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18" x 13" Checkered Chef Aluminum Cooking Pan w/ Stainless Steel Rack
$11
$35
68% off
Amazon
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AmazonDeal Details
Checkered Chef via Amazon has 18" x 13" Checkered Chef Aluminum Cooking Pan w/ Stainless Steel Rack on sale for $11.24 when you clip the 50% off coupon on product page.Shipping is free w/ Prime or on $35+ orders.
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Editor's Notes
Written by megakimcheelove | Staff- About this product:
- Dishwasher safe
- About this store:
- Merchant Checkered Chef has earned a 98% positive lifetime rating (17,517 total ratings).
- Don't have Amazon Prime? Students can get a free 6-Month Amazon Prime trial with free 2-day shipping, unlimited video streaming & more.
- If you're not a student, there's also a free 1-Month Amazon Prime trial available.
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Community Notes
About the Poster
Checkered Chef via Amazon has 18" x 13" Checkered Chef Aluminum Cooking Pan w/ Stainless Steel Rack on sale for $11.24 when you clip the 50% off coupon on product page.Shipping is free w/ Prime or on $35+ orders.
- Note: Must be logged in to clip coupons; coupons are typically limited to one per account.
Editor's Notes
Written by megakimcheelove | Staff- About this product:
- Dishwasher safe
- About this store:
- Merchant Checkered Chef has earned a 98% positive lifetime rating (17,517 total ratings).
- Don't have Amazon Prime? Students can get a free 6-Month Amazon Prime trial with free 2-day shipping, unlimited video streaming & more.
- If you're not a student, there's also a free 1-Month Amazon Prime trial available.
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Top Comments
The deal is for the aluminum pan with "stainless steel" rack, but I also looked at the stainless steel pan + stainless steel rack variant to see if it was any better. This is what I found:
WIRE RACK: Sounds like it's cheapo chrome-plated steel rather than pure stainless. I mean I don't know how else to interpret what one reviewer called a "coating" on the wire rack. One guy even had photovideo proof of the rusty rack.
(EDIT TO ADD: Upon further reading and discussion, it's NOT cheapo chrome-plated stainless; it's technically all-stainless, but using a less-rust-resistant 18/0 stainless material for the rack. Not the more-expensive 18/8 or 18/10 stainless you'd find in heavy-duty commercial bakeware. 18/0 isn't as likely to rust if you use care, like hand-washing it, not letting it soak with stuff on it, and not cooking food with salt on it too much. It's not a "bad" rack, per se, it's just not heavy-duty and worry-free.)
ALUMINUM PAN: Weirdly there are some reviewers saying the aluminum pan isn't one piece; see Feb 27, 2023 review talking about "rattling": "I purchased this because I needed a pan-rack combo for baking meat. After only a few uses at pretty low temperatures (below 300f) the wire rack is starting to warp at the edges. The pan itself is also more scratched up than my 2 year old Nordic Natural pans that have received way more abuse. When I shake the pan it also sounds like there are layers of metal inside the pan rattling around." Feb 17, 2021 review also talking about the pan rattling: "Doesn't clean easily, scratches easily, actually rattles-inside layer wrapped by outside layer."
(EDIT TO ADD: Based on more Amazon reviews, the issue appears to be that unlike pure aluminum pans like Nordicware, this stuff uses a magnetic steel wire to reinforce the rim. That wire can become exposed to water and rust, apparently. And it may explain the rattling sound.)
STAINLESS PAN: (EDITED TO ADD:: Some reviewers report that the stainless pan may be ok, but may have the same issue as the aluminum pan with some kind of steel wire around the rim that can become exposed to water and rust and perhaps cause a rattling sound.) March 29, 2023 reviewer said: "This pan initially seemed well made, however after a couple weeks it became apparent that it is simply a thin stainless sheet pressed over a rust-prone mild steel base. All areas where the substrate are exposed are visibly rusting." (The attached a photo.) Even if that reviewer were mistaken somehow, another reviewer says the reinforcing wire around the rim is not stainless and rusts. (Sept 4, 2021 reviewer.)
