Large Roasting Pan: A Holiday Essential

A large roasting pan is a versatile piece of cookware that can be used for much more than just roasting the occasional holiday turkey. Roasting pans are large, high-sided pans with handles and sometimes a rack. They are typically made from thick aluminium or stainless steel to support the weight of large pieces of meat. The most common size is 16 inches long, with smaller and larger variations available depending on your needs.

Roasting pan materials

Roasting pans are made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common materials used for roasting pans:

Aluminium

Aluminium is a popular choice for roasting pans due to its excellent heat conduction properties. It is also relatively lightweight, making it easier to handle when full. However, pure aluminium can be too lightweight for roasting pans, so it is often anodised, which gives it a non-stick surface and a darker colour that helps with browning meat.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another common material for roasting pans. It is known for its durability and ease of cleaning as it resists taking on marks. Stainless steel pans can also be used to create a sticky fond on the bottom of the pan, which is great for making gravy. However, they can be more difficult to clean than non-stick pans if they don't have a non-stick coating.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is a good heat conductor and retains heat well, making it suitable for serving food at the table. It is also efficient and hardy but can be very heavy, especially for large roasts. Enameled cast iron is easier to clean and has a non-stick surface.

Non-Stick

Non-stick roasting pans are a good option if you want something that is easy to clean. They come in various materials, including stainless steel and aluminium, with a non-stick coating. However, non-stick coatings can be prone to chipping and scratching, so they may need to be replaced more frequently.

Other Materials

Other less common materials used for roasting pans include clay, ceramic, and coated enamelware. Clay cookers are covered pots that can brown food if the oven temperature is raised towards the end of cooking. Coated enamelware has a non-stick surface, while ceramic roasting pans are known for their durability and ease of cleaning.

Roasting pan sizes

Roasting pans are large, high-walled pans, similar to oversized casserole dishes or baking sheets with taller sides. They are typically used for cooking large pieces of meat and vegetables, as well as for baking large batches of food such as lasagna. The most common size for a roasting pan is 16 inches long, and they usually come with removable racks to keep the roast out of its juices and promote air circulation.

When choosing a roasting pan, it is important to consider the size of your oven, as well as the thickness of the pan walls and the height of the handles. The ideal height for a roasting pan is around three inches, as too deep a pan can cause steaming instead of roasting, and too shallow a pan can make braising messy.

Roasting pans are typically made of stainless steel or copper, although enameled cast iron, anodized aluminum, and carbon steel alternatives are also available. Stainless steel and aluminum are good choices for heat conductivity, while enameled cast iron is very heavy, especially when a large roast is added.

Some roasting pans have permanently extended handles, which make them easier to grab from the oven but may reduce the overall cooking size of the pan. Other pans have foldable handles, which can be difficult to grab when the pan is hot.

• Granite Ware 19-inch oval roaster with lid: Accommodates up to 20-pound poultry/roast
• HONGBAKE Nonstick Turkey Roasting Pan: 17 x 13 inches, suitable for a 25-pound turkey
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Roaster: 13 x 16 inches
• ExcelSteel 593 Roasting Pan: Stainless steel
• Roasting Pan, Nonstick Roaster Pan with Rack: 19 x 13 inches
• Cuisinart 16-Inch Roaster: Stainless steel, 16 x 13 x 5 inches
• Circulon Nonstick Roasting Pan: 17 x 13 inches
• Granite Ware 21-inch oven rectangular roaster with lid: Accommodates up to 25-pound poultry/roast

Roasting pan uses

Roasting pans are incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than just roasting the Christmas turkey. Here are some ideas for how to make the most of your roasting pan:

Roasting Meat and Vegetables

The most obvious use for a roasting pan is, of course, roasting. The high sides of the pan trap heat, allowing for even cooking, and you can fill the pan with meat and vegetables without worrying about overflow. The high sides also mean you can cover the pan with aluminium foil to create a mini "tent" that traps heat and turns your roasting pan into a makeshift Dutch oven.

Braising Meat

If you're braising meat, you might want to omit the rack that comes with your roasting pan and let the meat soak in its juices.

Batch Cooking

The size of a roasting pan means it's perfect for batch cooking. You can roast a large slab of your favourite protein and several handfuls of vegetables in one go, making meal prep a breeze.

One-Pan Meals

As well as roasting and braising, roasting pans can be used to make one-pan meals like lasagne or deep-dish pizzas.

Baking Desserts

You can also use a roasting pan to bake desserts for a crowd.

Making Gravy and Pan Sauces

Finally, a roasting pan can be used to simmer gravy and pan sauces right on the stovetop.

Roasting pan features

A roasting pan is a large, high-sided pan with handles, sometimes with removable racks, and sometimes with a ribbed bottom. The high sides of a roasting pan trap heat and allow for the storage and accumulation of liquids. The ideal roasting pan will be thick, heavy, and able to distribute heat evenly.

Materials

The two best materials for a roasting pan are stainless steel or copper. While enameled cast-iron roasting pans are beautiful, they can also be incredibly heavy. Stay away from aluminum roasting pans as the metal can react with any acidic ingredients.

Handles

Handles are important. Some handles are permanently extended, providing reliable stability and easy access, but this extra space may prevent the pan from fitting inside your oven. Pans that have handles that fold down when not in use can be difficult to grab. Look for a roasting pan with fixed, thick, and riveted handles.

Racks

Any respectable roasting pan will come with a removable rack. The rack keeps the bottom of your roast out of its juices, keeping the skin crispy. A rack also promotes air circulation, allowing for more even roasting. However, a rack can often stick to the food and the juices at the bottom of the pan may evaporate and burn.

Roasting pan alternatives

A roasting pan is a large, high-walled pan, similar to an oversized casserole dish or a baking sheet with taller sides. It is designed to cook large pieces of meat evenly while trapping the juices underneath. The most common size is 16 inches long, and it is typically made of stainless steel or aluminium.

If you don't have a roasting pan, there are several alternatives that can be used:

• Casserole dish: A large casserole dish can work as a roasting pan alternative, as long as it is designed to withstand high temperatures for long periods of time.
• Cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet can withstand high temperatures and has excellent heat retention and distribution. It is perfect for smaller roasts and can go from stovetop to oven.
• Dutch oven: A Dutch oven is designed to go from stovetop to oven, can withstand high temperatures, and comes in various sizes.
• Paella pan: Although it may seem like a specialty item, a paella pan can be a good alternative due to its large capacity and walled design.
• Rimmed baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet can work as a roasting pan, but be careful of spills and splatters when removing it from the oven. It is also a good idea to place a sheet of aluminium foil underneath to catch any spills.
• Broiler pan: A broiler pan with a grill rack can be used as an alternative, but its low walls could be an issue depending on how much liquid your roast produces.
• Aluminium roasting pan: A disposable aluminium roasting pan is a good option if you're looking for something cheap and easy to clean. However, it may not be able to handle the weight of your roast and doesn't distribute heat evenly.

Frequently asked questions