Why Care Matters for Your Big Chill Rack
The Big Chill cooling rack from Great Jones is built for everyday baking — cookies, roasted chicken, crispy bacon. Its dual-layer reinforced nonstick coating makes food release easy and cleanup quick. But that coating needs a little attention to stay effective over time. With the right care, your Big Chill will keep working like new, batch after batch.
Big Chill at a Glance
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Big Chill: Made from heavy-weight aluminized steel with a dual-layer reinforced nonstick coating. Oven safe up to 450°F. The aluminized steel is durable and resists warping, while the nonstick coating is the key feature you want to protect. Knowing the max oven temperature prevents accidental damage.
Big Chill
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Big Chill: Coating is made without PFOA, PFAS, PTFE, Lead, or Cadmium. This means you can use the rack with confidence for food contact. The coating is safe, but still needs gentle handling to stay intact.
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Big Chill: Perfectly sized for Holy Sheet and all other half-sized sheet pans. It fits standard half-sheet pans, so you can use it with your existing bakeware. The right fit also helps prevent the rack from sliding or scratching your pans.
How to Clean Your Big Chill Rack
Cleaning the Big Chill is straightforward. Follow these steps to keep the nonstick surface in top shape.
- Let it cool completely: Always allow the rack to cool down to room temperature before cleaning. Sudden temperature changes can stress the metal and coating.
- Hand wash with mild soap and a soft sponge: Use warm water, a gentle dish soap, and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, or harsh cleaners that can scratch the nonstick layer.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly: Rinse off all soap residue, then dry with a soft towel. Leaving water spots is fine, but moisture trapped in the crevices over time could affect the coating.
- Store flat or hanging: Keep the rack in a dry place. Stacking heavy items on top can deform the wires. If you nest it with other racks, place a soft cloth between them to prevent scratches.
What to Avoid
To keep the nonstick coating intact, skip abrasive cleaners, metal utensils, and stacking heavy cookware on top. The rack is oven safe to 450°F, so stay within that limit. Also, avoid using cooking sprays directly on the rack — they can create a sticky residue that builds up over time and is hard to remove.
When to Replace Your Rack
With proper care, the Big Chill should last for many baking sessions. If the nonstick coating starts to peel or flake, it's time to replace the rack. A damaged coating can affect food release and may not be safe for continued use. Great Jones doesn't specify a lifespan, so inspect it regularly.