A good silicone mat replaces parchment for most baking and lasts years, but quality varies widely; fiberglass-reinforced mats from established brands hold their nonstick surface far longer than the cheapest imitations. Buy the half-sheet size to match a standard 13x18 sheet pan.
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Silpat
The original and still the best-known nonstick baking surface, with fiberglass-reinforced construction that lasts years of daily use. It costs several times more than a generic silicone mat that handles ordinary cookie baking just as well most of the time.
Silpat
The perforated surface lets steam escape for a crisper bread or pastry bottom, something a solid mat can't do. It's a specialist mat, not a general all-purpose surface for cookies or candy.
USA Pan
A solid mid-range mat from a trusted bakeware brand, food-grade silicone with a fiberglass mesh similar in concept to Silpat, at a lower price. It has a shorter proven track record for longevity than the original.
Wilton
A budget entry point into silicone mats. It works fine for cookies and general baking, but the surface tends to show wear and staining sooner than premium mats.
Norpro
Sold as a two-mat set, so you can line two sheet pans for close to the price of one premium mat. The material is thinner than USA Pan or Silpat, so the edges can curl over time.