Joybuy Insights

Buying a baking tray: how to choose the right material, size and coating

The right baking tray should suit your oven, your recipes and the way you cook. Whether you’re making pizza, bread, cake, lasagne or a casserole, not every flat baking tray is right for every job. It’s easy to make the wrong choice when product photos and marketing claims draw attention away from important details such as internal dimensions, care instructions and the actual depth of the tray.

This buying guide explains what home bakers, families and keen cooks should look out for before buying.

Common pitfalls when buying a baking tray

1. Confusing external dimensions with usable space

A 40 x 30 cm baking tray may have a smaller usable baking area, depending on the shape of its rim. Before buying, check:

  • Will the external dimensions fit the runners in your oven?
  • How large is the actual internal surface?
  • Do you need a deep rim for liquids, or a shallow tray for biscuits and pizza?
  • Is the tray round, square or rectangular?

A tray that’s too large can be awkward to use, especially in older or compact ovens. Compare the internal dimensions of your oven with the product dimensions before you buy.

2. ‘Non-stick’ doesn’t mean no special care is needed

A non-stick baking tray makes it easier to remove cakes, pizza and casseroles. However, the coating still needs proper care. Sharp metal utensils, scouring pads and sudden changes in temperature can damage the surface.

‘Easy to clean’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘dishwasher-safe’, either. Some products are described as easy to clean, while hand washing is still recommended. To help the coating last as long as possible, follow the manufacturer’s specific care instructions.

3. Versatility doesn’t mean it’s suitable for everything

A shallow metal baking tray is a good choice for biscuits, pizza and traybakes. For lasagne, casseroles or deep loaves, a deeper oven dish, roasting tin or cake tin is more suitable. A dedicated pizza tray may be designed for pizza, with a round shape or perforations, but that doesn’t automatically make it ideal for every other dish.

The most important things to consider

Material: aluminium, steel or cast iron?

An aluminium baking tray is generally lightweight and easy to handle. The 5five Aluminium Baking Sheet measures 40 x 30 cm, is suitable for use in the oven and, according to the product information, is dishwasher-safe. However, it is not suitable for use in the microwave.

Steel or metal tins are often sturdy and suitable for regular use. A non-stick coating can make it easier to remove baked goods. Use wooden, plastic or silicone utensils with coated tins.

Cast iron retains heat particularly well and is much heavier. The STAUB cast-iron terrine weighs 3.32 kg, comes with a lid and has a capacity of 1.45 litres. It’s more of a specialist oven dish for terrines, braised dishes and slow-cooked food than a classic shallow baking tray.

Rim depth and what you’ll use it for

A shallow rim is practical for biscuits, traybakes and pizza. A deeper tin is better suited to:

  • Lasagne and potato bakes
  • Moist cakes and brownies
  • Bread made with a larger volume of dough
  • Small roasts and gratins
  • Dishes with sauce or liquid

A bread tin with a depth of 9 cm, for example, gives deeper doughs more room. According to the product description, the square Baking Form Steel 230 x 230 x 90 mm is designed for deep cakes, bread and casseroles.

Cleaning and coating

Look for clear cleaning instructions. A dishwasher-safe baking tray can make cleaning easier, but not every material or coating is suitable for the dishwasher. Hand washing is recommended for several coated 5five products, including the 33 cm perforated pizza tray and the 32 cm metal pizza tray.

If you’re unsure, hand washing with warm water, mild washing-up liquid and a soft sponge is gentler on the material. Check the instructions on the packaging and product page before using the tray for the first time.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners
BJ Baking tools Non stick baking tray Barbecue square baking mold Oven for baking Pizza, Bread

BJ Baking tools Non stick baking tray Barbecue square baking mold Oven for baking Pizza, Bread

Why it suits this profile: The square, non-stick tin is designed for a range of everyday uses, including pizza, bread, cakes and brownies.

How it helps you avoid this pitfall

The product description specifies the non-stick coating and lists several uses. Even so, check the care instructions and exact dimensions before buying.

Main benefits and strengths

Non-stick coating; according to the product description, suitable for pizza, bread, cakes and brownies.

Ideal for: Quality-conscious buyers
STAUB Specialities Terrine, 30 x 11 cm, cast iron

STAUB Specialities Terrine, 30 x 11 cm | Black | Cast iron

Why it suits this profile: This lidded cast-iron terrine is ideal for households looking for a heavy, versatile dish for special oven-baked and braised recipes.

How it helps you avoid this pitfall

The product information clearly states the material, capacity, temperature range and that it comes with a lid. This makes it easier to distinguish its specialist use from that of a shallow baking tray.

Main benefits and strengths

Cast iron; 1.45-litre capacity; lid and side handles; according to the product information, suitable for the oven and all hob types.

Ideal for: Specialist uses and frequent bakers
5five perforated metal pizza tray, 33 cm

5five Perforated Metal Pizza Tray – 33 cm, steel

Why it suits this profile: With its 33 cm diameter, this round pizza tray is designed for making pizza and suits households that use one regularly.

How it helps you avoid this pitfall

The round shape and perforations make its intended use clear. If you also want to make lasagne or traybakes, consider getting a rectangular oven dish as well.

Main benefits and strengths

Steel body; 33 cm diameter; perforated design; ILAG non-stick coating, according to the product information.

Ideal for: Families who bake often
5five aluminium baking sheet, 40 x 30 cm

5five Aluminium Baking Sheet – 40 x 30 cm

Why it suits this profile: This lightweight aluminium tray provides a rectangular surface for everyday oven cooking and, according to the product information, is dishwasher-safe.

How it helps you avoid this pitfall

The stated 40 x 30 cm dimensions make it easier to compare sizes. Before buying, still check that the external dimensions will fit the runners in your oven.

Main benefits and strengths

Aluminium; 40 x 30 x 1 cm; 320 g; according to the product information, suitable for the oven and dishwasher.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Baking tray FAQs

What size should a baking tray be?

It depends on the internal space in your oven. Measure the width, depth and height of the oven runners. Bear in mind that product dimensions often refer to the external measurements. A 40 x 30 cm baking tray may therefore have a slightly smaller usable surface.

How long does a baking tray last?

Its lifespan depends on the material, how often you use it and how well you care for it. Avoid using metal cutlery or scouring pads on coated models. Cast iron is heavy and durable, but needs to be handled with care. Check aluminium and steel trays regularly for warping, scratches and damaged coatings.

Can you put a baking tray in the dishwasher?

Only if the manufacturer specifically says it’s safe to do so. According to the product information, the 5five Aluminium Baking Sheet is dishwasher-safe. Hand washing is recommended for several coated metal and pizza trays in this selection. If in doubt, follow the care instructions for the specific product.