Roasting Pan Sizes: Perfect Fit For A 13-Lb Turkey

Choosing the right roasting pan for your turkey is essential to ensure that your bird is cooked to perfection. While you may be tempted to reach for your trusty glass pan or baking sheet, these won't be suitable for cooking a turkey. A good roasting pan will help you cook a juicier, more evenly browned bird.

The size of the roasting pan you need will depend on the size of your turkey. A 13-pound turkey will serve a family of up to 10 people with only moderate leftovers. For this size of bird, you'll need a roasting pan that measures at least 15 by 12 by 3 inches.

It's important to remember that the sizing of the pan needs to be accurate. If you choose a pan that is too big, the juices will burn. Conversely, if you choose a pan that is too small, constricted airflow will result in uneven cooking.

In addition to the size of the pan, there are several other factors to consider when choosing a roasting pan for your turkey, such as the material, depth, and shape of the pan.

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:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for roasting pans due to its durability and heat distribution capabilities. It is a classic and tough material that can withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel roasting pans may also have a non-stick coating, making them easier to clean. However, they can be more expensive, especially when bound to other metals.

Aluminum

Aluminum is another commonly used material for roasting pans. It is lightweight, affordable, and does a good job of distributing heat evenly. However, aluminum roasting pans can react with acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, affecting the taste of your food. They are also not the most resilient material and may not last as long as other options.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is a durable option for roasting pans, known for its heat retention and even heating properties. It is heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver, especially when filled with a large turkey. Cast iron pans may also have non-stick properties, but they can take longer to heat up compared to other materials.

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast-iron roasting pans are beautiful and functional. They conduct heat well and can be used to brown meat on the stovetop before transferring them to the oven for roasting. However, they tend to be incredibly heavy, especially when loaded with a large bird.

Coated Enamelware

Coated enamelware roasting pans have a non-stick surface, making them easy to clean. They are also suitable for browning food.

Clay Cooker

A covered clay cooker is another option for roasting pans. By raising the temperature of the oven towards the end of cooking, you can achieve a browning effect on your food.

When choosing a roasting pan material, consider factors such as heat distribution, durability, weight, reactivity with certain ingredients, and ease of cleaning. Additionally, ensure that the pan fits comfortably in your oven, allowing enough space for proper airflow and heat circulation.

Roasting pan shapes

When it comes to roasting pans, there are a few different shapes to choose from. The two most common shapes are oval and rectangular. Oval roasting pans give you a little more room for your roast, and you can purchase a covered oval roaster, which is good for larger meats. Covered oval roasters can also be used as serving dishes and for easy storage in your fridge, similar to Dutch ovens. Rectangular roasting pans, on the other hand, are more versatile and give you more cooking area. With a rectangular pan, you can cook two whole chickens, and it's also a better shape for purposes other than roasting, such as making a bain-marie or layered casseroles like lasagna. If you're undecided between the two shapes, you can go for a shape that incorporates both outlines, with a rectangular pan that has rounded corners.

Roasting pan weight

The weight of a roasting pan is an important factor to consider when purchasing one. The weight of the pan is largely influenced by the material it is made of. While heavier pans can be difficult to transfer, they are generally better at distributing heat.

Aluminum and steel pans are optimal in terms of weight, as they are neither too heavy nor too light. Cast iron pans are very heavy and may require more muscle power to handle. Enameled cast iron is also beautiful, but it can be incredibly heavy, especially when combined with a large turkey.

If lifting heavy objects is not a problem for you, a heavier pan may be a good option. However, if you prefer something easier to maneuver, a lightweight pan made of aluminum or steel might be a better choice.

When choosing a roasting pan for a 13-pound turkey, it is recommended to consider the size of the pan as well as its weight. A medium (16-inch) roasting pan is ideal for turkeys up to 16 pounds. This size will ensure that the juices don't burn and that there is proper airflow for even cooking.

Roasting pan rack

A roasting pan rack is an incredibly useful tool for cooking meat, especially a large roast like a turkey. The rack keeps the meat lifted above the bottom of the pan, allowing debris to fall and be collected at the bottom, which can then be used to make gravy. The rack also ensures the bird fits well in the pan and promotes air circulation, allowing for more even roasting and helping to keep the skin crispy.

When choosing a roasting pan rack, you should consider the size of the pan and the thickness of the walls, as well as the height of the handles. You want to choose the smallest roasting pan that fits your needs, as too big a pan can cause the juices to burn, and too small a pan will restrict airflow and prevent even cooking. Most cooks agree that three inches is the ideal height for a roasting pan, as anything deeper can cause the ingredients to steam rather than roast, and a shallow pan can make braising messy.

There are a variety of roasting pan racks available on Amazon, including:

• OXO Good Grips Silicone Roasting Racks, 2-Pack
• Norpro 275 Adjustable Roast Rack Nickel-plated, 11 inches, Silver
• Chicago Metallic 16947 Professional Roast Pan with Non-Stick Rack, 13-Inch-by-9-Inch, Gray
• Cuisipro 746780 Roasting Rack, silver
• Burly grill Turkey Rack Turkey Roast Rack for Big Green Egg

If you are looking for a roasting pan to fit a 13-pound turkey, you will need a pan size measuring at least 14 by 10 by 2 inches. It is also important to consider the internal measurements of your oven, especially if it is a smaller model.

Roasting pan lid

A roasting pan with a lid is a great option for cooking a turkey as it helps to keep the moisture in, ensuring that the meat is juicy and tender. There are a few things to consider when choosing a roasting pan with a lid:

Size

As a rule of thumb, a small (14-inch) roasting pan works for birds up to 12 pounds, a medium (16-inch) roasting pan is ideal for birds up to 16 pounds, and a large (18-inch) roasting pan can fit turkeys up to 20 pounds. For a 13-pound turkey, a medium-sized roasting pan would be a good option. It's important to also consider the internal measurements of your oven to ensure that the roasting pan fits comfortably inside.

Material

The material of the roasting pan is also important. Stainless steel and copper are two of the best materials for roasting pans as they have good heat distribution and won't react with acidic ingredients. Enameled cast iron roasting pans are beautiful but can be very heavy, especially when filled with a large turkey. Aluminum roasting pans are lightweight and affordable, but they may react with acidic foods.

Depth

The depth of the roasting pan is another factor to consider. A depth of around three inches is ideal for roasting, as it allows for even cooking and browning. A pan that is too shallow will make braising messy, while a pan that is too deep will steam the ingredients rather than roast them.

Handles

When choosing a roasting pan with a lid, consider the handles. Some pans have permanently extended handles, which make them easier to grab from the oven but take up more space. Others have handles that can be folded down when not in use, saving space but potentially making the pan more difficult to grab.

Rack

A roasting pan with a rack is also a good option as it keeps the bottom of the roast out of its juices, ensuring crispy skin. The rack also promotes air circulation, allowing for more even roasting.

• Granite Ware 15-inch Covered Oval Roaster
• Imperial Home Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Rack
• The Pioneer Woman Timeless Nonstick Roaster with Wire Rack Insert
• Granite Ware 18" Covered Oval Roaster

Frequently asked questions