Best Roasting Pans

HOW TO CHOOSE

Although a few are oval, most of the best roasting pans are rectangular and include a rack. Size and materials are the two factors that affect the cost.

Editors at Cook's Illustrated magazine recommend a pan that's at least 15 inches long and 11 inches wide to accommodate a large holiday turkey. However, experts warn that if the pan is too large for the amount of food, the juices from the roasting meat will evaporate and burn.

Shoppers should also carefully consider a roasting pan's material, because its makeup can significantly affect cooking performance and ease of cleaning. Some of the best roasting pans are made of aluminum, which is an excellent conductor of heat. On the downside, it's also a soft metal, which means it's not particularly durable.

Stainless steel does an excellent job of browning meat in the oven and can be used under the broiler (although temperatures more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit can cause it to discolor). Most stainless-steel pans are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended to retain a shiny appearance.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of nonstick is, even after carefully following manufacturer recommendations, the coating will eventually begin to flake off. But, as a result of health concerns surrounding Teflon and similar coatings, some manufacturers are offering alternative nonstick cookware.

With many roasting pans costing more than $100, buying one is a decision that most don't take lightly. Experts offer the following advice on choosing the right roasting pan:

Crunch the numbers before you buy. Measure your oven before you purchase a roasting pan.

Experts say that a roasting pan should fit in your oven with 2 inches of clearance on all sides. You may also want to be sure you have enough room to fit other pans on the same oven rack -- helpful if you're cooking a big holiday dinner.

Look for low sides. A roasting pan with low sides allows steam to dissipate to encourage browning. Heavy pans are better, but can be tough to move.

Roomy, riveted handles are safer. The handles should be large enough to fit a hand holding a pot holder. More expensive pans have handles that are attached with rivets rather than screws or welds.

REVIEWS OF THE BEST ROASTING PANS

Best stainless roasting pan = Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Roaster with V Rack Reviewers say this roasting pan distributes heat evenly and is easy to maneuver and clean. This 16-inch, dishwasher-safe pan has two outer layers of stainless steel protecting a… middle layer of aluminum; experts say this tri-ply construction minimizes warping and promotes even cooking.

Additionally, its flared shape and rounded corners make it easier to stir stovetop gravy and sauces. It comes with a well-designed nonstick rack and a lifetime warranty. Owners also say they appreciate its comfortable, stay-cool handles. This model sells for $125 to $135.

If you prefer the easy cleanup of nonstick cookware, experts and owners say the Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Roaster Set (which includes a nonstick rack, two turkey lifters and an injection baster) is a good value and… performs as well as more expensive stainless-steel pans at about $100.

Only need a roasting pan for holidays? Reviewers say the inexpensive (about $25) Granite Ware 19-Inch Covered Oval Roaster is a better choice than disposable aluminum pans. Constructed of porcelain over a carbon-steel core, this… roasting pan is praised by owners for being lightweight, though some say it's too lightweight, making it prone to warping.

The best price for any of these models was found at:

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