If you are finicky about your Thanksgiving dinner or even if you are roasting the turkey for the first time, finding the best turkey roasting pan is essential.
Yes, roasting a turkey requires patience, technique, the right spices, and correct cooking temperature and time. But above all, you need a wide enough pan to fit in the bird you are cooking.
As most people love the roasted turkeys, buying a perfect pan is a no-brainer. A good roasting pan is an investment, so you want something that lasts long, roasts perfectly, and is versatile enough to let you cook other dishes as well. Because you don't want to use the roasting pan once a year, that's a waste of time and space, right?
So if you want to serve that crispy, perfectly smeared, and evenly cooked bird on your table on Thanksgiving, here is a list of the best turkey roasting pans.
OUR TOP PICK
This roasting pan by Calphalon is a big hit among turkey lovers. There are many reasons why this is our top-rated product.
It is hard-anodized, which is more durable than any other material, and thatwhich means it will last for years to come. And thanks to the triple-layer non-stick interior, you won’t find your turkey sticking to the bottom. Now achieving the perfectly roasted and beautiful brown turkey is not a dream anymore!
The hard-anodized material gives it a darker color which makes the pan all the more attractive. A good pan is largely dependent on its handles, and we love the triple-riveted stainless steel handles that are easy to grip and lift.
Also, the V rack is quite convenient and lets the air circulate while keeping the bottom part from getting soggy. Keep that bird crispy and brown just the way it should be!
Oh, and not to forget the baster and forks that come with this amazing pan. The baster is heavy-duty, and the forks are decent enough to handle a big bird.
The cherry on the top is that it comes with Calphalon lifetime warranty. Moreover, this pan is versatile, and you can cook ribs, ham, meatloaves, and even gravies in it. All in all, this roasting pan is a kitchen investment you won’t regret in years to come.
Pros
- Clean-up is a breeze.
- Sturdy and reliable handles.
- Heavy-duty and long-lasting build.
- Heats evenly.
- It comes with a baster and forks.
- Fits a 25-pound turkey.
- Dishwasher safe (although we always advise to wash a roasting pan by hand).
Cons
- The rack is a bit loose.
EDITORS CHOICE
This attractive 18’’ black roast pot by Granitestone makes a great first impression. We love the contemporary look that compliments any kitchen theme. The large size is ideal for roasting birds for large gatherings.
This pan is coated three times and then reinforced with diamonds which make it ultra-durable and long-lasting. It is scratch-resistant, and the coating can take a beating, which means you can keep using this pan for years.
And if you love eating healthy, then this pan is free from toxic material such as PFOA, PFOS, and lead, etc.
Moreover, the diamond triple coating makes it non-stick, so you don't have to use oil or butter for cooking. The turkey will cook in its own juices. So get ready for a yummy yet healthy roast on Thanksgiving.
We also love that it comes with a lid which adds to its convenience. You can steam cook and also make gravies or other poultry stuff in this pan without any hassle.
It is also dishwasher safe for days you are feeling a bit lazy. Otherwise, it is pretty easy to clean, so that won’t be a problem.
The pan is quite spacious so that you can throw in some veggies too. However, it does not come with a rack which is a bit of a turn-off. But considering the price this is reasonable. You can always purchase a separate rack and baster.
Pros
- Non-toxic coating.
- Extremely affordable.
- Healthy eating, no oil needed.
- Extra-large pot with lid.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Easy to clean, even by hand.
- Beautiful design.
- Spreads heat evenly.
Cons
- It does not come with a rack or baster.
BEST VALUE
We love this Farberware roasting pan because of the value it offers. This is a type of pan that is used daily for any kind of roasting or baking and still lasts for years. The straightforward and no-nonsense design is our personal favorite.
The superior non-stick coating doesn't scrape off easily and is also easy to clean. And if you cover the bottom with aluminum foil, it enhances durability. It comes with a rack that is rust-free and is pretty functional. It fits nicely in the pan, is heavy-duty, and lets the air circulate nicely, giving you that yummy, crunchy, and golden crust that is the hallmark of a good turkey roast.
