A turkey is the heaviest, most awkward thing most home cooks ever put in an oven. A 20-pound bird plus a pan of hot fat has to go in, come out to be checked, go back in and finally come out for good, usually while the kitchen is full of people. The pan under it decides how that goes. Too small and the drippings run over the edge. Too thin and it buckles when you lift it. And with handles you cannot grip through oven mitts, the whole thing is a hazard.
Restaurant cooks treat a big roast the same way every time: the right-size pan, a rack under the meat, a thermometer instead of a guess, and a plan for the drippings. This guide applies that to the holiday bird. It names the turkey pans worth buying, from clad stainless to a supported foil pan, says how big a bird each maker claims it holds, and sums up what the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says about roasting a turkey safely.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: which turkey roasting pan to buy
For most households the best roasting pan for turkey is the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 16-inch Stainless Roasting Pan with Rack: Cuisinart lists it for turkeys up to 18 pounds, America’s Test Kitchen found it held a 19-pound bird easily, and its tri-ply body can go straight onto any burner, induction included, for the gravy. For birds over 20 pounds, the Viking 3-Ply Roasting Pan with Probe Thermometer is listed for up to 25 pounds and comes with an instant-read thermometer. On a budget, the Granite Ware 19-inch Oval Roaster with Rack is listed for up to 20 pounds. If you roast a turkey once a year, a VeZee disposable oval roaster with rack set on a sheet pan does the job, and a HIC Roasting Pro V-Rack turns a pan you already own into a turkey pan.
The table compares the five we would point most cooks to first. Eight turkey pans and racks are reviewed in full below it.
Five turkey pans side by side
One pick for each kind of holiday cook, with the bird size, material and stovetop use each maker or listing states.
| Turkey pan | Best for | Capacity & material | Stovetop (per maker) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkeys to about 18 pounds, plus gravy | Up to 18 lb; tri-ply stainless | Gas, electric, glass-ceramic, induction | View on Amazon | |
Viking 3-Ply Roasting Pan with Probe Thermometer, 16 x 13-inchBest for big birds
|
Birds over 20 pounds | Up to 25 lb; 3-ply stainless | Gas, electric, grill, induction | View on Amazon |
| One big bird a year, small budget | Up to 20 lb; enameled steel | Oven roaster; not for glass cooktops | View on Amazon | |
VeZee Disposable Oval Turkey Roaster with RackBest disposable
|
Once-a-year cooks, potlucks, no storage | 17.75 x 14.5 x 3.25 in; capacity not stated; aluminum foil, rack included | Oven only; set on a sheet pan | View on Amazon |
HIC Kitchen Roasting Pro V-Rack, NonstickBest rack upgrade
|
Cooks who already own a big pan | 15.75 x 10.25 x 4 in; nonstick steel | Oven and broiler to 500°F | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Bird capacities are as stated by each maker or its Amazon listing; check the listing before you buy.
What a turkey pan has to do
A pan for a whole turkey needs four things. It needs room: an inch or two of clearance around the bird so hot air can circulate and the drippings stay in the pan. It needs a rack, which lifts the bird off the floor of the pan so the underside browns instead of stewing. It needs strength, because a full pan is heavy and hot and must not flex when you lift it. And it needs handles you can grab through thick mitts.
Everything else is a choice. A stovetop-rated pan lets you make gravy right in the drippings; a cheaper enamel or foil pan means pouring them into a saucepan. A lid keeps a bird moist but browns it less. An oval pan fits the shape of a bird; a rectangular one also roasts vegetables and lasagna the rest of the year. For the full range of everyday roasting pans, including enameled cast iron and sheet pans, see our cluster guide to the best roasting pan.
How big a pan for how big a turkey
Makers state capacity in pounds of bird, and those figures are the most useful number on the box. America’s Test Kitchen suggests a pan of at least 16 x 12 inches for most cooks, which it says fits a 20-pound turkey. Smaller pans are listed for smaller birds: Viking’s 8.5-quart oval at 14 pounds and Hestan’s 14.5-inch roaster at 15 pounds. If you buy a turkey over 20 pounds, choose a pan whose maker lists that weight, and measure your oven, handles included.
Our picks for the best roasting pan turkey cooks can rely on
These eight cover the ways people roast a holiday bird: clad stainless pans that double as gravy pans, a covered stainless oval, a smaller oval for a modest bird, an enameled-steel roaster for a tight budget, a disposable foil pan, and a stand-alone V-rack for a pan you already own. Each lists the same eight specifications from the maker or the Amazon listing.
1. Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 16-inch Stainless Roasting Pan with Rack – Holds the Bird, Then Makes the Gravy
The Cuisinart is the pan we would point most families to for Thanksgiving. Cuisinart lists it for turkeys up to 18 pounds, and America’s Test Kitchen, which named it the winner of its roasting pan review, reports that it held a 19-pound turkey easily. The tri-ply body, an aluminum core between two layers of stainless, runs up the sides of the pan, which Cuisinart says spreads heat evenly and helps prevent hot spots.
That construction matters after the bird comes out. The pan is rated for gas, electric, glass-ceramic and induction cooktops, so you can set it across two burners, deglaze the browned drippings and whisk the gravy in the pan while the turkey rests. ATK found it seared without buckling or burning. Its one complaint is that the rack’s handles line up with the pan’s handles, which makes lifting a heavy bird off the rack awkward; a pair of turkey lifters or clean kitchen towels help.
Cuisinart rates the pan to 500°F in the oven, says it is dishwasher safe, and recommends washing it by hand to keep the polish bright.
Why we like it
- Listed for turkeys up to 18 pounds; ATK fit a 19-pound bird
- Clad stainless up the sidewalls, per Cuisinart
- Induction compatible for stovetop gravy
- Winner of America’s Test Kitchen’s roasting pan review
Key specifications
| Model | MCPS117-16BRP1 |
|---|---|
| Material | Tri-ply stainless steel, aluminum core |
| Size | 16-inch rectangular (ATK measured 16 x 12.25 in) |
| Capacity (lb bird, as stated) | Turkey up to 18 lb |
| Rack included | Yes, stainless steel |
| Handles | Riveted stainless side handles |
| Oven/broiler/stovetop use | Oven to 500°F; broiler not stated; gas, electric, glass-ceramic, induction |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes; hand washing recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits the household that roasts a 12- to 18-pound turkey every year and wants the same pan for roasts and gravy the rest of the year.
Skip it if your turkey is usually over 20 pounds; choose a pan listed for that weight, such as the Viking below.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Even heating, per Cuisinart and ATK
- Any stovetop, including induction
- Lifetime warranty, per the listing
Cons
- Rack handles line up with pan handles, per ATK
- Stated capacity tops out at 18 pounds
- Broiler use not stated
2. Viking 3-Ply Roasting Pan with Probe Thermometer, 16 x 13-inch – A 25-Pound Bird, Thermometer Included
This is Viking’s 16 x 13-inch 3-ply roaster sold with a folding instant-read probe thermometer, and it is the pick for the cook who buys a big bird. Viking lists the pan for up to a 25-pound turkey. The body is a 304 stainless interior, an aluminum core and an induction-capable stainless exterior, with the layers running along the bottom and up the sides, and it comes with a V-shaped nonstick wire rack.
The thermometer is the useful extra. Viking says it uses a type K thermocouple sensor and reads in two to three seconds. The USDA says the only reliable way to know a turkey is done is to check it with a food thermometer, so a turkey pan that comes with one covers the step most people skip. America’s Test Kitchen rated Viking’s 3-ply roasting pan with rack highly recommended, finding it roomy enough for a 20-pound bird; its reservations were the pan’s weight and a rack small enough to slide.
Viking rates the pan for gas, electric, grill and induction and for the oven to 600°F, and describes the interior as non-reactive and good for reducing sauces. It is dishwasher safe, though Viking recommends hand washing.
Why we like it
- Listed for up to a 25-pound bird
- Instant-read probe thermometer in the box
- 3-ply with the core running up the sides, per Viking
- Highly recommended by America’s Test Kitchen
Key specifications
| Model | 40011-9983TC |
|---|---|
| Material | 3-ply: 304 stainless, aluminum core, stainless exterior |
| Size | 16 x 13 in |
| Capacity (lb bird, as stated) | Up to 25 lb |
| Rack included | Yes, V-shaped nonstick wire rack (plus probe thermometer) |
| Handles | Inverted 304 stainless handles |
| Oven/broiler/stovetop use | Oven to 600°F; broiler not stated; gas, electric, grill, induction |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes; hand washing recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits the host who roasts a 20-pound-plus turkey for a crowd and does not yet own a good thermometer.
