The best turkey roasters on the market — whether you’re looking for a starter pan or an heirloom.
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So you’ve graduated from Thanksgiving guest to host. Your kitchen might be outfitted with well-worn sheet pans and a stack of casserole dishes from past Friendsgiving potlucks. But if this is your first time roasting the Thanksgiving turkey, you’ll need a good turkey roasting pan. Our experts reviewed whats on the market to find the best picks that provide enough surface area to circulate heat properly so you can crisp the turkeys skin while retaining moisture.
A good roasting pan doesnt have to cost an arm and a (turkey) leg. Even a budget-friendly pan is worlds better than the best disposable turkey roasting pan. It will be sturdier and include racks that lift the turkey from the bottom of the pan to ensure even cooking.
That said, spending over $100 can land you a pan that lasts forever. “Our top pick is high quality, large, durable and easy to clean,” says Nicole Papantoniou, Director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. “Flimsier nonstick pans might roast well initially, but they won’t last as long.”
Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, we’ve got you covered. In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, weve tested thousands of kitchen appliances and more than 150 sets of cookware over the years. We’re also trained cooks who have roasted countless turkeys and know what to look for in a good roasting pan. All the roasting pans in this roundup are by brands weve personally used.
At the end of this guide, you can read more about how we chose the best turkey roasting pans — plus everything you need to know about different types of roasting pans and what to consider when shopping. Looking for more ways to prep your kitchen for the holidays? Check out our guides to the best turkey fryers, best bakeware and the best nonstick cookware.1Best Overall Turkey Roasting Pan
Thanksgiving is right around the corner which means it’s time to start prepping for the big feast. For many families, the star of the show is a perfectly roasted turkey. But finding the right roaster for a 25 lb bird can be tricky. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect 25 lb turkey roaster.
Why You Need a Quality Roaster for a 25 lb Bird
Roasting a turkey is no easy task. A bird that size needs ample space for air circulation as it cooks. It also produces a lot of drippings that need room to collect below. If you try to cram a 25 lb turkey into a pan that’s too small, you’ll likely end up with uneven cooking, dried out meat, and potentially burnt areas.
A high quality roaster designed for large birds will allow your turkey cook evenly from all sides. It will also have enough depth to catch all those tasty pan drippings for making gravy. Don’t take shortcuts with a makeshift roasting setup if you want juicy, flavorful meat. Investing in a good 25 lb turkey roaster is well worth it.
Key Features to Look For
Here are the most important features to consider when shopping for a 25 lb turkey roaster
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Large capacity – It should provide plenty of room for a 25 lb turkey with space to spare on all sides. Look for internal dimensions of at least 18 x 13 inches.
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Heavy-duty construction – Thicker, heavier materials conduct heat more evenly and will last for many uses. Stainless steel and enameled cast iron are ideal options.
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Rack – A sturdy rackelevates the turkey so hot air can fully circulate. It should fit securely in the pan.
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Easy-grip handles – Look for handles that are easy to grasp with oven mitts on even when the pan is heavy.
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Nonstick surface – A quality nonstick coating prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
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Flat bottom – Allows you to use the pan on the stovetop for making gravy.
Top Picks for 25 lb Turkey Roasters
Based on the criteria above, here are my top recommendations for roasting a 25 lb bird:
Best Overall: Nordic Ware XXL Roaster
- Heavy-duty aluminized steel construction
- 23 x 15 inch cooking area
- Oven safe up to 450°F
- Racks allows 360° airflow
- Reinforced nonstick interior for easy cleaning
- 2 sturdy handles for safe maneuvering
This spacious enameled roaster can easily fit a 25 lb turkey. It browns and roasts beautifully for juicy, tender meat. The rack lifts the turkey above the pan bottom so drippings collect neatly to make gravy. It’s built to last for years of use.
Runner Up: Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Roaster
- Brushed stainless steel interior and exterior
- 22 x 16 inch rectangular shape
- Sturdy steel rack with handles
- Riveted stainless steel loop handles
- Oven safe up to 500°F
With its roomy rectangular shape, this heavy stainless steel roaster provides plenty of space for air circulation around a large turkey. The rack allows for flipping, and handles make it easy to move in and out of the oven.
Best Value: Granite Ware Covered Oval Roaster
- Economical carbon steel construction
- 20.5 x 15 inch oval cooking area
- Porcelain exterior resists chipping
- Steel rack and dome cover included
- Oven safe to 400°F
For a budget-friendly option, this covered oval roaster can easily accommodate a 25 lb bird. The rack lifts the turkey for even roasting, while the dome cover helps keep meat moist.
