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We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Make the Perfect Jelly Rolls With the Best Jelly Roll Pans
Jelly roll pans are an essential item for a baker to have in their kitchen. These high-rimmed pans are specifically designed to bake the cake portion of a jelly roll — making them the perfect tool for both amateurs and professional bakers alike. Having a high-quality jelly roll pan in your bakeware collection will make jelly roll cakes, brownies, dessert bars, and more a breeze to bake — and we mean perfectly bake. These pans are a game-changer in determining the taste and texture of your jelly rolls and provide better precision than your standard baking sheets. The optimal jelly roll pans are usually made of aluminum or its alloys and are lightweight, durable, and evenly distribute heat to the contents of the pan.
Since there are so many options available on the market, it can be tricky to find the ideal pan. Today, we’re going to show you some of the highest-rated jelly roll pans in 2023 and help pick the right one for you. Let’s get baking!
Show contentsCompare the Best Jelly Roll Pans of 2023Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Optimal Jelly Roll Pan
Now that we’ve reviewed our top picks for the top jelly roll pans on the market, it’s time to guide you through the process of choosing and buying the perfect one for your needs.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Jelly Roll Pan
Material
When it comes to jelly roll pans, selecting a material that is easy to handle or clean and provides even baking is essential. Pure aluminum is usually the ideal material because it’s lightweight and very durable. Aluminized steel products — coated with an alloy of aluminum and silicon — are also a great choice as these pans are super sturdy and can easily withstand high heat. Anodized aluminum is great at protecting from corrosion and abrasion thanks to aluminum oxide layering. On the other hand, ceramic products look great but are relatively more fragile than aluminum.
You’ll also generally want to look for pans with a nonstick coating to prevent your food from sticking, although some bakers prefer to line their pans with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
Size
Most jelly roll pans out there usually measure between 9 x 14 and 10.5 x 15.5 inches, making them slightly smaller than a cookie sheet and half-sheet pan while still larger than a quarter-sheet pan. These pans also have about a 1-inch tall rim, which is deeper than the majority of cookie or baking sheets, to sufficiently contain the jelly roll batter and provide optimal space for your cake to rise.
Durability
The sturdier the pan the longer it lasts. For durability, you’ll want to pay attention to the gauge number, or thickness, of the pan. The lower the gauge, the sturdier the product. But that can also make them pricier. Generally, you should look for a pan with a gauge number between 10 and 18.
How To Maintain a Jelly Roll Pan
Cleaning
Before first using your jelly roll pan (and after every use), make sure to clean it. Use a non-abrasive scrubber to wash the surface under hot, soapy water. Follow that with a quick rinse and then dry. For nonstick pans, this should usually be enough to get them fully clean.
For pans without a nonstick coating, however, you’ll want to line your pan with parchment paper or invest in a silicone baking mat for extra protection —- that’ll make cleaning a whole lot easier. And then just repeat the above process.
Drying
Towel dry your pan thoroughly — and don’t forget about those corners.
Other Uses of Jelly Roll Pans
Cookies
These pans are perfect for making a small batch of cookies. It’s recommended to line the pan with parchment paper first to make sure the cookies come off easily and the pan is quick to clean.
Brownies
Jelly roll pans can easily hold and bake brownie batter thanks to their depth. This makes them great for baking a batch of the beloved chocolatey dessert.
Dessert bars
The depth again makes these pans perfect for various dessert bars, from streusel jam bars to lemon bars.
Tips for Making the Perfect Jelly Roll
- Jelly rolls are pretty fluffy — and fragile — so make sure you’re filling them with a thick jam rather than a thin jelly, but take care to not overdo it.
- Once they’ve been filled and rolled, set them on a serving platter with the seam side facing down.
- Let the roll rest for about a half-hour, or possibly more if needed, before cutting.
- This allows the cake to absorb the filling better and hold its shape as it’s sliced
Compare the Best Jelly Roll Pans of 2023
1Nordic Ware Jelly Roll Pan
– Best OverallNordic Ware has maintained their authority in the baking industry for about 70 years now, and this jelly roll pan is a testament to that legacy. It’s amazing at retaining heat and ensuring even baking across its 10.5 x 15-inch cooking surface, ensuring that your jelly rolls are baked to perfection while saving you plenty of time. Made with high-quality, uncoated aluminum, this pan is super lightweight while still being highly durable. It’s even fully encapsulated with a steel rim that helps prevent warping at high temperatures.
This product has a subtle glow and sheen on it thanks to the aluminum, providing a naturally non-stick surface. Cleaning with metal utensils could scratch up the pan, though this won’t affect its functionality in any way. We consider this option to be the best on our list due to its popularity, affordability, and incredible quality.