Skip it if you already own a thermometer; Viking also sells the same pan without one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest stated capacity among the stainless picks
- Thermometer included
- High oven rating
Cons
- Heavy, per ATK
- Rack can slide, per ATK
- Nonstick rack needs gentle cleaning
3. All-Clad Stainless 15-inch Oval Roaster with Rack and Lid – Covered Roasting up to 20 Pounds
All-Clad’s oval roaster is a stainless pan with a high domed lid and a flat stainless rack, and All-Clad says it suits turkeys, hams, briskets and roasts up to 20 pounds. The oval follows the shape of a bird, and the high sides, per the listing, reduce spattering in the oven.
The lid is the reason to choose it. All-Clad says the dome keeps meat moist and spreads heat evenly, and a pressure-release design makes the lid easier to lift. A covered bird browns less, so plan to take the lid off for the last part of the roast. With the lid off it is a deep oval roasting pan, and with it on it doubles as a large covered pot for braises.
The pan is heavy-gauge polished stainless with a bonded base, oven and broiler safe to 600°F, and All-Clad says it works on any stovetop including induction, so gravy can be made in it. It is dishwasher safe, designed in Pennsylvania and made in China, with a limited lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- Listed for roasts and turkeys up to 20 pounds
- High domed lid included
- Oven and broiler safe to 600°F
- Any stovetop, including induction, per All-Clad
Key specifications
| Model | 11644904289 |
|---|---|
| Material | Heavy-gauge polished stainless, bonded base |
| Size | 15-inch oval |
| Capacity (lb bird, as stated) | Up to 20 lb |
| Rack included | Yes, flat stainless rack (plus domed lid) |
| Handles | Large handles, permanently secured |
| Oven/broiler/stovetop use | Oven and broiler to 600°F; any stovetop including induction |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits the cook who likes a covered roast, wants one oval pan for turkey, ham and pot roast, and cooks on induction.
Skip it if crisp, deeply browned skin is your priority and you would rather roast uncovered in a rectangular pan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lid and rack included
- Broiler safe
- Induction compatible
Cons
- Flat rack, not a V-rack
- Oval shape is less useful for sheet-style roasting
- Not fully clad (bonded base)
4. Hestan 16.5-inch Classic Clad Roaster with Rack – Tension-Fit Rack, Gravy on the Stove
Hestan’s Classic Clad roaster is tri-ply stainless with an aluminum core, and the listing calls it out for sauce reductions, deglazing, searing and making gravy directly on the stove. Hestan says it is thermal tested and engineered to resist warping. The pan measures 17 x 12 x 4 inches without handles, 17.9 x 12.5 inches with them.
The rack is the detail to notice. Hestan uses a tension-fit stainless rack that presses into the pan, which addresses the sliding rack ATK criticized in other pans. ATK recommended Hestan’s 16.5-inch Classic Clad roaster with rack, calling it durable but heavy and noting a grease trough around the edge that reduces the flat cooking area. ATK also liked that Hestan’s rack handles sit on the long sides, so the whole assembly lifts without bumping your hands.
One caution: the Amazon listing’s turkey capacity reads “265lb”, which is clearly a typo, so treat the capacity as not stated; ATK’s 20-pound guidance for 16 x 12-inch pans is the better guide. Oven temperature, induction use and dishwasher care are not stated in the listing.
Why we like it
- Tension-fit rack that stays put
- Rack handles on the long sides, per ATK
- Tri-ply build made for stovetop gravy, per Hestan
- Flush rivets for easier cleaning
Key specifications
| Model | 31656 |
|---|---|
| Material | Tri-ply stainless, aluminum core |
| Size | 17 x 12 x 4 in (17.9 x 12.5 in with handles) |
| Capacity (lb bird, as stated) | Not reliably stated (listing figure is a typo) |
| Rack included | Yes, tension-fit stainless |
| Handles | Polished stainless, flush rivets |
| Oven/broiler/stovetop use | Stovetop gravy per listing; oven temp, broiler and induction not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits the cook who has fought a sliding rack before and wants a well-built clad pan for the bird and the gravy.
Skip it if you want every heat rating spelled out before you buy; this listing leaves several out.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Snug rack
- Durable, per ATK
- Good gravy pan, per Hestan
Cons
- Heavy, per ATK
- Grease trough reduces flat area, per ATK
- Listing has gaps and a capacity typo
5. Viking 3-Ply Stainless Oval Roasting Pan with Lid, 8.5 qt – For a Smaller Bird
Not everyone roasts a 20-pound turkey. For a smaller gathering, a turkey breast or a bird of 14 pounds or less, Viking’s 8.5-quart oval roaster is a better fit than a giant pan. Viking lists it for up to a 14-pound bird. It is 3-ply, with a non-reactive 304 stainless interior, an aluminum core and an induction-capable exterior, and Viking says the oval shape helps heat circulate.
