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The 8 Best Roasting Pans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We promise you'll use it more than once a year

Best roasting pans displayed on a kitchen countertop

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Unless you regularly make family-size roasts, you might not give much thought to roasting pans outside of the holiday season. While these large pans are certainly helpful when it comes to cooking generously-sized Thanksgiving turkeys and holiday hams, they’re also highly versatile pieces of cookware that can come in handy in everyday cooking. Roasting pans can be used to roast chicken and vegetables, prepare one-pan meals like lasagna or deep dish pizzas, bake desserts for a crowd, and simmer gravy and pan sauces right on the stovetop.

We purchased various popular roasting pans to test in our Lab, and several were sent to our independent reviewers to test in their home kitchens for the most realistic results. We analyzed the design and performance of each pan by roasting a chicken with potatoes and making gravy. We also assessed how easy the pan was to clean after cooking.

Best Overall

Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan

Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan With Rack

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    3/5
What We Like
  • Large enough for a 12-pound turkey

  • High-quality build

  • Excellent heat retention

  • Induction-compatible

What We Don't Like
  • Requires seasoning

  • Hand-wash only

Made In has quickly grown its reputation as a high-quality, chef-approved cookware brand and this roasting pan is just another example of why. It was designed in collaboration with Chef Tom Colicchio, co-founder and former head chef of New York City's Gramercy Tavern. Large enough for a 12-pound turkey, this premium carbon-steel roaster boasts excellent heat retention and proper seasoning creates a nonstick surface. The high sides are fantastic for encouraging even browning and the riveted loop handles are large enough for you to comfortably transport your pan with oven mitts on. The roaster also comes with a flat stainless steel rack to keep your meat or poultry aloft, while also allowing just enough space below for roasting veggies.

We found the pan to be easy to use, turning out crispy roasted potatoes with pillowy soft insides, and evenly cooked chicken in just over an hour. Thanks to its nonstick surface, we noted it was also incredibly easy to clean—the rounded edges also ensure that food doesn't get stuck in its corners (one of the pain points Colicchio wanted to remedy).

The pan is oven safe up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and can also be used directly on the stovetop—it's even induction compatible. Just like other carbon steel pieces, this pan should be washed by hand and seasoned regularly to maintain its nonstick quality. While it is on the pricier side, it's built to last and is a great investment for anyone interested in outfitting their kitchen with professional-style cookware.

Material: Carbon steel | Dishwasher Safe: No | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 1200 degrees | Weight: 5.56 pounds

Best Small

Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster

Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster with Flat Rack

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Streamlined design with plenty of space

  • Lightweight but still heats evenly

  • Versatile

  • Great value

What We Don't Like
  • Handles are small

  • Only oven safe to 450 degrees

If you're searching for a more compact roaster, this sleekly designed pan from Farberware should suit your needs. Measuring 11 inches wide by 15 inches long, this lightweight roasting pan still has plenty of space for a decently-sized rack of lamb or large chicken. Made of steel, this rack also has a nonstick coating that keeps food from getting stuck—helpful for when you're transferring its contents or cleaning up. The included chrome-plated rack will keep your protein raised, allowing you to keep your meats or vegetables from sitting in their juices if you don't want them to. While it isn't suitable for stovetop use, its maneuverability allows you to pour drippings into a saucepan to make gravy without being cumbersome.

This roaster did really well when we cooked a chicken and potatoes, offering plenty of room for even cooking (though not as much browning as some other models). Cleaning was a breeze thanks to the nonstick coating, and we thought it delivered great value considering its versatility and performance combined with a very reasonable price.

The shape of this pan also lends itself well to uses besides roasting—it can handle lasagna, casseroles, or even brownies. While the pan's maximum heat threshold—450 degrees Fahrenheit—is lower than others, it is still a great roaster that we recommend to those with limited space or for those who don't cook for a crowd very often.

Material: Steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Stovetop Safe: No | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees | Weight: 3 pounds

Best Luxury

Hestan Provisions Stainless-Steel Nonstick Roaster with Rack

Hestan Classic Clad Nonstick Roaster with Rack

Hestan Culinary

What We Like
  • High quality

  • Nonstick surface for easy cleaning

  • Very sturdy rack

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Whether it’s a chicken a beef roast, or a turkey, this pan can handle it all. The rack is heavy-duty and sturdy, so it can handle the weight of whatever you put on it. It fits snugly into the pan, so it won’t shift around in the pan, keeping the roast nice and secure. The nonstick surface of the pan along with the heavy bottom means it’s much less likely you’ll burn the veggies or whatever is in the bottom of the pan. Plus, it’s super-easy to clean when cooking is done The handles are sturdy, so it’s easy to lift in and out of the oven.

