, especially if you’re just starting out or need a backup rack on busy baking days.

It’s part of a whole bakeware line that fits together neatly for storage, which is a bonus. I also love that it’s oven-safe up to 230°C — I actually used it to roast belly pork, and it held up just fine.

That said, it’s not the easiest to clean. Sticky glazes can cling to the chrome coating, and it lacks the non-stick convenience of pricier models. But if you’re watching your budget or need something reliable for occasional bakes, it’s a no-brainer.

Also, let’s be real — at this price, you can grab a couple and still spend less than a fancy coffee machine attachment. Great for baking racks for cooling basic cakes and cookies.

Lakeland Foldable Rack: The Space-Saving Wonder

Raise your hand if your kitchen storage situation is a mess. (My hand’s up.) That’s why I fell in love with Lakeland’s foldable cooling rack. This one unfolds into three sections — up to a total size of 45 x 32cm — giving you loads of space when you need it, and folds down to a flat, compact piece when you don’t.

Each section has its own supports, so you can open just one or two sections at a time depending on what you’re baking. I’ve cooled everything from brownies to entire roulades on this thing, and it’s never buckled under pressure.

What I especially appreciate is the build quality. The metal is strong but lightweight, and it’s easy to clean after a glaze-heavy mess. It’s the kind of clever design that makes you wonder why all racks aren’t like this.

So, if you’re short on space and want something flexible, this might be the best cooling rack for baking in smaller kitchens.

Tala 3-Tier Non-Stick Rack: Triple the Cooling Power

I don’t have a huge kitchen. Actually, it’s the size of a shoebox with a stove. So I was thrilled when I discovered the Tala 3-tier stackable cooling rack. It’s like having a vertical bakery tower right on your countertop.

Each rack measures 40 x 25cm and can be used individually or stacked. The folding legs are sturdy, and I’ve used all three layers at once without anything toppling. It gives you the freedom to cool multiple items — a tray of cookies, sponge cake layers, and meringue — all at the same time. No need to juggle trays or stack awkwardly.

The best part? The non-stick coating. It really works. Even sticky cinnamon buns lifted off cleanly without tearing.

If you’re baking for a crowd or batch baking for holidays, this is hands-down one of the best stackable cooling racks I’ve ever tried. Plus, it folds down flat — perfect for tight cabinets.

IKEA LÄTTBAKAD: Budget Buy That Exceeds Expectations

We all know IKEA for its affordable, surprisingly high-quality home stuff — and their LÄTTBAKAD cooling rack is no exception. At just £5, it’s an absolute steal.

What surprised me most was the size. At 39 x 27cm, it gives you generous cooling space, and it features fold-out legs for better airflow. This makes a real difference when you’re cooling things like muffins or brownies that tend to get soft on the bottom.

What’s more, these racks stack really well, and the 9cm gap between them is ideal for sliding trays in and out. I now own three of these and use them in rotation when I’m baking batches for events.

The only downside? The stainless steel bars are a bit rough and can leave faint marks on cake bottoms. But if you use parchment paper or a silicone mat underneath, you’re golden.

For casual bakers or anyone doing multiple bakes, it’s a must-buy.

Nordic Ware Copper Grid: For Bakers Who Love Beauty and Function

If there’s one baking cooling rack that made me stop and say “wow,” it was the Nordic Ware large copper cooling grid. This thing isn’t just a tool — it’s a showpiece. If you’ve ever drooled over beautiful baking setups on Instagram, chances are you’ve seen this one.

But it’s not just a pretty face. This rack is incredibly well-made, with a tight grid that prevents even delicate cookies from sagging or breaking. The copper finish isn’t just decorative — it offers excellent heat distribution and quick cooling.

That said, there’s a downside. It’s not dishwasher-safe, and you’ll need to hand wash it carefully to keep the shine. Still, I found it surprisingly easy to clean — even after caramelized sugar and sticky toffee cakes.

So if you want your kitchen tools to look as good as your bakes, and you’re okay with a bit of maintenance, this rack delivers elegance and performance. It might not be on every consumer reports list, but among style-conscious bakers, it’s a favorite.

