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
The centerpiece of many Thanksgiving meals is a perfectly roasted turkey. Choosing the right size roasting pan is key to ensuring your turkey turns out moist, flavorful and picture-perfect With so many options available, it can be tricky to select the ideal roasting pan size for your holiday bird.
How to Determine What Size Roasting Pan You Need
When selecting a roasting pan, you’ll need to consider two key factors:
- The weight of your turkey
- The dimensions of your oven
As a general guideline:
- A small (14-inch) roasting pan works for birds up to 12 pounds.
- A medium (16-inch) roasting pan is ideal for birds up to 16 pounds.
- A large (18-inch) roasting pan can fit turkeys up to 20 pounds.
However, you’ll also need to measure your oven to ensure the roasting pan will fit. Be sure to measure the oven’s width, depth and height. Also account for the handles on the roasting pan, which will add extra inches.
Aim to choose a roasting pan that provides 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides so heat can circulate properly A pan that’s too snug won’t allow the heat to evenly roast your turkey
Key Features to Look for in a Turkey Roasting Pan
Beyond just size, there are several other features to evaluate when selecting the optimal roasting pan:
Shape – Oval or rectangular pans both have pros and cons. Oval is better suited for oval roasts while rectangular provides more surface area. Rectangular with rounded corners offers the best of both worlds.
Depth – Choose a pan with 3-4 inch deep sides to prevent splatter while still allowing room for vegetables. Shallow pans lead to dry turkeys.
Material – Stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron are good options. Avoid non-stick coatings which can’t withstand high heat.
Rack – A wire rack helps air circulate and keeps the turkey from sitting in juices. However, racks can be tricky to clean. Both options work fine.
Handles – Sturdy, heat-resistant handles make the heavy pan easier to get in and out of the oven.
Weight – Heavier pans distribute heat more evenly. But ultra-heavy pans are dangerous. Find a good medium weight.
Choosing the Right Roasting Pan Size
Here are some tips for choosing the optimal size roasting pan for your turkey:
- 8-12 pound turkey: Use a 14-inch roasting pan
- 12-16 pound turkey: Go with a 16-inch roasting pan
- 16-20 pound turkey: Choose an 18-inch roasting pan
- 20+ pound turkey: Opt for a 20-inch roasting pan
Take your turkey’s weight and your oven’s dimensions into account. Allow 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides for proper air circulation.
Ideally, select a roasting pan made from stainless steel, aluminum or cast iron. Check that it has sturdy handles and a rack.
Alternatives If You Don’t Have a Roasting Pan
If you don’t have an proper roasting pan, don’t panic. You have a few alternative options:
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Sheet Pan: Use a rimmed baking sheet with a roasting rack inside. Provides air flow but minimal depth.
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Broiler Pan: The slotted top functions as a built-in rack. Won’t hold juices for gravy.
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Dutch Oven: Provides depth but may lead to a less crispy skin. Use a metal trivet inside.
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Disposable Pan: Affordable but beware of flimsy lightweight material. Place on a baking sheet for support.
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Borrow: Ask around – a relative or neighbor may have a roasting pan you can use.
While convenient, these alternatives won’t produce results quite as perfect as a true roasting pan. But in a pinch, they’ll get the job done!
Frequently Asked Questions About Roasting Pan Sizes
What if my turkey is too big for my roasting pan?
You have two options if your bird outweighs your pan. You can either opt for a smaller turkey. Or place the large turkey directly on a rack placed inside a rimmed baking sheet. Avoid cramming an oversized turkey into a too-small pan.
Should I buy a pan bigger than I need?
It’s fine to purchase a pan slightly larger than required. Just beware that oversized pans allow juices to spread out and evaporate. Place aromatic vegetables around the turkey to fill excess space.
Can I roast a turkey without a rack?
You can place a turkey directly in a pan without a rack. However, the bird will sit in its juices leading to soggy skin. Elevating the turkey on a rack improves air flow for crispier skin.
What are the downsides of non-stick roasting pans?
Non-stick roasting pans are not recommended. Their coating can chip, peel and scratch easily. And the non-stick surface makes it harder to create flavorful pan drippings for gravy.
Can I use a roasting pan on the stovetop?
High quality stainless steel and cast iron roasting pans can absolutely be used on the stovetop. Their thick material allows them to transition seamlessly from oven to stovetop for gravy making. Avoid thinner disposable pans on the stovetop.
Get the Perfect Turkey with the Right Roasting Pan
When tackling turkey this Thanksgiving, set yourself up for success by selecting the ideal roasting pan size. Take into account your turkey’s weight, your oven’s dimensions, and key features like shape, depth and handles. With the right tools, you’ll serve up a Norman Rockwell-worthy golden brown turkey that looks as good as it tastes.
Hestan Provisions 15-inch Classic Clad Roaster with Rack Now 20% Off
- 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.
The Hestan Classic Clad Roaster has a tri-ply stainless-steel build with an aluminum core, so it conducts heat like a champ and is oven-safe up to 600˚F. Our GH+ member testers tout the roaster’s ergonomic handles, ease of cleaning (thanks to flush rivets) and heavy-duty craftsmanship that make the pan heirloom worthy.
The rack’s handles make it easy to pop the turkey out. The roasters exceptional heat conductivity means it performs well directly on any stovetop — including induction — for gravy-making, sauce-based reductions and searing. 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
All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Nonstick Rack
- Easy-to-clean nonstick roasting rack
- Holds a large turkey
- Tucked-in handles make storage easier
- Not compatible with induction cooktops
- Rack is oven safe up to 375°F only
All-Clad’s Stainless Steel Roasting Pan is spacious enough to accommodate large turkeys up to 25 pounds, and its nonstick roasting rack offers even heat circulation for a moist turkey with beautifully browned skin that sticks to the bird, not the rack. We like the rack’s generous handles, and it’s easy to clean since residue doesn’t get baked on.
The pan is oven-safe up to 600˚F and compatible with gas, electric and ceramic cooktops, but not induction. The rack is oven-safe up to 375˚F. This turkey roaster also comes in a , which is better suited to small kitchens and turkeys up to 15 pounds.5Best Turkey Roasting Pan with a Flat Rack