It is also the most flexible pan here. The rack can hang from the rim to drain, the lid turns the pan into a 9-quart covered roaster, Dutch oven or stockpot, and the lid can serve on its own as a shallow gratin or sauté dish. Internal markings in quarts and liters help with stock or brine, and rolled edges are designed for pouring without drips, useful when the drippings go into a gravy boat.
Viking rates it for gas, electric, ceramic, halogen and induction and the oven to 600°F. It is dishwasher safe, with hand washing recommended.
Why we like it
- Listed for birds up to 14 pounds
- Lid converts it to a covered roaster or stockpot
- Rack hangs from the rim to drain
- Works on induction and to 600°F
Key specifications
| Model | 40012-1629 |
|---|---|
| Material | 3-ply: 304 stainless, aluminum core, stainless exterior |
| Size | 8.5 qt oval (9 qt to rim with lid) |
| Capacity (lb bird, as stated) | Up to 14 lb |
| Rack included | Yes, wire rack (plus lid) |
| Handles | Die-cast side handles |
| Oven/broiler/stovetop use | Oven to 600°F; broiler not stated; gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, induction |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes; hand washing recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household of four to six roasting a smaller turkey, and a cook who wants a pan that earns its storage space as a stockpot the rest of the year.
Skip it if you ever roast a turkey over 14 pounds; it is not sized for one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Several uses beyond turkey
- Lid included
- Pour-friendly rim
Cons
- Small stated capacity
- Deep oval browns the lower bird less
- Hand washing recommended
6. Granite Ware 19-inch Oval Roaster with Lid and Rack – A 20-Pound Bird on a Budget
The speckled black enamel roaster is the classic low-cost turkey pan, and this version adds a rack. Granite Ware says the 19-inch oval roaster is made to hold up to a 20-pound turkey or roast, comes with a lid and an oval rack, and is dishwasher safe. The listing’s title calls the rack a V rack and its features call it an oval rack, so expect a simple raised rack rather than a deep cradle.
The pan is enamel fused onto steel, which Granite Ware says is free of PFOA and PTFE. The listing gives a heat resistance of 932°F in its features and 935°F in its title; either way, the limit in practice is your oven. With the lid on, the bird stays moist but browns less, so uncover it for the last stretch to color the skin.
Know what it is not. Granite Ware’s care notes say not to use its roasters on glass cooktops, and a thin enamel-on-steel pan is not one we would make gravy in; pour the drippings into a saucepan. America’s Test Kitchen did not recommend an open rectangular Granite-Ware roaster, which warped and could not fit a 19-pound turkey. That is a different, uncovered model, but it is a reminder to check your bird against the stated size.
Why we like it
- Listed for up to a 20-pound bird
- Lid and rack included
- Free of PFOA and PTFE, per Granite Ware
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 322523 |
|---|---|
| Material | Porcelain enamel on steel |
| Size | 19-inch oval, covered |
| Capacity (lb bird, as stated) | Up to 20 lb |
| Rack included | Yes, oval rack (plus lid) |
| Handles | Not stated |
| Oven/broiler/stovetop use | Oven; heat resistant to 932°F per listing; not for glass cooktops, per Granite Ware |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits the cook who roasts one big turkey a year and wants a reusable pan with a lid and a rack without spending much.
Skip it if you want to make gravy in the roasting pan; this is an oven vessel.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large stated capacity
- Lid and rack in the box
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not for glass cooktops
- Simple, shallow rack
- Listing gives two heat ratings
7. VeZee Heavy Duty Disposable Oval Turkey Roasting Pan with Wire Handle Rack – Disposable, If You Support It
A foil pan is a reasonable choice for a once-a-year turkey, a potluck or a kitchen with no storage, as long as you treat it honestly. VeZee sells this heavy-duty disposable aluminum oval roaster as a kit: one pan, one wire rack with handles to lift the bird, and a basting kit with a basting brush, a baster tube, stainless steel trussing pins and cotton twine. The listing says the pan has reinforced built-in handles.
