When it comes to cooking, having the right tools can make all the difference. At America’s Test Kitchen, a team of expert chefs and cooks rely on high-quality cookware to produce perfect dishes every time. One essential tool in their arsenal is the humble sheet pan. But what sheet pans does America’s Test Kitchen use to achieve their signature results?
The Importance of Sheet Pans in Cooking
Sheet pans are a staple in every kitchen, from professional restaurants to home cooks. They are versatile, easy to clean, and can be used for a wide range of cooking techniques, from roasting and baking to broiling and grilling. A good sheet pan can distribute heat evenly, preventing hotspots and ensuring that food is cooked consistently.
At America’s Test Kitchen, sheet pans are used for a variety of tasks, from roasting vegetables and meats to baking cookies and bread. The team relies on their sheet pans to produce perfect results every time, whether they’re cooking for a crowd or testing new recipes.
What Makes a Good Sheet Pan?
So, what makes a good sheet pan? According to the experts at America’s Test Kitchen, a good sheet pan should have the following characteristics:
- Durability: A good sheet pan should be able to withstand high temperatures and heavy use without warping or rusting.
- Even heat distribution: A good sheet pan should be able to distribute heat evenly, preventing hotspots and ensuring that food is cooked consistently.
- Non-stick surface: A good sheet pan should have a non-stick surface that prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easy.
- Easy to clean: A good sheet pan should be easy to clean and maintain, with a smooth surface that resists scratches and stains.
Materials Matter
When it comes to sheet pans, the material used can make a big difference. America’s Test Kitchen recommends using sheet pans made from high-quality materials that can withstand high temperatures and heavy use. Some popular materials include:
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel sheet pans are durable, resistant to scratches and stains, and easy to clean.
- Aluminum: Aluminum sheet pans are lightweight, conduct heat well, and are often less expensive than stainless steel.
- Non-stick coated: Non-stick coated sheet pans have a layer of non-stick material that prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easy.
What Sheet Pans Does America’s Test Kitchen Use?
So, what sheet pans does America’s Test Kitchen use to achieve their signature results? According to the team, they use a variety of sheet pans from different manufacturers, including:
- All-Clad: All-Clad is a high-end cookware brand that offers a range of sheet pans made from stainless steel and non-stick coated materials.
- Calphalon: Calphalon is a popular cookware brand that offers a range of sheet pans made from stainless steel, aluminum, and non-stick coated materials.
- Anolon: Anolon is a cookware brand that offers a range of sheet pans made from non-stick coated materials.
| Brand | Material | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| All-Clad | Stainless steel, non-stick coated | $50-$200 |
| Calphalon | Stainless steel, aluminum, non-stick coated | $20-$150 |
| Anolon | Non-stick coated | $10-$50 |
Why These Sheet Pans?
So, why does America’s Test Kitchen use these sheet pans? According to the team, they chose these sheet pans for their durability, even heat distribution, and non-stick surfaces. They also appreciate the ease of cleaning and maintenance that these sheet pans offer.
A Closer Look at All-Clad Sheet Pans
All-Clad is a high-end cookware brand that offers a range of sheet pans made from stainless steel and non-stick coated materials. America’s Test Kitchen uses All-Clad sheet pans for their durability and even heat distribution. Here are some key features of All-Clad sheet pans:
- Stainless steel construction: All-Clad sheet pans are made from high-quality stainless steel that can withstand high temperatures and heavy use.
- Non-stick coated surface: All-Clad sheet pans have a non-stick coated surface that prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easy.
- Even heat distribution: All-Clad sheet pans are designed to distribute heat evenly, preventing hotspots and ensuring that food is cooked consistently.
A Closer Look at Calphalon Sheet Pans
Calphalon is a popular cookware brand that offers a range of sheet pans made from stainless steel, aluminum, and non-stick coated materials. America’s Test Kitchen uses Calphalon sheet pans for their durability and ease of cleaning. Here are some key features of Calphalon sheet pans:
- Stainless steel construction: Calphalon sheet pans are made from high-quality stainless steel that can withstand high temperatures and heavy use.
- Non-stick coated surface: Calphalon sheet pans have a non-stick coated surface that prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easy.
- Easy to clean: Calphalon sheet pans are designed to be easy to clean and maintain, with a smooth surface that resists scratches and stains.
A Closer Look at Anolon Sheet Pans
Anolon is a cookware brand that offers a range of sheet pans made from non-stick coated materials. America’s Test Kitchen uses Anolon sheet pans for their non-stick surface and ease of cleaning. Here are some key features of Anolon sheet pans:
- Non-stick coated surface: Anolon sheet pans have a non-stick coated surface that prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easy.
- Easy to clean: Anolon sheet pans are designed to be easy to clean and maintain, with a smooth surface that resists scratches and stains.
