Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet Baking Pan: Review, Cleaning and Best Way to Buy

There are many essentials that every kitchen should have. From Tupperware to silverware, our drawers and pantries are jam-packed with tools we reach for regularly. One that has entered our kitchen is the Nordicware half baking sheet.

One thing that every kitchen needs is a sturdy and reliable set of sheet pans. Baking pans and cookie sheets alike serve as a great resting place for baked goods, veggies, and juicy chicken breasts.

One of our favorite baking sheets is the Nordic Ware half baking sheet. We will review what we like and what we don’t and tell you how you can get the best price if you decide this is the baking sheet for you.

About the Nordicware Half Baking sheet

The Nordic Ware half sheet baking pan is an aluminum sheet pan that comes equipped with double-thick rolled edges and plenty of surface area. 

The pan measures 16.3” x 11.3” x 1” to suit half sheet standards. Its raised edge serves as a barrier for liquids, while the natural aluminum is designed to prevent warping. Many thicker aluminum baking sheets have these measurements.

This lightweight pan weighs just 1.6 pounds. It is compatible with all other related Nordic Ware products, including the Nordic Ware baking and cooling grid. 

Our Nordic Ware Half Baking Sheet Review

The Nordic Ware aluminum half-sheet baking pan makes an excellent addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this sheet pan is ideal for a wide range of cooking and baking projects.  This is one of the best natural aluminum pans we have reviewed.

Let’s talk about the surface area. Unless you work full-time as a baker, the half sheet is all you need. This pan is large enough to handle your most elaborate sheet pan meals but small enough to conveniently store in the tiniest of kitchens. 

We also love the high-quality, natural, uncoated aluminum used on this Nordic Ware product. Many sheet pans use stainless steel or aluminized steel. These materials don’t hold a candle to pure aluminum, which heats evenly and conducts heat more efficiently. 

When you bake with the Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s half sheet baking pan, more often than not you get evenly cooked food, perfectly browned dishes and fewer burnt bottoms. 

As far as the pan’s construction goes, there really isn’t much to criticize. The 1-inch edge around the frame keeps liquids in their place, making it easier for you to handle oils and grease without the mess. 

The entire pan is framed with steel wire. Not only does this help with heat distribution, but it also aids in maintaining the pan’s shape. While other sheet pans warp over time, we don’t see that happening here. 

When it comes to cleaning, it seems impossible to find a pan that makes life easy. Nordic Ware falls into this same category, but we’ll talk about some ways to make cleanup a smoother process.

Pros:

• Sturdy frame that’s hard to warp
• Heats evenly and efficiently 
• High edges minimize spills and drippings
• Perfect size for most situations 
• Affordable 
• Rimmed baking sheet

Cons:

• No easier to clean than other baking pans

America’s Test Kitchen Chose Nordic Ware

Cookie Sheet vs. Baking Pan: What’s the Difference?

In the amateur baking world, the terms cookie sheet and baking pan are often used interchangeably. After all, they’re both metal pans that are large, flat, and thin. 

However, technically speaking, there is a difference between the two. 

Cookie sheets are usually thinner than baking pans. For the most part, these sheets are completely flat with only one or two raised edges. The most common cookie sheets have one raised edge, which makes it easier to grab hold of, while the rest are completely flat. 

Cookie sheets are designed to make it easy to slide baked goods, such as cookies, off of the pan and onto a cooling rack. They’re not made for roasting, as they’re more susceptible to warping. 

Plus, you’d have juices flowing everywhere! 

Baking pans like the Nordicware half baking sheet include four raised edges, a more sturdy design, and often more weight. They’ll hold up well throughout roasting recipes and keep everything well contained. 

How To Care For Your Nordicware Baking Sheet

Natural, uncoated aluminum is not nonstick, which may sound like a bummer to some of you, but its other benefits outweigh this downside when you consider all the solutions available to you. 

One of the best ways to care for your baking sheet is to protect it. Nonstick sprays and oils may help make the cleaning process easier, but they won’t save it from taking on discoloration, corrosion, and unsightly spots. 

Because uncoated aluminum reacts with acidic foods, it’s always best to cover your pan with some kind of liner. 

First on the list is a silicone baking mat. These mats are safe for both baking and freezing. They are made from food-grade silicone and fiberglass and add a protective barrier between your precious bakeware and the food you’re cooking. 

Silicone baking mats are the best choice for baked goods because while they protect the bottom of your pan, they can’t prevent juices and oils from seeping underneath. 

Other options include aluminum foil and parchment paper. Many amateur chefs love aluminum foil because they can form it into the shape of their pans. Aluminum foil lets you create a snug fit to ensure no liquids escape. It also makes cleanup incredibly fast and easy. 

Parchment paper is more akin to a silicone baking mat, though you can place oversized pieces in your pan to try to catch drippings. It can make a great fix in a pinch when roasting vegetables. 

Cleaning Your Baking Sheet

If you’ve properly lined your Nordicware baking sheet, cleanup shouldn’t be too difficult. Some warm water, a mild dish soap, and a sponge should do the trick! 

But when a tougher mess appears – and it will – you may need to tap into some other options. 

A tried and true cleaning method for aluminum pans is baking soda and vinegar. These pantry staples transition from cooking to cleaning seamlessly. 

Plug your kitchen sink and place your sheet pan in it. Mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda with just enough hot water to cover the pan. Let it rest for about a half-hour, then drain the sink and scrub the residue with a sponge using the abrasive side. You will also find this referred to as a bare aluminum pan.

Are Nordic Ware baking sheets dishwasher safe?

Dishwasher cleaning is not advised. You may get discoloration due to the chemicals used in dishwasher detergent. The discoloration is cosmetic and will not affect the ability to use them for baking or the safety of the pan.

Nordicware Coupon Code

You are more likely to find a Nordicware half baking sheet coupon code by going directly to their site to purchase. Most of the spammy coupon code sites will waste your time. Your best bet is to see if they are running a 25% off sale as they do around Black Friday. Otherwise, join their email list and see if they send you a coupon code as part of their email series. If you can get to their free shipping threshold (usually 35 dollars) then buying direct may be your best bet.

Without a good coupon code and free shipping, we have always found the best price on Amazon or Target.