Welcome to my Priority Chef 8.5 x 12-Inch Baking and Cooling Rack Review.
Do you do a lot of baking or making food in the oven? Like bacon or meats you don’t want cooking in their own grease?
That is where a baking and cooling rack can come in handy.
But finding the right one can be a chore.
Hopefully, this review will answer some of the questions you may have.
So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Priority Chef 8.5 x 12-Inch Baking and Cooling Rack Review
Product: Baking and cooling rack
Brand: Priority Chef
Price: See Amazon
Material: 304 Stainless Steel
Fits: Quarter Sheet Pan
Dimensions: 8.5W x 12L x 1H inches
Features: 3 crossbars and 6 feet
Safe: Dishwasher and oven up to 575°F (302°C)
Weight: 1.34 lbs.
Made in: China but designed in the USA
Priority Chef Warranty: Lifetime, 60-day return policy for any reason
Amazon Return Policy: Can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt
Amazon Shipping: Free on orders over $25
What Is a Baking and Cooling Rack?
A baking and cooling rack is a rack that fits inside a pan, so the food sits off the surface while it’s cooking. It keeps the food, such as bacon or other meats, from sitting in their own grease. Or you can set the rack on the counter and let foods such as bread or cookies cool. Because it sits off the counter’s surface, the air flows all around and keeps the food from sticking or getting soggy. Baking and cooling racks usually have a crisscross grid, or the wires only go in one direction.
A Little About Priority Chef
Priority Chef is a small family-owned business that started in 2013. The owner is Joe Kenny. His company is based out of Singapore and he has staff from all over the world.
They design, produce, and manufacture all their own products. In fact, from the development stage to production can take over a year. That’s because they test and retest and test some more.
Priority Chef is confident they provide the best kitchen products for their consumers. Because they are so sure, they offer a lifetime warranty on all their merchandise.
One of the ways they do this is by making small quantities which gives them greater quality control.
Additionally, they are committed to keeping their products affordable.
You can order from their website or check out their blog, where you will find tips on cooking, nutrition, recipes, and more.
You can even receive discounts when you become a VIP member. It’s free to join.
It should be noted, that Priority Chef only ships in the US and Canada at this time.
Answering Your Questions
Will the two racks fit side by side in a half sheet?
Yes, according to one reviewer. It’s one of the things they like most about having two.
Why three crossbars and six feet when most only have two crossbars and four feet?
According to Priority Chef, “These factors are critical to prevent warping when up against extreme heat or bending under heavy weight.”
How big are the grid openings?
7/16 x 7/16 inches
Does this rack work well for bacon?
I found mixed reviews. One person said it was disappointing because the rack sat too high in the pan, and the bacon hung over, so the pan didn’t catch the grease properly. However, others said it worked perfectly for bacon. One solution may be to cut your bacon in half. Or to use two racks in a bigger pan.
Should I spray the rack, so the food doesn’t stick?
One person who roasted turkey said you have to spray the rack so the food won’t stick. But others said they didn’t have any trouble with food sticking. So, maybe it depends on what you are making.
What is the benefit of having one-inch feet?
According to Priority Chef, the elevation allows for “better heat circulation and balanced roasting, braising, and broiling. Plus, it’s ideal for even cooling.
What is significant about 304 stainless steel?
Priority Chef chose 304 (18/8) stainless steel because it is the best at resisting corrosion. It is also more durable and long-lasting, allowing you to use it in the oven at higher temperatures. Additionally, 304 stainless steel does well in the dishwasher.
RELATED > > > > > Why Does Bacon Curl When Frying – Plus 9 Solutions
What Others Are Saying
This stainless steel commercial grade cooling and baking rack get high reviews. People said things like:
- It’s great for cooling bread
- I appreciate that it has six feet
- It’s relatively easy to clean
- I’m glad it’s 100% stainless steel with no coating
- What a plus that it’s dishwasher safe
- It’s very sturdy
- Excellent quality
- Worked great in the oven, but be sure to spray the rack first
- It fit my pan perfectly
- Very easy to store
- Nothing sticks
- The price is right
- It’s fantastic for cooking bacon in the oven
Really, there were only two negatives:
- The rack was too small for bacon
- Priority Chef promotes designing it in the USA but doesn’t disclose that it’s made in China, and they thought this was deceptive. However, they still liked the product.
Commercial Grade Baking and Cooling Rack
What Do I Think?
Like the person who was disappointed that it’s made in China, so am I. I initially thought it was in the USA and even reached out to the website to make sure. They confirmed that it was China.
However, the product itself seems to be well-made. A USA team designs it and makes sure it’s manufactured to the exact specifications.
Plus, Priority Chef is a small family-owned business, and I like that.
I can’t speak from experience since I don’t yet own one, but I plan to buy a set.
Why?
Because I only own racks that don’t fit any of the pans I use the most. So, it’s high time I get some. I especially like that I’ll be able to put them side by side in my half sheet pan.
But also, I’m choosing Priority Chef because I want to support small businesses, especially, when they make affordable products.
I know I will use it when making meatloaf and bacon for BLT Salad. I don’t really do much baking, but I do make bread. And usually three loaves at a time in three cast iron skillets. So, the racks will come in handy for cooling. For the bread recipe, click the Related link below.
Therefore, I recommend the Priority Chef baking and cooling rack based on the high reviews. And because it’s a small family-owned business.
RELATED > > > > > How Do I Keep Bread From Sticking to My Cast Iron? – 5 Tips to Consider
Pros
- High reviews
- Small family-owned business
- Lifetime warranty and risk-free 60-day return policy
- Dishwasher-safe
- Oven-safe up to 575°F
- Sturdy with three crossbars and six feet
- 304 Stainless steel
- Commercial grade
- Two racks fit side by side in a half sheet
Cons
- May find it too small for bacon
- May have to spray the rack, so food doesn’t stick
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading my Priority Chef 8.5 x 10-Inch Baking and Cooling Rack Review.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what this rack is all about.
It has excellent features such as 100% stainless steel, and three crossbars and six feet for better support.
Baking and cooling racks are a way to keep your food off the pan’s surface while cooking or the counter while cooling.
Priority Chef is a small family-owned business that designs its own products and then backs them up with a Lifetime warranty.
So, if you are looking for a pair of new racks for your baking and cooling needs, I recommend Priority Chef.