The terms pastry mats and baking mats are often used interchangeably, but these mats differ from each other in 3 ways: Wood pastry board: A hardwood board is durable and makes for a great cutting surface. There is some upkeep involved, as it needs an application of butcher oil from time to time. The most elegant and chic, marble pastry mats are made of natural stone and have a highly polished finish that gives them a non-slip grip on any surface. Their porous nature makes them prone to staining and discoloration over time, but they have a higher resistance to heat than plastic mats. What Is the Best Way To Clean a Pastry Mat? A pastry mat is an essential tool in any kitchen. They are used as a protective layer between baking ingredients and the countertop surface. The mats also offer an easy-to-clean surface where food preparation and kneading can be done without worrying about messy aftermaths. However, it is important to clean a pastry mat thoroughly after each use so it won’t affect the taste of your baked goods or pose a health risk. Your first choice will be between a silicone pastry mat and a traditional pastry board. Since silicone mats are heat-resistant, you can actually prep and bake on them, which cuts down on cleanup time and the use of baking sprays. They're also dishwasher-safe, odor-resistant, and roll up for compact storage. However, since most of them contain fiberglass, they're no longer food safe if the core becomes exposed while cutting with a knife.

Net Zero Company's whole mission is to help you reduce your waste and its impact on the environment, so offering an eco-friendly alternative to parchment paper and foil is exactly what you would expect from them: "For an eco-conscious brand, this set of silicone mats hits all of the high points," says Rachel. "Arriving in post-recycled cardboard, this set of mats is billed as a parchment paper replacement." This silicone baking mat is not only covered by a lifetime warranty but it's also thoughtfully designed at a standard size that should easily fit the majority of baking sheets you’ve already got at home," say Monica and Jessica Valenzuela, co-owners and bakers at Little Boxes NYC Bakeshop. And here's one more cool way you can put your baking mat to use: Try placing them under cutting boards to keep them from sliding across the counter while you do your prep work.Oven Safe Temperature: 480 degrees | Sizes Available: 1.5 x 9 inches (Sil-band), 10.9 x 7.9 inches (toaster oven), 11.75 x 8.25 inches (quarter sheet), 13.5 x 8.5 inches (jelly roll), 16.5 x 11.5 inches, (half sheet), 17 x 12.25 (cookie sheet), 19.5 x 13.5 (three-quarter sheet) Oven Safe Temperature: 480 degrees | Sizes Available: 9.3 x 8.7 inches (toaster oven), 16.5 x 11.6 inches (half sheet) Silicone baking mats come in different sizes, from a quarter or half sheet to a small jelly roll or extra-large size, and more. Make sure that you're getting the proper size(s) that will fit in your pans and work well for you. Several manufacturers also have silicone mat sets with multiple sizes available in them. If you only have a little counter space and don’t make large pies, then a smaller mat that's 16 by 20 inches should suffice. Mats that are too large for your workspace may fail to grip the surface properly and slip while in use. If you are still unsure about the best option for your needs, choose a pastry mat set that includes a variety of mat sizes and shapes.

If you plan to use your pastry mat for baking, consider what size pans you have. A full-size sheet pan is 18 by 26 inches, but a half sheet pan or smaller is what most home cooks use. A half sheet pan's dimensions are 18 by 12 or 13 inches, which fits in most home ovens. Wooden pastry mats are another great option if you’re just beginning to bake. These mats are made from beech wood and coated with food-safe finishes, such as vinyl or silicone. These finishes protect the wood from spills and stains while also providing some slip resistance. The coatings do wear over time, so they may not be ideal if you’re frequently baking or if you tend to spill while cooking. Marble A pastry mat can be a wonderful addition to any baker’s kitchen tool kit. However, it’s important to consider the various features before purchasing one so you can enjoy an optimal performance in the kitchen. Some of these factors are explored below. Temperature tolerance This earned high marks for price, performance, and cleanup, making these mats an easy winner in our book. While the larger size is not as large as some other silicone baking mats, this Cuisinart model is perfect for your smaller baking sheets. Measuring 11.6 x 16.5 inches, it’s considered half sheet size, but it also has blunt corners, so it will fit baking sheets with rounded edges.

In terms of performance, the mat is made from a woven, fiberglass mesh that feels made to last, and provides a firm grip against baking sheets and countertops. But unlike many competitors, Silpat does not recommend washing their mats in the dishwasher, and the same rigidity that makes them adhere to surfaces so well, also makes them more difficult to clean in the sink. Although Rachel found the oily residue slightly difficult to remove, Silpat ensures that an oily feeling and discoloration is normal. Fran Sales is an associate editor for The Spruce Eats. Having been a consumer of plant-based food and vegan and cruelty-free home and kitchen goods for years, as well as a relatively recent convert to food composting, she’s always on the lookout for the next best way to help the planet. Be sure to read the manufacturer instructions carefully before baking with silicone baking mats on high heat — most are heat tolerant up to about 500 degrees F, but the mats tested in this review range in heat tolerance from up to 425 degrees F to 550 degrees F. Some can also withstand freezing temperatures, giving you the ability to chill your dough in the fridge or freezer directly on the mat.

Pastry boards are a more classic choice (think: Parisian patisserie), and materials like granite and marble have temperature-regulating properties that keep pastry cool while you're working with it. Some pastry boards — like granite — are oven-safe, but other materials, like wood, are not. And keep in mind: Pastry boards tend be more expensive, heavier, and require a bit more care and upkeep. Pros And ConsLIMNUO offers a highly versatile mat that can be used in the microwave, on top of the stove, or in a cold refrigerator as a casserole carrier. This mat is constructed from 100% food grade, BPA free and FDA-approved silicone with reinforced fiberglass for durability and strength. It features measurement markings in inches and centimeters, which is perfect for bakers who want to masteri a new cuisine or seasoned professionals looking to expand their culinary skills. You'll find that most baking mats come in half sheet and/or quarter sheet sizes, meaning they'll fit perfectly in the accompanying baking sheets. For professional or semi-professional bakers, you can also find baking mats in a full sheet size, but keep in mind that most home ovens aren't large enough to accommodate this size sheet pan. Oven Safe Temperature: 446 degrees | Sizes Available: 11.4 x 10.2 inches, 23.5 x 17.5 inches, 23.6 x 20 inches, 23.6 x 23.6 inches, 27.5 x 20 inches, 31.5 x 23.6 inches Although touted as being half sheet size, Rachel found that these mats didn't extend the full length of the sheet pan, leaving another ½-inch or so of wasted space. Oven Safe Temperature: 480 degrees | Sizes Available: 11.5 x 8.5 inches (quarter sheet), 16.5 x 11.6 inches (half sheet)