Top Roasting Pans for Special Occasions and Family Dinners

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When it comes to outfitting your kitchen with essential pots and pans, a roasting pan is one of the best pans to include in your cooking arsenal. It’s ideal for roasting turkeys, all kinds of beef and pork roasts, and even vegetables. While some home cooks may only whip out their roasting pots for Thanksgiving and other holiday meals, those who are kitchen savvy understand the usefulness of these pans in all types of cooking, particularly for families.

From turkey roasters to pans for roasting vegetables to perfection, these handy pans come in various sizes and shapes in a range of different materials. Check out our top picks for oven-ready pans to help you achieve perfectly roasted foods in your own kitchen.

Best Overall: Calphalon Contemporary 16-inch Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Rack

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With its sleek and stylish stainless-steel design, the Calphalon Contemporary 16-inch stainless steel pan with rack offers stunning visual appeal and versatility while cooking. The V-shaped rack can accommodate up to a 25-pound turkey that slides out easily with its nonstick design. With stainless steel construction, this pan transitions from the oven to the stovetop easily when you’re ready to whip up a quick gravy.

Best Value: Cooks Standard 16×13-inch Roaster with Rack

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The Cooks Standard 16×13-inch roaster with rack balances price with usability and versatility. The heavy-duty, stainless steel roasting pan is durable and can handle temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The flat bottom allows for easy cleaning and is dishwasher-safe. It’s usable in gas and electric ovens but not on induction cooktops.

Best for Occasional Use: Granite Ware 19-inch Covered Oval Roaster

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If you’re only using a roasting pan once or twice a year for special occasions, then the Granite Ware 19-inch covered oval pan is a top pick for occasional use. The porcelain enamel finish creates a nonstick surface to keep your turkey or roast from sticking, even without a rack. This model offers versatility for cooking meats, roasting vegetables and even baking bread.

Best Nonstick Pan: Calphalon Classic Hard Anodized 16-inch Roasting Pan with Nonstick Rack

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Both the rack and the pan in the Calphalon Classic hard anodized 16-inch roasting set are nonstick, allowing for quick and easy cleanup. The hard-anodized construction is durable, resists scratching and is effective for keeping food from sticking. You won’t need to soak and scrub the pan because messes wash away easily.

Best Oval Pan: Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel Oval Roaster with Metal Induction Lid and Rack

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Oval pans tend to be less versatile than rectangular roasting pans, but that isn’t the case with the Viking 3-ply stainless steel oval roasting pot with metal lid and rack. Use this pan without the lid as a traditional roaster or with the lid as a Dutch oven, or turn the lid over and use it as a casserole dish, saute pan or serving dish.

Best Quality: Cuisinart MCP117-16BR MultiClad Pro Stainless 16-inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack

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The Cuisinart MCP117-16BR MultiClad Pro Stainless 16-inch rectangular roaster with rack is a top pick for its high-quality construction. The triple-ply, stainless steel design is durable and offers even heat distribution. The handles are solid, making it easier to lift heavy roasts in and out of the oven. The Cool Grip handles stay cool even when you cook in the pan on the stovetop.

Best Large Capacity Pan: Circulon 56539 Nonstick Roasting Pan with Rack

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Got a huge turkey to cook? Not all pans can hold the size roast or turkey you want to cook. If you’re feeding a crowd, the Circulon 56539 nonstick roaster with rack is large enough to accommodate up to 24 pounds of meat and veggies. The rack supports the roast or bird and keeps it well above the pan, separating it from the drippings.

Best Cast-Iron Pan: Cuisinart CI1136-24CR Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 14-inch Roasting Pan

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Cast iron is a favorite cooking material due to its even heat distribution and retention. The Cuisinart CI1136-24CR Chef’s Classic enameled cast iron 14-inch roaster doesn’t react with the food to alter flavors, and it ensures even cooking. The enamel finish is durable and has a nice design to complement your kitchen decor and can even be used as a serving dish.

Best for Everyday Use: Cuisinart 7117-14RR Lasagna Pan with Stainless Steel Roasting Rack

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The Cuisinart 7117-14RR lasagna pan with stainless steel roasting rack is durable and versatile enough to use for everyday use. It comes with a flat rack to elevate roasts and turkeys, but the smooth and polished interior also makes it ideal for making lasagnas, casseroles and au gratin potatoes. The size fits all standard ovens, and the comfort grip handles allow for easy handling.

Best Splurge: Viking Culinary 4013-9902 3-Ply Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Nonstick Rack

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If you like to splurge on cookware, check out the Viking Culinary 4013-9902 3-ply stainless steel roaster with nonstick rack. The polished three-ply stainless-steel design has an elegant look that also delivers even heating. Riveted handles are sturdy and have an ergonomic design for comfortable lifting. While priced higher than some other brands, it’s backed by Viking’s lifetime guarantee — making it a solid investment.

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