The great thing is that this roasting pan provides even heat, and the surface does not warp like ordinary pans even after years of use. The dual riveted handles are stainless steel and can be folded down. But as far as the convenience is concerned, the handles are a bit small. But at this price point, we can ignore this downside. You just need to be a bit careful while handling the pan when it is hot.
Farberware is a trusted cookware brand that has made its mark thanks to the durability and wide variety of utensils it makes. Not only that, but their pans are also pretty affordable, which is great because not every home chef can afford expensive pans.
Therefore, if you are on a shoe-string budget and want heavy-duty pans that can withstand everyday use, this roasting pan with a rack is your best bet.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Sturdy and long-lasting.
- Multi-purpose pan.
- Can handle 18’’ bird.
- Heats quickly.
- It does not wrap even after extensive use.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Handles are small.
- Cleaning is a bit tricky.
RUNNER UP
This roaster by Mr.Right is the most diverse pan out there. If you are done with the low-quality roasters, this pan is just what you need. We love the diversity it offers.
This beautiful, shiny pot comes with a top lid that can be used as a lid, a serving plate, and an independent roaster. And because it is deep, you can roast a small bird side by side. All in all, you are getting 2 pans for a price of one; how cool is that?
But hold on, as we explain some other cool features of this masterpiece. The aluminum-clad bottom part is quite heavy, and the Triple-Ply construction spreads the heat evenly across the whole base. As a result, it heats quickly, and your roast is cooked evenly.
The stainless steel exterior looks gorgeous in your kitchen and even on your dining table. It does not rust or discolor and is relatively easy to clean. It is also dishwasher-proof, which is another reason why this pan is highly endorsed by home chefs everywhere.
The details and finishing make all the difference. We noticed that this pan comes with tapered rims, which make the pouring experience a breeze. Sometimes even expensive roasters come with design flaws which is such a major turn-off. But with this awesome pan, you need not worry about anything.
Above all, the pot feels sturdy, and the build quality is just excellent. The handles are extra-large, and we love how grippy they are, just the way handles are supposed to be! You also get a stainless steel rack to keep that bird from sogging.
The diversity of this pan makes it stand out from the competition. You can use it on the stovetop as well as in the oven. The practicality it offers is worth the money. And the cherry on top is that it is incredibly affordable.
We highly recommend this roaster for home chefs who want something diverse yet affordable. It comes in different sizes, and you can pick anyone according to your family’s needs.
Oh, and you also get a 1-year free warranty and extended lifetime warranty if you register the product.
Pros
- The beautiful and shiny stainless steel pot.
- Lightweight yet sturdy.
- It comes with a top lid, and can be used as a serving plate.
- Easy to clean.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Heats quickly and distributes it evenly.
- Affordable price tag.
- Thick bottom and long-lasting material.
- It can be used on the stovetop as well.
- Large handles, easy to grip.
Cons
- The rack is not made of high quality.
RUNNER UP
If your cooked turkeys get soggy, try an Anolon roasting pan for a change. This hard-anodized aluminum roasting pan will make your Thanksgiving cooking easier and more enjoyable.
The three-layered metal construction makes this pan a reliable option for regular usage, so no more keeping the pan for once a year; use it as much as you please.
Another factor that makes this turkey roasting pan a good grab is the essentials you get in the package. You’ll get a two-piece turkey lifting set and a bulb baster along with the 16x13 inch roaster; no mess, easy cooking.
Anolon pans are well-known for their durability, and this one is no exception. Its glazed non-stick coating is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, freeing you from the clean-up worries altogether.
Even if you cook big-sized birds with loads of drippings and sauces, this pan will easily cater to your culinary needs. Its broad base and removable roasting rack easily fit in most ovens without requiring any adjustments.
Once you’re done cooking, mix a gentle utensil cleaner with water and leave it in the pan overnight for effortless cleaning.
Pros
- Effortless clean-up and easy release.
- Silicone and steel handle for a comfortable grip.
- Includes all roasting essentials.
- The three-layered aluminum is durable and safe.
Cons
- Baster is small.
RUNNER UP
GreenPan cookware is one of the finest options you’ll ever come across. This company’s quality standards set it apart from the rest, without costing you anything extra.
