Baking Equipment – Baker’s Half Sheet – Nordic Ware

A baking sheet that will last through generations? Check out this sturdy baker’s half sheet that makes baking easier, lifelong!

Nordic Ware, a renowned kitchenware company based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, boasts a rich history rooted in family, innovation, and a touch of Scandinavian influence.

The story starts in 1946, when Dave Dalquist, recently returned from World War II, and his wife Dotty, pooled their resources and entrepreneurial spirit. With just $500, they started “Plastics for Industry” in their basement, crafting industrial plastic products and foundry patterns.

By 1948, their focus shifted towards aluminum cookware, particularly catering to the sizeable Scandinavian population in the area. Their initial product line included krumkake irons, ebleskiver pans, and rosette irons, reflecting their Scandinavian heritage.

A pivotal moment arrived in 1950. David Dalquist, inspired by a traditional European cake pan, created the now-iconic Bundt pan. He even trademarked the name “Bundt” that same year. Additionally, the company acquired Northland Aluminum Products, inheriting the “Nordic Ware” name, which has become synonymous with their brand ever since.

Nordic Ware remains a family-owned and operated business, with David Dalquist’s son serving as the current president. They haven’t stopped innovating, pioneering advancements in microwave cookware, like the patented Micro-Go-Round, and expanding their product range beyond the beloved Bundt pan.

Today, Nordic Ware stands tall as a testament to American ingenuity and family values, forever linked to the delectable Bundt cake and countless other culinary creations.

What to watch out for when shopping for baker’s half sheet

• Material
  Look for a pan made from heavy-gauge aluminum or aluminized steel. These materials conduct heat evenly, which is important for even baking. Avoid pans made from thin or flimsy materials, as they are more likely to warp and won’t cook food evenly.
• Rim
  Choose a pan with a rolled rim. This will make it easier to grip the pan, even when wearing oven mitts, and will also help to prevent warping.
• Size
  Make sure the pan fits the oven. Standard half sheet pans measure approximately 13 x 18 inches.
• Features
  Some half sheet pans have additional features, such as non-stick coating or silicone grips. These features can be helpful, but they are not essential.
• Budget
  Half sheet pans range in price from around $10 to $50 or more.

Disadvantages of Nordic Ware Baker’s Half Sheet

• Reactivity with acidic ingredients
  Aluminum is a reactive metal, meaning it can interact with acidic foods like tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus fruits. This can cause the pan to discolor, pit, or corrode over time, especially with prolonged use.
  If we frequently cook with acidic ingredients, consider a pan made from a different material, such as stainless steel or ceramic.
• Susceptibility to scratches
  Natural aluminum is not as scratch-resistant as some other materials. Using metal utensils or scouring pads on the pan can scratch the surface, which can affect its appearance and potentially lead to sticking over time.
  To minimize scratches, use silicone, wooden, or nylon utensils and be gentle when cleaning.
• Embossed logo
  Some users find the embossed Nordic Ware logo on the pan to be a cleaning annoyance. It can trap food residue, especially with sticky ingredients.
  Using parchment paper or a baking liner can help mitigate this issue.
• Not non-stick
  These pans are not coated with a non-stick surface, so sticking can occur, especially with sugary or delicate baked goods.
  Using parchment paper or greasing the pan properly can help prevent sticking.

Benefits of Nordic Ware Baker’s Half Sheet

• Superior heat conductivity
  The key advantage of natural aluminum is its exceptional heat conductivity. This ensures even heat distribution across the entire pan, leading to consistent baking and browning of the food, whether it’s cookies, cakes, roasted vegetables, or sheet pan dinners.
• Durability and longevity
  Made from heavy-gauge aluminum, these pans are built to last. They are resistant to warping and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for frequent baking use in both home and commercial kitchens.
• Rustproof
  Unlike some other materials, natural aluminum is naturally rust-resistant, eliminating the concern of rust impacting the pan’s functionality or appearance.
• Cost-effective
  Compared to pans made from other materials like stainless steel or ceramic, these aluminum half sheets are generally more affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for home bakers.
• Lightweight
  The natural aluminum construction makes these pans lightweight and easy to handle, even when filled with food, reducing strain when taking them in and out of the oven.
• Multifunctional
  Beyond baking, these versatile pans can be used for various purposes in the kitchen, including roasting vegetables, toasting nuts, and even searing meats at high temperatures.
• Environmentally friendly
  Aluminum is a naturally occurring and recyclable material, making these pans an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
• Easy cleaning (with some caveats)
  While not non-stick, the smooth aluminum surface allows for relatively easy cleaning with warm water and dish soap. However, be mindful of the potential for staining with acidic foods and avoid using harsh abrasives to prevent scratching.

Why Buy Nordic Ware Baker’s Half Sheet

• Even baking
  The pan is made from pure aluminum, known for its superior heat conductivity, which ensures even browning and baking of our food, from cookies to savory dishes like sheet pan dinners.
• Long-lasting
  The aluminum construction is also praised for its lifetime durability, meaning the pan is built to last and resist warping, thanks to the reinforced steel rim.
• Multipurpose
  This pan’s not limited to baking; it can handle various kitchen tasks like roasting vegetables, toasting nuts, and even searing meat at high temperatures.
• Easy to use
  The pan is compatible with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for added convenience, and cleanup is considered relatively easy with handwashing recommended.
• Convenient size
  The provided dimensions ensure it fits most standard ovens.
• Made in the USA

Naturals Aluminum Bakeware

The superior heat conductivity of aluminum ensures that we achieve consistent, evenly browned results every time we bake. Pure aluminum will never rust, and a reinforced, encapsulated rim prevents warping.

• Nordic Ware pioneered natural aluminum bakeware for the consumer market over 15 years ago and now has over 40 styles available in the collection

• Made of pure, uncoated natural aluminum

• 100% made in USA in Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Encapsulated solid core steel rim

• Pans are made of a special hardened aluminum alloy that provides superbly uniform heat conductivity and maximizes scratch resistance

• Shiny and non-porous natural aluminum provides natural nonstick performance

• Embossed Nordic Ware logo signal quality and value from a trusted legacy brand for over 70 years

Encapsulated Solid Core Steel Rim

Coils of wire Having an encapsulated steel rim adds structural support to prevent warping of the pan.	Bending wires to size Wires are bent to perfectly fit inside the rim of our bakeware sheets.	A finished wire Wires are made of Galvanized Steel and will not rust.	Steel rim fully encapsulated An encapsulated steel rim turns an exceptional baking sheet into a product that will withstand a lifetime of use.

Use and Care for Natural Aluminum

• Before initial use and after subsequent uses, hand wash with warm, soapy water.

• Dishwasher use is not advised as discoloration will occur due to the cleaning agents used in automatic dishwasher detergent. This discoloration is merely cosmetic and will not affect baking properties or safety of the pan.

• Natural aluminum pans work well with parchment paper, silicone baking mats, and also traditional butter or shortening and flour methods. When roasting savory foods such as vegetables, butter or cooking oil work well.

• Nylon, wood, or silicone utensils are recommended. Metal utensils and scouring pads may scratch natural aluminum pans, but will not affect baking performance

• Aluminum is reactive to acidic ingredients such as vinegar and tomato products. These foods may darken, pit or corrode the pan after prolonged use.