The weakness of any foil pan is that it flexes. A full pan of turkey and hot drippings can buckle when you lift it by the rim, and that is how holiday burns happen. Reynolds, which makes competing foil pans, recommends carrying disposable roasting pans on a sturdy metal sheet pan, even its heavy-duty ones. Do that from the start: set the foil pan on a rimmed sheet pan before the turkey goes in and leave it there until carving. Ladle off excess drippings before moving it.
The listing gives the pan as 17.75 by 14.5 by 3.25 inches, so measure your oven and the sheet pan you will set it on; it does not give a bird capacity in pounds. Foil pans are oven-only and will not take a burner, so the gravy goes in a saucepan.
Why we like it
- No pan to store between holidays
- Wire rack with handles included
- Basting brush, baster, pins and twine in the box
- Dimensions stated on the listing
Key specifications
| Model | NC00613-SET |
|---|---|
| Material | Heavy-duty disposable aluminum |
| Size | 17.75 x 14.5 x 3.25 in |
| Capacity (lb bird, as stated) | Not stated |
| Rack included | Yes, wire rack with handles |
| Handles | Reinforced built-in handles |
| Oven/broiler/stovetop use | Oven; broiler and stovetop not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated; sold as disposable |
Why we recommend it
It suits the cook who roasts one turkey a year, or takes one to someone else’s house, and has a sheet pan to set it on.
Skip it if you do not own a sturdy rimmed sheet pan to support it; an unsupported foil pan is the riskiest way to move a hot turkey.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Nothing to store
- Rack lifts the bird out
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Flexes; needs a sheet pan underneath
- No bird capacity on the listing
- No stovetop gravy
8. HIC Kitchen Roasting Pro V-Rack, Nonstick – Turns Your Pan Into a Turkey Pan
If you already own a large, sturdy pan, a lasagna pan, a deep baking dish or even a heavy sheet pan, you may not need a new roasting pan at all, just a rack. HIC’s Roasting Pro V-Rack cradles a whole bird above its drippings so air reaches the underside and the skin browns. It measures 15.75 x 10.25 x 4 inches, has reinforced handles for lifting, and stands on a reinforced footed base that HIC says supports heavier food.
It is nonstick-coated heavyweight steel, oven and broiler safe to 500°F. HIC says to always set it in a roasting pan, baking dish or sheet pan before use, and to wash it by hand in warm, soapy water, without abrasives, soaking, metal tools or cutting on the rack.
Check the fit before you buy: at 15.75 x 10.25 inches it needs a pan at least that size inside, and a big turkey will overhang a small pan. A rack also raises the bird about 4 inches, so make sure your oven has room above it. HIC also sells a chrome-plated version of the same rack.
Why we like it
- V-shape cradles a whole bird, per HIC
- Oven and broiler safe to 500°F
- Reinforced handles and footed base
- Fits pans, baking dishes and sheet pans
Key specifications
| Model | 43189 |
|---|---|
| Material | Nonstick-coated heavyweight steel |
| Size | 15.75 x 10.25 x 4 in |
| Capacity (lb bird, as stated) | Not stated |
| Rack included | It is the rack; no pan included |
| Handles | Reinforced rack handles |
| Oven/broiler/stovetop use | Oven and broiler to 500°F; stovetop not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Hand wash, per HIC |
Why we recommend it
It suits the cook who owns a good large pan and wants a turkey-ready setup for the cost and storage space of a rack.
Skip it if your pan is under about 16 x 11 inches inside; the rack will not sit flat.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Uses a pan you already own
- Broiler safe
- Also works on a sheet pan
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Capacity not stated
- Needs a pan big enough to hold it
What the USDA says about roasting a turkey
The pan is only half the job. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) publishes consumer guidance for roasting turkey, and its main points are short:
- Oven temperature. Set the oven no lower than 325°F.
- Rack and pan. FSIS says to place the turkey or turkey breast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan; one FSIS page specifies a pan 2 to 2½ inches deep. Most home roasting pans are a little deeper, which is fine; the point is that the sides should not shield the bird from the oven’s heat.
- Use a thermometer. FSIS says a turkey is safely cooked at a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, checked with a food thermometer in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. Keep the probe off the bone. Check with a thermometer even if the bird has a pop-up timer.
- Stuffing. The center of the stuffing must also reach 165°F, and FSIS recommends cooking stuffing separately in a casserole when you can.
- Rest. Let the bird stand 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving.
- Frozen birds. A turkey can be roasted from frozen, but FSIS says it takes at least 50 percent longer than a fully thawed bird.