Pros- Uniform heat speeds up the baking
- Food doesn’t stick
- Steel rims bolster the durability
Cons- Prone to scratches
2OXO Good Grips Jelly Roll Pan
– Best SizeThis product is a must-have in the kitchen for anyone with an interest in the culinary arts. At 10 x 15 inches, the OXO Good Grips Jelly Roll Pan is the most ideal pick when it comes to size. It’s made with heavy-gauge aluminized steel and reinforced with a double layer of ceramic coating which gives it that nonstick quality while protecting it against corrosion and abrasion.
The textured and well-aerated bottom promotes quick airflow along with the aluminized steel which helps spread the heat more evenly to the baked goods — giving you the perfect final result. This pan also features tall squared edges around it for an optimal depth when compared to competitors, which makes grabbing and carrying it without harming your perfect cake much easier. It does, however, need to be hand-washed and dried thoroughly because of the textured surface.
Pros- Gripping is easy
- Resistant to scratches
- Aeration saves time
Cons- Handwash only
3Ultra Cuisine Jelly Roll Pan
– Best FeaturesThis next option from Ultra Cuisine includes not only one of the best-crafted jelly roll pans available right now, but two of them. Constructed with high-grade, non-toxic, food-safe aluminum, this product is designed to be extremely durable, and serve as the ideal pan for all your baking needs. A specialized steel rim protects the pan from warping while the premium quality anti-rust aluminum facilitates the even distribution of heat across its 10.3 x 15.3-inch surface.
The anti-warp steel rim also prevents grease from spilling on the surface while the pan itself is super easy to clean. Dishwashers though might cause discoloration — without affecting the quality of the pan — so handwashing might be the optimal method for cleaning. The set even comes with a free e-book with over 100 delicious recipes for you to try out.
Pros- Can withstand high heat without rusting
- High-quality aluminum ensures durability
- Includes a free cookbook and two pans
Cons- Using a dishwasher could cause discoloration
4Wilton Jelly Roll Pan
– Best for New BakersWilton Jelly Roll Pans are a popular go-to product when new bakers are just setting out on their baking journey. This highly versatile product is designed to be a must-have in everyone’s kitchen, whether you’re making a jelly roll cake or any other type of baked dessert. This pan is designed with heavy-duty anodized aluminum, making it incredibly lightweight and super durable.
Like most aluminum pans, Wilton’s is great at conducting heat and providing uniform temperatures throughout its 10.5 x 15.5-inch surface. Its nonstick surface also helps make serving and cleaning pretty easy while still being resistant to wear and scratches. To clean this pan, simply use a sponge and some soapy water to scrape the food off and wash, then just let it dry off. Using warm water is recommended to avoid any damage to the surface.
Pros- Uniform heating cooks food evenly
- The surface is resistant to corrosion and scratches
- The durability makes it long-lasting
Cons- Handwash only with warm water
5Chicago Metallic Jelly Roll Pan
– Most AffordableLast but definitely not least is the Chicago Metallic Jelly Roll Pan. It doesn’t matter what you bake on it, this product gets the job done effortlessly. It’s made with heavy-gauge aluminum making it a great conductor of heat. The wire rod reinforced steel rim prevents warping as well as dents and scratches and reinforces the durability of the pan.
One thing to note about this pan is its traditional design which gives it a pretty minimalistic look. The 9.75 x 14.75-inch surface can be difficult to clean as it doesn’t have any nonstick coating. There’s a chance that grease or stains might stick to the pan, but they can be removed after a good scrubbing. Dishwashing is an option, but handwashing is recommended.
Pros- Uniform heat distribution bakes food evenly
- Size is adequate for most baking items
- Can be used to reheat leftovers
Cons- No coating might make food and grease stick
- Handwashing recommended
People Also Asked
Q: Why do some jelly roll pans have a textured surface?A: The texture acts as a path for air to move through the pan. This is actually a really great feature because it provides aeration to your food and desserts for a better texture and bake.
Q: Can I use a dishwasher to clean my jelly roll pan?A: You can wash your jelly roll pan in the dishwasher if your pan is dishwasher-safe. Many pans require or recommend hand-washing for extending the life of the pan, so check with your manufacturer to see if your’s is okay to be put in the dishwasher.
Q: Are jelly roll pans safe to use?A: Yes, they're completely safe to bake with. They’re made with non-toxic materials so they pose no threat to anyone’s health. Just make sure to use an oven mitt or other intermediary when touching the hot surface.