Both versions (aluminum and stainless) have some reviewers saying they warp (bend) in the oven, even at relatively modest baking temperatures like 365F, which can spill liquids out, make food cook unevenly, etc.
I hope that helps! All of the above was said by Amazon reviewers, so don't shoot the messenger.
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17 Comments
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The deal is for the aluminum pan with "stainless steel" rack, but I also looked at the stainless steel pan + stainless steel rack variant to see if it was any better. This is what I found:
WIRE RACK: Sounds like it's cheapo chrome-plated steel rather than pure stainless. I mean I don't know how else to interpret what one reviewer called a "coating" on the wire rack. One guy even had photovideo proof of the rusty rack.
(EDIT TO ADD: Upon further reading and discussion, it's NOT cheapo chrome-plated stainless; it's technically all-stainless, but using a less-rust-resistant 18/0 stainless material for the rack. Not the more-expensive 18/8 or 18/10 stainless you'd find in heavy-duty commercial bakeware. 18/0 isn't as likely to rust if you use care, like hand-washing it, not letting it soak with stuff on it, and not cooking food with salt on it too much. It's not a "bad" rack, per se, it's just not heavy-duty and worry-free.)
ALUMINUM PAN: Weirdly there are some reviewers saying the aluminum pan isn't one piece; see Feb 27, 2023 review talking about "rattling": "I purchased this because I needed a pan-rack combo for baking meat. After only a few uses at pretty low temperatures (below 300f) the wire rack is starting to warp at the edges. The pan itself is also more scratched up than my 2 year old Nordic Natural pans that have received way more abuse. When I shake the pan it also sounds like there are layers of metal inside the pan rattling around." Feb 17, 2021 review also talking about the pan rattling: "Doesn't clean easily, scratches easily, actually rattles-inside layer wrapped by outside layer."
(EDIT TO ADD: Based on more Amazon reviews, the issue appears to be that unlike pure aluminum pans like Nordicware, this stuff uses a magnetic steel wire to reinforce the rim. That wire can become exposed to water and rust, apparently. And it may explain the rattling sound.)
STAINLESS PAN: (EDITED TO ADD:: Some reviewers report that the stainless pan may be ok, but may have the same issue as the aluminum pan with some kind of steel wire around the rim that can become exposed to water and rust and perhaps cause a rattling sound.) March 29, 2023 reviewer said: "This pan initially seemed well made, however after a couple weeks it became apparent that it is simply a thin stainless sheet pressed over a rust-prone mild steel base. All areas where the substrate are exposed are visibly rusting." (The attached a photo.) Even if that reviewer were mistaken somehow, another reviewer says the reinforcing wire around the rim is not stainless and rusts. (Sept 4, 2021 reviewer.)
Both versions (aluminum and stainless) have some reviewers saying they warp (bend) in the oven, even at relatively modest baking temperatures like 365F, which can spill liquids out, make food cook unevenly, etc.
I hope that helps! All of the above was said by Amazon reviewers, so don't shoot the messenger.
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The deal is for the aluminum pan with "stainless steel" rack, but I also looked at the stainless steel pan + stainless steel rack variant to see if it was any better. This is what I found:
WIRE RACK: Sounds like it's cheapo chrome-plated steel rather than pure stainless. I mean I don't know how else to interpret what one reviewer called a "coating" on the wire rack. One guy even had photovideo proof of the rusty rack.
ALUMINUM PAN: Weirdly there are some reviewers saying the aluminum pan isn't one piece; see Feb 27, 2023 review talking about "rattling": "I purchased this because I needed a pan-rack combo for baking meat. After only a few uses at pretty low temperatures (below 300f) the wire rack is starting to warp at the edges. The pan itself is also more scratched up than my 2 year old Nordic Natural pans that have received way more abuse. When I shake the pan it also sounds like there are layers of metal inside the pan rattling around." Feb 17, 2021 review also talking about the pan rattling: "Doesn't clean easily, scratches easily, actually rattles-inside layer wrapped by outside layer."
