Found in the kitchen of our new house: a rack the size of a standard oven.

Once you have a few guesses, testing the rack safely is important. Here are steps to figure out its intended purpose:

Check the size and fit – Slide it into your oven. Does it fit snugly at different heights? If yes, it’s likely an oven rack.

Look at the construction – Is it heavy-duty metal? Does it have fine mesh? A mesh design often means cooling or drying, while thick bars are for roasting or baking.

Inspect for markings – Manufacturer logos, model numbers, or labels can give clues. Sometimes a quick online search will tell you exactly what the rack was made for.Baked Goods

Test without food – Try heating your oven at low temperature with the rack inside. If it’s stable and sturdy, it can handle baking.

3. Practical Uses for an Oven-Sized Rack
Once you identify it, the possibilities are almost endless. Here’s how you can put that rack to work:

Baking
Multiple cookie sheets at once – If you love baking for family gatherings, this can double or triple your output.

Bread and pastries – Use it for proofing dough or cooling loaves.

Pizza baking – Place directly in the oven for homemade pizzas.BBQ & Grilling

Roasting
Vegetables and meat – Position over a tray to catch drippings while roasting your favorite meats.

Layered roasting – Two racks at once can help cook large meals efficiently.

Cooling
Large-batch cooling – Perfect for cakes, bread, and pies.

Drying herbs or fruits – Spread out herbs or sliced fruit to air-dry.

Creative Hacks
Dehydrating food – Low-temperature oven dehydrating can save space compared to commercial dehydrators.Food

Storage and organization – Repurpose it as a flat organizer for trays, cutting boards, or pans.

DIY baking station – Use it to separate stages of prep, like icing, cooling, or decorating.

4. Maintenance Tips
To keep your new discovery in top condition: