Sure, a roasting pan sure comes in handy for a Thanksgiving turkey—but theyre also great for roasted veg, meats, and even baking lasagnas and other complex dishes. A quality roasting pan should be a staple in any kitchen, and we are firmly of the belief that roasting pans are one of the most versatile cookware items out there.
If youre in the market for one, you may notice is that these pans come in a wide range of sizes, leading to the question—how can you know which size is right for your needs? Weve got a few practical tips to help you select the right size roasting pan for your kitchen.
Roasting turkey is a cherished tradition for many families on Thanksgiving and other special occasions To execute the perfect turkey, having the right size roasting pan is key. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine what size is ideal for your holiday bird? This comprehensive guide examines the key factors to consider when selecting a roasting pan for turkey
Critical Elements in Choosing Roasting Pan Size
Several vital elements factor into picking the optimal roasting pan size for your turkey:
Pan Length
This refers to the rectangular pan’s length in inches from one rim to the other. Common lengths are:
- 14-inch pans: Best for turkeys up to 12 lbs.
- 16-inch pans: Accommodates turkeys up to 16 lbs.
- 18-inch pans: Fits turkeys up to 20 lbs.
So gauge the pan length needed by your turkey’s weight
Pan Depth
- 3-4 inches deep is ideal. This allows juices to accumulate without overflowing and enables air flow for even roasting.
- Pans under 3 inches deep can lead to messy spills.
- Pans over 4 inches deep may steam the turkey rather than roasting it.
Material
Well-liked options include:
- Stainless steel: Durable, distributes heat uniformly. Easy to clean.
- Anodized aluminum: Lightweight and conducts heat efficiently.
Avoid plain aluminum which can react with acidic ingredients like lemon and wine.
Handles
- Fixed handles are simpler to grasp when heavy.
- Fold-down handles conserve storage space but can be tricky to maneuver.
Determining the Perfect Size
According to chef Morgan Atwood, size suggestions based on turkey weight are:
- Up to 12 lbs: 14 x 10 x 2-3/4 inches
- Up to 16 lbs: 15-3/4 x 12 x 3 inches
- Up to 20 lbs: 16 x 13 x 3 inches
So for a 12 lb turkey, she advises selecting a 14-inch roasting pan.
Accounting for Oven Size
Before buying a roasting pan, measure your oven’s interior to guarantee the pan will fit. Allow at least 1 inch clearance on all sides for proper airflow. Also account for the pan’s handles.
If the pan length or handles exceed your oven size, this could hinder even cooking.
Shopping Recommendations
When picking your ideal roasting pan, keep these tips in mind:
- Test empty pans’ weight and handles. Verify you can maneuver when loaded.
- Check reviews for any handle problems mentioned.
- Confirm the pan fits in your desired storage area.
- Compare prices across brands and materials like stainless steel vs. aluminum.
- Consider potential future uses like roasting vegetables to maximize value.
Top-Rated Roasting Pans for Turkey
Based on size needs, features, and value, here are top-rated roasting pan options for turkey:
- Cuisinart 16-Inch Roasting Pan – Aluminum with rack. Accommodates up to 16 lb turkey.
- Calphalon 16-Inch Roasting Pan – Heavy-gauge steel with sturdy handles. Nonstick rack.
- Farberware 15-Inch Roasting Pan – Budget-friendly aluminum set under $30. Fits 12 lb turkey.
- All-Clad E8759964 Roasting Pan – 14-inch stainless steel. High sides for easy basting.
- KitchenAid KROS504ESS Roasting Pan – Pro-grade 18/10 stainless steel. Extended handles.
Get Ready to Roast!
Equipped with the perfect sized premium roasting pan and a masterfully brined turkey, you’re all set for a stunning Thanksgiving centerpiece. We recommend a 14 or 16-inch size for ideal ease of use, airflow, and results. Simply follow standard roasting guidelines for time and temperature based on weight. Soon your home will fill with incredible aromas and your table ready for a momentous feast. Enjoy!
Choose the Right Material
Aside from picking the right size roasting pan, youll want to select a quality material as well. Copper and stainless steel are two popular options that provide steady heat without being too heavy. Cast iron is another option, but they do tend to be on the heavier side and can thus be more difficult to work with and maneuver in and out of the oven (especially when full of food).
Our preference is stainless steel for the same reasons we love stainless frying pans. Its durable, warp-resistant, and helps you achieve evenly roasted, perfectly crispy ingredients. Plus, ours is 3-ply (as opposed to the 5-ply of our Stainless Clad Collection) for a lightweight build thats easy to transfer from oven to table.
What Sizes Do Roasting Pans Come In?
Typically, roasting pans for use in home kitchens come in three sizes: 14, 16, and 18 inches. Its worth noting that these measurements are taken width-wise, not diagonally, so make sure you plan accordingly when shopping for one.
14-inch roasting pans are usually the smallest size youll find and are great to have on-hand for roasting smaller portions of foods, like sides of vegetables or potatoes. Theyre also ideal for smaller ovens that may not be able to accommodate larger pans.
If youll be using your roasting pan for a whole turkey, a 14-inch pan can typically accommodate around a 12 pound bird.
The next size up is the 16-inch roasting pan, which is a medium-sized option that works well for the needs of most home cooks. These pans are ideal for roasting larger batches of food at once, including one-pan meals that include roasting meat and vegetables on the same pan for convenience (and fewer dishes to clean up afterwards).
For Thanksgiving, you can expect a medium-sized 16-inch roasting pan to fit a about a 16 pound turkey.
If you tend to cook larger proteins for larger crowds, then youll want to go large with your roasting pan. Specifically, an 18-inch roasting pan is typically the largest size available for a home kitchen. These pans can do everything their smaller counterparts can, but more—whole birds, large-format sides, or multi-component meals.
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 youll want to measure the capacity of your oven to make sure that a pan of this size will fit in your oven properly.
Best Turkey Roasting Pan Amazon In 2023 ✅ Top 5 Tested & Reviewed
FAQ
How big should a roasting pan be for a turkey?
MetroKitchens suggests that for a 17-20 lb bird, you need a roasting pan that is 16 x 13 x 3 inches (about 41 x 33 x 8cm). The oven will need to be taller than the pan, because a turkey sticks out above a roasting pan, but you can reduce that considerably by spatchcocking the bird.
Will a 20lb turkey fit in an 18 quart roaster?
Make this Thanksgiving one to remember with our classic Roast Turkey recipe. With its durable cookwell and large interior, your NESCO 18 Qt. Roaster holds up to a 22-pound turkey to feed the entire family.
How big of a pan do you need for a 15 lb turkey?
| Turkey Size | Minimum Roasting Pan Size |
|---|---|
| Up to 12 pounds | 14 x 10 x 2-3/4 inches |
| Up to 16 pounds | 15-3/4 x 12 x 3 inches |
| Up to 20 pounds | 16 x 13 x 3 inches |
How big of a turkey will fit in a 14-quart roaster?
It has a 14 qt base size, yet can still roast an entire 14- to 20-lb turkey on Thanksgiving. It boasts a seamless design with a fixed inner pan that comes with enough room for the included steel roasting rack. The high-dome lid accommodates the arch of a wider turkey and holds in the heat to properly cook your dish.