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The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Unless you make family-size roasts regularly, you might not give much thought to roasting pans outside of the holiday season. These large pans are certainly helpful when it comes to cooking generously sized Thanksgiving turkeys and holiday hams, but they’re also highly versatile pieces of cookware that come in handy in everyday cooking. Roasting pans also work for roasting whole chicken or vegetables, preparing one-pan meals like lasagna or deep dish pizzas, baking desserts for a crowd, and simmering gravy and pan sauces right on the stovetop.
We tested multiple popular roasting pans in our Lab and several were sent to test in home kitchens for the most realistic results. We analyzed the design and performance of each pan by roasting a chicken with potatoes and making gravy. We also assessed how easy the pan was to clean after cooking.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Roasting Pan
Professional quality
Dishwasher safe
Plenty of room for a roast and sides
Stovetop safe but only on medium high
Metal tools should be avoided
When it comes to roasting pans that will last, this Cuisinart fits the bill. The hefty pan weighs in at 10 pounds and comes with a U-shaped roasting rack that can hold a large turkey or roast with ease. The handles are securely riveted for easy maneuvering, and the tri-ply stainless-steel construction is suitable for any stovetop, including induction.
We found this to be an outstandingly high-quality roasting pan with a strong performance. Roasted potatoes came out crispy and brown, while the chicken was amazingly juicy. Even with a roast or chicken in the pan, there was still plenty of room to add our favorite root vegetables to cook at the same time. The heavy-duty construction means this pan is a real workhorse and can go from oven to stovetop for a thorough deglazing to create your favorite pan gravy. We also noted that the pan's bottom surface is flat from edge to edge, making it easy to deglaze and scrape, but want to caution that metal tools should be avoided to protect the pan's surface.
All in all, it's a sturdy roasting pan that is exceedingly easy to clean and seems to have the potential to last for a lifetime with proper care. If you tend to roast often and for a crowd, this is the pan for you.
Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Maximum Temperature: 500 degrees | Weight: 10 pounds
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Best Small
Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster
Streamlined design with plenty of space
Lightweight but still heats evenly
Versatile
Great value
Handles are small
Only oven safe to 450 degrees
If you're searching for a more compact roaster, this sleekly designed pan from Farberware should suit your needs. This 11 x 15-inch roasting pan still has plenty of space for a decently sized rack of lamb or large chicken. The steel pan's nonstick coating keeps food from getting stuck—helpful for when you're transferring its contents or cleaning up. The included chrome-plated rack raises your proteins for good airflow. While it isn't suitable for stovetop use, its maneuverability allows you to pour drippings into a saucepan to make gravy without being cumbersome.
This roaster did exceptionally well when we cooked a chicken with potatoes, offering plenty of room for even cooking (though not as much browning as some other models). Cleaning was a breeze, thanks to the nonstick coating, and this delivers a great value considering its versatility and performance.
The shape of this pan also lends itself well to uses besides roasting—it can handle lasagna, casseroles, or even brownies. While the pan's maximum heat threshold—450 degrees Fahrenheit—is lower than others, it is still a great roaster for those with limited space or who don't cook for a crowd very often.
Material: Steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Stovetop Safe: No | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees | Weight: 3 pounds
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
High quality
Nonstick surface for easy cleaning
Very sturdy rack
Expensive
Whether it’s a chicken, a beef roast, or a turkey, this pan can handle it all. Its heavy-duty and sturdy rack can bear the weight of whatever you put on it. Plus, it fits snugly into the pan and won’t shift around, keeping the roast nice and secure. The nonstick surface of the pan, along with the heavy bottom, means it’s much less likely you’ll burn the veggies underneath your meat. Plus, it’s super-easy to clean when cooking is done, and easy to lift in and out of the oven.
Not just for roasting, this would be great for a party-sized lasagna or casserole, or roasting vegetables for a crowd. We used it to slow-roast a big batch of onions, and it performed perfectly. We also tested the uncoated stainless-steel version of this roaster, and loved the performance just as much. If you don’t need a large roaster, a 14.5-inch roaster is also available, that would be great for chickens, roasts, and even for small turkeys.
Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Weight: 9.97 pounds
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
Best Budget
Rachael Ray 16 x 13 Inch Roaster
Generously sized, yet lightweight
Flat rack is reversible
Easy to clean
Straight sides make it difficult to pour
Only oven safe to 450 degrees
Rachael Ray does it again with stylish and functional cookware at a very accessible price point. This nonstick-coated steel roaster measures 16 x 13 inches, large enough to hold a 20-pound turkey or roast. It features riveted stainless-steel handles for secure transport in and out of the oven, large enough to grip securely even with oven mitts on. The pan comes with a reversible flat rack, which lets you choose if you want your protein to sit higher or lower. The roaster can also be used directly on the stovetop to make gravy with pan drippings and is oven-safe up to 450 degrees.
This roasting pan did exceptionally well when we tested it—the potatoes browned and cooked very evenly while the chicken stayed juicy and cooked to perfection. We noted that the straight sides of the pan made it a little tricky to pour from, like when transferring gravy to a bowl, but it wasn't a dealbreaker.
