I first learned how to roast a turkey at Leiths Cookery School in the UK. One trick I swear by is using a butter blanket which keeps the meat moist while acheiving a crisp, golden skin. However, I’ve come to realize that the dish itself is equally important as the technique. A picture-perfect turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving; you'll never regret investing in the best turkey roasting pan.
Take a cue from the pros: if you look at Martha Stewart's turkey recipes, for example, you'll notice a consistent choice – a heavy metal roasting pan with a stainless steel rack. This design elevates the turkey to get crispier skin and allows ample space for onions, aromatics, and wine underneath.
The perfect turkey pan should have tall sides to contain those delicious juices, but if they’re too tall, they can hinder the browning. It should be large and weighty, but compact enough to fit in a standard oven. Sturdy, riveted handles are essential; I want a solid grip to avoid any accidents when the cooking gets stressful.
Stainless steel is my material of choice for excellent heat transfer and a smooth transition from oven to stovetop for gravy-making. If you have an induction hob, you'll want to choose a compatible pan. I'm not a big fan of non-stick pans or racks – they eventually chip and I want to use my pans for years without risking toxic leaching. I give a bonus point for dishes that are easy to clean.
With these criteria in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the best turkey roasting pans money can buy. Once you find the perfect pan, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it
The quick list
If you want the headlines, these are my picks for the best turkey roasting pans. I'm confident you can create a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with these trustworthy brands. I'll go into more detail further down the page.
Best overall
This American-made roaster is my dream pan for a big family Thanksgiving. The sturdy, stainless steel rack can handle up to 20 lbs of turkey. The flared edges are genius for gravy-making.
Best value
An affordable option that doesn’t skimp on quality. With a solid stainless steel construction, enormous handles and spacious design, it’s a budget-friendly pick for home cooks.
Best premium
If you’re serious about cooking, De Buyer is an investment worth making. This French-made pan isn't just elegant. The five layers of stainless steel and aluminum heat up quickly and evenly, while staying durable enough to last a lifetime. You'll just need to buy a rack separately.
Best turkey roasting pan overall
All-Clad has crafted my ideal roasting pan, with a sturdy metal base and stainless steel rack that can handle up to 20lbs of turkey. It's American-made, premium quality that's bound to last a lifetime.
The weighty design features a three-ply construction – which essentially means there's an aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel. The aluminum core ensures fast, even heat distribution, while the stainless steel exterior and interior are non-reactive with acidic ingredients, durable, and easy to clean. That's a winning combination for me.
I also love the low, flared sides on this dish. It can hold all the cooking juices, while promoting even browning on top. It's a genius design for making gravy – your whisk will reach into every corner and scoop up the caramelized fond. Just remember to use a silicone flat whisk, so you don't scratch up the metal base.
The stainless-steel handles are riveted, which is very reassuring for providing that sturdy grip. Customer reviews praise the 'quality feel' and comfortability, especially when removing the pan from the oven.
Big families will rejoice; if you're looking for a turkey roasting pan for 25 pounds of meat, this option is also available in an extra-large size. I even read a review online which said this model held a Thanksgiving turkey weighing almost 30 pounds. Just make sure your oven can handle these proportions, before you go ahead with your purchase and be aware, this pan isn't induction hob compatible.
Best value turkey roasting pan
When it comes to the Cuisinart Chef's Classic 16-inch Stainless Steel Roaster, versatility reigns supreme. This turkey roasting pan is sensational for Thanksgiving use, but will also come in handy when used in day-to-day life. I read tons of comments from happy reviewers, who use this pan all-year round to cook briskets, lasagnas, and casseroles.
With its stainless steel construction it can hold a turkey up to 20lbs, but it's a bit lighter and thinner than the other roasting pans on my list. However, Cuisinart assure a lifetime warranty. The solid cast stainless steel side handles are contoured for comfort and balance and riveted for strength.
Unlike the All-Clad pan, this Cuisinart roaster contains a U-shaped rack. This will cradle the turkey as it roasts, supporting its natural rounded shape and making it easier to keep the bird in place. This could be a great choice if you're roasting a particularly large turkey.
You can't tell from pictures, but it's worth pointing out that the center of this pan is ever-so-slightly raised. This helps drippings to collect around the edges, which is ideal for basting the turkey, but less convenient if you want to make stovetop gravy. However, you could pour the hot juices into a saucepan and simmer your sauce that way. You might just miss all that delicious deglazing.
Best premium turkey roasting pan
This luxurious French pan combines durability with precision. De Buyer's Affinity series is crafted from five (yes, five) layers of stainless steel and aluminum in the base and walls of the dish. This multi-layer technology absorbs and distributes heat efficiently, and combined with the rectangular shape and flat base, it's sure to achieve a beautifully browned roast.
Unlike the All-Clad option, this pan is compatible with induction hobs, adding to its popular appeal. As for the design, I'm obsessed with the large, ostentatious French handles. De Buyer say they are ergonomic and designed for a comfortable grip. They are also made of stainless steel and riveted to the walls of the pan, which makes them sturdy and reliable. I can just imagine serving a show-stopping turkey straight to the table. Reviewers certainly love the 'polished mirror finish' on the exterior, which adds an extra touch of elegance.
A couple of small snags; it doesn't come with a rack for elevating the turkey, but you could easily add one from a good homeware store. Also, some reviewers note that it may be a bit small for baking a large turkey – it can only really handle a 13lb bird. When it comes to cleaning, Du Buyer say it's dishwasher-safe, but hand washing with a soft sponge is recommended. It's expensive, so I really wouldn't want to risk tarnishing this heirloom piece.
Other options
If you're looking for something a bit different, or the top models have already sold out, these are great turkey roasting pans.
Best for quick delivery
Left it last minute? Never fear. This affordable steel option is available on Amazon Prime and it's actually really good (especially if the top brands are sold out). I'd prefer a stainless steel rack, but as time is of the essence, I won't complain.
Best non-stick
If you love the effortless clean-up of non-stick pans, I'd recommend a non-toxic brand like Caraway. This pan is made from ceramic-coated steel, free of PTFE and PFOA. I love those gold details, too.
Best design
If you prize beauty above all else, you might opt for a Dutch oven roasting technique. Better suited to small turkeys or chickens, this Staub pan looks gorgeous in festive colors like 'grenadine-red.' Just make sure to choose the right size for your bird.
Turkey pan FAQs
What size turkey roasting pan do I need?
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.
How to clean turkey roasting pans?
Our cleaning experts have written a 'how to clean a turkey pan' guide with all the tips and tricks, but these are the headlines:
1. Clean immediately after use
2. Scrub with a soft sponge or non-abrasive pad
3. Tackle difficult stains with baking soda or vinegar
4. Rinse and dry the roasting pan
5. Store it in a safe, dry place
What else can you use a turkey pan for?
A turkey pan is far more versatile than its name suggests! Beyond roasting the holiday bird, you can use it for cooking large cuts of meat like beef, pork, or lamb. After roasting, the pan can be repurposed to make gravy from the drippings. Its deep sides are also ideal for baking large casseroles or lasagna.
-
6 things to keep out of your kitchen, according to interior designersKeep these items away from the kitchen for a stylish and functional space
-
Are pomegranate trees self-pollinating? Experts explain this essential process that leads to a fruitful harvestYou only need to grow one of these trees for successful fruit production
