Members of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad fire a 21-gun salute during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the surrender of the Empire of Japan ending World War II at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Thursday.

Which bathtub trays are best?

Few things are more enjoyable than taking a long, relaxing soak after a hard day at work. However, if you want to elevate the experience to a luxury, spa-like level, you need to invest in a bathtub tray. They provide a safe place to store your reading material and spa essentials.

The Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray stands out for its attractive style, variety of compartments and ability to adjust to most tubs. There are many other great options, though, too, if you prefer something made of metal or plastic.

What to know before you buy a bathtub tray

Materials

Bathtub trays come in several types of material, which vary in their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Wood: Arguably, bathtub trays made from teak, bamboo and other woods are some of the most attractive options. They tend to be very strong too, however they can be susceptible to mold and water damage if they aren’t allowed to dry completely between uses, especially unpainted models.
Metal: Metal is another common material used in bathtub trays. Unlike wood, metal isn’t prone to mold, but it can be susceptible to rusting. This shouldn’t happen in high-quality stainless steel models, but it is a concern in lower-quality units made from other metals and featuring inexpensive chrome plating. Most metal models have a basket design, so you don’t have to worry about water pooling up on top of them like you may with bathtub trays made from other materials, but this does mean that small items can slip through their open spaces.
Plastic/Acrylic: You can also find bathtub trays made from plastic or acrylic, both of which are completely impervious to water. Oftentimes, though, these have less features than wooden or metal trays. Some may also find they don’t look very attractive.

Size

All bathtub trays are designed to fit basic tubs, but they do vary in width so it is important to measure your tub before purchasing any model. This is especially important if you have an uncommon or extra-wide tub. Many models are also adjustable, which not only allows you to increase their usable surface space when needed, but also ensures you can perfectly fit the tray to your tub. Some bathtub trays measure up to 42 inches long when fully extended.

Features to look for in a quality bathtub tray

Cup holder

If you like to have a beverage on hand while relaxing in the tub, you’ll be happy to know that many bathtub trays feature dedicated cupholders. There are even some models that feature holders specifically designed for wine glasses.

Media stand

Most bathtub trays have a media stand of some kind. Often, these are angle adjustable to hold your tablet or book at the optimal position for comfortable viewing. They also fold flat when not in use for more convenient storage of the tray.

Spa tray

The spa tray is where you can keep all your soaps, bath bombs, sponges and any other personal care product you like to use while soaking. Ideally, these should be removable so you can clean them off when you’re finished bathing.

All-purpose tray

In addition to soaps and media devices or books, you may like to keep other items close at hand while bathing. All-purpose trays provide you with a bit of extra space to do exactly this.

Nonslip grips

Bathtub surfaces can be notoriously slippery when wet. To reduce the chances of your bathtub tray slipping off the edge and potentially dropping your stuff into the water or onto the floor, look for a model that features nonslip grips on the bottom. These will be made of a high-traction material like rubber or silicone.

Handles

Handles make it easier to carry your tray to and from the tub, especially when it is already loaded up with your various toiletries, reading materials and a drink. On some models, these may be raised handles or integrated into the frame of the tray. Some trays are completely lacking in handles, which can be cumbersome to lift and carry.

How much can you expect to spend on a bathtub tray

Most bathtub trays cost between $15-$75.

Bathtub tray FAQ

Do bathtub trays require any assembly?

A. Most bathtub trays require little or no assembly. For those that do require assembly, the process should be very easy and, if tools are needed, they will come with them.

Will a bathtub tray damage the surface of my tub?

A. Bathtub trays shouldn’t damage the surface of your tub. However, if you are worried about this, make sure to choose a model that has a rubber, silicone or other soft material coating on any surfaces that will come in contact with your tub.

What are the best bathtub trays to buy?

Top bathtub tray

Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray

What you need to know: Smartly designed with tons of great features and available in a wide variety of colors, this bathtub tray makes a nice addition to any bathroom.

What you’ll love: It extends up to 43 inches so it can fit practically any tub, and it has a dedicated wineglass holder that prevents them from spilling if the tray is accidentally bumped. The spay tray is removable too, for easy cleaning.

What you should consider: It can feel a bit oversized in small tubs.

Top bathtub tray for the money

Home Intuition Stainless Steel Expandable Shower Bathtub Tray

What you need to know: This stainless steel tray is a top option for those who prefer a minimalist style or are looking for something with added durability and longevity.

What you’ll love: It has nonslip handles, so there is no worry that it will fall into the bathtub.

What you should consider: Small items can fall through its grates.

Worth checking out

Bambüsi Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy

What you need to know: This bamboo bathtub tray has space for all the things to make your bathtub experience luxurious.

