How to Use a Nonstick Shallow Baking Tray for Even Baking

By Cookware Brands | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to get perfectly even browning and easy release from your nonstick shallow baking tray. Follow these steps to prep, load, and bake like a pro.

Quick Answer

For even baking with a nonstick shallow baking tray, always preheat the tray empty, space food evenly, and avoid aerosol sprays that can damage the coating over time.

Why Preheat the Tray Empty?

Preheating a heavy-gauge steel tray like the Meyer 30x43cm Nonstick Shallow Baking Tray helps the entire surface reach the target temperature before food is added. This prevents hot spots and ensures your cookies, roasted vegetables, or pizza crusts brown evenly across the whole tray.

Choosing the Right Fats and Sprays

Nonstick coatings are durable, but aerosol cooking sprays often contain lecithin that leaves a sticky residue. Over time this can degrade the nonstick finish. Instead, lightly brush the tray with oil or use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. This keeps the coating intact and still gives you easy release.

Step-by-Step: Even Baking with a Shallow Tray

Step 1: Preheat the empty tray: Place the tray in the oven while it preheats to your recipe's temperature. This ensures the metal reaches the same temp as the air.
Step 2: Add a thin oil layer: Brush or wipe on a thin coat of oil (not aerosol spray) right before adding food. Too much oil can cause smoking.
Step 3: Space food evenly: Leave at least 2 cm between items. Cramming causes steam, which prevents browning and makes baking uneven.
Step 4: Rotate halfway through: Halfway through baking, rotate the tray front to back to compensate for any small oven hot spots.
Step 5: Cool and hand wash: Let the tray cool completely before washing. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Avoid metal utensils or abrasives.

Product Feature That Helps Even Baking

Meyer Nonstick Bakeware Shallow Baking Tray 30x43cm: Crafted from heavy-gauge steel for exceptional durability and quick, even heating. The steel construction helps the tray heat up uniformly, reducing burnt edges and underdone centers.
Meyer Nonstick Bakeware Shallow Baking Tray 30x43cm