Due to its nonstick coating, this roasting pan is also very easy to clean by hand—important, since it's not dishwasher safe. While the pan's maximum heat threshold tops out at 450 degrees, it's enough to cover almost any roasting and baking needs and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Material: Alloy steel | Dishwasher Safe: No | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees | Weight: 4.86 pounds
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Best Nonstick
All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Roasting Pan
Can handle a 25-pound turkey
High pan sides minimize splatter
Large riveted handles for carrying ease
Nonstick is susceptible to scratches
If you’re a fan of nonstick-coated cookware but also appreciate the aesthetic of stainless steel, this is the roasting pan for you. It features a luxe, highly polished stainless-steel exterior, and a PFOA-free nonstick-coated cooking surface. Owners of the pan say cleaning the nonstick interior is a breeze since food releases easily and it’s also dishwasher safe.
This roaster did great in our Lab. The roast chicken came out evenly cooked with a crispy skin on top, and the potatoes—while not as evenly crispy and browned as we prefer—were tender and creamy on the inside. We were also able to make gravy right on the stovetop, with excellent consistency and even cooking.
The pan is 16 inches long, has up to a 25-pound capacity, comes with a V-shaped nonstick rack, and is oven-safe up to 500 degrees. Upright, riveted stainless-steel handles provide stability in lifting heavy dishes out of the oven, and the high pan sides help minimize splatters. As with all nonstick cookware, you’ll want to avoid using metal utensils since they can scratch the nonstick coating.
Material: Stainless steel with nonstick coating | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Weight: 9 pounds
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Best Oven-to-Table
KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron Au Gratin Oval Roasting Pan
Attractive
Useful shape
Easy-to-grip handles
Enameled for easy care
Heavy
Not dishwasher safe
The KitchenAid pan may have “au gratin” in its name, but it’s much more than that. Of course, it would look pretty with an au gratin, casserole, or cobbler bubbling away, but it’s also the perfect fit for a roast chicken, with potatoes nestled along the sides for an easy dinner. Even better, it’s stovetop safe, so it can be used for sautéing vegetables or searing meat, and it’s just as handy for making gravy once the roasting is done.
Thanks to the enameled surfaces, it’s easy to care for, with no need for seasoning, although it’s not dishwasher safe. The shape is pleasing and practical—a chicken fits well, and it’s just as good for a pork or beef roast. This is available in two attractive colors, pistachio or blue velvet, and it has side handles that make it easy to get in and out of the oven. It looks great in use, and is attractive enough for serving, too. When not in use, it can be used as a countertop fruit bowl, too.
Material: Cast iron | Dishwasher Safe: No | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: No | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Weight: 6.6 pounds
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
Best Ceramic
Caraway Roasting Pan
Sturdy rack included
Very nonstick
Multiple colors to choose from
Great handles
Less likely to create a fond
Expensive
If cleanup after roasting is a dreaded task, the Caraway roasting pan can easily solve that problem. Thanks to the ceramic coating, the pan is nonstick, so food simply sponges away when it’s time for cleaning. The stainless-steel rack takes a bit more effort, but it’s still fairly easy. In testing, a 13-pound turkey fit easily, even when we spatchcocked one, and it could have handled a larger one as well.
The large side handles make this pan easy to lift, and the handles on the rack make it easy to remove as well, to move the food for resting while the pan goes on the stove to make gravy. Due to the excellent nonstick, drippings don’t brown during cooking the way they do in an uncoated pan. It’s a minor quibble, and the gravy we made was still excellent. This comes in a variety of colors to match other Caraway cookware or to add a pop of color.
Material: Aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic coating | Dishwasher Safe: No | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 550 degrees | Weight: 6.77 pounds
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The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a well-built roasting pan with plenty of room for any roast, we recommend the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack. For an affordable option that is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to clean, we like the Rachael Ray Roaster with Dual Height Rack.
How We Tested
We tested 21 roasting pans, both side-by-side in our Lab and in our home kitchens to determine the best of the best. In the Lab, we tested each by roasting a whole chicken, with new potatoes roasting underneath, and making a pan gravy with the drippings. At home, tests included whole chickens, layers of onions, and meatloaf.
We Observed
- Larger handles will save your holiday dinner: Chances are something heavy is in the roasting pan when you're grabbing it out of the oven. Large handles mean a secure grip on the very hot pan, so your dinner doesn't end up on the floor.
- Material and design can influence your gravy: The development of delicious fond, how easily a pan can be deglazed, and the heat from your stove's burner are all a factor in whether your gravy is better than store-bought. We analyzed the post-roasting fond and made pan gravy to determine if there's enough for good gravy, and whether it would scorch or simmer.
We Rated
- Design: Roasting pans with large handles and curved corners scored higher with us since they are easier to maneuver when hot and more versatile on the stove. A pan that also looks great enough to bring to the table received a high rating.
- Performance: We judged the final level of crispiness, the airflow under the roasting rack, and/or the slickness of a nonstick coating to accurately assess how a roasting pan would perform in your home kitchen.
