The best turkey roasters on the market — whether you’re looking for a starter pan or an heirloom.
So you’ve graduated from Thanksgiving guest to host. You may have a pile of casserole dishes from previous Friendsgiving potlucks and a set of well-used sheet pans in your kitchen. But if this is your first time roasting the Thanksgiving turkey, you’ll need a good turkey roasting pan. Our experts looked through the products available to determine which ones are the greatest at evenly dispersing heat across a sufficient surface area to crisp the skin of the turkey while preserving moisture.
A good roasting pan doesnt have to cost an arm and a (turkey) leg. Even a budget-friendly pan is worlds better than the best disposable turkey roasting pan. It will be more durable and equipped with racks to raise the turkey from the pan’s bottom for uniform cooking.
That said, spending over $100 can land you a pan that lasts forever. Director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Nicole Papantoniou says, “Our top pick is large, durable, and easy to clean.” “Flimsier nonstick pans might roast well initially, but they won’t last as long. ”.
Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, we’ve got you covered. Over the years, we have tested over 150 sets of cookware and thousands of kitchen appliances in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. In addition, we are skilled chefs who have roasted a ton of turkeys and understand what to look for in a roasting pan. All the roasting pans in this roundup are by brands weve personally used.
You can read more about our selection process for the top turkey roasting pans, as well as all the information you need to know about the various kinds of roasting pans and what to look for when shopping, at the end of this guide. For additional tips on how to get your kitchen ready for the holidays, see our reviews of the top bakeware, nonstick cookware, and turkey fryers. 1Best Overall Turkey Roasting Pan.
Ah Thanksgiving. A time for family friends, and, of course, the centerpiece of the feast: the perfectly roasted turkey. But achieving that golden-brown, juicy bird requires the right tools, namely a trusty turkey roasting rack and pan.
Fear not, fellow turkey enthusiasts! This guide will help you navigate the vast world of roasting racks and pans, ensuring your Thanksgiving turkey is a culinary masterpiece
Understanding the Importance of a Roasting Rack
A roasting rack elevates your turkey above the pan’s bottom, allowing hot air to circulate evenly around the bird, promoting browning and preventing soggy skin. It also keeps the turkey from sitting in its own juices, which can lead to uneven cooking and a less-than-desirable texture.
Choosing the Right Roasting Rack
Roasting racks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider:
- Size: Choose a rack that comfortably fits your turkey in the roasting pan, leaving some space around the edges for air circulation.
- Material: Stainless steel racks are durable and easy to clean, while silicone racks are heat-resistant and flexible.
- Design: Some racks have V-shaped bars to hold the turkey securely, while others have flat bars. Choose a design that suits your preference and the size of your turkey.
Exploring the World of Roasting Pans
Roasting pans come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages:
- Stainless steel: Durable, easy to clean, and conducts heat well for even cooking.
- Aluminum: Lightweight, heats quickly, and affordable.
- Cast iron: Retains heat exceptionally well, perfect for slow roasting.
- Glass: Allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the oven.
Additional Considerations
- Lid: Some roasting pans come with lids, which can help trap moisture and create a more tender bird.
- Handles: Look for pans with sturdy handles for easy maneuvering.
- Oven-safe: Ensure the pan is oven-safe to the temperature you plan to roast your turkey.
Top Picks for Turkey Roasting Racks and Pans
Here are some highly-rated turkey roasting racks and pans to consider:
- Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Rack: This classic pan is durable, affordable, and oven-safe up to 500°F.
- Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet: This versatile pan can be used for roasting, baking, and more.
- Lodge Cast Iron Roaster: This heavy-duty pan is perfect for slow roasting and retains heat exceptionally well.
- Pyrex Simply Store 13-Cup Glass Roasting Pan: This glass pan allows you to monitor the cooking process and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
- Norpro Stainless Steel V-Shaped Roasting Rack: This V-shaped rack ensures even cooking and is dishwasher-safe.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Roasting a Perfect Turkey
- Brining: Brining your turkey adds moisture and flavor.
- Seasoning: Use your favorite herbs and spices to create a delicious crust.
- Basting: Baste the turkey with butter or pan drippings throughout the cooking process to keep it moist.
- Resting: Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
With the right roasting rack and pan, along with these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to roasting a Thanksgiving turkey that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Happy roasting!
Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan 5Best Turkey Roasting Pan with a Flat Rack
- Will develop a nonstick patina over time
- Oven safe up to 1,200˚F
- Lightweight
- Does not accommodate large turkeys
- Requires seasoning
This one’s for you, spatchcocked turkey lovers. The lightweight roasting pan from Made In has a flat rack to spread out your bird and a low, wide pan. Because the pan is composed of carbon steel, it can withstand high heat and last for a very long time. It will work with any stovetop (including induction) for easy deglazing and gravy-making. But since the rack is handleless, it could be difficult to remove the cooked bird from the pan. The pan itself has angled stainless-steel handles.
This roasting pan needs to be seasoned before use, just like a cast iron skillet, and it gets better with age as it becomes more seasoned and nonstick with each use. When adding pan juices, there may be a little dribbling because this pan’s edge is straight rather than curved.
Hestan Provisions 15-inch Classic Clad Roaster with Rack 1Best Overall Turkey Roasting Pan
- Wide, ergonomic handles
- Flush rivets make it easy to clean
- Durable tri-ply construction for even heating
- On the heavy side
Our experts have been impressed by a lot of Hestans cookware. The is our top pick for best stainless steel cookware sets.
With an aluminum core and a tri-ply stainless steel construction, the Hestan Classic Clad Roaster conducts heat extremely well and can withstand temperatures up to 600˚F in the oven. The heavy-duty craftsmanship, ergonomic handles, and flush rivets make the roaster heirloom worthy, according to our GH member testers.
The rack’s handles make it easy to pop the turkey out. Because of its remarkable heat conductivity, the roaster works well for searing, reducing sauce-based recipes, and preparing gravies directly on any stovetop, including induction. And the pan’s bent lip makes clean work of pouring. If you’re cooking a big bird, Hestans larger can hold turkeys up to 20 pounds. 2Best Value Turkey Roasting Pan.