Best Nonstick: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Roaster
- Hard-anodized aluminum for even heating
- Quantanium nonstick coating releases food easily
- U-shaped racks lifts turkey up
- Handles stay cool while roasting
- Oven safe up to 500°F
With its reinforced nonstick interior and U-shaped rack, this Cuisinart roaster allows a large turkeyto roast beautifully and release cleanly when done. The rack base catches drippings neatly.
Best with Stovetop Use: All-Clad Tri-Ply Roaster
- 3-ply bonded stainless steel and aluminum
- 18/10 stainless interior won’t react with food
- Flat bottom for stovetop use
- Stovetop and oven safe up to 600°F
- Loop handles with rivets for easy handling
This premium roaster’s 3-ply construction conducts heat evenly across the bottom for stovetop gravy making. A flat base allows solid contact with the burner. It will provide perfect roasting results for decades.
Roasting Tips for a 25 lb Turkey
Once you’ve got the right roaster, here are some tips to ensure roasting success:
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Thaw safely – Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1 day for every 4 lbs. Thawing at room temp risks bacterial growth.
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Dry thoroughly – Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. Dry skin encourages browning.
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Season generously – Rub salt, pepper, herbs, butter, and/or oil under and on the skin for maximum flavor.
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Roast at 350°F – Cook for about 13-15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F.
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Make gravy – Once turkey is done, use the drippings in the pan to make a flavorful gravy on the stovetop.
With the right 25 lb turkey roaster and these roasting tips, you’ll have the star of your Thanksgiving meal perfectly cooked. Enjoy your holiday feast!
Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan
- Will develop a nonstick patina over time
- Oven safe up to 1,200˚F
- Lightweight
- Does not accommodate large turkeys
- Requires seasoning
This one’s for you, spatchcocked turkey lovers. Made In’s lightweight roasting pan features a low, wide pan and a flat rack to splay out your bird. The pan is made from carbon steel, making it perform well in high-heat cooking and last a long time. It will work with any stovetop (including induction) for easy deglazing and gravy-making. However, the rack does not have handles, so lifting the bird out of the pan might be tricky after its cooked. The pan itself has angled stainless-steel handles.
Like a cast iron skillet, this roasting pan must be seasoned before its first use, and it will become more seasoned — and more nonstick — with each use, meaning it gets better with age. This pan has a straight-cut edge, not a bent lip, which means you might experience slight dribbling when pouring pan juices.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack
- Sturdy handles
- Lightweight
- Raised center pools pan drippings for easy basting
- Thin walls
- Raised center makes stovetop use challenging
The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Roasting Pan offers affordability and high quality. The pan is roomy and has contoured handles that are easy to grab. It comes with a U-shaped stainless steel rack with its own handles. The stainless steel is thin and lightweight, which can make stovetop cooking a challenge, as it might be harder to control the hot spots on some ranges. But it works beautifully in the oven — up to 500°F — producing roasted turkey with golden brown skin.
The center of the pan is slightly raised,so pan drippings and oil pool along the perimeter. This feature makes it easy to baste your bird but trickier to make gravy without transferring the pan drippings to a saucepan. The pan’s rolled edges are helpful when pouring.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Best Turkey Roasting Pan for Basting
How To Cook A Turkey in a Roaster Oven 2024 Update – Thanks To Viewers
FAQ
How long to cook 25 lb turkey in a roaster?
- 12- to 13-pound turkey, 1¾ hours.
- 14- to 24-pound turkey, 2 to 3 hours.
- 25- to 28-pound turkey 3½ to 4 hours.
What size roaster do I need for a 25 pound turkey?
Our 18-inch roasting pan can fit up to a 24 pound turkey, and others can typically accommodate anywhere from 2o-24 pound birds. The only caveat of a larger size is that you’ll want to measure the capacity of your oven to make sure that a pan of this size will fit in your oven properly.
How many hours does it take to cook a 25 lbs turkey?
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-3½ hrs. | 3¾-4½ hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 3½-4 hrs. | 4½-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-4½ hrs. | 5-5½ hrs. |
| 24-30 lbs. | 4½-5 hrs. | 5½-6¼ hrs. |
What size oven do I need for a 25 lb turkey?
In a 30” or wider single oven or range, expect that a 25 lb. or more turkey will fit easily.