Is it true that a cooling rack really makes or breaks your bake? I’ve burned too many cookies on flimsy wire grids, and I’m betting you have too.
The 2026 crop of pro-level racks promises heat tolerance up to 575°F, true stainless steel construction, and sizing that actually fits standard sheet pans, but not all deliver. I’m ranking seven standouts, from compact 10×15 workhorses to collapsible multi-tier designs, plus one tricky sourdough-specific option that might surprise you. There’s a clear winner for cramped kitchens, and one “must-have” rack I’d personally skip.
2-Pack Stainless Steel Cooling Racks (15×10 Inch)
🍪PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The cooling rackis made of food-grade stainless steel without metal plating or coating, durable use for many years, less prone to...
Who needs a cooling rack that won’t quit on you after a few hot rounds in the oven? I’ve been there, and it’s maddening. That’s why I’m eyeing this 2-pack of stainless steel cooling racks.
These measure 15×10 inches, so they’ll fit standard sheet pans and jelly roll pans without drama. No more awkward balancing acts.
What Stands Out
- Solid food-grade stainless steel, no sketchy coatings to flake off
- Handles 575°F, which covers most of my roasting and baking
- Grid pattern with 4 feet for airflow on all sides
- Dishwasher safe, thankfully
I roast chicken wings for crispy skin, bake bacon, cool cookies, even grill kabobs. The smooth edges won’t slice my hands, always a plus. At about 0.67 inches tall and under a pound, storage stays simple.
No chrome flaking, less rust worry, and less warping under heavy dishes. Warranty exists if issues pop up.
Downside? Two identical sizes only, no variety.
Best For: Home bakers and home cooks who need durable, versatile cooling racks for roasting, baking, and grilling that fit standard sheet pans without warping or flaking.
Pros:
- Solid food-grade stainless steel construction with no coatings to flake off and high heat resistance up to 575°F
- Grid design with 4 feet provides airflow on all sides and prevents smaller items from slipping through
- Dishwasher safe with smooth edges for hand safety and easy storage at under a pound
Cons:
- Only comes in two identical 15×10 inch sizes with no variety in dimensions
- At 0.67 inches tall, may not provide enough elevation for some drainage needs
- Warranty details not specified upfront, requiring additional research for coverage information
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HEAVY DUTY STAINLESS STEEL STURDY DESIGN: Small cooling rack for jelly roll baking pans is food-safe, professional grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel with strong, heavy-duty wire grid, small holes, smooth no-snag edges, and a full 1-inch height resulting in greater all-around airflow for even cooking, cooling, and roasting every time. Our cooling racks for cooking and baking ensure superior performance.
QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Made from food grade stainless steel instead of metal plating or coating, the grill is stronger, more durable, less likely to rust, warp or bend and safer.
HEAVY DUTY STAINLESS STEEL STURDY DESIGN: Set of 2 cooling racks for half sheet baking pans are food-safe, professional grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel with strong, heavy duty wire grids, small holes, smooth no-snag edges, and a full 1 inch height resulting in greater all around airflow for even cooking, cooling and roasting every time
Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling Racks (Set of 2)
HEAVY DUTY STAINLESS STEEL STURDY DESIGN: Set of 2 cooling racks for half sheet baking pans are food-safe, professional grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel with strong, heavy...
Why settle for flimsy racks that warp under heat? I’ve been there, and it’s frustrating. That’s why I keep coming back to the Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Cooling Racks.
You get two sturdy 11.5 x 16.5-inch racks that fit perfectly inside standard half sheet pans. No more sliding around or uneven cooling.
These are built from 304 stainless steel, so they handle up to 575°F without breaking a sweat. I use mine for roasting chicken wings, smoking jerky, and of course, cooling dozens of cookies. The tight wire grid keeps small items from falling through, and that full 1-inch height gives great airflow underneath.
Cleanup’s a breeze since they’re dishwasher safe. No rust, no weird chrome flakes in my food. The smooth edges won’t snag your dish towels either.
Here’s the honest catch: you can’t stack them for storage. They take up cabinet space. Also, the pan isn’t included, so factor that in if you don’t own one.