FSIS also publishes a roasting timetable by weight; for example, it lists an unstuffed 14- to 18-pound turkey at about 3¾ to 4¼ hours at 325°F. Times are approximate, and FSIS says to rely on the thermometer, not the clock.
How to choose a roasting pan for turkey
1. Match the stated capacity to your bird
Buy for the largest turkey you are likely to roast, with a margin. If you shop for a 20-pound bird, choose a pan listed for at least that weight, such as the Viking or the All-Clad oval, and measure your oven with the handles included.
2. Decide where the gravy gets made
If you want to make gravy in the roasting pan, choose clad stainless rated for your cooktop: the Cuisinart, Viking, Hestan or All-Clad. Enamel-on-steel and foil pans are oven-only; pour their drippings into a saucepan.
3. Get a rack that fits
A V-rack cradles the bird and keeps it upright; a flat rack is fine for a breast or roast. ATK noted racks that slid around in several pans and preferred snug ones. If your pan has no rack, add one like the HIC.
4. Think about lifting
Handles should be big enough to grab through thick mitts. ATK prefers large, upright handles and a pan under about 7 pounds with the rack. With a foil pan, the sheet pan underneath is your handle.
5. Lid or no lid
A covered roaster keeps the bird moist and the oven cleaner but browns less. If you choose one, plan to uncover it toward the end. An open pan with a rack gives crisper skin.
How we chose these eight turkey pans
We started from what a kitchen needs to roast a large bird safely: a stated capacity in pounds, a rack, a body that will not flex when full, handles that work with mitts, and a plan for the drippings. We searched for turkey roasting pans and racks sold on Amazon in the United States, checked each one’s availability with Amazon’s product data, and kept only in-stock items from makers we could identify. Capacities, materials, racks, handles, heat ratings and care come from the maker’s site or the brand’s Amazon listing; where neither gave a figure we wrote “Not stated”, and we flagged listings that contradict themselves. Independent findings come from America’s Test Kitchen’s roasting pan reviews, which we read directly. Food-safety guidance comes only from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the foil-pan support advice from Reynolds. We have not cooked with these pans for this guide.
Turkey roasting pan questions, answered
What is the best kind of roasting pan for turkey?
A heavy, clad stainless pan of at least 16 x 12 inches with a snug rack, rated for the stovetop so you can make gravy in it. That is the combination America’s Test Kitchen favors, and it describes the Cuisinart, Viking and Hestan pans here.
What does America’s Test Kitchen recommend for turkey?
Its roasting pan review names the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 16-inch pan with rack as the winner; it held a 19-pound turkey easily. ATK rated the Viking 3-ply highly recommended for a 20-pound bird and recommended Hestan, All-Clad and Misen pans. It did not recommend thin pans that warped, or an open Granite-Ware roaster that could not fit a 19-pound turkey.
Is a disposable foil pan safe for a turkey?
It can hold one, but it flexes under the weight. Set it on a sturdy rimmed sheet pan before the turkey goes in, as Reynolds advises for its own disposable pans, ladle off excess drippings before moving it, and lift by the sheet pan, never the foil rim.
Do I need a rack to roast a turkey?
FSIS says to place the turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. A rack lets heat reach the underside and keeps the bird out of its drippings. If you have no rack, a bed of thick-sliced onions, carrots and celery will lift the bird a little, though not as well.
What size roasting pan do I need for a 20-pound turkey?
About 16 x 12 inches or larger, according to ATK, and ideally a pan whose maker lists 20 pounds or more. Here that means the Viking (25 pounds), All-Clad oval (20 pounds) or Granite Ware (20 pounds).
Our final pick for the holiday bird
Buy the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro if you roast a turkey of up to about 18 pounds and want to make gravy in the same pan. Choose the Viking with its thermometer for a bird over 20 pounds, the All-Clad oval for covered roasting, the Hestan for a rack that stays put, the smaller Viking oval for a bird under 14 pounds, the Granite Ware on a budget, the VeZee foil roaster on a sheet pan for a once-a-year turkey, and the HIC V-rack if you already own a big pan.
Related guide: Best fat separator.
For everyday roasting pans, including enameled cast iron and sheet pans, start with our guide to the best roasting pan. Short on cabinet space for a big roaster? See the best baking pan organizer. For ways to use up the leftovers, read how to reheat Mexican leftovers. Or take a night off after the holiday: see the menu and call to order.