Sure, a roasting pan sure comes in handy for a Thanksgiving turkey—but they're also great for roasted veg, meats, and even baking lasagnas and other complex dishes. A quality roasting pan should be a staple in any kitchen, and we are firmly of the belief that roasting pans are one of the most versatile cookware items out there.
If you're in the market for one, you may notice is that these pans come in a wide range of sizes, leading to the question—how can you know which size is right for your needs? We've got a few practical tips to help you select the right size roasting pan for your kitchen.
What Sizes Do Roasting Pans Come In?
Typically, roasting pans for use in home kitchens come in three sizes: 14, 16, and 18 inches. It's worth noting that these measurements are taken width-wise, not diagonally, so make sure you plan accordingly when shopping for one.
14 Inches
14-inch roasting pans are usually the smallest size you'll find and are great to have on-hand for roasting smaller portions of foods, like sides of vegetables or potatoes. They're also ideal for smaller ovens that may not be able to accommodate larger pans.
If you'll be using your roasting pan for a whole turkey, a 14-inch pan can typically accommodate around a 12 pound bird.
16 Inches
The next size up is the 16-inch roasting pan, which is a medium-sized option that works well for the needs of most home cooks. These pans are ideal for roasting larger batches of food at once, including one-pan meals that include roasting meat and vegetables on the same pan for convenience (and fewer dishes to clean up afterwards).
For Thanksgiving, you can expect a medium-sized 16-inch roasting pan to fit a about a 16 pound turkey.
18 Inches
If you tend to cook larger proteins for larger crowds, then you'll want to go large with your roasting pan. Specifically, an 18-inch roasting pan is typically the largest size available for a home kitchen. These pans can do everything their smaller counterparts can, but more—whole birds, large-format sides, or multi-component meals.
Our 18-inch roasting pan can fit up to a 24 pound turkey, and others can typically accommodate anywhere from 2o-24 pound birds. The only caveat of a larger size is that you'll want to measure the capacity of your oven to make sure that a pan of this size will fit in your oven properly.
How to Choose the Best Size Roasting Pan for You
If you have the space and the means, it's generally best to keep a variety of roasting pan sizes in your kitchen. A
Choosing the right size roasting pan—or any pan, really—comes down to personal preference and tastes. If you're always roasting something, whether a baby squash or whole turkey, then it may be best to invest a variety of sizes so you always have a compatible pan regardless of the ingredient.
If you don't have a lot of space to work with or just want a reliable roasting pan for holiday hosting, we recommend going large with either a 16- or 18-inch pan. This way, it's sure to be compatible with any dish you want to make.
Choose the Right Material
Aside from picking the right size roasting pan, you'll want to select a quality material as well. Copper and stainless steel are two popular options that provide steady heat without being too heavy. Cast iron is another option, but they do tend to be on the heavier side and can thus be more difficult to work with and maneuver in and out of the oven (especially when full of food).
Our preference is stainless steel for the same reasons we love stainless frying pans. It's durable, warp-resistant, and helps you achieve evenly roasted, perfectly crispy ingredients. Plus, ours is 3-ply (as opposed to the 5-ply of our Stainless Clad Collection) for a lightweight build that's easy to transfer from oven to table.
Watch the Depth of the Pan
It's not just about the size of the pan, but its depth as well. If your pan is too deep, you won't be able to get a nice roast on your food. On the other hand, a pan that is too shallow will be prone to spillage, especially if you're doing any braising or cooking with liquids.
Make Sure You Have a Rack
Last but not least, be sure to choose a roasting pan with a removable rack. This will keep your ingredients slightly raised from the bottom of the pan, which prevents them from getting soggy and ensures they're roasted all over. And, if you roast a protein on a rack atop a bed of veg, you're getting a full (delicious) roasted meal flavored with drippings from the meat.
Ready to Shop?
With these tips in mind, you can feel empowered to choose the right roasting pan for your needs and budget. Check out our 18-inch Stainless Clad Roasting Pan, which ensures even heating and is sure to be your go-to roasting pan for meals all year round.
