Baking Tray Showdown: Which Pan Is Right for Your Kitchen?
- Agata Lutrowicz
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
If you love baking, a solid baking tray (or baking pan) is one of the most indispensable tools in your kitchen. Whether you're roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or making sheet-pan meals, the right tray can make all the difference. Here, I compare five popular baking trays available from Darohofner, highlight their strengths, and give you practical tips to make the most of them.
1. Cookie Baking Tray 36.5×23.5×6 cm
This tray is a mid-size, rimmed baking sheet ideal for cookies, small roasts or batch baking. Its relatively compact footprint means it heats up quickly without taking up the whole oven.
Great for everyday baking, especially if you don’t always want to preheat a huge oven tray.
2. Nonstick Baking Tray 28 cm (Black, Spinwar)
More compact and deeper, this round or near-round tray (depending on shape) is perfect for roasting smaller items or baking one-dish meals.
The coating helps with food release, so it’s suited for sticky or cheesy dishes.
3. Black Oven Baking Tray 40×25×6 cm
Larger footprint, generous depth and a high-quality non-stick coating make this tray very versatile.
Excellent control over heat distribution and can handle bigger batches (cookies, vegetables, sheet-pan dinners).
Ideal when cooking for family or meal prep.
4. Stone Bread Baker 26×11.5×7 cm
Narrower and deeper: this one excels at loaf baking, small cakes or bread, and dense roasted vegetables.
The shape helps achieve crusty, evenly baked loaves and keeps round loaves compact.
If the surface is non-stick stoneware or steel, it offers excellent heat retention, making it a solid choice for artisan-style baking. Facebook
5. Springform “Likoris” Cake Tin 26×6-8 cm
Though not a tray per se, this springform tin is fantastic when you want to bake cheesecakes, layered cakes, or tarts—but still want easy release and cleanup.
Use it as your baking “base” when you want neat edges and the ability to remove the sides cleanly after baking.
🧁 Which Tray Should You Choose?
Your need | Best tray match |
Large batches of cookies or sheet-pan meals | Black Oven Baking Tray 40×25×6 cm |
Lightweight or quick baking sessions | Cookie Baking Tray 36.5×23.5×6 cm |
Baking compact loaves or bread | Stone Bread Baker 26×11.5×7 cm |
Small one-dish meals or roasting smaller items | Nonstick Baking Tray 28 cm |
Neat-edged cakes, cheesecakes, layered desserts | Springform Cake Tin 26×6-8 cm |
🧰 Pro Tips for Great Baking Results
Choose the right size — don’t overload a tray. Leave about 2-3 cm of space around each item for air circulation.
Preheat the tray for 5–10 minutes for crispier bottoms, especially for vegetables or bread.
Use parchment paper or a light brush of oil to protect non-stick coatings, especially with sugary or acidic ingredients.
Rotate halfway through baking — trays vary in heat zones, so turning helps get uniform browning.
Don’t stack hot trays — a hot bottom tray can overcook or burn the bottom of a tray placed on top.
Let trays cool before washing — quenching a hot tray with cold water (especially metal on stone or glass) may warp it.
Match tray depth to your bake — deeper trays are better for high-liquid or large volume items (lasagne, roasts), while shallower ones are better for crisping or browning.
Maintain your non-stick surface — avoid metal spatulas, and hand-wash (or use low-abrasion cleaning pads) to extend the lifespan.
Store trays vertically if space allows — it helps prevent scratches and saves shelf space.
Invest in a go-to “workhorse” tray — a sturdy rimmed, non-stick tray around 40×25 cm will serve you across dozens of recipes (cookies, roast veg, sheet-pan dinners, batch baking).
A great baking tray doesn’t need to be expensive—but it should be versatile, durable, and suited to your cooking habits. If you bake often, a durable 40×25 cm non-stick tray can become your kitchen workhorse. Pair that with a compact loaf or stone baker, and you’ll have the flexibility to bake everything from crusty loaves to sheet-pan dinners, cookies to roasted vegetables.
FAQ — Baking Trays (Darohofner)
What material are these trays made of?
These models typically use durable steel with a non-stick finish. Check each product page for exact material and coating details.
Are they dishwasher safe?
Hand washing is recommended to preserve the non-stick performance. If you do use a dishwasher, choose a gentle cycle and avoid harsh detergents.
Can I use metal utensils with these trays?
It’s best to use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils to avoid scratching the coating.
What size should I choose?
For families or batch cooking, choose the 40×25×6 cm tray. For smaller ovens or quick bakes, pick the 36.5×23.5×6 cm or the 28 cm round tray. For breads, use the 26×11.5×7 cm loaf tin; for cheesecakes and neat edges, the 26 cm springform is ideal.
Can these trays be used in all standard ovens?
Yes. They are designed for conventional home ovens. Always follow any temperature guidance on the product page.
Is the non-stick coating safe?
The coatings are designed for everyday baking and roasting. For specific certifications or “-free” claims, refer to each product listing.
Do I need baking paper with non-stick trays?
Not always, but parchment paper helps with sugary or sticky bakes and makes cleanup even easier.
How do I prevent warping?
Avoid sudden temperature changes. Let trays cool before washing and don’t pour cold liquids onto a hot tray.
How should I store the trays?
Store flat or vertically with separators. Avoid stacking heavy items directly on non-stick surfaces.
Where can I buy these trays?
Directly from Darohofner at the following pages:
Cookie Baking Tray 36.5×23.5×6 cm: https://www.darohofner.com/product-page/cookie-baking-tray-36-5x23-5x6-cm
Nonstick Baking Tray 28 cm (Spinwar): https://www.darohofner.com/product-page/nonstick-baking-tray-28cm-black-spinwal
Black Oven Baking Tray 40×25×6 cm: https://www.darohofner.com/product-page/black-oven-baking-tray-40x25x6cm
Stone Bread Baker 26×11.5×7 cm: https://www.darohofner.com/product-page/stone-bread-baker-26x11-5x7cm
Springform “Likoris” Cake Tin 26×6–8 cm: https://www.darohofner.com/product-page/springform-likoris-cake-tin-with-buckle-and-plate-26x6-8cm