STAINLESS PAN (that isn't stainless): The stainless pan is apparently also two or more layers crimped together, which at least some reviewers think can trap water in-between. Also, it rusts. March 29, 2023 reviewer said: "This pan initially seemed well made, however after a couple weeks it became apparent that it is simply a thin stainless sheet pressed over a rust-prone mild steel base. All areas where the substrate are exposed are visibly rusting." (The attached a photo.) Even if that reviewer were mistaken somehow, another reviewer says the reinforcing wire around the rim is not stainless and rusts. (Sept 4, 2021 reviewer.)
Both versions (aluminum and stainless) have some reviewers saying they warp (bend) in the oven, even at relatively modest baking temperatures like 365F, which can spill liquids out, make food cook unevenly, etc.
I hope that helps! All of the above was said by Amazon reviewers, so don't shoot the messenger.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product...=UTF8
Seems like they're just splitting the pack and selling it individually now.
They're not baad, literally used the wire racks to cool the cookies after baking them on the tray on parchment.
I don't really have a gauge of what's a good tray/wire rack but these feel sturdy and are functional. I'd imagine they'd work for most people, if not ALL people.
The deal is for the aluminum pan with "stainless steel" rack, but I also looked at the stainless steel pan + stainless steel rack variant to see if it was any better. This is what I found:
WIRE RACK: Sounds like it's cheapo chrome-plated steel rather than pure stainless. I mean I don't know how else to interpret what one reviewer called a "coating" on the wire rack. One guy even had photovideo proof of the rusty rack.
ALUMINUM PAN: Weirdly there are some reviewers saying the aluminum pan isn't one piece; see Feb 27, 2023 review talking about "rattling": "I purchased this because I needed a pan-rack combo for baking meat. After only a few uses at pretty low temperatures (below 300f) the wire rack is starting to warp at the edges. The pan itself is also more scratched up than my 2 year old Nordic Natural pans that have received way more abuse. When I shake the pan it also sounds like there are layers of metal inside the pan rattling around." Feb 17, 2021 review also talking about the pan rattling: "Doesn't clean easily, scratches easily, actually rattles-inside layer wrapped by outside layer."
STAINLESS PAN (that isn't stainless): The stainless pan is apparently also two or more layers crimped together, which at least some reviewers think can trap water in-between. Also, it rusts. March 29, 2023 reviewer said: "This pan initially seemed well made, however after a couple weeks it became apparent that it is simply a thin stainless sheet pressed over a rust-prone mild steel base. All areas where the substrate are exposed are visibly rusting." (The attached a photo.) Even if that reviewer were mistaken somehow, another reviewer says the reinforcing wire around the rim is not stainless and rusts. (Sept 4, 2021 reviewer.)
Both versions (aluminum and stainless) have some reviewers saying they warp (bend) in the oven, even at relatively modest baking temperatures like 365F, which can spill liquids out, make food cook unevenly, etc.
I hope that helps! All of the above was said by Amazon reviewers, so don't shoot the messenger.
Also I just wanted to add... stainless steel is "stain" "less" meaning it stains less often due to the chromium in it. Between 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 the latter is both magnetic and most vulnerable to corrosion. So if a reviewer showed it sticking to a magnet, and another noticed corrosion .. well this is a cheaper steel that doesn't take to corrosion, and may not handle thermal shock as well. Be it as it may America's test kitchen has this rack as their recommended set according to their tests. They said there have been reviews of Libertyware stating their quality went down, but the checkered chef was neck and neck in their tests. So again... this is basically a deal with a free aluminum pan since their two packs of steel racks cost between $17-$22 depending on the set price.
