Best Roasting Pan Sizes For Your Feast

Choosing the right roasting pan can be a daunting task, but it's an essential piece of kitchenware for those who love cooking. When hosting dinner parties, they're indispensable for cooking large cuts of meat, whole poultry, and prime rib. They're also the ideal vessel for cooking a variety of veggies or convenient one-dish meals. So, what should you consider when choosing the best size roasting pan?

Firstly, it's important to think about what type of food you want to roast. If you're cooking a large turkey, you'll need a bigger pan than if you're just roasting a chicken. As a general rule, your roasting pan should be at least 5cm larger on all sides than the meat you wish to roast. This ensures that the juices don't evaporate and burn, and that your meat doesn't stew in its juices.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the pan. A pan that is too deep will prevent the oven's hot air from circulating beneath the meat, while a pan that is too shallow will cause those precious juices to slosh out. The ideal depth is approximately 5-8cm, as this will give you good air circulation and prevent spills.

It's also important to choose the right material for your roasting pan. Stainless steel and anodised aluminium are great choices as they are strong and sturdy, with good heat conduction. Cast iron is also a good option, but it can be heavy, especially if you're roasting large joints of meat.

Don't forget to consider the handles and rack when choosing a roasting pan. Handles that are permanently extended can be easier to grab, but they can also reduce the overall cooking size of the pan. Racks are important for keeping the bottom of your roast out of its juices and promoting air circulation, but they can be a pain to clean.

So, what is the best size roasting pan? It really depends on your individual needs. If you're cooking a large turkey, you'll need a bigger pan than if you're just roasting a chicken. But as a general rule, go for a medium-sized pan that's about 16 inches long and has a depth of about 5-8cm. This should give you enough space to cook your meat and veggies without taking up too much storage space.

Roasting pan weight and material

The ideal roasting pan should be heavy enough to prevent warping but not so heavy that it becomes difficult to handle. Metal pans, such as stainless steel or anodised aluminium, are great options when it comes to weight. Stainless steel is easy to clean as it resists taking on marks and helps create a sticky fond on the bottom of the pan, which is great for making gravy.

Aluminium is a good heat conductor but can be lightweight. When anodised, it becomes naturally non-stick and the dark colour helps to brown meat. Cast iron is another good heat conductor but can be heavy, especially for larger roasts. It retains heat well and, when enamelled, is easy to clean. Stoneware is another option with great heat-transferring and retaining capabilities, and it can also be used for baked puddings and cakes.

The weight of the roasting pan will depend on the material it is made of, so it's important to consider the trade-off between heat conduction and ease of handling when choosing a material.

In terms of size, a roasting pan should be at least 5 cm larger on all sides than the meat you wish to roast. This ensures that roasting liquids don't evaporate and burn, and that the meat doesn't stew in its own juices. For a small turkey (12 pounds or under), a 14-inch pan is needed. A medium-sized turkey (12 to 16 pounds) requires a 16-inch pan, while a larger turkey (up to 20 pounds) will need an 18-inch roaster.

Roasting pan depth

The depth of a roasting pan is an important factor to consider when choosing the best size roasting pan for your needs. While the ideal depth may vary depending on the type of food being cooked and the desired level of doneness, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.

Most cooks recommend a roasting pan with a depth of around 3 inches (7.6 cm). This depth allows for adequate air circulation and even cooking, while also preventing juices from burning or splashing. Shallower pans may not provide enough space for the food to cook properly, while deeper pans can make it difficult to access the food and can also affect cooking times.

For example, a pan that is too deep may prevent the oven's hot air from circulating beneath the food, resulting in longer cooking times. On the other hand, a pan that is too shallow may cause juices to slosh out, making a mess and potentially affecting the flavour of the dish.

When choosing a roasting pan, it is also important to consider the size of the food being cooked. The pan should be large enough to accommodate the food with some extra space to allow for even cooking and air circulation. Additionally, the weight of the pan is an important factor, as a heavy pan may be difficult to manoeuvre, especially when full and hot.

In terms of materials, stainless steel and anodised aluminium are popular choices due to their weight and heat conduction properties. Cast iron is also an option, but it can be heavy, especially for larger roasts. Stoneware is another alternative, offering great heat transfer and retention capabilities, as well as a stylish serving option.

