The best turkey roasters on the market — whether you’re looking for a starter pan or an heirloom.
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So you’ve graduated from Thanksgiving guest to host. Your kitchen might be outfitted with well-worn sheet pans and a stack of casserole dishes from past Friendsgiving potlucks. But if this is your first time roasting the Thanksgiving turkey, you’ll need a good turkey roasting pan. Our experts reviewed whats on the market to find the best picks that provide enough surface area to circulate heat properly so you can crisp the turkeys skin while retaining 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 sturdier and include racks that lift the turkey from the bottom of the pan to ensure even cooking.
That said, spending over $100 can land you a pan that lasts forever. “Our top pick is high quality, large, durable and easy to clean,” says Nicole Papantoniou, Director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. “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. In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, weve tested thousands of kitchen appliances and more than 150 sets of cookware over the years. We’re also trained cooks who have roasted countless turkeys and know what to look for in a good roasting pan. All the roasting pans in this roundup are by brands weve personally used.
At the end of this guide, you can read more about how we chose the best turkey roasting pans — plus everything you need to know about different types of roasting pans and what to consider when shopping. Looking for more ways to prep your kitchen for the holidays? Check out our guides to the best turkey fryers, best bakeware and the best nonstick cookware.1Best Overall Turkey Roasting Pan
Come Thanksgiving, many families look forward to roasting a big 25 lb turkey as the centerpiece of their holiday feast. But finding the right roaster and technique to cook such a large bird can be tricky. In this article, we’ll share tips on selecting an appropriately sized roaster, best practices for prepping and seasoning your turkey, recommended cook times, and more.
Choosing the Right Roaster for a 25 lb Bird
To comfortably fit a 25 lb turkey, you’ll want to look for roaster ovens with an interior capacity of at least 22 quarts Popular options include
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Oster 22 Quart Roaster Oven – This model is one of the highest rated. It can fit turkeys up to 26 lbs and features a self-basting lid.
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Nesco Professional Series – Their XXL 29 quart roaster oven accommodates turkeys up to 30 lbs. Comes with a lift-out rack.
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Hamilton Beach 22 Quart – An affordable option with easy touchpad controls. Fits turkeys up to 25 lbs.
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Rival Roasters – Several models like the Rival 18 Qt Roaster hold up to 25 lb turkeys. Known for even heating.
Look for roasters with broad, flat bottoms to fully support a large turkey. And digital controls with a range of temperature settings provide cooking flexibility.
Prepping and Seasoning the Turkey
Proper prep is key to achieving deliciously tender and juicy turkey meat. Here are some tips:
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Thaw – Allow 1-2 days for a 25 lb turkey to thaw in the fridge. Keep it in the original wrapper on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips.
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Brine – Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine for 8-12 hours before roasting helps ensure moistness.
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Rinse and Pat Dry – Rinse the turkey under cool water before cooking, and pat the skin extremely dry with paper towels.
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Rub with Oil or Butter – Coat the skin all over to maximize browning and crisping.
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Season Well – Generously season the cavity and under the skin with salt pepper dried herbs, and aromatic veggies.
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Truss – Use kitchen twine to truss up the legs and tie the tips of the drumsticks together. This helps the bird cook evenly.
Cook Time for a 25 lb Turkey
A 25 lb turkey will need around 4 to 4 1/2 hours in a roaster oven set between 300-325°F. Key things to know:
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Preheat – Preheat the roaster for at least 15 minutes before adding the turkey.
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Use a Thermometer – Insert a meat thermometer to monitor doneness in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
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Check Temp Early – Begin checking temperature after about 2 1/2 hours. Cook times can vary.
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Target Temp – Turkey is done at 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs. Juices should run clear.
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Rest – Let the cooked turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Maintaining Moistness During Roasting
The steam escaping from the turkey cavity and its outer skin is what helps keep the meat deliciously moist. Follow these tips:
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Use a Roasting Rack – Elevate the turkey above the pan bottom so steam can circulate all around.
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Add Liquid – Put 1-2 cups of water, wine, or broth in the roasting pan to help create steam. Replenish if it evaporates.
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Baste Occasionally – Use juices collected in the pan to baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes. Close the lid immediately after.