On the plus side, you get a free recipe eBook with over 100 ideas. I’ve tried maybe twelve so far, and they’re solid. Designed in Colorado, these feel like gear that’ll last years. At around 490 grams each, they’ve got real heft without being clumsy.
Best For: Home bakers and home cooks who need durable, versatile, oven-safe cooling racks that can double as roasting and smoking racks for a variety of foods.
Pros:
- Handles high heat up to 575°F and made from rust-resistant 304 stainless steel for long-term durability
- Tight wire grid with smooth edges prevents food from falling through and won’t snag towels
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and includes free recipe eBook with over 100 recipes
Cons:
- Not stackable for storage, requiring more cabinet space
- Half sheet pan is not included despite being designed to fit standard sizes
- Set of 2 racks at ~490g each may feel heavy or bulky for users wanting lightweight options
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Healthy & Heavy Duty: TeamFar cooling racks are made of premium stainless steel, No toxic coating or harmful substance release into your food at high temperatures, Rust and corrosion resistance, Healthy and sturdy for your daily baking, A great alternative to aluminum or nonstick baking rack
100% Solid 304 (18/8) Stainless Steel Construction - No metal platings or coatings that can chip or scratch and transfer toxins/chemicals to your food the way non-stick racks can. They also won’t rust, warp or bend.
100% Solid 304 (18/8) Stainless Steel Construction - NO metal platings or coatings that can chip or scratch and transfer toxins/chemicals to your food the way non-stick racks can. They also won’t rust, warp or bend
Spring Chef Stainless Steel Cooling Rack 10×15
100% Solid 304 (18/8) Stainless Steel Construction - No metal platings or coatings that can chip or scratch and transfer toxins/chemicals to your food the way non-stick racks...
Looking for a cooling rack that won’t rust, warp, or flake into your food?
I’ve got you covered with the Spring Chef Stainless Steel Cooling Rack. It’s built from solid 304 stainless steel, no sketchy coatings that chip off into your dinner. That alone won me over.
This thing fits a standard 10 x 15 inch jelly roll pan, and it handles oven heat up to 575 degrees. I’ve used it for crispy chicken, roasted veggies, and cooling fresh bread. The raised feet keep air flowing underneath, so nothing gets soggy.
The grid spacing hits that sweet spot: tight enough for small items, still easy to clean. Pop it in the dishwasher when you’re done. At just 11.52 ounces, it feels sturdy without being bulky.
One heads up: the pan isn’t included. But honestly, most of us already own one.
For healthier cooking with less grease, versatile baking, and zero rust worries, this rack earns its spot in my kitchen.
Best For: Home cooks who want a durable, versatile cooling rack for healthy oven cooking without worrying about rust, coatings, or warping.
Pros:
- Solid 304 stainless steel construction with no toxic coatings to chip or flake
- Oven safe up to 575°F with raised feet for optimal air circulation
- Dishwasher safe and perfectly spaced grid for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Does not include the jelly roll pan it fits
- Relatively lightweight at 11.52 ounces may feel less substantial to some users
- Exact dimensions (10.04 x 14.76 inches) may have slight fit variations with some 10×15 pans
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🍪Perfect Size: This baking rack L 11" x W 10" with Small SQUARES GRIDS. This cooling rack will fit in most standard ovens and cookware sheets, which is leaving enough space to easily insert and remove without spoiling your meal.
Oven Safe and Easy to Clean: The solid stainless steel construction of our wire rack set makes them suitable for cooking and cooling. Simply pop them in the dishwasher when you're all done
【High Quality】P&P CHEF Cooling Racks are made of pure stainless steel, No worries about any toxic materials leeching into your food and aluminum coatings falling off, Healthy and safe for your daily baking, Solid construction with thick outer frame and 2 cross bars, Ensure a great load-bearing and absolute stability, Rust and warp resistant, Can be used frequently for years
Geesta Collapsible Cooling Rack for Baking (2-4 Tier)
【Collapsible 4 tier Cooling Rack】 Features a sturdy construction with a collapsible & adjustable design. Geesta wire cooling rack works works well for everything, from...