What you’ll love: It adjusts to fit most tubs, and it has spots for things like a wineglass, a tablet and a smartphone. The adjustable bar lets you adjust the angle of a tablet on the tray.

What you should consider: It’s a bit heavy, and the middle slots may allow some things to fall into the water.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which jelly roll pans are best?

There’s a reason why jelly rolls are such a classic dessert. The delicate sponge cake and sweet filling is such a delicious combination that’s perfect for various occasions. To get that traditional roll shape, though, you need a high-quality jelly roll pan to get the cake thin enough to form the roll.

Jelly roll pans are similar to half-sheet baking pans but slightly smaller, making them ideal for rolled cake recipes. The design helps produce a cake thin enough for rolling but won’t crack or burn. If you’re looking for a durable, high-performance jelly roll pan, the USA Pan Nonstick Jelly Roll Baking Pan and Cooling Rack is the best option.

What to know before you buy a jelly roll pan

Size

Most jelly roll pans measure 17 inches by 12 inches. Some are slightly smaller, measuring 15 inches by 10 inches. All jelly roll pans are 1-inch deep, though.

Half-sheet baking pans are slightly larger, which can affect the baking time for your cake and even cause burning. That’s why it’s best to use a dedicated jelly roll pan for rolled cakes like a jelly roll or Swiss roll.

Jelly roll pans are a fairly versatile size, though, making them useful for other recipes. Smaller jelly roll pans are roughly the same size as a baking sheet, so you can use them to make your favorite chocolate chip cookies or roast vegetables.

Material

Like most baking pans, jelly roll pans can be made of several different materials.

Aluminum is a popular option because it conducts heat well for even baking. It’s also rust-resistant to improve the pan’s durability. It’s important to choose a heavier aluminum for a jelly roll pan, though, to avoid warping.
Anodized aluminum is another effective material for jelly roll pans because it’s harder and even more durable than regular aluminum. It’s scratch-resistant and nonstick, too, but you’ll pay more for it.
You can also find aluminized steel jelly roll pans, which feature steel that’s been treated with an aluminum-silicon alloy. That allows it to conduct heat more effectively and offers corrosion resistance. It isn’t as likely to warp either.
Stainless steel jelly roll pans are another good option because they’re thick and fairly durable. They don’t scratch or warp easily either. It doesn’t conduct heat as well as the other materials, though, so your cakes may not bake as evenly.

Maintenance

Jelly roll pans that are easy to take care of are always the best option. Nonstick pans are easier to clean because food isn’t as likely to get stuck on the surface. Keep in mind that some nonstick coatings are pretty delicate, though, so you have to be careful when washing the pan.

If you want the lowest maintenance jelly roll pan, look for a dishwasher-safe option.

What to look for in a quality jelly roll pan

Nonstick coating

You can find many jelly rolls with a nonstick coating. Not only does that save you time when cleaning, but it also means your cake will release more easily when it’s finished baking. The nonstick coating allows you to use less oil when roasting foods on the pan, too.

Keep in mind that some nonstick coatings contain potentially harmful chemicals and often become damaged over time and flake off. If your nonstick jelly roll pan looks damaged, replace it right away. Anodized aluminum jelly roll pans don’t scratch or flake as easily as other materials, so opt for a nonstick pan with an anodized aluminum base if you’re concerned about potential health risks.

Rack

For even more versatility, some jelly roll pans include a rack. It fits inside the bottom of the pan and allows you to elevate your food, so the air can circulate around it for more even baking. You can also use the rack to cool baked goods and other foods after they’ve finished cooking.

Handles

A jelly roll pan with handles is usually easier to put in and take out of the oven. You can even find some with a non-slip grip on the handles to ensure there are no accidents when handling the pan.

Corrugated surface

You may want to look for a jelly roll pan with a corrugated or textured surface for even baking. That allows the air to circulate around food, cooking more evenly and not developing any burned or crispy areas. The textured surface can also make it easier to get your cake out of the pan.

How much you can expect to spend on a jelly roll pan

Jelly rolls typically cost between $10-$40. Those that cost less than $10 aren’t usually that durable, but you can find plenty of solid pans in the $10-$20 price range. However, the best jelly roll pans generally cost between $20-$40.

Jelly roll pan FAQ

What jelly roll pans are the most durable?

A. The highest-quality jelly roll pans are usually made of professional-grade aluminum, aluminized steel or anodized aluminum. These pans tend to be the thickest and are less likely to warp or scratch.

Can I use a jelly roll pan for other recipes?

