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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
Like most cookware, sheet pans come in many different sizes. While half sheet pans are the most common size for many kitchens, the quarter sheet pan is a versatile and useful tool for anyone who loves to cook and bake. Measuring around 9.5 x 13 inches, its diminutive size lends itself well to roasting nuts and smaller servings of vegetables, or test-baking one or two cookies at a time. It's also a great size to use in smaller ovens, like countertop or vintage models that can't fit a half-sheet pan.
Whether it’s a first-time purchase or a staple in your kitchen, these quarter sheet pans are fantastic options to add to your bakeware arsenal.
Best Overall
Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum Quarter Sheet
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Durable, thick aluminum construction
Rolled rims to prevent warping
Oven-safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Hand wash only
Just like the half-sheet version, the Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum Quarter Sheet Pan seems to have it all. This pan is nicely priced, durable, and performs well. While bigger versions of this pan are staples in professional and home kitchens, this size is just right for roasting nuts or reheating a slice of pizza. You can also fit two of these pans side by side in most ovens, so you can cook two separate things at the same time (which is great for meal prep).
This pan measures 13 x 9.5 inches and is constructed from uncoated 18-gauge aluminum that is naturally nonstick and will not rust. Its rolled steel rims are reinforced with wire to prevent warping, and the pan is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Nordic Ware offers a lifetime warranty on these pans and suggests washing by hand to prolong their life.
Material: Aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 13 x 1 x 9.6 inches
Best Budget
Mrs. Anderson's Baking Quarter Sheet Pan
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Oven-safe to 480 degrees Fahrenheit
Reinforced rim prevents warping
Inexpensive
Hand wash only
Mrs. Anderson's Baking is a trusted brand for great quality, wallet-friendly bakeware. This heavyweight quarter sheet pan is made of commercial-grade, 19-gauge aluminum and features a reinforced beaded rim to prevent warping—a problem that can happen with thinner pans. You can use this sheet pan in the oven up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can also use it to chill and freeze foods without taking up too much space in the fridge or freezer.
This pan is also NSF-approved, which means it is made with materials that are held to strict food safety standards. The aluminum won't rust and will hold up really well against scratches, dings, and dents. For best results, do not place this pan in the dishwasher; instead, clean with a damp sponge or mild detergent as needed.
Material: Aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 480 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 9.5 x 13 x 1 inches
Best Nonstick
USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Quarter Sheet Pan
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Unique design and coating make great nonstick surface
Oven-safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Warp resistant
Coating is susceptible to scratches
USA Pan's quarter sheet pan is made of heavy-gauge aluminized steel, which consists of strong carbon steel coated with an aluminum alloy. To make the pan nonstick, these pans also have a patented silicone coating, which is free of PFOA, PTFE, and BPA. The corrugated texture minimizes surface contact, promoting heat circulation and an easy release of your baked goods.
Oven-safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll be able to bake small-scale sheet pan dinners or half batches of cookies with this pan. As with most nonstick surfaces, it's best to avoid using sharp instruments that might damage the coating. Stick to hand washing this pan to prolong the life of the finish.
Material: Alloy Steel | Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 1 inches
Best Heavy-Duty
Vollrath Wear-Ever Collection Quarter-Size Sheet Pan
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Heavy, commercial-weight construction
Tapered, stackable design
Cooks evenly
Hand wash only
For commercial quality at a great price, these quarter sheet pans from Vollrath are a wonderful option. These heavy-duty pans are made with thick, 16-gauge aluminum (heavier than your typical home bakeware) and a reinforced beaded rim that prevents warping during baking. The light color of these pans prevents over-browning, and the aluminum construction promotes even heating and cooking.
These pans are also stackable, so you can have multiples without worrying about taking up too much storage space. Use them for everything from oven-toasting coconut flakes or as a tray for breading chicken cutlets. While they're designed for frequent use and will withstand any rigorous cooking routine, these must be washed by hand and should never be placed in the dishwasher.
Material: Aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 1 x 9.5 x 13 inches
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Includes cooling racks
Good value
Resistant to rust
Size is small, according to some user reviews
Sheet pans are like coffee mugs—you always end up with more than one. If it's time to replace your old pans, or if you're just starting to build your kitchen collection, this 4-piece set will have you covered. It includes two quarter sheet pans and two cooling racks.