- Ease of Cleaning: Fond and grease are inevitable when roasting in the oven. Pans are washed after every test to determine how hard you'll need to scrub, as well as checking the durability of any coating.
- Value: Roasting pans are typically an expensive piece of cookware. We analyze whether this is the last roasting pan you'll ever need, or if you'll have to replace it sooner rather than later.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ses-roasting-pan-test-hestan-provisions-stainless-steel-classic-roaster-rack-rkilgore-8-07-0c0477adc8a64bea85de3740d51340fc.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
What to Look For in a Roasting Pan
Size and Capacity
Roasting pans tend to be either 14, 16, or 18 inches in width, with the standard size being in the 16-inch range. When thinking about what size roasting pan you need, consider what type of food you want to roast. If you like to cook up a gigantic turkey for the holidays, you’ll need a large pan, either a 16-inch or an 18-inch model. But if you’re just planning to roast chickens, vegetables, and other smaller dishes, a smaller 14-inch version may be sufficient. Also, consider how much storage space you have.
Shape
Consider the shape and design of a roasting pan before purchasing. Many are rectangular, but you can find oval models. Those can be easier to handle while still fitting a large roast. You'll need to pay attention when using an oval roasting pan on a stovetop since it might not sit across two burners evenly. Also, a roasting pan that has a raised bottom will be harder to use on the stovetop for preparing sauce and gravy, as liquids will collect around the edges of the pan.
Material
Roasters are made from a variety of materials, and each will cook your foods slightly differently and require different methods of care. You’ll also want to choose something that isn’t too heavy for your needs. Stainless steel cookware is highly durable and offers longevity. Nonstick roasters may be prone to chips and scratches that require more frequent replacement. Certain materials, like cast iron, produce heavier cookware that will require more muscle to move between oven and table. Remember: A heavy roasting pan will only be that much heavier once you place a large piece of meat or turkey in it!
Features
Do you want a lid with your roaster? How about a roasting rack? There are models that come with both, as well as those that are just bare-bones. Also, when looking at a pan, check to see what type of handles it has and if you find them comfortable to use. Look for ones that are securely riveted to the side of the pan and large enough to grab while wearing oven mitts.
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The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
FAQs
What is a roasting pan and how does it work?
A roasting pan is typically a large, oven-safe pan with high sides that often includes a rack. These sturdy pans are usually made of thick aluminum or stainless steel in order to support the weight of a turkey, chicken, or other large pieces of meat. The rack holds the meat just above the pan, allowing hot air to flow all around it and enabling even cooking; the rack also allows excess fat and liquid to drain off and prevents a half-braise, half-roast situation by keeping the meat from sitting in its own juices.
How do you clean a roasting pan?
Nonstick roasting pans will be easiest to clean with mild dishwashing soap and a non-abrasive scrubber (this also helps to protect your nonstick coating). For pans without a nonstick layer, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to loosen any bits of burnt food, followed by soaking the pan in warm water to further loosen any debris. If your pan is dishwasher safe, you can then put it into the machine, but since roasting pans take up a lot of space, hand washing might be preferable. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions on how best to clean and maintain your roasting pan.
Should you put water in a roasting pan?
It depends on what you're cooking. Adding water to the roasting pan can create steam that works against the "roasting" action of the oven's dry heat, particularly if your roasting pan is covered during cooking. The addition of a little bit of water to an uncovered roaster may help keep pan drippings from scorching, but too much water might make a soggy mess. Keep an eye on your roast-in-progress—if the bottom of the pan looks bone dry, you may want to add just a little bit of water to prevent burning and control any smoking that might start to happen towards the end of the cooking process.
What size roasting pan do you need for a turkey?
For small turkeys (12 pounds and under), you'll need a 14-inch pan. Medium birds (12 to 16 pounds) will require a 16-inch pan, and larger turkeys (up to 20 pounds) should fit an 18-inch roaster. If you need help navigating how to roast a turkey, here's a step-by-step guide to a Thanksgiving turkey preparation.
Does a roasting pan need a rack?
Ideally, yes, but if it didn't come with one, you can make one. The purpose of a roasting rack is to provide a way for the oven's heat to flow under your roast, so you just want to keep your meat lifted off the bottom of the pan. You can add a bed of root vegetables, an oven-proof cooling rack, two gas stovetop burners wrapped in tinfoil, or create three or four tightly rolled foil cylinders to lay on the bottom of your pan—get creative.
Should you roast turkey at high or low temperatures?
When roasting poultry or meats, experiment with utilizing both high and low temperatures. The latter will yield a more tender, juicier roast, while short bursts of high temperatures will help you achieve the desired crispy skin or surface browning.
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The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Why Trust The Spruce Eats
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Sharon Lehman, the author of this roundup, knows the importance of trusted cookware. She has owned and used cookware from several brands on this roundup including All-Clad, Anolon, Cuisinart, Calphalon, Le Creuset, and GraniteWare. When it comes to prepping a weeknight roast chicken and the annual Thanksgiving turkey (her favorite!), she reaches for the top-rated Cuisinart Chef’s Classic roasting pan.
This piece was edited by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. She researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight. She's also incorporated all testing results from our Lab.