Buying guide for Best baking mat sets
A baking mat offers a simple way to bake while reducing waste, cleaning time, and the need for nonstick oils and sprays.
Typically made of silicone, baking mats can withstand high temperatures and allow for easy removal of baked goods, candy, and other foods without leaving behind much residue. There’s no need to clean your pans when you’re done — just clean the mats themselves. A baking mat set allows you to make several sheets of baked goods at once and may give you the option between sizes to fit your baking sheets.
While most silicone baking mats are safe to use for temperatures approaching 500°F, their max temperature may vary — shop accordingly for the type of food you plan to prepare. In addition, some mats may have printed measurements for sizing cookies, pretzels, or other specific goods.
Key considerations
If you bake regularly, you know what size baking sheets you use most often and what delicious treats are most common in your kitchen. Bear this information in mind as you shop for a baking mat set that will meet your needs.
Mat size and quantity
Silicone baking mats generally come in three sizes: full, half, and quarter sheet size.
- A full sheet is 18 x 16 inches in size. These are very large and are typically used by restaurants — they may not even fit in your oven.
- A half sheet is 13 x 18 inches in size. This is what comes to mind for most people when they think of a “baking sheet.” They can be used for anything from cookies to vegetables to chicken.
- A quarter sheet is 9.5 x 13 inches in size. For smaller batches, this is the go-to size.
Silicone baking mats are sized to fit these standard baking mat sizes, as well as some less common sizes like eighth sheets and three-quarter sheets. They should be slightly smaller than the baking sheet itself. There is no need to be overly concerned with a close fit — in fact, if your baking mat is snug or too large, it may lift up on the sides, which can present challenges.
Most baking mat sets include between two and four mats, but some have as many as five. Choosing the right combination of sizes means taking a look at the baking sheets you own. Many sets feature two half-sheet mats for making batches of cookies, macarons, or other baked goods. But if you have different-sized baking sheets, you will need appropriate baking mats.
Maximum temperature
The maximum temperature of silicone mats is usually close to 500°F, but it may vary slightly. Some mats max out around 425°F, which may limit the number of meals and treats you can prepare. Take note of the manufacturer’s recommended limit.
Expert TIp
Baking mats are great for cooling down mixtures fast. For example, rice cereal treats don’t stick to them when spread out after stovetop cooking, and coconut macaroon dough should be spread out right after taking it off the stove to cool it quickly. A baking mat is a great ecological tool for this task.
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Features
Measurements
Many baking mats have guidelines for measurements in the form of grids, rulers, or circles. These can include outlines for cookies, pretzels, or other treats, often in an evenly spaced grid. Many mats have concentric circles of varying diameters for making bread.
Some mats also have charts for converting temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius or converting ounces to cups to pints.
Fiberglass reinforced mats
Many high-quality silicone baking mats have woven fiberglass inside the mat. This serves to reinforce the silicone, allowing the mat to maintain its flexibility while adding strength and durability. If a fiberglass reinforced mat happens to be pinched or folded, the fiberglass can help it bounce back to its previous shape.
Expert Tip
Washing baking mats can be a little unwieldy, but laying them flat in your sink, scrubbing with soap, then flipping them over and doing the same makes it easier. Rinse them off and towel dry them well before rolling and storing them in a drawer.
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Baking mat set prices
Inexpensive
Baking mat sets for $7 to $10 usually include two mats, typically half-sheet size. Even at this price, most silicone mats are fiberglass reinforced.
Mid-range
For $10 to $15 are baking mat sets that often have measurements and may come in sets of two to four mats. Unconventional sizes and shapes are more common in this range.
Expensive
Baking mat sets for $15 do not differ much from mid-range mats in quality or design. However, these sets often include four or more baking mats.
Expert Tip
Their large size and floppy nature make storing baking mats a challenge. I keep mine in the baking sheet stack, one per tray, so I can simply pull out a baking sheet and have it ready to go.
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How to use your baking mats
Think of a silicone baking mat as the end to all of your sprays and oils, at least when it comes to putting things in your oven.
First, preheat your oven. Then, set your baking mat on your baking sheet of choice, ensuring the mat fits well and doesn’t curl up at the edges. If you are using the measurements on the mat, make sure the mat is measurement-side up.
Then put your unbaked dough, candy, or meat on the baking mat. Use the measurements as a guide if necessary. This can be particularly useful when making cookies so they are a uniform size and are spaced evenly to prevent them from spreading into each other as they bake.
Put the whole sheet in the oven, and follow your recipe’s instructions. When your food is ready, take it out of the oven, set it somewhere safe to cool, and enjoy the nonstick power of silicone as you easily remove cookies, macarons, turkey, or whatever else you have decided to cook from the mat.
Clean the silicone mat with soap and water or throw it in the dishwasher. When the mat is clean and well dried, store it by either laying it flat or rolling it up.
Tips
- Though the fiberglass in high-end silicone mats reinforces the design, silicone mats can still be easily damaged by knives. Never use blades on your silicone mat.
- Baking mats should always be placed on a baking sheet or other cooking surface, never directly on the rack.
- Silicone baking mats should be stored either flat or rolled. Never fold the mats to avoid damaging them.
- Scissors might be able to slice through a baking mat with little trouble, but that doesn’t mean resizing is a good idea. Exposing the fiberglass inside the mat could pose a danger to you and others in your household if it comes into contact with food.
- It’s a good idea to wash your baking mats with soap and water before you use them for the first time, as they could have become soiled during manufacturing.
- A baking mat isn’t just for baking. It can also be useful for measuring and preparing food.
FAQ
Q. Do you ever need to spray silicone baking mats with anything?
A. The only time a silicone mat calls for a cooking spray is when you are making particularly tacky candy. Otherwise, the mat should go un-oiled and un-sprayed. Most baked goods will easily release from the mat, and you will save oil and butter in the process.
Q. Can you use either side of a baking mat?
A. Baking mats are entirely made of food-grade silicone on the outside, so it is perfectly safe to use either side. It can be useful to hide the measurements when they are not being used.
Q. Can baking mats be cleaned in the dishwasher?
A. Since silicone can withstand extremely high temperatures, most baking mats are safe in the dishwasher. However, you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q. Are silicone baking mats recyclable?
A. Most silicone baking mats should be recyclable. You should check with the manufacturer and with your local recycling company to find the best way to recycle your mats.
