What Is a Cooling Rack?
What Is a Cooling Rack?
A cooling rack is a tool used by bakers in the kitchen. A cooling rack works well for cooling hot items, protecting countertops and keeping baked goods crisp.
Identification
A cooling rack is a small metal rack that looks like a miniature oven rack. The rack is elevated off of the work surface about three-quarters of an inch by metal feet on the bottom of the rack.
Uses
A cooling rack allows airflow through its parallel bars. It is placed on a countertop or stovetop. Baked items are placed on the rack.
Function
The rack is designed to allow the bottoms of baked items to cool as quickly as the tops. The rack also allows the bottoms of a baked item to stay crisp.
Significance
When baked items are placed on a solid surface, heat and steam become trapped in the bottom of the product. The trapped heat and steam may cause the items to become soggy on the underside. A cooling rack is used to prevent this problem.
Benefits
Using a cooling rack will cut cooling time. A cooling rack will protect the countertop by keeping direct heat away from the surface; it also helps prevent unwanted sticking to surfaces.