- Affordable: Anolon sheet pans are often less expensive than other brands, making them a great option for home cooks on a budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, America’s Test Kitchen uses a variety of sheet pans from different manufacturers, including All-Clad, Calphalon, and Anolon. These sheet pans are chosen for their durability, even heat distribution, and non-stick surfaces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, investing in a good sheet pan can make a big difference in your cooking results. By choosing a sheet pan that meets your needs and budget, you can achieve perfect results every time.
What is sheet pan cooking and why is it popular?
Sheet pan cooking is a method of cooking where all the ingredients are placed on a single sheet pan and roasted in the oven. This technique has gained popularity in recent years due to its simplicity and versatility. It allows home cooks to prepare a variety of dishes, from weeknight dinners to special occasion meals, with minimal cleanup and effort.
The popularity of sheet pan cooking can be attributed to its ease of use and the fact that it requires minimal supervision. Simply toss your ingredients with some oil, seasonings, and spices, and let the oven do the work. This technique is also great for meal prep, as it allows you to cook a large quantity of food at once, which can be reheated later.
What are the key elements of America’s Test Kitchen’s approach to sheet pan cooking?
America’s Test Kitchen’s approach to sheet pan cooking emphasizes the importance of proper pan size, ingredient selection, and cooking technique. They recommend using a large, heavy-duty sheet pan that can distribute heat evenly and accommodate a variety of ingredients. They also stress the importance of selecting ingredients that cook at similar rates, such as vegetables and proteins, to ensure that everything is cooked to perfection.
Another key element of their approach is the use of a flavorful oil or fat, such as olive oil or butter, to add depth and richness to the dish. They also recommend using aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to add flavor to the pan. By combining these elements, home cooks can create a delicious and well-balanced sheet pan meal.
How do I choose the right ingredients for sheet pan cooking?
Choosing the right ingredients is crucial for successful sheet pan cooking. America’s Test Kitchen recommends selecting ingredients that cook at similar rates, such as vegetables and proteins. They also suggest choosing ingredients that complement each other in terms of flavor and texture. For example, pairing sweet potatoes with Brussels sprouts and chicken creates a delicious and well-balanced meal.
When selecting ingredients, it’s also important to consider their moisture content. Ingredients with high moisture content, such as tomatoes and bell peppers, can release a lot of liquid during cooking, which can make the pan steamy and affect the texture of the other ingredients. By choosing ingredients with similar moisture content, you can ensure that your sheet pan meal cooks evenly and turns out crispy and golden.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking with sheet pans?
One common mistake to avoid when cooking with sheet pans is overcrowding the pan. This can lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in a soggy and unappetizing meal. America’s Test Kitchen recommends leaving enough space between each ingredient to allow for air to circulate and promote even cooking.
Another mistake to avoid is not preheating the pan before adding the ingredients. Preheating the pan ensures that the ingredients cook evenly and prevents them from sticking to the pan. It’s also important to not stir the ingredients too much, as this can disrupt the cooking process and prevent the ingredients from developing a nice crust.
How do I achieve a crispy crust on my sheet pan meals?
Achieving a crispy crust on sheet pan meals is a matter of technique and patience. America’s Test Kitchen recommends preheating the pan before adding the ingredients, as this helps to create a crispy crust. They also suggest not stirring the ingredients too much, as this can disrupt the cooking process and prevent the ingredients from developing a nice crust.
Another key to achieving a crispy crust is to cook the ingredients at a high enough temperature. America’s Test Kitchen recommends cooking sheet pan meals at a temperature of at least 425°F (220°C). This helps to create a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Can I use sheet pan cooking for meal prep?
Yes, sheet pan cooking is a great technique for meal prep. America’s Test Kitchen recommends cooking a large quantity of food at once, which can be reheated later. This technique is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal. Simply cook a large sheet pan meal on the weekend, portion it out into individual containers, and reheat as needed.
Sheet pan cooking is also great for meal prep because it allows you to cook a variety of ingredients at once. This means you can cook a protein, vegetables, and starch all on one pan, making it easy to prepare a balanced meal. By using sheet pan cooking for meal prep, you can save time and effort during the week and still enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.
What are some creative ways to use sheet pan cooking?
Sheet pan cooking is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of dishes, from weeknight dinners to special occasion meals. America’s Test Kitchen recommends experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create unique and delicious sheet pan meals. For example, you can use sheet pan cooking to make a breakfast strata, a brunch dish made with eggs, bread, and vegetables.
Another creative way to use sheet pan cooking is to make a dessert. Yes, you can use sheet pan cooking to make a delicious dessert! Simply arrange your favorite fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries, on a sheet pan, drizzle with honey and lemon juice, and roast in the oven until caramelized. This makes for a delicious and healthy dessert that’s perfect for warm weather.