Oven chips, also known as French fries or potato wedges, are a popular snack or side dish that can be easily made in the comfort of your own home.
Unlike deep-fried chips, oven chips are baked in the oven, which makes them a healthier alternative.
However, to achieve crispy and evenly cooked oven chips, choosing the right baking tray is important.
This article will explore the different types of baking trays available and help you choose the best one for making perfect oven chips.
Importance of Choosing the Right Baking Tray
Choosing the right baking tray is essential for making crispy and evenly cooked oven chips.
The type of tray you use can affect your chips’ cooking time, texture, and taste.
For instance, using a non-stick tray can help prevent the chips from sticking and ensure that they come out evenly cooked.
On the other hand, using an aluminum tray can help distribute heat more evenly, which can lead to a crispier result.
In addition, choosing a tray that is the right size for your oven and the amount of chips you are making is also important to ensure that they cook properly.
Ultimately, investing in a good quality baking tray can make a big difference in the quality of your oven chips.
Overall, the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable baking tray for oven chips.
Different Types of Baking Trays
There are several types of baking trays available, each with their own unique features and benefits.
Here are the most common types of baking trays that can be used for making oven chips.
- Non-stick baking trays – These trays have a non-stick coating that prevents food from sticking to them. They are easy to clean and can be used to make a variety of dishes, including oven chips.
- Aluminum baking trays – These trays are durable and lightweight. They conduct heat well and can help distribute heat evenly for crispier oven chips.
- Stainless steel baking trays – These trays are sturdy and can withstand high temperatures. They are also easy to clean and can be used to make a variety of dishes.
- Ceramic baking trays – These trays are excellent at retaining heat and can help create a crispy texture for oven chips. They are also aesthetically pleasing and can be used as a serving dish.
Each type of baking tray has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Non-stick Baking Trays
Non-stick baking trays are a popular choice for making oven chips.
These trays have a special coating that prevents food from sticking to them, making them easy to clean and maintain.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a non-stick baking tray for oven chips.
Advantages
- Easy to clean. Non-stick trays are easy to clean as food does not stick to them, which means you can simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or put them in the dishwasher.
- No need for oil. When using a non-stick tray, you can reduce the amount of oil or cooking spray needed to prevent food from sticking. This can help make your oven chips healthier.
- Even cooking. Non-stick trays are designed to distribute heat evenly, which can help ensure that your oven chips cook evenly and come out crispy.
Disadvantages
- Can scratch easily. The non-stick coating on these trays can scratch easily, which can damage the coating and cause it to wear off over time.
- Can be expensive. Non-stick trays tend to be more expensive than other types of baking trays, which may not be ideal for those on a budget.
- Limited cooking temperature. Non-stick trays may not be suitable for cooking at high temperatures, as this can damage the non-stick coating.
Overall, non-stick baking trays are a good option for making oven chips, especially if you are looking for an easy-to-clean option that requires less oil.
However, it is important to choose a high-quality non-stick tray that can withstand high temperatures and resist scratches to ensure that it lasts for a long time.
This tray features a non-stick silicone coating that ensures easy release of food and makes cleaning a breeze.
The heavy-gauge aluminized steel construction provides even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and ensuring that your oven chips are cooked to perfection.
The raised edges of the pan also help to contain any spills or drips.
This tray is both oven safe and dishwasher safe, making it a convenient and practical option for baking a variety of foods, including oven chips.
Aluminum Baking Trays
Aluminum baking trays are another popular choice for making oven chips.
These trays are lightweight, durable, and conduct heat well, making them a good option for even cooking.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using an aluminum baking tray for oven chips.
Advantages
- Good heat conductor. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat, which means that it can help distribute heat evenly and quickly. This can help ensure that your oven chips come out crispy and evenly cooked.
- Durable. Aluminum baking trays are durable and can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting. They are also less likely to scratch than non-stick trays.
- Affordable. Aluminum baking trays are generally more affordable than other types of baking trays, which makes them a good option for those on a budget.
Disadvantages
- Not non-stick. Aluminum trays are not non-stick, which means that food can stick to them if they are not greased properly. This can make them harder to clean than non-stick trays.
- Reactive. Aluminum can react with acidic foods, which can cause a metallic taste and discoloration. This can be avoided by lining the tray with parchment paper or using a non-reactive coating.
- Not suitable for acidic foods. Due to the reactivity of aluminum, it may not be suitable for cooking acidic foods, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.
Overall, aluminum baking trays are a good option for making oven chips, especially if you are looking for an affordable and durable option that conducts heat well.
However, it is important to keep in mind that they are not non-stick and may require greasing to prevent food from sticking.
This tray is made of pure aluminum, which provides excellent heat conductivity, resulting in evenly cooked oven chips.
The rimmed edge of the tray helps to prevent spills and provides easy handling. This tray is durable and warp-resistant, making it a long-lasting and reliable option for baking.
The natural aluminum finish may darken over time, but this will not affect the performance of the tray.
This tray is also versatile and can be used for other baking tasks, such as roasting vegetables or baking cookies.
Stainless Steel Baking Trays
Stainless steel baking trays are a popular option for cooking a variety of foods, including oven chips.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using a stainless steel baking tray for oven chips:
Pros
- Durability. Stainless steel is a sturdy and long-lasting material, which makes it a good option for a baking tray that will see frequent use.