If you’re short on counter space but big on baking, the Geesta Collapsible Cooling Rack might be your new best friend. This 4-tier wonder collapses flat when you’re done, so you won’t fight your cabinets for storage room.
Each tier measures about 17 by 10 inches, giving you plenty of real estate for cookies, tarts, muffins, and even pies. At 18.5 inches tall fully stacked, it maximizes vertical space while keeping your counters clear for other dishes.
I love that you can adjust it to 2, 3, or 4 tiers depending on your batch size. The heavy-gauge steel construction feels solid, not flimsy, and the non-stick coating means your baked goods release cleanly. Heat distributes evenly across all levels, so nothing gets soggy on the bottom.
Wash it in warm, soapy water before first use, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Geesta backs it with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and their service team actually responds when you need help. At 4.4 pounds, it’s sturdy without being a workout to move.
Best For: Home bakers with limited counter space who need a versatile, space-saving solution for cooling multiple batches of cookies, tarts, muffins, pies, and cakes.
Pros:
- Collapsible 4-tier design adjusts to 2, 3, or 4 tiers and folds flat for compact storage
- Heavy-gauge steel construction with non-stick coating ensures durability and easy food release
- Even heat distribution across all levels prevents soggy bottoms on baked goods
Cons:
- Requires hand washing in warm, soapy water rather than being dishwasher safe
- At 18.5 inches tall when fully stacked, may not fit under standard kitchen cabinets
- 4.4-pound weight makes it less portable than lighter, single-tier alternatives
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【ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT】Tired of struggling with single‑tier racks that can’t hold treats of different sizes? Our 3‑tier cooling rack is perfectly designed to meet all your baking needs.You can easily adjust the height between tiers to comfortably accommodate delicate cupcakes, multi‑layer chiffon cakes, or even large roasts.The top tier features a flip‑up design, allowing you to easily place or retrieve food from the second layer
【Efficient Cooling Design】: Optimize your baking with our 4-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack. Its multi-level design provides ample space to cool multiple baked items at once, enhancing your efficiency in the kitchen.
【OVEN & DISHWASHER SAFE】 These cooking racks perfectly fit most regular oven for baking and roasting, Raised feet and equidistant wires provide optimal air circulation around the food for baking evenly and quickly, Dishwasher safe to save your cleaning labor and reduce the hassle after using, Also hand-wash easily
5PCS Cooling Racks for Baking & Cooking (10″ x 16″)
【High Quality Material】 Our cooling rack are made of food-grade metal without metal plating or coating, ensuring sturdiness and rust - resistance. With 4 supportive feet...
The 5PCS Cooling Racks set is a batch cooker’s dream come true. I’ve found having five matching racks changes everything when I’m prepping big meals or holiday baking marathons.
Each rack measures 10 by 16 inches, a solid half-sheet size that fits standard pans. They’re made from bare food-grade metal with zero coating or plating, so I don’t worry about chemicals flaking off.
The 1-inch elevation and four feet keep air flowing underneath, which means no more soggy cookie bottoms or uneven roasts. These handle 500°F in the oven and clean up in the dishwasher.
I’ve used them for jerky drying, air-fryer inserts, even organizing my pantry. At just 0.5 pounds each, they’re light but sturdy.
Five racks means I can cool three dozen cookies, roast vegetables, and still have spares for the next round. Hand washing keeps them pristine longer, though the dishwasher works fine in a pinch.
Best For: Home bakers, meal preppers, and batch cooks who need multiple versatile racks for simultaneous baking, cooling, and food preparation projects.
Pros:
- Five identical racks enable efficient batch cooking and parallel processing of multiple dishes
- 500°F oven-safe temperature handles high-heat roasting and baking applications
- Bare food-grade metal construction eliminates coating flaking concerns
Cons:
- 10″ x 16″ size may not fit all non-standard ovens or cookware configurations
- 0.5-pound lightweight build could flex under heavy cuts of meat or large dishes
- No protective coating increases susceptibility to staining and requires careful drying to maintain appearance
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Designed for Sourdough Cooling – Specially designed to promote even airflow, helping sourdough bread cool properly while maintaining a crisp, crackly crust.
