Now that we’ve reviewed our top picks for the top jelly roll pans on the market, it’s time to guide you through the process of choosing and buying the perfect one for your needs.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Jelly Roll Pan
Material
When it comes to jelly roll pans, selecting a material that is easy to handle or clean and provides even baking is essential. Pure aluminum is usually the ideal material because it’s lightweight and very durable. Aluminized steel products — coated with an alloy of aluminum and silicon — are also a great choice as these pans are super sturdy and can easily withstand high heat.
Anodized aluminum is great at protecting from corrosion and abrasion thanks to aluminum oxide layering. On the other hand, ceramic products look great but are relatively more fragile than aluminum. You’ll also generally want to look for pans with a nonstick coating to prevent your food from sticking, although some bakers prefer to line their pans with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
Size
Most jelly roll pans out there usually measure between 9 x 14 and 10.5 x 15.5 inches, making them slightly smaller than a cookie sheet and half-sheet pan while still larger than a quarter-sheet pan. These pans also have about a 1-inch tall rim, which is deeper than the majority of cookie or baking sheets, to sufficiently contain the jelly roll batter and provide optimal space for your cake to rise.
Durability
The sturdier the pan the longer it lasts. For durability, you’ll want to pay attention to the gauge number, or thickness, of the pan. The lower the gauge, the sturdier the product. But that can also make them pricier. Generally, you should look for a pan with a gauge number between 10 and 18.
How To Maintain a Jelly Roll Pan
Cleaning
Before first using your jelly roll pan (and after every use), make sure to clean it. Use a non-abrasive scrubber to wash the surface under hot, soapy water. Follow that with a quick rinse and then dry. For nonstick pans, this should usually be enough to get them fully clean. For pans without a nonstick coating, however, you’ll want to line your pan with parchment paper or invest in a silicone baking mat for extra protection —- that’ll make cleaning a whole lot easier. And then just repeat the above process.
Drying
Towel dry your pan thoroughly — and don’t forget about those corners.
Other Uses of Jelly Roll Pans
Cookies
These pans are perfect for making a small batch of cookies. It’s recommended to line the pan with parchment paper first to make sure the cookies come off easily and the pan is quick to clean.
Brownies
Jelly roll pans can easily hold and bake brownie batter thanks to their depth. This makes them great for baking a batch of the beloved chocolatey dessert.
Dessert bars
The depth again makes these pans perfect for various dessert bars, from streusel jam bars to lemon bars.
Tips for Making the Perfect Jelly Roll
- Jelly rolls are pretty fluffy — and fragile — so make sure you’re filling them with a thick jam rather than a thin jelly, but take care to not overdo it.
- Once they’ve been filled and rolled, set them on a serving platter with the seam side facing down.
- Let the roll rest for about a half-hour, or possibly more if needed, before cutting.
- This allows the cake to absorb the filling better and hold its shape as it’s sliced.