Tala Round Folding Rack: Best for Bundt Cakes and Specialty Bakes

Ever tried cooling a bundt cake on a square rack? It never fits quite right. That’s why I’m obsessed with the Tala round folding cooling rack. At 26 cm, it’s the perfect size for circular cakes like bundts, angel food, and Kugelhopf.

The design is clever — it folds in half, so you can easily store it in a drawer. This is a game-changer for small-space bakers. Despite its compact size, it’s surprisingly sturdy and stayed upright even under a dense chocolate bundt cake.

It’s also oven-safe, which I didn’t expect at this price point. I’ve used it to crisp up bacon and roast chicken thighs, and it held up beautifully. Clean-up was quick thanks to the chrome-plated finish, which resisted even sticky honey glazes.

If you bake a lot of circular cakes or need a multipurpose, easy-to-store rack, this one’s a quiet superstar in your baking lineup.

Judge Wireware Round Rack: The Ultimate Multi-Tasker

Let’s talk about versatility. If you want a cooling rack that can do it all — cool cookies, crisp pizzas, act as a trivet, even go into the oven — the Judge Wireware 29cm round rack is your answer.

What sets it apart is the build quality. It doesn’t feel like a lightweight rack — it feels like part of a professional kitchen setup. I’ve used it to cool sourdough loaves, hold hot pans, and even as a support under baking sheets to crisp up frozen pizzas.

The round design is especially handy for round pies and cakes, but I also use it as a drying rack for homemade pasta. It’s dishwasher safe, doesn’t rust, and has held up for over two years without any warping or wear.

While it may not win the flashiest design award, it’s the kind of tool you’ll keep reaching for again and again. If you’re building a serious kitchen setup, this is one of the best cooling racks for baking and beyond.

Choosing the Right Rack for You: A Personal Take

With so many great options, you might be wondering — which one should you choose? Here’s my personal take after years of trial and error:

• On a tight budget? Go for the Wilko or IKEA LÄTTBAKAD — they’re surprisingly durable and perfect for everyday use.

• Short on space? The Lakeland foldable rack or Tala 3-tier stackable cooling racks are genius space savers.

• Need something heavy-duty? The ProCook stainless steel rack or Judge round rack offer real durability and oven versatility.

• Love baking specialty cakes? The Tala round folding rack is a great fit for bundts and fancy bakes.

• Want beauty + function? The Nordic Ware copper rack is a showstopper that performs just as well.

Final Thoughts: The Unsung Hero of Your Baking Routine

Let’s be honest — no one gets excited about buying a cooling rack. It’s not glamorous like a stand mixer or trendy like a Dutch oven. But I’ll say this from my heart: a good cooling rack can make or break your bake.

It’s the difference between a soggy-bottomed cookie and a perfectly crisp edge. It’s how you keep your cupcakes from melting in their own steam or your brownies from falling apart when you lift them. It’s a simple tool that quietly does a big job — and often gets overlooked.

Now that I’ve shared my honest guide and years of baking experience, I hope you’re feeling more confident about finding the best cooling racks for baking — whether on Amazon, through America’s Test Kitchen reviews, or by following your own intuition.

Here’s to better bakes, drier bottoms (you know what I mean!), and kitchen tools that work as hard as you do.

Quick Recap – What to Remember Before You Buy:

 

• Look for stainless steel or high-quality non-stick materials.

• Choose a rack size that fits your typical bakes and kitchen layout.

• Consider stackable or foldable options for small spaces.

• Prioritize oven safety if you want double-duty functionality.

• Match your rack to your most common bakes — bundts, brownies, bread, etc.

Final Tip: Don’t Settle for Just One

Like wooden spoons or measuring cups, cooling racks work best in multiples. I personally keep three different types: one heavy-duty stainless steel, one stackable set for big bakes, and one round for cakes. It gives me flexibility no matter what I’m baking.

Trust me — once you start using a great cooling rack, you’ll never go back to cooling on trays or chopping boards again. It’s a small step with big results.