Roasting pan size

The ideal roasting pan size depends on several factors, including the type of food being cooked, oven size, and personal preferences. Here are some considerations to help you choose the right roasting pan size:

Food Type

When selecting a roasting pan size, consider the type of food you plan to cook. For example, if you regularly cook large cuts of meat like turkey, ham, or prime rib, you'll need a larger pan. On the other hand, if you mostly roast vegetables or smaller cuts of meat, a smaller pan may suffice. It's recommended to have a roasting pan that is at least 5 cm larger on all sides than the meat you wish to roast to ensure even cooking and prevent the juices from burning or drying out the meat.

Oven Size

It's important to know the internal measurements of your oven, especially if it's a smaller model. Be sure to consider the thickness of the pan walls and the height of the handles when choosing a roasting pan, as they can affect whether it fits in your oven. If you have limited oven space, a medium-sized pan (approximately 14 x 10 inches) is a good option, as it works for most needs without taking up too much space.

Pan Depth

The depth of a roasting pan is also an important factor. A pan that is too deep can steam your ingredients instead of roasting them, while a pan that is too shallow can make braising messy and increase the risk of spills when removing it from the oven. The ideal depth for a roasting pan is generally considered to be around 3-5 inches, as this allows for efficient roasting and prevents splashing of hot liquids.

Handles

When choosing a roasting pan, consider the type of handles you prefer. Permanent handles can make the pan easier to grab from the oven, but they also take up more space and reduce the overall cooking size. On the other hand, foldable handles can be difficult to grip when the pan is hot. Additionally, consider the width of the handles, as they can add to the overall size of the pan and affect its maneuverability.

Rack

Most roasting pans come with a rack, which keeps the bottom of your roast out of its juices, promoting air circulation and even cooking. If you plan to cook large cuts of meat, a rack is essential to ensure even cooking and proper airflow.

In summary, when choosing a roasting pan size, consider the type of food you'll be cooking, your oven size, pan depth, handle preferences, and whether you need a rack. Selecting the right roasting pan size will ensure efficient cooking and better results.

Roasting pan handles

Handles are an important feature to consider when choosing a roasting pan. They should be large and sturdy enough to provide a secure grip, even when wearing bulky oven mitts. Ideally, look for rigid, upright handles that are riveted into the sides of the pan. Thin, folding handles can be difficult to grab and may not feel very secure when carrying a heavy, hot pan.

Some people prefer roasting pans without handles, as they can get in the way and take up precious storage space. If you opt for a pan without handles, make sure you have a good pair of heat-resistant oven gloves to protect your hands when removing the pan from the oven.

When it comes to material, stainless steel handles are a popular choice as they are durable and easy to clean. However, it's important to note that stainless steel can get very hot, so always use oven mitts or potholders when handling. Other materials, such as silicone or plastic, may be used for handles to provide a heat-resistant grip, but these may not be as durable or easy to clean as stainless steel.

In addition to the handles themselves, you may also want to consider the placement of the handles on the pan. Side handles are common and can provide a secure grip. Another option is a roasting pan with a helper handle, which is a small handle on the opposite side of the pan that can help with manoeuvring. Finally, some roasting pans have a single long handle, similar to a frying pan, which can make it easier to transfer the pan from the oven to the stovetop.

Roasting pan racks

Roasting racks are an important feature of roasting pans, as they allow for even cooking and easy meat removal. The rack holds the meat just above the pan, allowing hot air to circulate and enabling even cooking. The rack also allows excess fat and liquid to drain off and prevents the meat from stewing in its own juices.

There are two main types of roasting racks: V-shaped racks and flat racks. V-shaped racks are the most common type, and they elevate the roast 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of the pan. Flat racks, on the other hand, offer more surface area to accommodate larger roasts. Both types of racks can be made from stainless steel or have a non-stick coating. Non-stick racks are easier to clean, but the coating may start to flake off over time.

When choosing a roasting rack, it is important to consider the size and shape of the rack, as well as the material it is made from. The rack should be large enough to fit the roast comfortably, with enough space for hot air to circulate. The shape of the rack should match the shape of the roasting pan, whether it is rectangular or oval.

Some roasting pans come with a rack included, while others may be purchased separately. When purchasing a roasting rack, it is important to ensure that it fits securely in the pan and does not shift around. Additionally, some people choose to use a bed of root vegetables, an oven-proof cooling rack, or rolled foil cylinders as a makeshift roasting rack.

Overall, a roasting rack is an essential tool for anyone looking to roast meat, as it ensures even cooking and easy meat removal.

Frequently asked questions