After reading through the reviews more I see the people complaining about rust on the inside layer of the pan... well this review was for the stainless pan sets with stainless racks, and not the aluminum pans with stainless racks. This 50% off sale is for the aluminum pan and stainless steel rack. After doing research I realized there is no point in using a stainless steel baking sheet unless you're roasting something acidic like tomatoes for a long period of time. Most baking using lemon or tomatoes will be done in glassware. For roasting acidic baths you can pick up a stainless roasting pan.
A lot of these reviews are not for the products that are sale thanks to these mega Amazon pages that merge all the reviews into one big bucket. It's hard to know what they are talking about in the questions and answers page when viewing from the app because you can't tell what product they are talking about. A lot of the negative reviews are from the stainless steel baking pad, broken racks on delivery, warped stainless pans, and natural aluminum (shocker) isn't dishwasher safe. I definitely saw one picture where you saw the aftermath of a nice alkaline hot water bath to the finish of a new aluminum pan.
tl;Dr Americas test kitchen rate these racks as their top pick currently. An Amazon video reviewer said something about a coating because he could stick a magnet to it... it must be 18/0 stainless, but that doesn't mean it's coated. The product page mentions 18/10 steel, but they must be talking about the pan, because this is a mega Amazon page with many products on it. Apparently the inner layer of the stainless pans are very prone to rusting/corrosion. This deal makes it so you can buy one rack, and get one free essentially. The racks go for $17-22 alone usually.
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Also I just wanted to add... stainless steel is "stain" "less" meaning it stains less often due to the chromium in it. Between 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 the latter is both magnetic and most vulnerable to corrosion. So if a reviewer showed it sticking to a magnet, and another noticed corrosion .. well this is a cheaper steel that doesn't take to corrosion, and may not handle thermal shock as well. Be it as it may America's test kitchen has this rack as their recommended set according to their tests. They said there have been reviews of Libertyware stating their quality went down, but the checkered chef was neck and neck in their tests. So again... this is basically a deal with a free aluminum pan since their two packs of steel racks cost between $17-$22 depending on the set price.
After reading through the reviews more I see the people complaining about rust on the inside layer of the pan... well this review was for the stainless pan sets with stainless racks, and not the aluminum pans with stainless racks. This 50% off sale is for the aluminum pan and stainless steel rack. After doing research I realized there is no point in using a stainless steel baking sheet unless you're roasting something acidic like tomatoes for a long period of time. Most baking using lemon or tomatoes will be done in glassware. For roasting acidic baths you can pick up a stainless roasting pan.
A lot of these reviews are not for the products that are sale thanks to these mega Amazon pages that merge all the reviews into one big bucket. It's hard to know what they are talking about in the questions and answers page when viewing from the app because you can't tell what product they are talking about. A lot of the negative reviews are from the stainless steel baking pad, broken racks on delivery, warped stainless pans, and natural aluminum (shocker) isn't dishwasher safe. I definitely saw one picture where you saw the aftermath of a nice alkaline hot water bath to the finish of a new aluminum pan.
tl;Dr Americas test kitchen rate these racks as their top pick currently. An Amazon video reviewer said something about a coating because he could stick a magnet to it... it must be 18/0 stainless, but that doesn't mean it's coated. The product page mentions 18/10 steel, but they must be talking about the pan, because this is a mega Amazon page with many products on it. Apparently the inner layer of the stainless pans are very prone to rusting/corrosion. This deal makes it so you can buy one rack, and get one free essentially. The racks go for $17-22 alone usually.
You can sort by type of product, and that's why I looked at reviews for alu and stainless separately. Americas Test Kitchen is not always right and will ding products for weird stuff; I've bought stuff on their rec and have not been happy, and have bought stuff that is obviously better than their rec.
In this case there are several reviewers who claim that the ones they bought pre-2021 were great, but that the product may have changed recently, so that might be the reason for the more recent bad reviews.
I have bought racks that were advertised as pure18/8 stainless (no coating), and they never rusted. If a product does not brag about a using specific grade of stainless, that may be a sign that it's either low-quality stainless (which isn't quite as rust-resistant), or chrome-plated regular steel, which can rust if the plating wears off.
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