A. While a jelly roll pan is ideal for preparing jelly rolls, Swiss rolls and other rolled cakes, it’s actually pretty versatile. You can also bake cookies and roast vegetables on them. Basically, you can use it to prepare any recipe that calls for you a sheet or baking pan.

What’s the best jelly roll pan to buy?

Top jelly roll pan

USA Pan Nonstick Jelly Roll Baking Pan and Cooling Rack

What you need to know: This highly durable jelly roll pan includes a cooling rack for added versatility and features a sturdy construction that allows for years of use.

What you’ll love: It’s made with aluminized steel and features a nonstick silicone coating for easy cleanup. Its surface is corrugated to improve air circulation for more even baking. The included rack is designed to prevent food from falling through.

What you should consider: The nonstick coating can be fragile, so you must take care when washing it.

Top jelly roll pan for the money

OXO Good Grips Nonstick Pro Jelly Roll Pan

What you need to know: If you only make the occasional jelly roll, this pan is a solid option that delivers performance and durability at a great price.

What you’ll love: It features thick, durable aluminized steel that heats evenly. The surface is finely textured to help release food more efficiently. Its nonstick coating has two layers to reduce scratching. The edges are rolled to allow you to get a good grip.

What you should consider: The pan is somewhat difficult to clean because of the microtextured surface.

Worth checking out

Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Jelly Roll Baking Sheet

What you need to know: This prograde jelly roll pan is one of the most durable we looked at, thanks to its resistance to rust, warping and denting.

What you’ll love: It’s made by a family-owned business. It’s made of aluminum that heats evenly. The prograde construction prevents the pan from warping or denting. It has a heavy, sturdy feel and features reinforced rims for added durability.

What you should consider: It doesn’t have a nonstick coating like the other pans on our list.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

The Twins solved Tarik Skubal on Thursday night at Target Field, but only briefly. And it wasn’t nearly enough.

The Twins got to Skubal, the ace left-hander who entered Thursday’s game a top candidate for the American League Cy Young Award and AL-leading 2.35 earned-run average, for three runs and a 3-0 lead in the third inning. But the Tigers rallied against Bailey Ober won it, 4-3, in the 11th on Gleyber Torres’ sacrifice fly off Erasmo Ramirez.

It was the fifth win in seven games for the AL Central leaders, and pushed to fourth-place Twins to 13 games out. The Twins went down in order in their half of the 11th against Rafael Monterro. Ryan Jeffers was called out on a check swing to start the inning, and manager Rocco Baldelli was ejected, his 18th as the Twins’ skipper, after coming out to argue the call.

The Twins had a chance to win it in the 10th.

With courtesy runner Alan Roden on second, pinch-hitter Mickey Gasper laid down a sacrifice put to move Roden to third, and with the Tigers’ infield drawn in, Austin Martin dropped a check-swing bunt to first baseman Spencer Torkelson, who cut down Gasper at home plate. Byron Buxton then lined out to short.

After four Twins relievers combined to pitch a scoreless 3⅔ innings, Brooks Lee hit a two-out double off of left-hander Tyler Holton in the ninth but was stranded there when Adam Roden flied out to left-center. The Twins had no right-handed hitters on the bench to face Holton, who fanned lefty Trevor Larnach before getting lefty Roden.

Bailey Ober was charged with three runs on four hits, including a two-run home run to Riley Greene in the fourth inning. The right-hander was pulled with one out in the sixth, but not before allowing the tying run on a double by leadoff hitter Javy Baez and RBI single by Colt Keith.

The Twins got to Skubal for three runs in the third inning, starting with a one-out, solo home run by Edouard Julien that landed in the plaza behind right field. It was the 13th homer allowed by Skubal this season, and first by a left-handed hitter.

Austin Martin followed with a double and scored on Buxton’s single to left to make it 2-0.

After Buxton moved to second on Ryan Jeffers’ groundout, Keaschall singled sharply to left to bring Buxton home for a 3-0 lead. Royce Lewis followed with a walk, but Trevor Larnach grounded out back to the pitcher to end the inning.

The Tigers wasted no time eating into that lead.

After Ober got Colt Keith on a popout and Gleyber Torres on a liner to right, Kerry Carpenter doubled into the right field corner and Greene hit a high, 90 mph fastball into the right-field plaza to make it 3-2.

Ober retired the next four batters he faced before allowing a leadoff double to Javy Baez to start the sixth inning. Baez scored on a single by Keith, and Ober got Torres on a fly ball to center. But that was it for Ober, pulled for left-hander Kody Funderburk.

Funderburk got out of the inning by sandwiching a walk to Greene between a groundout by Carpenter and flyball to right by Spencer Torkelson.

Michael Tompkin pitched a 1-2-3 eighth for the Twins.

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