Once you have a cooling rack on hand, you'll wonder how you ever cooked or baked without them. After you bake a tray of cookies or muffins, transfer them to the cooling rack to free up your sheet pan while the baked goods cool down. While some cooling racks aren't oven-safe, these racks are safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit just like the sheet pans themselves. So, you can use these to bake vegetables and other foods too. The raised baking racks also increase air circulation around your food while it cooks.
The durable stainless steel construction won't warp or rust, and they're dishwasher safe. While these sheet pans are slightly wider than traditional quarter size, they're just under the length you'd expect. As a result, some users felt they were smaller than anticipated.
Material: Stainless Steel | Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 1 inches
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Comes in a variety of colors
Nonstick surface
Includes two sheet pans
Hand wash only
If traditional nonstick pans aren't for you, try ceramic. This set by GreenLife includes two quarter-size sheet pans made from heavy-duty aluminum coated in nonstick ceramic. The coating is free of chemicals some home chefs actively avoid, such as PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium found in some nonstick pans.
"Ceramic sheet pans are free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge bonus," says Carol Borchardt, a personal chef and recipe developer. "I like that these are nonstick and come in fun colors."
The aluminum interior encourages quick and even heating, so food cooks consistently every time. While these aren't dishwasher-safe, the nonstick coating makes for easy cleanup. To preserve the ceramic coating, stick to wooden cooking utensils that don't scratch surfaces.
Material: Ceramic and aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 1.77 x 10.04 x 14.17 inches
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Beautiful design
Oven safe up to 600 degrees
Decorative handles with ample room for gripping
High price point
If you're looking for a truly splurge-worthy baking sheet, treat yourself to this stunning Hestan Provisions OvenBond pan. Made of an aluminum core enveloped in two layers of stainless steel, this sturdy pan is warp-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit—higher than any other pan on our list. It's scratch- and stain-resistant, so you can safely use metal utensils without damaging this pan. It's also dishwasher safe for fuss-free cleanup.
While the price tag is steep compared to similar options, its durable construction means it should last a while. We think this Hestan Provisions pan makes an excellent gift for the dedicated bakers in your life. Plus, with its elegant handles and polished design, it can go straight from the oven to the dinner table.
Material: Stainless steel and aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 600 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 12.5 x 9 x 1 inches
Best Disposable
Fig & Leaf 1/4 Size Disposable Sheet Cake Pans (25 Pack)
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Made of recyclable aluminum
Can withstand oven temps up to 500 degrees
Wallet-friendly price
Pans only come in packs of 25 or 200
If you're prepping for a potluck and don't want to risk losing or damaging your "good" pans, these disposable quarter sheet pans from Fig & Leaf can be a boon. Made of recyclable aluminum, these pans are ideal for transporting foods like cookies or sandwiches to picnics and social gatherings. They're also great for reheating things like pastries or pizza slices in the oven, and they can double as drip trays when roasting meats on the grill. You can even use them to hold pre-portioned cookie dough to store in the fridge or freezer.
Since these pans are disposable, they're not quite as sturdy as traditional baking sheets. To keep them from bending, make sure you don't place anything too heavy on them. Additionally, these pans are only available in bulk packs of 25 or 200—no in-between. While the 200-pack is a better value, you'll need to make plenty of room for it in your kitchen storage (or divvy it up among some foodie friends).
Material: Aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 12.8 x 8.86 x 1.26 inches
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum Quarter Sheet Pan because of its consistently excellent performance and durability in the long haul. If you're looking for a nonstick version, we also recommend the USA Pan Bakeware Quarter Sheet Pan because of its unique corrugated surface and patented silicone coating that helps food release easily.
What to Look for in Quarter Sheet Pans
Material
Aluminum is the most common option for sheet pans. It conducts heat well so the food cooks evenly, and it heats up and cools down quickly. If you'll be using your pan for both broiling and baking, be sure to look at the maximum heat it can withstand. Uncoated aluminum can handle higher temperatures than sheet pans with a nonstick coating. Stainless steel sheet pans tend to be heavy-duty and quick-heating, and they also distribute heat well. Unlike aluminum, most stainless steel baking sheets are dishwasher safe, but the material isn't naturally nonstick. You'll also need to consider the utensils you'll be using, since metal spatulas and tongs will scratch and chip nonstick surfaces such as silicone and ceramic.