This GreenPan Chatham ceramic roasting pan is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, making it a brilliant option for health-conscious people. Even when you treat this pan on high heat, it doesn’t release any dangerous chemicals and keeps your food safe for consumption.
Another excellent feature of this roaster is its durability. Its hard-anodized body is completely scratch-resistant and sturdy, making this pan the best choice for regular usage. If a roasted turkey is one of your favorite foods, this pan will ensure you enjoy it without stressing much.
The roasting rack and stainless-steel riveted handles add to this pan’s usability in busy kitchens. As the roasting rack is easily removable, you can clean the entire pan effortlessly.
The steel handles offer a comfortable grip and help you transport the pan back and forth during the cooking phase. However, don’t forget to keep your kitchen mitts on as the steel handles heat up pretty quickly.
Pros
- Highest quality non-stick coating.
- Sturdy, scratch-resistant construction.
- Roasting rack included.
- Ergonomic, stainless steel handles.
Cons
- Steel handles heat up quickly.
RUNNER UP
If practicality is your priority, go for a Granite Ware roaster without second-guessing. This porcelain-coated non-stick roaster will make your cooking time fun and more experimental. Whether you’re fond of steaks or cook poultry quite often, this broiler/roaster set will surely be your favorite cookware from now on.
Since this pan is made from carbon steel and coated with porcelain, it doesn’t release any harmful chemicals to the food when heated. You won’t have to struggle in the clean-up phase either, as this broiler/roaster has a non-stick layer. This roaster is dishwasher-safe, so don’t worry even if you accidentally burn something in it.
This turkey roasting pan guarantees easy release and even heat distribution, even regardless of the dish you’re cooking. The excellent heat distribution will cook your dish to perfection without requiring much effort.
Keep this roaster pan handy for quick cooking and enjoy perfectly cooked meals without changing the cookware. However, be mindful that this turkey roaster doesn’t come with a rack or any other tools, and you’ll have to purchase them separately.
Pros
- Porcelain-coated non-stick surface.
- Dishwasher-safe and easy-to-clean.
- Durable carbon steel build.
- Multi-purpose pan.
Cons
- The porcelain surface might chip off.
Best Turkey Roasting Pans Buying Guide
Whether this is your first roasting pan purchase or you’re replacing an old one, knowing your options is unavoidable. You might come across hundreds of roasting pans, but that doesn’t mean all of them to offer the same value.
Therefore, we have compiled a quick buying guide to help you decide better. Here are a few factors you must consider before buying a turkey roasting pan:.
Size
A roasting pan’s size must coincide with your oven, as it’ll decide how well your dish turns out to be. Therefore, measure your oven’s dimensions before checking the size of different pans. Standard turkey pan sizes are 14, 16, and 18 inches; you must buy one that offers ample space for the bird to fit in and easily goes inside your oven.
Material
The best quality roasting pans are made from either stainless steel or copper. Iron pans are too heavy for home cooks, and aluminum ones might react with different ingredients, i.e., lemon juice or tomatoes.
However, if an aluminum roasting pan comes with a non-stick coating, it’s a good deal. That’s why you should pick an easy-to-clean stainless steel, aluminum, or copper pan to enjoy that perfectly crisped turkey at your dinner parties.
Handles
Heat-resistant and robust panhandles make turkey roasting a lot easier. If you plan to use your roasting pan frequently, check its handles and rack. A durable rack will make your bird crispier by keeping it away from the dripping juices, so opt for a pan with a durable rack and ergonomic handles.
Other Features
There are some other features to consider as well. Some roasters come with racks, basters, lifters, etc. It's up to you whether you want your roaster to have these accessories or not.
Some cooks like using the rack to achieve that perfect finish; however, you can always roast your bird the traditional way by lining some veggies at the bottom and placing your bird on it. Having a baster is indeed handy, but you can always purchase it separately.
But if a roasting pan includes all the essentials, it sweetens the deal very much.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is all about family and food. And what is Thanksgiving without a roasted bird on your table, right?
Making a delicious roast is not an easy task, but you can make it a bit more effortless by investing in the best turkey roasting pan.
Now we did all the heavy-lifting and came up with some top-notch options for you. Pick any roaster from our list, and you will not be disappointed. Hope this helps you ace your turkey roasting game!