Not just for roasting, this would be great for a party-sized lasagna or casserole, or for roasting vegetables for a crowd. We also used it to slow-roast a big batch of onions, and it held a lot and performed perfectly. We also tested the uncoated stainless-steel version of this roaster, and loved the performance just as much. If you don’t need a large roaster, a 14.5-inch roaster is also available, that would be great for chickens, roasts, and even for small turkeys.

Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Weight: 9.97 pounds

Best Budget

Rachael Ray 16" x 13" Roaster

Rachael Ray 16" x 13" Roaster with Dual-Height Rack

Target

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Generously sized, yet lightweight

  • Flat rack is reversible

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Straight sides make it difficult to pour

  • Only oven safe to 450 degrees

Rachael Ray does it again with stylish and functional cookware at a very accessible price point. This nonstick-coated steel roaster measures 16 x 13 inches, sized large enough to hold a 20-pound turkey or roast. It features riveted stainless steel handles for secure transport in and out of the oven, large enough to grip securely even with oven mitts on. The pan comes with a reversible flat rack which lets you choose if you want your protein to sit higher or lower. The roaster can also be used directly on the stovetop to make gravy with pan drippings and is oven-safe up to 450 degrees.

This roasting pan did exceptionally well when we tested it—the potatoes browned and cooked very evenly while the chicken stayed juicy and cooked to perfection. We noted that the straight sides of the pan made it a little tricky to pour from, i.e. when transferring gravy to a bowl, but it wasn't a dealbreaker.

Due to its nonstick coating, this roasting pan is also very easy to clean by hand—important, since it's not dishwasher safe. While the pan's maximum heat threshold tops out at 450 degrees, it's enough to cover almost any roasting and baking needs and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Material: Alloy steel | Dishwasher Safe: No | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees | Weight: 4.86 pounds

Best Nonstick

All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Roasting Pan

All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Roasting Pan With Rack

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    3/5
What We Like
  • Can handle a 25-pound turkey

  • High pan sides minimize splatter

  • Large riveted handles for carrying ease

What We Don't Like
  • Nonstick is susceptible to scratches

If you’re a fan of nonstick-coated cookware but also appreciate the aesthetic of stainless steel, this is the roasting pan for you. It features a luxe, highly polished stainless steel exterior and a PFOA-free nonstick-coated cooking surface. Owners of the pan say cleaning the nonstick interior is a breeze since food releases easily and it’s also dishwasher safe. 

This roaster did great in our Lab—roast chicken came out evenly cooked with a crispy skin on top, and the potatoes—while not as evenly crispy and browned as we prefer—were tender and creamy on the inside. We were also able to make gravy right on the stovetop, with excellent consistency and even cooking.

The pan is 16 inches long, has up to a 25-pound capacity, comes with a V-shaped nonstick rack, and is oven safe up to 500 degrees. Upright, riveted stainless steel handles provide stability in lifting heavy dishes out of the oven, and the high pan sides help minimize splatters. As with all nonstick cookware, you’ll want to avoid using metal utensils since they can scratch the nonstick coating.

Material: Stainless steel with nonstick coating | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Weight: 9 pounds

Most Durable

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Roasting Pan

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack

Target

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Professional quality

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Plenty of room for a roast and sides

What We Don't Like
  • Stovetop safe but only on medium high

  • Metal tools should be avoided

When it comes to roasting pans that will last, this model from Cuisinart fits the bill. This hefty pan weighs in at 10 pounds and comes with a U-shaped roasting rack that can hold a large turkey or roast with ease. The handles are securely riveted for easy maneuvering, and the triply-ply stainless steel construction is suitable for any stovetop, including induction.

We found this to be a really high-quality roasting pan with a strong performance. Roasted potatoes came out crispy and brown, while the resulting chicken was amazingly juicy. Even with a roast or chicken in the pan, there was still plenty of room to add our favorite root vegetables to cook at the same time. The heavy-duty construction means this pan is a real workhorse and can go from oven to stovetop for a thorough deglazing to create your favorite pan gravy. We also noted that the pan's bottom surface is flat from edge to edge, making it easy to deglaze and scrape, but want to caution that metal tools should be avoided to protect the pan's surface.