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Avoid Opening the Lid – Don’t let too much heat and steam escape by limiting how often you check on it.
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Let Juices Redistribute – As mentioned above, resting after cooking gives the juices time to permeate the meat.
Handling Roaster Oven Logistics
Cooking an exceptionally large turkey presents a few additional considerations:
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Make Space – You’ll need ample counter space or a special cart for the roaster. They can get very hot on top.
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Mind the Handles – Use thick oven mitts to carefully transfer the hot, heavy roaster. The handles get extremely hot.
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Check Cord Length – Ensure your outlet is conveniently close. Roaster cords are not extra long.
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Watch the Wings – Tuck the wing tips under to keep them from potentially burning on the roaster walls.
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Brown Evenly – Rotate the roasting pan 180° halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
Enjoy Your Perfect 25 lb Turkey!
Follow these tips for roaster selection, prep, seasoning, cook times, safety, and more, and you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent, golden brown 25 lb turkey on Thanksgiving. Your guests will be amazed at how you managed to roast such an impressively large bird to tender, juicy perfection.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack
- Sturdy handles
- Lightweight
- Raised center pools pan drippings for easy basting
- Thin walls
- Raised center makes stovetop use challenging
The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Roasting Pan offers affordability and high quality. The pan is roomy and has contoured handles that are easy to grab. It comes with a U-shaped stainless steel rack with its own handles. The stainless steel is thin and lightweight, which can make stovetop cooking a challenge, as it might be harder to control the hot spots on some ranges. But it works beautifully in the oven — up to 500°F — producing roasted turkey with golden brown skin.
The center of the pan is slightly raised,so pan drippings and oil pool along the perimeter. This feature makes it easy to baste your bird but trickier to make gravy without transferring the pan drippings to a saucepan. The pan’s rolled edges are helpful when pouring.3Best Turkey Roasting Pan for Basting
Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan
- 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. Made In’s lightweight roasting pan features a low, wide pan and a flat rack to splay out your bird. The pan is made from carbon steel, making it perform well in high-heat cooking and last a long time. It will work with any stovetop (including induction) for easy deglazing and gravy-making. However, the rack does not have handles, so lifting the bird out of the pan might be tricky after its cooked. The pan itself has angled stainless-steel handles.
Like a cast iron skillet, this roasting pan must be seasoned before its first use, and it will become more seasoned — and more nonstick — with each use, meaning it gets better with age. This pan has a straight-cut edge, not a bent lip, which means you might experience slight dribbling when pouring pan juices.
What size electric roaster for a 25 lb turkey?
FAQ
How big of a roaster do I need for a 25lb turkey?
How many hours does it take to cook a 25 lbs turkey?
What size oven do I need for a 25 lb turkey?
How many does a 25 lb turkey feed?
How do you cook a Turkey in an electric roaster?
HOW TO ROAST A TURKEY IN AN ELECTRIC ROASTER Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity and pat it dry. Remove the rack from the roaster oven. Place turkey in the roaster on the rack breast side up. Rub the turkey with the butter and season with salt and pepper. Cover the roaster and cook at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
Can you cook a 22 pound turkey in a roaster?
I recommend the Oster 18-quart roaster oven which can hold a 22 pound turkey. It boasts a “self-basting” lid and has a “warm” setting to keep your turkey perfectly warm. How do you make herb butter for turkey? Yes, you can just throw a turkey in the roaster and have it come out fork tender, but for the best flavor, rub it down with herbed butter.
How long do you cook a Turkey in a roaster?
While you are preparing the turkey, set the roaster to the highest setting it will go. Our roaster goes up to 450º F, but you can set yours for higher if it goes higher. You’ll roast the turkey for 30 minutes at the high temperature, then lower the temperature to 325º F for the remaining time. How long to cook turkey in a roaster?
Should you buy an electric Turkey roaster?
An electric turkey roaster is your answer. Not only does it make the roasting process more streamlined, but cooking a turkey in a roaster oven also ensures that it’s evenly cooked, juicy, and golden brown. It’s a game-changer for those who want to multitask in the kitchen during Thanksgiving and other holidays.