Care & Use Instructions

Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Wash the rack in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. This removes any manufacturing residue or protective coatings applied during production.

Preparing for roasting: Place the rack inside your Dexam Supreme 40 x 28cm roasting pan with the bars running in your preferred direction (typically lengthwise for long joints, crosswise for wider roasts). The rack should sit flat and stable within the pan. For easier cleanup, you can line the pan below the rack with foil—though this isn't necessary with quality stainless steel pans.

Positioning meat on the rack: Place your meat directly onto the rack, positioning it centrally for balanced weight distribution. For poultry, you can place it breast-side up or down depending on your recipe. For joints, position the fattiest side up so fat bastes the meat as it renders. The rack supports the meat securely whilst allowing heat to circulate underneath and around the sides.

During roasting: The rack elevates meat above drippings, allowing fat and juices to collect in the pan below. This separation is crucial—it prevents the underside from boiling in rendered fat (which would create soggy, pale skin rather than crispy browning), whilst collecting clean drippings for gravy. The 1.5cm elevation provides optimal clearance whilst maintaining roast stability.

For even browning: The wire construction allows hot air to flow freely around the entire joint, promoting even cooking and browning on all surfaces—not just the top. This circulation means you typically don't need to turn the meat during roasting, though you can if your recipe requires it. The rack makes rotating easier if needed, providing a stable base to grasp.

Basting technique: When basting during roasting, use a bulb baster or large spoon to collect juices from the pan below the rack and pour over the meat. The rack's open construction makes accessing pan drippings easy without disturbing the meat. Some cooks prefer not to baste, allowing skin to crisp better—the rack supports either technique.

Making gravy: After roasting, remove the meat and rack together (use oven gloves—the rack is very hot). The pan below contains collected drippings, separate from the meat—perfect for making gravy without excess fat. You can pour off excess fat, deglaze the pan with wine or stock, and create rich gravy from the concentrated flavours collected during roasting.

Removing the rack after cooking: Always use oven gloves when handling the hot rack. The stainless steel retains heat significantly. Lift the rack and meat together, or remove the meat first, then the rack. Be careful not to splash hot drippings from the pan below when removing the rack.

Cooling before cleaning: Allow the rack to cool completely before washing. Immediate immersion in cold water can cause thermal shock, though stainless steel is quite resilient. Letting it cool naturally is gentler on the material and safer for you.

Hand washing: For everyday cleaning, wash the rack in hot, soapy water using a brush or non-abrasive sponge to remove cooked-on residue between the wires. The open wire construction makes cleaning easier than solid surfaces—you can scrub from both sides. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent water spots.

Dishwasher cleaning: The rack is dishwasher safe. Place it on the bottom rack of your dishwasher where water pressure is strongest. The high-quality 18/10 stainless steel won't rust or corrode through repeated dishwasher cycles. However, hand washing is often quicker for racks given their simple construction.

Removing stubborn residue: For baked-on drippings or carbon buildup, soak the rack in hot, soapy water for 15-30 minutes to soften residue. Use a stiff brush or non-abrasive scrubber to remove loosened deposits. For particularly stubborn spots, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to affected areas, let sit briefly, then scrub. Avoid harsh abrasives that could scratch the stainless steel surface.

Preventing rust: High-quality 18/10 stainless steel is highly rust-resistant, but proper care extends longevity. Always dry the rack completely after washing—don't leave it wet for extended periods. If storing for long periods, ensure it's completely dry. Stainless steel's chromium content forms a protective layer that prevents rust, but prolonged moisture exposure can compromise this protection over time.

Storage: Store the rack inside the matching roasting pan to save cupboard space and keep the set together. Alternatively, hang the rack on a hook or stand it vertically in a cupboard. The lightweight 0.28kg construction makes handling and storage easy. Ensure the rack is completely dry before storage to prevent any potential water spotting or mineral deposits.

Maintaining appearance: Stainless steel can develop a patina or slight discolouration from high-heat roasting—this is normal and doesn't affect performance. For cosmetic restoration, use a stainless steel cleaner or a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Rub with the grain of the steel (if visible), rinse thoroughly, and dry. Some cooks actually prefer the patina as evidence of use.

Checking for damage: Periodically inspect the rack for any bent wires or structural damage. Quality stainless steel is resilient, but accidental impacts or extreme weight could bend wires. Minor bends can sometimes be straightened by hand (when cool), but significant damage may require replacement for safe use.

What to avoid: Don't place the hot rack directly onto cold surfaces (stone countertops, etc.)—use a trivet or towel to protect surfaces. Don't use metal utensils to scrape the rack aggressively, as this can scratch the stainless steel. Don't use harsh chemical cleaners or bleach, which can damage the protective chromium layer. Don't store the rack whilst still damp.

Versatility beyond roasting: Whilst designed for roasting meat, this rack has other uses. Use it as a cooling rack for baked goods (let it cool first after roasting use and wash thoroughly). Use it for grilling vegetables in the oven. Use it to elevate foods for crisping—bacon, fish, or anything you want air circulation around. The sturdy construction and food-safe stainless steel make it versatile kitchen equipment.

Long-term care: With proper use and care, this Italian-made stainless steel rack should provide decades of service. The material doesn't degrade from heat exposure, the simple construction has no parts to wear out, and quality stainless steel resists corrosion. Clean promptly after use, dry thoroughly, and store properly—these simple practices ensure longevity.