All in all, it's a sturdy roasting pan that is exceedingly easy to clean and seems to have the potential to last for a lifetime with proper care. If you tend to roast often and for a crowd, this is the pan for you.

Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Maximum Temperature: 500 degrees | Weight: 10 pounds

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack displayed on a wood kitchen counter

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Best Oven-to-Table

KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron Au Gratin Oval Roasting Pan

KitchenAid Cast Iron Au Gratin Roasting Pan

Amazon

What We Like
  • Attractive

  • Useful shape

  • Easy-to-grip handles

  • Enameled for easy care

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy

  • Not dishwasher safe

The Kitchenaid pan may have “au gratin” in its name, but it’s much more than that. Of course it would look pretty with an au gratin, casserole, or cobbler bubbling away, but it’s also the perfect fit for a roast chicken, with potatoes nestled along the sides for an easy dinner. Even better, it’s stovetop safe, so it can be used for sautéing vegetables or searing meat, and it’s just as handy for making gravy once the roasting is done.

Thanks to the enameled surfaces, it’s easy to care for, with no need for seasoning, although it’s not dishwasher safe. The shape is pleasing and practical—a chicken fits well, and it’s just as good for a pork or beef roast.

This is available in two attractive colors, pistachio or blue velvet, and it has side handles that make it easy to get in and out of the oven. It looks great in use, and is attractive enough for serving, too. When not in use, it can be used as a countertop fruit bowl, too.

Material: Cast iron | Dishwasher Safe: No | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: No | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Weight: 6.6 pounds

What We Like
  • Sturdy rack included

  • Very nonstick

  • Multiple colors to choose from

  • Great handles

What We Don't Like
  • Less likely to create a fond

  • Expensive

If cleanup after roasting is a dreaded task, the Caraway roasting pan can easily solve that problem. Thanks to the ceramic coating, the pan is nonstick, so food simply sponges away when it’s time for cleaning. The stainless-steel rack takes a bit more effort, but it’s still fairly easy. In testing, a 13-pound turkey fit easily, even when we spatchcocked one, and it could have handled a larger one as well.

The large side handles make this pan easy to lift, and the handles on the rack make it easy to remove as well, to move the food for resting while the pan goes on the stove to make a gravy. Due to the excellent nonstick, drippings don’t brown during cooking the way they do in an uncoated pan. It’s a minor quibble, and the gravy we made was still excellent.

This comes in a variety of colors to match other Caraway cookware, or to add a pop of color.

Material: Aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic coating | Dishwasher Safe: No | Stovetop Safe: Yes | Includes Rack: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 550 degrees | Weight: 6.77 pounds

Blue Caraway roasting pan on gas stove

The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a well-built roasting pan that was designed with a chef's needs in mind, opt for the Made In Roasting Pan, our Best Overall pick. For an affordable option that is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to clean, we like the Rachael Ray Roaster with Dual Height Rack.

How We Tested

We tested 21 roasting pans, both side-by-side in our Lab and in our home kitchens to determine the best of the best. In the Lab, we tested each by roasting a whole chicken, with new potatoes roasting underneath, and making a pan gravy with the drippings. At home, tests included whole chickens, layers of onions, and meatloaf.

We Observed

  • Larger handles will save your holiday dinner: Chances are something heavy is in the roasting pan when you're grabbing it out of the oven. Large handles mean a secure grip on the very hot pan, so your dinner doesn't end up on the floor.
  • Material and design can influence your gravy: The development of delicious fond, how easily a pan can be deglazed, and the heat from your stove's burner are all a factor in whether your gravy is better than store-bought. We analyzed the post-roasting fond and made pan gravy to determine if there's enough for good gravy, and whether it would scorch or simmer.

We Rated

  • Design: Roasting pans with large handles and curved corners scored higher with us since they are easier to maneuver when hot and more versatile on the stove. A pan that also looks great enough to bring to the table received a high rating.
  • Performance: We judged the final level of crispiness, the airflow under the roasting rack, and/or the slickness of a nonstick coating to accurately assess how a roasting pan would perform in your home kitchen.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Fond and grease are inevitable when roasting in the oven. Pans are washed after every test to determine how hard you'll need to scrub, as well as checking the durability of any coating.
  • Value: Roasting pans are typically an expensive piece of cookware. We analyze whether this is the last roasting pan you'll ever need, or if you'll have to replace it sooner rather than later.
Person holding a spatula and the Hestan Provisions Stainless Steel Classic Roaster with Rack full of potatoes

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

What to Look For in a Roasting Pan

Size

When thinking about what size roasting pan you need, consider what type of food you want to roast. If you like to cook up a gigantic turkey for the holidays, you’ll need a large pan, but if you’re just planning to roast chickens, vegetables, and other smaller dishes, a smaller one may be sufficient. Also, consider how much storage space you have.