STURDY STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Our baking cooling rack is made of quality materials, prevents bending or deformation when carrying heavy loads. Smooth polished surface of cookie cooling rack without coating or plating, no burrs, no rust, no peeling, protect your daily food safety
【Collapsible 4 tier Cooling Rack】 Features a sturdy construction with a collapsible & adjustable design. Geesta wire cooling rack works works well for everything, from small items like cupcakes and muffins to large pies and cakes of significant weight.
Sourdough Cooling Rack, 17×11×3 Inch, Black (1 PCS)
Designed for Sourdough Cooling – Specially designed to promote even airflow, helping sourdough bread cool properly while maintaining a crisp, crackly crust. Heavy Duty &...
Who needs a cooling rack built specifically for serious bread baking? I do, and if you’ve ever pulled a gorgeous sourdough from the oven only to watch steam ruin the crust, you do too.
This 17×11-inch beauty from WGDJEMAX elevates your loaf three inches off the counter. That gap matters. Air circulates underneath, preventing that dreaded soggy bottom and keeping your crust crackly.
I love the heavy-duty metal build. It handles my heaviest boules without wobbling.
The open wire grid lets heat escape evenly from all sides, so your bread cools faster and more consistently.
At roughly 16.85 x 11.42 inches, it fits standard loaves perfectly. The 15.5-ounce weight feels substantial, not flimsy.
Is it only for sourdough? Nope. Artisan breads, quick breads, even pastries work here. It makes a practical gift for your bread-obsessed friend too.
My honest gripe? You get one rack, not a set. If you’re batch baking, you’ll need extras.
Still, for dedicated home bakers, this specialized design beats generic racks every time.
Best For: Dedicated home bakers and sourdough enthusiasts seeking a heavy-duty, elevated cooling solution that prevents soggy crusts and supports large artisan loaves.
Pros:
- Elevated 3-inch design promotes airflow beneath bread, preventing soggy bottoms and maintaining crisp crust texture
- Heavy-duty metal construction supports heavy boules without wobbling or bending
- Open wire grid enables even heat escape from all sides for faster, more consistent cooling
Cons:
- Single rack included, requiring additional purchases for batch baking
- Slightly smaller actual dimensions (16.85 x 11.42 inches) than stated 17×11 inches
- Specialized design limits versatility for non-bread cooling tasks compared to standard racks
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Heavy Duty Stainless Steel, Sturdy Construction - Engineered for supreme durability and rust/warp resistance. Provides optimum support and prevents baked goods from slipping through the rack.
𝟏，【𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐔𝐌 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘】The cooling rack is composed entirely of stainless steel without any harmful coatings. To meet your baking needs, we have chosen for you the substantial material on the market: food-grade stainless steel.
100% Solid 304 (18/8) Stainless Steel Construction - No metal platings or coatings that can chip or scratch and transfer toxins/chemicals to your food the way non-stick racks can. They also won’t rust, warp or bend.
KitchenAid Nonstick Cooling Rack 13×18 Inch
VERSATILE: use to cool cookies, cakes, pies, and tarts, or place in a baking sheet to roast meats and vegetables PROFESSIONAL RESULTS: grid pattern promotes airflow for even...
Looking for a cooling rack that won’t fight you when it’s time to clean up? I’ve got you covered. The KitchenAid Nonstick Cooling Rack in Contour Silver measures 13×18 inches and weighs about 1.6 pounds. Its aluminized steel body feels sturdy in my hands, and that nonstick coating actually works.
I use this rack for more than just cookies and cakes. It nests perfectly in a baking sheet, so I roast meats and vegetables without everything sticking. The grid pattern lets air flow evenly, which means no soggy bottoms on my baked goods.
It handles high heat like a champ, and I run it through the dishwasher without worry. The 12.72 x 17.72 inch surface fits most standard pans. Warranty details come through customer service if you need them.