Construction
Sheet pans do a lot of hard work in the kitchen and need to withstand extreme temperatures, so durability is a significant consideration. When shopping for an aluminum pan, remember that a 16-gauge pan is thicker than an 18-gauge pan. It's common for metal pans to warp as they heat up, which can cause uneven cooking and spills if you have liquid in the pan. A thicker pan with a reinforced rim is less likely to warp in the oven.
Chef and kitchen appliance expert Daniel P. Craig recommends investing in quality sheet pans, especially if you're an avid baker. "When buying a sheet pan, look for one that is made from high-quality materials like ceramic, stainless steel, or aluminum that can withstand high temperatures," says Craig. "Also make sure the pan has been treated with a nonstick coating so that food does not stick to it while cooking. Since these pans will be used repeatedly, make sure to purchase one that is easy to clean so there's no fuss after each use."
Color
Lighter surfaces absorb less heat, cook more efficiently, and are the preferred choice for baking. Cookies and bread baked on dark surfaces may become too brown and crisp on the bottom while not cooking all the way through. Darker pans, including hard-anodized aluminum, will also cook food faster, so you may have to lower the heat by 25 degrees or shorten the recipe's cooking time. A silicone mat can help distribute the heat, and dark pans are good when you want crispy crust on something like pizza.
FAQs
What are the different sheet pan sizes?
Sheet pans (or baking sheets) come in several sizes, and the quarter sheet pan is not the smallest. A full sheet pan (26 x 18 inches) will generally only fit in commercial ovens. The most common size in home kitchens is the 18 x 13-inch half sheet pan. The quarter sheet pan is the same size as a 9 x 13-inch cake pan, and two can fit side by side in the average oven. Eighth sheet pans are the smallest (6.5 x 9 inches), and these are handy for small cooking and baking tasks.
"When buying a sheet pan, you should consider the size, what you plan to use it for, and how often you will use it," says Craig. "There are many different sizes available, and quarter sheet pans are perfect for home use."
What are quarter sheet pans used for?
Anything a full sheet pan can do, a quarter sheet pan can do on a smaller scale. These petite pans are the perfect size for toaster ovens, and you can often fit two of them side-by-side in a conventional oven. Daniel Craig says these pans are great for baking cookies, cakes, pastries, and breads, as well as roasting vegetables and preparing full meals.
Carol Borchardt is also a big fan of the quarter sheet pan. "Every home chef should own sheet pans that are different sizes," says Carol. "Quarter sheet pans are perfect for sheet pan dinners for two people."
What is the difference between a sheet pan, cookie sheet, and jelly roll pan?
Cooks tend to interchange the names sheet pan, baking sheet, cookie sheet, and jelly roll pan. While all of them can handle many of the same cooking tasks, there is a difference.
- A sheet pan and baking sheet are the same thing: a flat-bottomed, rimmed pan. They're the most versatile and can cook nearly anything you'd make on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan.
- A jelly roll pan is a type of sheet pan that's typically 10.5 x 15.5 inches. While it can be used like any sheet pan, it's designed to bake a thin cake of a specific size that you intend to roll, such as a Yule log.
- Cookie sheets come in several sizes but are typically about the same size as a jelly roll pan. The main difference is that they are not rimmed, so cookies slide right off the edge. Many have one raised side that's easier to grip.
Why do baking sheets turn brown?
Even if you buy a light-colored pan, it may turn brown if you use it a lot for a variety of foods. This is very common with baking sheets because they are so useful, with the ability to cook everything from sheet pan dinners to delicious cookies. Over time, a buildup of fat and oil bakes onto the surface—similar to the seasoning on cast iron—and gives the pan a dark patina. While you might want to restore your baking sheets to their like-new shine (it's a time-consuming task), many bakers prefer the extra gentle browning produced by a well-used pan.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best quarter sheet pans on the market. We evaluated their key features—such as material, performance, and ease of cleaning—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to determine which pans made the cut for our list.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
This piece was written by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. After a two-year stint at the Williams-Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she amassed a comprehensive collection of bakeware, including the USA Pan and Nordic Ware Naturals baking sheets, which she uses extensively. She now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools and interviews field experts for their insight.
Sources
- Carol Borchardt, a personal chef and recipe developer
- Daniel P. Craig, kitchen appliance expert and chef with more than 20 years working in professional kitchens
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