Shape

Consider the shape and design of a roasting pan before purchasing. A roasting pan that has a raised bottom will be harder to use on the stovetop for preparing sauce and gravy, as liquids will collect around the edges of the pan. 

Material

Roasters are made from a variety of materials, and each will cook your foods slightly differently and require different methods of care. You’ll also want to choose something that isn’t too heavy for your needs. Stainless steel cookware is highly durable and offers longevity. Nonstick roasters may be prone to chips and scratches that require more frequent replacement. Certain materials, like cast iron, produce heavier cookware that will require more muscle to move between oven and table. Remember: A heavy roasting pan will only be that much heavier once you place a large piece of meat or turkey in it!

Features

Do you want a lid with your roaster? How about a roasting rack? There are models that come with both, as well as those that are just bare-bones. Also, when looking at a pan, check to see what type of handles it has and if you find them comfortable to use.

Hands grabbing potatoes in the Hestan Provisions Stainless Steel Classic Roaster with Rack

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

FAQs

What is a roasting pan and how does it work?

A roasting pan is typically a large, oven-safe pan with high sides that often includes a rack. These sturdy pans are usually made of thick aluminum or stainless steel in order to support the weight of a turkey, chicken, or other large pieces of meat. The rack holds the meat just above the pan, allowing hot air to flow all around it and enabling even cooking; the rack also allows excess fat and liquid to drain off and prevents a half-braise, half-roast situation by keeping the meat from sitting in its own juices.

How do you clean a roasting pan?

Nonstick roasting pans will be easiest to clean with mild dishwashing soap and a non-abrasive scrubber (this also helps to protect your nonstick coating). For pans without a nonstick layer, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to loosen any bits of burnt food, followed by soaking the pan in warm water to further loosen any debris. If your pan is dishwasher safe, you can then put it into the machine, but since roasting pans take up a lot of space, hand washing might be preferable. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions on how best to clean and maintain your roasting pan.

Should you put water in a roasting pan?

It depends on what you're cooking. Adding water to the roasting pan can create steam that works against the "roasting" action of the oven's dry heat, particularly if your roasting pan is covered during cooking. The addition of a little bit of water to an uncovered roaster may help keep pan drippings from scorching, but too much water might make a soggy mess. Keep an eye on your roast-in-progress—if the bottom of the pan looks bone dry, you may want to add just a little bit of water to prevent burning and control any smoking that might start to happen towards the end of the cooking process.

What size roasting pan do you need for a turkey?

For small turkeys (12 pounds and under), you'll need a 14-inch pan. Medium birds (12 to 16 pounds) will require a 16-inch pan, and larger turkeys (up to 20 pounds) should fit an 18-inch roaster. If you need help navigating how to roast a turkey, here's a step-by-step guide to a Thanksgiving turkey preparation.

Does a roasting pan need a rack?

Ideally, yes, but if it didn't come with one, you can make one. The purpose of a roasting rack is to provide a way for the oven's heat to flow under your roast, so you just want to keep your meat lifted off the bottom of the pan. You can add a bed of root vegetables, an oven-proof cooling rack, two gas stovetop burners wrapped in tinfoil, or create three or four tightly rolled foil cylinders to lay on the bottom of your pan—get creative.

Should you roast turkey at high or low temperatures?

When roasting poultry or meats, experiment with utilizing both high and low temperatures. The latter will yield a more tender, juicier roast, while short bursts of high temperatures will help you achieve the desired crispy skin or surface browning.

Setting temperature for test of Cuisinart Multi-Clad Roasting Pan

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Why Trust The Spruce Eats

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Sharon Lehman, the author of this roundup, knows the importance of trusted cookware. She has owned and used cookware from several brands on this roundup including All-Clad, Anolon, Cuisinart, Calphalon, Le Creuset, and GraniteWare. When it comes to prepping a weeknight roast chicken and the annual Thanksgiving turkey (her favorite!), she reaches for the top-rated Cuisinart Chef’s Classic roasting pan.

This piece was edited by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. She researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight. She's also incorporated all testing results from our Lab.

Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Technical Fact Sheet - Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). November 2017.

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