Honestly, the nonstick surface makes cleanup almost enjoyable. Almost.
Best For: Home bakers and home cooks who want a versatile, easy-to-clean cooling rack that doubles as a roasting rack for meats and vegetables.
Pros:
- True nonstick coating makes food release effortless and cleanup nearly hassle-free, even in the dishwasher
- Versatile grid design nests in baking sheets for roasting and promotes even airflow to prevent soggy baked goods
- Sturdy aluminized steel construction withstands high heat and frequent use without warping
Cons:
- Exact outer dimensions (13×18 inches) may not fit all standard ovens or baking sheets despite the slightly smaller usable surface
- Nonstick coating may degrade over time with repeated high-heat roasting and dishwasher cycles
- Limited warranty information requires direct customer service contact rather than being readily available in packaging
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Perfect Size and Generous Set: This set includes 3 cooling racks, each measuring 16.5" x 11.8" x 0.6", designed to fit perfectly inside standard 18" x 13" half sheet pans. The versatile size allows for baking, cooling, and roasting a variety of foods, from cookies and pizzas to meats and vegetables, making it an essential addition to any kitchen.
Mrs. Anderson's Baking Professional Half Sheet Cooling Rack: Elevates baked goods above countertops for better airflow and faster cooling; promotes even heat circulation for consistent baking results and crisp textures for everyday baking, food preparation, and holiday traditions
Perfect Size - Each Measures 11.5 x 16.5 inches, designed to fit perfectly inside a standard 13 x 18 inches half sheet pan and cookie sheets. Nice generous size rack for cooling cakes, cookies, pies and more
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cooling Rack
I’ve tested enough cooling racks to know that a cheap wire grid can warp, rust, or just not fit your sheet pan, so I always check five things before I buy: material and construction, size and compatibility, temperature resistance level, airflow design features, and cleaning and maintenance.
Stainless steel beats coated metal every time, since I’ve had nonstick coatings flake off after a few hot cycles, and you’ll want something that handles at least 450°F if you’re using it in the oven too. I also measure my half-sheet pans before ordering, because a rack that’s even half an inch too wide becomes a useless drawer-clutterer, trust me.
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Value Pack of 4 cooling racks in black; Each measures 16" x 10" x 3/4"
Non-Toxic & Heavy Duty: TeamFar cooling racks are made of pure stainless steel, Without toxic coating, Free from harmful substance release into your foods, Rust and corrosion resistance, Healthy for your daily baking, A great replacement to aluminum wire rack
Well Made Cooling Racks: Versatile, great quality, sturdy, cleaning is a breeze
Material and Construction
I always start by checking what a cooling rack is actually made of, because that cheap chrome-plated one I bought years ago? Total rust magnet. Never again.
I go straight for 304 stainless steel, also called 18/8. It’s tough, rust-proof, and won’t start flaking into your cookies. Skip anything with coatings or plating, those chips just mean chemicals in your food.
Look at the wire gauge too. Heavy-duty grids hold heavy foods without that sad, sagging middle. I also eye the joints: fully welded or one-piece designs beat racks where wires pop loose or snag your bread.
And yes, I want dishwasher-safe. Smooth edges handle water better and clean up fast. No scrubbing, no rust spots, just ready for the next batch.
Size and Compatibility
Why does size matter so much? Because a rack that doesn’t fit your pan is practically useless. I always match my rack exactly to my pan size, whether that’s 10 x 15 inches or 11.5 x 16.5 inches. Full coverage means proper airflow, and no overhang means no wonky balancing acts.
Height matters too. Look for 1-inch legs or raised feet. That elevation keeps air circulating, so you don’t end up with soggy bottoms on your cookies or roasted veggies.
I also check compatibility with my sheet pans. Standard jelly roll pans or 13 x 18 inch half sheets need racks that sit securely. I get frustrated when a rack wobbles or slides around.
One quick note: I’ll cover oven heat limits separately, so stay tuned for that.
Temperature Resistance Level
How hot can your rack really get?
