We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 8 Best Roasting Pans, Tested by BHG Whether it’s a holiday, Sunday dinner, or just time for a casserole, our favorite roasting pans promise brag-worthy roasts every time. By Kristen (KJ) Callihan Kristen (KJ) Callihan KJ's product reviews, roundups, and other articles have appeared on sites like The Spruce, CNET, AAA Northeast magazine, Oh My Veggies, and Outward On. She has a B.A. from Michigan State University featuring cognates of sociology, psychology, and rel. studies. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Jordan Liberty Phillips Jordan Liberty Phillips Jordan has more than 10 years of experience working with food brands and retailers and has a deep understanding of what to look for when you shop (and what to avoid). She's an accomplished home cook and has two boys, ages 4 and 5. She received her BA in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on May 14, 2025 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews The Bottom Line Our Testing Process What To Know Before Shopping Others We Tested Your Questions, Answered Who We Are BHG Recommends Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Whether you’re tasked with making a roast for a holiday occasion or you just want to whip up a casserole, a roasting pan is the key to success. With so many styles and sizes, however, it can be difficult to determine which is the best roasting pan for your needs. “Maintaining even heat, allowing sufficient airflow, and [having] multiple uses all factor into looking at the right pan to purchase,” says Matt Gillett, owner of Saddleback Barbecue and The Slice. What We Tested To find the best roasting pans, we carefully tested 24 pans and determined how well or poorly they roasted a chicken and potatoes. Then, we rated each roasting pan based on design, performance, and ease of cleaning. For more information on how we tested these pans, check out our lab testing process below. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Williams Sonoma Stainless Steel Ultimate Roaster with Rack at Williams Sonoma Jump to Review Best Budget: Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Hestan Provisions Classic Roaster with Rack at Amazon $160 Jump to Review Best Stainless Steel: Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Roasting Pan at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Ceramic: GreenPan Reserve Nonstick Roasting Pan at Amazon Jump to Review Best Nonstick: All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Roasting Pan at Amazon $220 Jump to Review Best with Lid: SALE GraniteWare Large Oval Roasting Pan at Amazon $52 $44 Jump to Review Best Cast Iron: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Rectangular Roaster at Amazon $304 Jump to Review Best Overall Williams Sonoma Stainless Steel Ultimate Roaster with Rack Credit: Williams Sonoma View on Williams Sonoma Why You Should Get It This stainless steel pan is built to last, versatile and makes a beautiful presentation on the table. Keep in Mind It can be heavy when loaded with large cuts of meat. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd during the holidays or prepping a weeknight meal, this Williams Sonoma roaster has a sturdy, stylish design that produces delicious results. Equipped with a removable roasting rack, the pan’s stainless steel construction ensures even heating and prevents sticking, making it our top pick in this category. We used the pan to prepare chicken and pork shoulder roasts, and were impressed with the cooking performance, as well as the pan’s aesthetic that transitions well from the oven to the table. Several thoughtful design features add to the appeal of this roaster, including high sides that reduce splattering to keep your oven clean. It also features easy to-grasp handles for lifting the pan with oven mitts on. Plus, a nonreactive cooking surface also makes it excellent for prepping stovetop gravies and sauces. The pan offers adequate size and depth, with a capacity that holds up to 20 pounds. During testing, we noticed the pan was a bit heavy when fully loaded with large cuts of meat. And while it is designed to be nonstick and is listed as dishwasher safe by the manufacturer, hand washing is required to maintain longevity. For best results, a nylon scrubbing pad and fine-powdered cleanser are recommended. Versatility and durability make this roasting pan a mainstay in the kitchen, perfect for roasting meat or preparing one-pan dishes like casseroles and lasagnas. While it isn’t lightweight, it’s built to last if cared for properly. Product Details: Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 3 inches | Materials: Stainless steel | Rack Included: Yes | Lid Included: No | Care: Dishwasher safe, hand washing recommended Thios pan offers adequate size and depth and can hold up to 20 pounds of ingredients. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens We cooked pork shoulder roasts in the pan and were impressed by the pan's performance. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens This pan’s stainless steel construction ensures even heating and prevents sticking during cooking. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens This pan’s stainless steel construction ensures even heating and prevents sticking during cooking. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens We appreciated the handles on this pan, which are easy to grasp during cooking. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The pan can easily cleaned with a nylon scrubbing pad and fine-powdered cleanser. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Best Budget Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster Credit: Amazon $35 at Amazon View on Walmart $40 at Target Why You Should Get It Even though it was one of the cheapest roasting pans we tested, it evenly cooked both chicken and potatoes. Keep in Mind It’s a bit smaller than other roasting pans on our list. For those looking for an affordable roasting pan, this is the best option for you. While this is one of the least expensive roasting pans we tested, it was also one of the highest performing. After cooking a chicken and potatoes in this roasting pan, we found the chicken to be perfectly and evenly roasted, and the potatoes had a crispy exterior with a fluffy, pillowy interior. When it was time to clean the pan, we found it to be fairly straightforward to clean with a mild dish soap and water. While its flat shape made the rack easy to clean, washing each section of the wire rack sufficiently took a few extra minutes. Despite this, the roasting pan earned a perfect score for ease of cleaning since the pan itself didn’t require any difficult scrubbing. Keep in mind that this pan can’t withstand the direct heat or open flame of a stove top, and should only be used in the oven. Compared to our best overall pick, this pan is a bit smaller, so you may want to opt for a slightly larger pan if you are cooking for a crowd or large family. Because of its exceptional performance at an affordable price point, this roasting pan earned a score of 5 out of 5 star rating during our testing, making it ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option. Product Details: Dimensions: 11.3 x 2.4 x 16 inches | Materials: Stainless steel | Rack included: Yes | Lid included: No | Care: Hand wash only Our chicken was evenly roasted in the Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens We like that the Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster features a removable rack. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens This pan is on the smaller side, so it's ideal for smaller gatherings and compact kitchens. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster can be easily cleaned with soap and water. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The rack is removable, so you can adjust based on your cooking needs. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Since the pan is compact, it can easily sit on your countertop once you're done cooking. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Best Splurge Hestan Provisions Classic Roaster with Rack Credit: Amazon $160 at Amazon View on Wayfair View on Wayfair Why You Should Get It It makes a thoroughly cooked bird in slightly less than an hour, and a tasty well-developed fond for the gravy to go with it. Keep in Mind The groove around the edge catches drippings, but also limits the amount you’ll have for that tasty gravy. If you don’t mind spending a little extra on the right roasting pan, this is the best one for you. We found it brought plenty of bang for the buck, and minus a couple of points for cleaning issues, we felt it outperformed other more expensive brands. During our testing, we found that this pan roasted a bird thoroughly after about an hour. Although the color on the roasted chicken wasn’t as even as other roasting pans we tested, it still produced a mouth-watering meal. This roasting pan was also able to produce a nice fond for making a chicken gravy on the bottom of the pan. We also liked that the pan has a groove around the edge for catching the drippings from the bird, which is handy, but also limits the amount of liquid you’ll be able to use for gravy later on. This roasting pan does come with a rack, but we found it didn’t quite have as much room underneath as other pans we tested. We were able to fit potatoes under the rack, but it was a tight fit. However, this roasting pan yielded delicious potatoes that were caramelized and buttery. After we cooked the chicken and potatoes, there was a little bit of stuck-on food, but it came off after some scrubbing. Although we opted to scrub this pan during our testing, we do appreciate that the pan and rack are both dishwasher safe. While it is true to its stainless steel name and cleans easily for the most part, we did find that it stained slightly from the potato starches we cooked in it. Otherwise, the performance of the pan was exemplary and earned an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Product Details: Dimensions: 12.5 x 3.5 x 18.5 inches | Materials: Stainless steel | Rack included: Yes | Lid included: No | Care: Dishwasher safe This Hestan Provisions pick has a groove around the edge for catching the chicken's drippings. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Although it was a tough fit, we were able to fit potatoes underneath the chicken with the rack in. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The pan helped make a nice chicken gravy on the bottom of the pan. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The potatoes we roasted in this Hestan Provisions were caramelized and buttery. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Despite some slight staining, we thought this Hestan Provisions pan performed very well. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Best Stainless Steel Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Roasting Pan Credit: Target View on Wayfair View on Walmart $160 at Target Why You Should Get It It produced a perfectly cooked chicken, has supportive handles, and is dishwasher safe. Keep in Mind Because the potatoes were slightly overcooked, the cleanup process was a little tedious. If you’re looking for a stainless steel option, this is the best stainless steel roasting pan we tested. This pan roasted a perfect, evenly browned chicken. However, the potatoes were a little overdone and a little too crispy, so we recommend taking the potatoes out of the oven while the bird finishes cooking. This roasting pan is oven safe up to 500°F, and stovetop safe up to around a medium high heat. Its exterior is brushed stainless steel with an aluminum core, and it comes with a slightly U-shaped rack that is gently sloped on the sides and a flat bottom to hold your roast. The stainless steel handles are riveted in place for a safe and secure grip, and they stay cool for comfortable gripping while cooking. We also like that it has a convenient pouring rim that prevents drips, too. Because the potatoes got overcooked during testing, we found that cleaning the stainless steel pan required some effort and scrubbing. However, we do appreciate that this option is dishwasher safe, unlike some other roasting pans on our list. Although you may have to make some adjustments with roasting vegetables with this pick, it earned one of our top spots because of its ability to roast a flawless chicken. Product Details: Dimensions: 12.1 x 5.2 x 19.3 inches | Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum | Rack included: Yes | Lid included: No | Care: Dishwasher safe The rim on this Cuisinart pick helps prevent drips, which is ideal while roasting. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Best Ceramic GreenPan Reserve Nonstick Roasting Pan Credit: Amazon View on Amazon View on Perigold.com View on Newegg.com Why You Should Get It It's versatile, has a great nonstick capability, and is excellent for cooking proteins and one-pot creations. Keep in Mind The chicken slid around slightly on the rack. This ceramic pan is ideal for the home cook who is looking for an efficient roasting pan to handle their proteins and occasional one pot meals. It’s also a great option for those who care about kitchen aesthetics, as this is a sleek, modern-looking pan. Regarding the pan's performance, it was noted that while the roast was perfectly golden brown after cooking for about an hour, the skin was crispy in some places but not others. After about 15 minutes, the potatoes looked brown and started to caramelize. However, after cooking with the chicken for an hour, the potatoes ended up overdone, dark, and crunchy. If you use this roasting pan to make sides, you may want to remove them before the chicken is finished cooking. The gravy was smooth and well-incorporated. It was also incredibly easy to clean, and stuck-on food came off effortlessly with just a few swipes of the rough side of a scrubber sponge. Because of this, we gave it a 5 out of 5 star rating for ease of cleaning. It's also technically safe for the dishwasher—but the manufacturer does recommend hand washing in warm soapy water for best results. While the handles made the pan simple to maneuver with just the potatoes in it, the V-shaped rack leaves a little too much room between its sides and the pan. This meant that once the roast was added, we noticed that it did slide around a bit. Unlike a few other options on our list, it’s safe to use metal utensils with this roasting pan because of its scratch-resistant surface. It can also be used on gas and electric stovetops. Overall, this ceramic roasting pan earned a score of 4.1 out of 5, making it one of the best products we tested. Product Details: Dimensions: 13.25 x 2.5 x 16.25 inches | Materials: Ceramic, PFAS-Free nonstick surface, aluminum, stainless steel | Rack included: Yes | Lid included: No | Care: Dishwasher safe, hand wash recommended After about 15 minutes, the potatoes looked brown and started to caramelize in this GreenPan pick. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The handles on this pan made it simple to maneuver with just the potatoes in it. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The roast was golden brown after cooking for about an hour, but the skin was crispy in some places. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens This GreenPan pick was easy to clean with the rough side of a scrubber sponge. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Best Nonstick All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Roasting Pan Credit: Amazon $220 at Amazon View on Williams Sonoma $220 at Sur La Table Why You Should Get It This pan can roast turkeys up to 25 pounds and has a removable rack that doubles as a baking dish. Keep in Mind It was a little difficult to get the drippings out to make gravy. This versatile roaster can function as a baking dish when the rack is removed, and it conveniently works on gas, ceramic, and electric cooktops, as well as in the oven. Both the rack and the roasting pan are nonstick, and it’s safe for temperatures of up to 500°F in the oven. After cooking the chicken for an hour and one minute, it had a light, crispy feel to its skin. The chicken was a little bit light on the bottom, but that may be due to the close proximity of the rack to the potatoes we put in with it. When we checked the potatoes after the same amount of time, they were unevenly browned with a few on the crispy side, and