With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to make sure you have everything you need to cook your meal — including a roasting pan for your turkey. A good one does more than hold the bird. It spreads heat evenly so your turkey browns all over, it has sturdy handles so you can get a 20-pounder out of a hot oven safely, and it holds onto the drippings you need for gravy. A flimsy pan can buckle under the weight, and a pan that’s too small or too shallow can leave you with soggy skin and an uneven middle.
To help you find the right one before the big day, I rounded up the best turkey roasting pans, from heavy-duty stainless steel options with racks to budget-friendly picks that still get the job done.
The best turkey roasting pans
Every option on this list has a four-star average rating from 250 or more shoppers at retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart.
I got this Cuisinart roaster as a wedding gift, and it’s made our Thanksgiving turkey every year since. The 16-inch stainless steel pan has plenty of room for a big bird, and the sturdy rack lifts it so fat drains and heat circulates for even browning. Riveted handles make it easy to move around even when it’s full, and it cleans up well after roasting.
This Caraway roaster is a splurge, but it’s worth it if you want a pan that’s as pretty as it is practical. The ceramic nonstick coating is made without PFAs (synthetic chemicals that don’t break down easily), according to the brand, and it comes with a removable stainless steel rack. It is oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on the stovetop, too.
If you’re cooking a slightly smaller turkey, this HexClad roaster is a great pick. Its signature hybrid surface pairs stainless steel ridges for browning with ceramic nonstick valleys for easy release, and it’s safe for metal utensils. A nonstick rack helps crisp the skin of your poultry, and the pan is oven-safe up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also go in the dishwasher when it’s time for cleanup.
BETA
This classic speckled enamel roaster, like the one your grandmother might have used, comes with a domed lid that traps moisture to keep your turkey juicy without constant basting. The carbon steel core is lightweight but heats quickly and evenly, according to the brand. It’s also dishwasher safe, for easy cleanup after the feast. NBC Selected senior editor Shalwah Evans says this pan gives her nostalgia. “We had a pan just like this growing up. It was the center of many Shabbat dinners,” she says. “I wouldn’t be surprised if my mother still has it. That thing was so sturdy.”
This Reynolds pan is a great option for carrying your already cooked turkey to a loved-ones home (and for anyone who prefers a disposable pan). The heavy-duty nonstick aluminum pan measures 14 by 10 inches, making it a fit for a pretty sizable bird or even side dishes. While the brand says it can hold a turkey up to 30 pounds, you still may want to slip some cardboard or a baking sheet underneath it when you move it around (especially if it’s heavy). The good news is you don’t have to worry about washing this pan.
How I picked the best turkey roasting pans
To find the best turkey roasting pans, I looked for options with at least a four-star average rating from 250 or more shoppers. I also looked for options that satisfy different budgets and cooking needs, so the list runs from an inexpensive disposable pan to splurge-worthy picks. It includes heavy-duty stainless steel, enameled and nonstick options, plus pans sized for both large and small turkeys.
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Why trust NBC Selected?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers home and lifestyle, among other topics. I have recently written stories on the best meat thermometers, how to keep perishable food fresh during a power outage and more. For this story, I researched highly-rated turkey roasting pans across all price points and sizes.
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