a wire rack

USAGE SUMMARY

"wire rack" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a rack made of metal wire or mesh, which is often used to store and display items such as food, books, and other merchandise. Example: I placed the freshly baked cakes on the wire rack to cool.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turn onto a wire rack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Place on a wire rack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stand on a wire rack to cool.

The Guardian - Travel

Place on a wire rack to harden.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cool on a wire rack before serving.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Remove and cool on a wire rack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Drain on a wire rack. 5.

The New York Times - Magazine

Let cool completely on a wire rack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leave to cool on a wire rack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Invert on a wire rack to cool.

The New York Times - Magazine

Let cool on a wire rack.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wire rack" in a recipe, specify its purpose, such as cooling baked goods or draining fried foods, to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a wire rack" interchangeably with "a cooling rack" unless the context explicitly involves cooling. A wire rack can serve multiple purposes, while a cooling rack is specifically for cooling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wire rack" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of rack constructed from wire, used in various contexts such as cooking, baking, and drying. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

30%

Science

38%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wire rack" is a common noun phrase used to refer to a rack made of wire, often used in cooking, baking, and draining. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When writing about cooking or baking, it's useful to specify the purpose of the wire rack for clarity, such as using it for cooling baked goods or draining fried foods. Related terms include "a cooling rack" and "a drying rack", though "a wire rack" has broader applications. Remember to clean and maintain your wire rack properly to ensure its longevity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cooling rack

Focuses specifically on the rack's use for cooling baked goods.

a drying rack

Emphasizes the rack's function in drying items.

a metal grid

Describes the structure of the rack using more general terms.

a mesh rack

Highlights the mesh construction of the rack.

a wire shelf

Implies a more general storage structure made of wire.

a grating rack

Focuses on the rack's grating surface and it's usually used in ovens.

a wire support

General description of the rack's function.

a baking rack

Highlights the rack's use in baking applications.

a draining rack

Emphasizes the rack's function for draining liquids from food or other items.

a steel wire rack

Specifies the material composition of the rack.

FAQs

What is "a wire rack" used for in cooking?

"A wire rack" is commonly used for cooling baked goods, draining fried foods, or supporting items while glazing or icing. It allows air to circulate, preventing sogginess.

Can I use a baking sheet instead of "a wire rack" for cooling cookies?

While you can, using "a wire rack" is better because it allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy. A baking sheet traps heat and moisture.

What's the difference between "a wire rack" and "a cooling rack"?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but "a wire rack" can have broader applications beyond just cooling. "A cooling rack" is specifically designed for cooling baked goods, while "a wire rack" may also be used for draining or other purposes.

How do I clean "a wire rack"?

Soaking "a wire rack" in hot, soapy water can help loosen food particles. You can also use a scrub brush or sponge to remove stubborn residue. Ensure it's thoroughly dried to prevent rust.