- Non-reactive. Stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning it won’t react with acidic or alkaline foods, such as tomato sauce or vinegar. This makes it a versatile option for a variety of recipes.
- Easy to clean. Stainless steel is easy to clean and doesn’t require any special treatment or seasoning.
- High-temperature tolerance. Stainless steel can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting, making it a good option for oven use.
Cons
- Poor heat conductivity. Stainless steel does not conduct heat as well as aluminum or copper, which can result in uneven cooking.
- Prone to hot spots. Due to its poor heat conductivity, stainless steel baking trays can develop hot spots, which can cause some areas of the food to cook faster than others.
- May require greasing. Stainless steel baking trays may require greasing to prevent food from sticking, which can add to the overall fat content of the food.
Overall, stainless steel baking trays are a good option for oven chips if you prioritize durability and ease of cleaning over even cooking.
If you choose to use a stainless steel tray, be aware of the potential for hot spots and uneven cooking, and consider greasing the tray to prevent sticking.
This tray is made of high-quality 18/0 stainless steel, which is rust-resistant and non-reactive, meaning it won’t react with acidic or alkaline foods.
The tray is also oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean and convenient to use.
The included rack is designed to elevate the oven chips, allowing for even cooking and preventing them from getting soggy.
The tray also features a smooth surface, making it easy to release the food without sticking.
This tray is also multi-functional and can be used for a variety of baking tasks, such as roasting meat or vegetables.
Overall, this stainless steel baking tray is a durable, easy-to-clean, and versatile option for cooking oven chips.
Ceramic Baking Trays
Ceramic baking trays are another popular option for cooking oven chips.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using a ceramic baking tray for oven chips.
Pros
- Retains heat well. Ceramic baking trays retain heat well, which can result in crispy, evenly-cooked oven chips.
- Non-reactive. Like stainless steel, ceramic is non-reactive, meaning it won’t react with acidic or alkaline foods.
- Attractive. Ceramic baking trays come in a variety of colors and designs, which can add a decorative touch to your kitchen.
- Versatile. Ceramic baking trays can be used in the oven, microwave, and even the freezer.
Cons
- Fragile. Ceramic baking trays can be fragile and may crack or break if dropped or exposed to sudden temperature changes.
- Slow to heat up. Ceramic baking trays can take longer to heat up than other materials, which can result in longer cooking times.
- Heavy. Ceramic baking trays can be heavy and difficult to maneuver, which can make them less convenient to use.
- Expensive. Ceramic baking trays can be more expensive than other materials, which may be a consideration for some.
Overall, ceramic baking trays can produce great results for oven chips, with their ability to retain heat well and create a crispy texture.
However, they can be more fragile and expensive than other materials, and may not heat up as quickly.
If you choose to use a ceramic tray, be sure to handle it carefully and give yourself extra cooking time to account for its slower heat up time.
This tray is made of high-fired Burgundy clay that is durable and resistant to chipping and cracking.
The ceramic material also ensures even heat distribution, resulting in crispy, evenly cooked oven chips. The tray is oven-safe up to 500°F and can also be used under the broiler.
The glazed surface of the tray is easy to clean and resists sticking, preventing the oven chips from sticking to the surface.
This tray is also versatile and can be used for other baking tasks, such as pizza, bread, and roasted vegetables.
The attractive design and color options also make it a decorative addition to your kitchen.
Overall, this ceramic baking tray is a stylish, durable, and versatile option for cooking oven chips and a variety of other baked goods.
Comparison of Different Types of Baking Trays for Oven Chips
To help you choose the best baking tray for oven chips, here is a comparison of the different types of baking trays:
- Non-stick baking trays. These trays are easy to clean and require less oil, making them a good option for healthier oven chips. However, they can be expensive and may scratch easily.
- Aluminum baking trays. These trays conduct heat well and are durable, making them a good option for even cooking. They are also affordable but may require greasing to prevent food from sticking.
- Stainless steel baking trays. These trays are sturdy and can withstand high temperatures. They are also easy to clean but may not conduct heat as well as aluminum trays.
- Ceramic baking trays. These trays retain heat well and can help create a crispy texture for oven chips. They are also aesthetically pleasing and can be used as a serving dish, but they may be heavy and fragile.
Ultimately, the best baking tray for oven chips will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
If you are looking for an easy-to-clean option, non-stick or silicone trays may be a good choice.
If you want even cooking and durability, aluminum or stainless steel trays may be a better option.
Ceramic trays may be a good choice if you want a crispy texture and an attractive serving dish.
Consider your cooking habits, budget, and storage space when choosing the right baking tray for your oven chips.
Bottom Line – What’s the Best Baking Tray for Oven Chips?
In conclusion, choosing the right baking tray for oven chips can make a big difference in the quality of your food.
Non-stick trays are a good option for easy cleaning, while aluminum trays conduct heat well and are durable.
Stainless steel trays are sturdy and easy to clean, while ceramic trays retain heat well and create a crispy texture.
Silicone trays are flexible and easy to store, but may not conduct heat as well.
When choosing a baking tray, consider the material, size, shape, non-stick properties, durability, ease of cleaning, and price.
Based on these factors, our final recommendation for the best baking tray for oven chips is the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet.
This aluminum tray is durable and conducts heat well, ensuring even cooking and crispy oven chips. It is also affordable and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
Overall, the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable baking tray for oven chips.