I always check the temperature rating before I buy. Most quality racks handle 500–575°F, which lets me roast meats or broil veggies right in the oven. That heat tolerance matters because warped racks ruin my day, and nobody wants a sagging mess when draining hot bacon fat.
I look for exact numbers on the label, 500°F or 575°F, so I know I’m safe for high-heat jobs. Oven-safe racks pull double duty as roasting racks or drip trays, and that saves me money and cabinet space.
One thing I learned the hard way: check those coatings. Bare stainless or aluminized steel stays strong, but cheap finishes can flake or smell terrible. I stick with proven materials, and my racks last years.
Airflow Design Features
Temperature resistance keeps your rack from melting down, but airflow design is what actually gets your cookies crisp.
I always look for elevated feet or legs first. They lift your baked goods off the counter, so air flows underneath and moisture escapes. That’s how you get even crusts, not soggy bottoms.
A tight grid pattern matters too. It stops small cookies from falling through, while still letting air hit every side. For big loaves or cakes, I prefer full-height designs, around an inch or more. They speed up cooling when you’re in a rush.
Heavy-gauge stainless steel keeps the grid from warping over time, so airflow stays open batch after batch. Smooth welds and non-snag edges help air move freely, and they make cleanup faster.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I hate scrubbing stuck-on cookie bits out of tiny grid squares, so I always check how easy a rack is to clean before I buy.
Most racks claim they’re dishwasher safe, but I usually hand wash mine. It takes a few extra minutes, yet it keeps the finish looking fresh and prevents warping over time. Stainless steel and aluminized steel are my go-to materials because they fight rust and hold their shape through countless bakes.
I also look for smooth, snag-free edges. Nothing ruins cleanup like slicing your thumb on a sharp wire.
Full-grid patterns with raised feet help air circulate, so cookies don’t get soggy and stick in the first place. Plus, when a rack fits standard sheet pans, like 10×15 or 13×18 inches, I can use it across my whole kitchen without juggling multiple sizes.
Versatility of Use
Once cleanup stops being a headache, you start wondering what else your rack can do. I always look for a tight grid pattern that holds cookies, bread, and even small roasted veggies without letting them slip through.
A truly versatile rack doubles as a drip tray. I use mine for crispy chicken wings, turkey, or bacon, letting fat render onto a sheet pan below. Adjustable, multi-tier designs are game-changers for batch cooking, giving me 2–4 levels to cool or cook multiple items without crowding.
I won’t buy anything without checking oven and grill ratings. Look for 500–575°F tolerance for roasting, broiling, smoking, or drying herbs. Nonstick or smooth edges make switching between baking, decorating, and drying painless. One rack, endless jobs, that’s the goal.
Durability and Longevity
Nothing kills the mood like a cooling rack that warps after six months or starts rusting in the corners. I’ve learned to look for 304 (18/8) stainless steel or heavy-gauge steel construction. These materials resist rust, warping, and bending over time.
I always check that there’s no plating or coatings. Those can chip or transfer toxins when heated repeatedly. I also make sure the rack is oven-safe up to at least 500°F, ideally 575°F. High heat exposure without deforming matters more than you’d think.
Reinforced grid patterns and raised feet are essential. They maintain structural integrity under heavy loads. Dishwasher-safe design helps too. Easier cleaning prevents corrosion from moisture buildup.
I’ve seen cheap racks fail fast. Spending a bit more upfront saves money, trust me.
Storage and Space Needs
A cooling rack that doesn’t fit your kitchen setup becomes a headache fast. I’ve learned this the hard way, trust me.
First, match your rack to your sheet pan. I grab 10×15 or 11.5×16.5 inches so nothing hangs over the edge. Height matters too. I want at least 1 inch of clearance underneath for air to flow freely.
Storage is where things get tricky. My kitchen’s cramped, so I look for collapsible or stackable designs that tuck away neatly. No one wants a rack hogging counter space forever.
I also check that it’s dishwasher safe and rust-resistant. Stainless steel or aluminized steel cleans up easy and lasts.
Finally, I make sure there’s breathing room around stored items. Crowding kills airflow, and nobody likes soggy cookies or rusty racks.
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