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A sturdy roasting pan with a rack is essential for holiday turkeys, Sunday roasts, and big sheet-pan dinners. The rack lifts food above the drippings so hot air circulates all the way around and the bottom does not steam in its own juices, which is the secret to crispier skin and more even cooking. Meanwhile the pan catches every drop of those flavorful drippings for gravy or jus. A good roaster is one of those once-a-year purchases that pays off every holiday for decades.
Here are five well-regarded roasting pans, from premium tri-ply stainless models you can deglaze on the stovetop to affordable enamel and nonstick options, plus a guide to choosing the right size and material for your oven and your menu.
| Rank | Product | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 16-Inch Roaster with Rack | Stovetop gravy and even roasting | View on Amazon |
| 2 | Cuisinart Classic 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack | Best value stainless roaster | View on Amazon |
| 3 | Granite Ware Covered Oval Roaster | Affordable lightweight roasting | View on Amazon |
| 4 | Calphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Roaster with Rack | Larger cuts and turkeys | View on Amazon |
| 5 | Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized 16-Inch Roaster | Nonstick easy cleanup | View on Amazon |
Top Picks
1. Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack
Built from tri-ply stainless steel, this roaster handles a large turkey with ease and goes straight from oven to stovetop for deglazing and gravy-making. The included stainless rack lifts food for all-around browning. Check it on Amazon
2. Cuisinart Classic 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack
This stainless roaster offers riveted handles and a removable rack at a friendly price. It is induction-compatible and big enough for a holiday bird or a large roast with vegetables. Check it on Amazon
3. Granite Ware Covered Oval Roaster
The classic speckled enamel-on-steel roaster is lightweight, affordable, and PFOA-free. The cover helps retain moisture, and it is ideal for weeknight chickens or smaller roasts. Check it on Amazon
4. Calphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Roaster with Rack
This high-capacity stainless roaster holds large cuts and turkeys, with a U-shaped rack that cradles poultry securely. The wide handles make lifting a heavy bird more manageable. Check it on Amazon
5. Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized 16-Inch Roaster
For easy cleanup, the hard-anodized nonstick interior releases drippings and washes up quickly. The nonstick rack is a nice touch for anyone who dreads scrubbing baked-on juices. Check it on Amazon
What to Look For in a Roasting Pan
Size matters most: a 16-inch pan fits a large turkey, while a smaller pan suits chickens and roasts. Stainless steel lets you make gravy directly on the stovetop, while nonstick and enamel make cleanup easier. A removable rack is the key accessory, lifting meat so heat circulates and the drippings can be collected for gravy. Riveted, upright handles are far easier to grip with oven mitts than thin rolled edges.
Stovetop-Safe vs. Oven-Only
If you like making pan gravy, choose a stainless or hard-anodized roaster rated for stovetop use so you can deglaze the fond directly in the pan. Enamel-on-steel roasters like Granite Ware are excellent in the oven and very affordable, but you will transfer drippings to a saucepan for gravy. Match the choice to how you cook.
Sizing for Your Oven and Your Bird
Before buying, measure your oven interior and leave room for air to circulate around the pan. A 16 by 13-inch roaster handles birds up to roughly 20 pounds, while extra-large models accommodate 25 pounds. For everyday roasts and smaller households, a 14-inch pan is plenty and stores more easily.
Tips for Better Roasting
A few habits turn a good roasting pan into great results. Pat the meat dry and season it well in advance so the surface dries out and browns deeply rather than steaming. Place vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the pan to act as a natural rack and flavor base if you want extra aromatics in your gravy. Add a little liquid to the pan only if drippings threaten to scorch, since too much liquid will steam the underside of the meat. Use a meat thermometer rather than the clock, pulling poultry at 165F in the thickest part and resting it tented with foil so the juices redistribute. After the meat rests, set the pan over a burner, skim excess fat, sprinkle in flour, and whisk in stock to build a pan gravy directly from the fond, which is why a stovetop-safe stainless roaster is so valuable. Clean baked-on residue by soaking the pan and using a nonabrasive scrubber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a rack in my roasting pan?
A rack lifts meat above the drippings so hot air circulates underneath, producing more even browning and crispier skin. It also keeps the bottom from sitting in liquid and steaming.
What size roasting pan do I need for a turkey?
A 16 by 13-inch pan handles turkeys up to about 20 pounds. For larger birds, look for an extra-large roaster rated for 25 pounds.
Can I use a roasting pan on the stovetop?
Stainless steel and hard-anodized roasters are usually stovetop-safe for making gravy. Enamel-on-steel roasters are best used in the oven only.
How do I clean baked-on drippings?
Soak the pan in hot soapy water, then use a nonabrasive scrubber. For stainless, a paste of baking soda and water lifts stubborn residue.
Is a disposable roasting pan a good idea?
For one-off events it works, but flimsy foil pans can buckle under a heavy bird. A sturdy reusable pan is safer and more economical over time.
Can I use my roasting pan for other dishes year-round?
Absolutely. A roasting pan is excellent for sheet-pan dinners, big batches of roasted vegetables, lasagna, baked ziti, and even bread. The rack also doubles as a cooling rack for baking, so a quality roaster earns its storage space well beyond the holidays.
For more cooking inspiration, try our classic pot roast in a Dutch oven, our Dutch oven beef stew recipe, or browse the best Dutch ovens for braising and baking. You might also enjoy the best stainless steel cookware sets and our best cookware sets for the home cook for everyday pieces.
Top picks from this guide
CuisinartCuisinart Multiclad Pro Triple Ply Stainless Cookware 16-inch Roasting Pan…$160 \xc2\xb7 98/100
CuisinartCuisinart 16-Inch Roasting Pan, Induction Compatible Premium Rectangular Roaster Pan…$60 \xc2\xb7 98/100
GraniteWareGranite Ware 19-Inch Covered Oval Roaster, 20 Lb Capacity -…$58 \xc2\xb7 97/100
Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Nonstick Rack$72 \xc2\xb7 96/100
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