some still a little blond on the bottom. All of the potatoes were perfectly creamy on the inside, however. The gravy had a well-blended consistency, although it did require a bit of maneuvering to get enough of the drippings out of the grooved edges of the pan to make it. Because of the nonstick design of this pan, cleanup was swift and easy, which earned this roasting pan a score of 5 out of 5 for ease of cleaning. We recommend skipping any harsh detergents, steel wool, bleach cleansers, nonstick sprays, or metal utensils on this pan as they might damage the nonstick surface. However, nylon scrubbing pads are fine to use. Product Details: Dimensions: 13 x 5 x 16 inches | Materials: Stainless steel | Rack included: Yes | Lid included: No | Care: Dishwasher safe After an hour of roasting in this All-Clad pick, the potatoes were perfectly creamy on the inside. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Best with Lid GraniteWare Large Oval Roasting Pan Credit: Amazon $52 $44 at Amazon Why You Should Get It It can accommodate up to 20 pounds of meat, making it a great option for holiday cooking. Keep in Mind It arrives in somewhat challenging packaging, with a sticker that’s difficult to remove. This enameled roasting pan from Granite Ware produces excellent cooking results, and its versatility and value for the price make it our favorite option with a lid. During testing, we were impressed with the pan’s results across the board. With a durable yet lightweight design, this roaster withstands high temperatures– up to 932°F – so you can roast and broil a variety of items. We found this roasting pan effective at evenly cooking chicken without overcooking the potatoes, mushrooms, and onions with it. Its large size can accommodate large cuts of meat up to 20 pounds, making it a great option for roasting turkeys and holiday meals. The pan’s nonstick surface makes it suitable for cooking soups and stovetop sauces as well, but keep in mind it should not be used on induction or glass cooktops. We like that the pan is made with materials that are free from toxins like PFOA and PTFE for a safer cooking experience. It can also be washed in the dishwasher, making cleanup easy and convenient. The only disappointment with this roaster was a sticker that was difficult to remove when we first unboxed it. A small price to pay, however, given that we think the Granite Ware roasting pan is a great value that is well-designed for both everyday use and special occasions. Product Details: Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8.3 inches | Materials: Enamel | Rack Included: No | Lid Included: Yes | Care: Dishwasher safe We were able to evenly cook chicken without overcooking the other food in this GraniteWare pot. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens This large GraniteWare pick can accommodate up to 20 pounds of meat. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens This roasting pan can withstand up to 932°F, so you can cook a variety of recipes. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The roasting pan is dishwasher-safe, so it's easy to maintain between uses. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens We like that this GraniteWare model includes a lid, unlike many roasting pans. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Overall, we think this roasting pan is a great option for cooking larger meals. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Best Cast Iron Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Rectangular Roaster Credit: Amazon $304 at Amazon $305 at Wayfair View on Williams Sonoma Why You Should Get It This pan is high-quality and well designed, and the variety of colors available make it an attractive piece to display on the stovetop or table. Keep in Mind It is very heavy and can be a challenge to clean. This beautiful and durable roasting pan by Le Creuset is a smart choice for home chefs looking for an investment piece that’s made to last. Enameled cast iron ensures even heat distribution for excellent cooking results, and it is available in multiple colorways to coordinate with your kitchen aesthetic. Designed to transition easily from stove to oven to table, this pan is compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F. It’s versatile enough to roast meats and vegetables, bake casseroles and desserts, and make stovetop sauces. During testing, we found that it roasted chicken and vegetables perfectly. While the pan is made from the lightest weight cast iron on the market, we still found it very heavy, making it challenging to maneuver and wash by hand. We like that it is safe to use with metal utensils, and while many cast iron pans require seasoning, this one comes ready to use. The size of the pan is ideal for everything from macaroni and cheese to cinnamon rolls and your Thanksgiving turkey, although it doesn’t come with a rack or lid. Despite its weight, this roaster’s high-quality construction and table-worthy appeal makes it an heirloom piece worthy of the price. Product Details: Dimensions: 16 x 10.25 x 3 inches | Materials: Enameled cast iron | Rack Included: No | Lid Included: No | Care: Dishwasher-safe, hand washing recommended We used this Le Creuset model to cook chicken and vegetables during testing. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens While testing this pick at home, we noted that it roasted our meal perfectly. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Le Creuset notes that this pick is made of the most lightweight cast iron out there. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Although many cast-iron pans need seasoning, this one comes ready to use. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The size of this roasting pan is ideal for a turkey, macaroni and cheese, and cinnamon rolls. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Despite its weight, we love the look and high-quality construction of this roasting pan. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens The Bottom Line Overall, the best roasting pan on our list is the Williams Sonoma Stainless Steel Ultimate Roaster with Rack. We liked that it's made of durable stainless steel and has a nice look to it, so it makes for a nice presentation on the table. Our Testing Process We put 24 of the best roasting pans to the test by preparing roasted chicken and potatoes, carefully following the same recipe for each roasting pan. After roasting the chicken and potatoes, we reserved the drippings to make gravy. While testing, we assessed each pan and considered its design, performance, ease of cleaning, and value. For design, we looked closely at each pan’s shape, capacity, materials, and features like handles. When cooking the chicken and potatoes, we considered the way the pan’s heat was distributed, its air flow, whether foods stuck to it, and how well it cooked the foods. For some models, we also assessed the highest temperature the pan can withstand, and whether it can be used on the stovetop as well as in the oven. Regarding ease of cleaning, we explored how easy the pan is to clean by hand, whether it’s dishwasher-safe, and whether it had nonstick surfaces that made it easy to clean. When assessing value, we determined whether the pan performed as advertised and if we considered it worth the price. After considering all of these factors, we rated each roasting pan and chose the best ones based on our testing process. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens What To Know About Roasting Pans Before Shopping Dimensions When it comes to roasting pans, sizes can vary so you’ll want to consider both what you need to cook and what your kitchen can handle. “Since oven sizes can vary, be sure your roasting pan will fit easily into your oven. There are even petite-sized roasting pans for some countertop ovens,” says Art Jackson, co-founder of Pleasant House Pub. You’ll want to take into account the size of your oven’s interior as well as any handles and lids that add extra height and width. While it’s best to get the proper size for your roast, if you do end up with a larger pan size than you need, try to fill the extra space up with chopped vegetables and a bit of water, broth, or wine to keep the drippings from burning. Materials Roasting pans can be made of a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, and ceramic. Jackson recommends hard, anodized aluminum with a non-stick coating as it has great heat retention and is easy to clean. However, Gillett recommends stainless steel, such as the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Triple Ply Stainless Cookware 16-Inch Roasting Pan Skillet, especially for those with less cooking experience. “I’m a stainless steel fan. I think for the casual home cook, it is versatile and easier to maintain,” he says. “It can take a beating and be brand new for the next use.” Features When choosing a roasting pan for your kitchen, you’ll also want to consider any additional features that it comes with. While a rack isn’t necessarily imperative, it does have its benefits in a roasting pan. Generally, racks are helpful for holding your roast up off the bottom of your roasting pan, keeping it above its own drippings so the skin can get crisp and taut. It also helps with airflow which promotes even roasting. Depending upon the type of cooking you’ll be doing, you may want to consider a lid with your roasting pan. Plenty of roasting pans don’t come with lids and they get the job done without them. However, lids also have advantages for your cooking, like keeping the moisture in when steaming, for juicier meats, or preventing messy meat from splattering inside your oven. “Using aluminum foil to substitute as a lid is an easy way to work around your pan not coming with a lid. This could also be a space saver in the house considering the size of the pan and lid,” says Gillett. Shape In order to prepare your foods optimally, you’ll want to look for either a rectangular or oval-shaped pan. Rectangular roasting pans have more roasting versatility as they provide a greater cooking area, while ovals are great for lifting roasts up above their juices, ensuring crispy skins, easy basting, and even browning. Meanwhile, roasting pans with flat bottoms are ideal for stovetop cooking as you’ll probably want less pooling of juices around the edges. Handles can add helpful lifting assistance and portability when needed. Care When choosing a roasting pan for your kitchen, care is an important detail to consider in more ways than one. For example, if you have an oversized option that’s hand-wash only, you’ll have to ensure you have a sink large enough to clean it. If you entertain often, a dishwasher-safe pick is one less thing to worry about when you clean. “A roasting pan with non-stick coating will be easy to clean with a simple soak if necessary and a soft scrubber,” Jackson says. Other Roasting Pans We Tested OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Roasting Pan The OXO Obsidian Roasting Pan is made with carbon steel and oven-safe up to 600°F, making it versatile and well-designed for even cooking. We found the nonstick surface to be especially effective. The roaster includes a V-shaped stainless steel roasting rack which is a nice plus, however during testing we found a few areas for improvement. While the pan is pre-seasoned, we found that it requires re-seasoning, and was difficult to care for since it’s not dishwasher safe. The pan offers solid performance for basic roasting and works well for smaller birds and cuts of meat, however there are better options available at similar or lower price points. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Five Two Essential Roasting Pan and Rack The Five Two Essential Roasting Pan and Rack is oven and broiler safe up to 600°F, and both its rack and roaster can be tossed in the dishwasher for an effortless post-meal cleanup, or gently washed by hand with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. It’s also versatile with induction compatibility, and comes equipped with a 360-degree pouring rim that can tilt and pour from any angle without spilling. However, the rack sits extremely low in the pan, making it great for roasting proteins but not much else. Anything smaller, like vegetables, sat too close up under the roast, and cooked to crispness (or even overcooked) in exposed areas but hardly at all in the covered areas. Considering the steep price tag, it underperformed and did not earn our recommendation. All-Clad Stainless Steel Flared Roasting Pan The All-Clad Stainless Steel Flared Roasting Pan has flared, low sides, a flat rack that also rests quite low, and a remarkably large surface area. It's ideal for gas and electric cooktops, and is oven and broiler safe, withstanding up to 600°F. There were a few drawbacks to this model, like its uneven heat distribution (some bits were burnt on the bottom during testing, and the roast didn’t get browned evenly on the exterior), and its surface area requires a range of substantial size in order to fit on the stovetop for gravy making or other cooktop preparations. We determined there are better choices available for the price as well as the amount of space it takes up in the kitchen. We felt it would be best used for making sheet pan dinners or roasted vegetables—but probably not meat roasts. Nordic Ware Copper Roaster XL Large The Nordic Ware Copper Roaster XL Large roasting pan has a large U-shaped rack large enough for a 25-pound turkey. It’s oven-safe up to 450°F and has a nonstick, easy-to-clean surface. However, the chicken didn’t cook evenly and the potatoes ended up mostly overcooked. This roasting pan also isn’t dishwasher safe. Because of its poor performance, it earned low scores throughout our testing. Your Questions, Answered Is stainless steel or aluminum better for a roasting pan? Aluminum is a great heat conductor and is lightweight and relatively inexpensive. However, anodized aluminum has the potential to react with or leach into foods, sometimes making it problematic when used with highly acidic foods or those that must remain heated over a prolonged period of time. Stainless steel is known for its durability and heat retention, and tends to work well both in the oven and on the stovetop. It also distributes heat evenly and is easy to clean when used properly. Should roasting pans have deep or shallow sides? This is mostly a matter of preference and depends on what kind of food you’ll be roasting. Roasting pans with higher, deeper sides are excellent for larger meat roasts like turkeys, especially when a lot of juices are expected to be drawn from them while cooking. Shallow sides are best for baked vegetables, smaller cuts of meat, and fish that you won’t expect a lot of drippings from. “Thickness and high sides provide greater insulation and heat retention and room for thick lasagna, casseroles, and roasted meat and vegetable dishes with gravy,” Jackson says. Does a roasting pan need a rack? Not every roasting pan comes with a rack, though it’s definitely a key detail to consider. Most chefs do tend to prefer one when available. “Roasting pans don’t always need a rack, but it’s a good accessory to have if you’re preparing meat or vegetable roasts that you would like to have roasting above pan drippings and gravy,” Jackson says. “The rack will allow the roast to be easily removed from the pan and the gravy to be finished in the same pan.” If your pan doesn’t have a rack, however, Gillett recommends using vegetables on the bottom of your pan as an alternative. This lower layer will help keep whatever you’re roasting off the bottom of the pan. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Who We Are KJ Callihan is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens who has focused on home gear, health, pets, and sleep products. To make this list, she organized the results of our roasting pan testers, with an emphasis on dimensions, materials, and features included (like racks or lids). She also sought the expert guidance of Art Jackson, co-founder of Pleasant House Pub, and Matt Gillett, co-owner of Saddleback Barbecue and The Slice, for additional insight. BHG contributor Jordan Liberty Phillips also updated this article. Her expertise includes recipes and cooking, home decor, and shopping. BHG Recommends Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products. Explore more: Shopping Food and Kitchen Reviews Cookware Reviews Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit