Sure, a roasting pan sure comes in handy for a Thanksgiving turkey—but theyre 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 youre 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? Weve got a few practical tips to help you select the right size roasting pan for your kitchen.
Roasting a juicy, picture-perfect 20 lb turkey is a Thanksgiving tradition. But choosing the right size roaster is key to success. An undersized pan leads to uneven cooking. Overly large equals dried out meat. So what’s the ideal roaster for a 20 lb turkey? Let’s break down the best fit to help you rock the roasting.
Minimum Roaster Size
Experts recommend a roaster size of at least 18-22 quarts for a 20 lb turkey This allows ample room for even heat circulation
As a rule of thumb, your roaster should be 2-2.5 inches larger all around than the turkey itself. This prevents the sides from scorching before the middle is cooked.
Consider Rack Position
When calculating roaster size, don’t forget to account for the roasting rack’s position.
If the rack sits directly on the bottom, you need a little extra space. But if it elevates the turkey you can get away with a slightly smaller roaster.
An elevated rack enhances air flow for better browning too
Weight Isn’t Everything
A 20 lb bird can vary in actual size. So weight alone doesn’t always determine ideal roaster size.
A dense, compact 20 lb turkey may fit in a 16-18 quart roaster. But a lanky, long-legged butterfly turkey needs bigger dimensions.
Consider overall dimensions along with weight when roaster shopping.
Allow Extra Space
It’s better to have a roaster that’s a little too big versus too small.
A few extra inches provide wiggle room in case your turkey is larger than expected. This prevents squishing it into a cramped pan.
The extra space also lets you roast aromatics like onions and herbs alongside the turkey for added flavor.
What if My Roaster is Too Small?
If your roaster is slightly smaller than recommended, don’t panic. You have some options:
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Use a roasting rack to elevate the turkey for better air flow.
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Place a baking sheet on the oven rack below to catch drippings. This boosts heat circulation.
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Roast the turkey breast side up to prevent squishing.
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Add liquids like broth to prevent the bottom from drying out.
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Tent loosely with foil to retain moisture and prevent over-browning.
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Monitor closely and rotate more frequently during roasting.
Buy a Turkey to Fit Your Roaster
Rather than cramming a turkey into an undersized roaster, pick a turkey that fits your pan.
Smaller turkeys like 12-16 lbs work well for roasters under 18 quarts. Get the best fit possible and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Other Roaster Considerations
Along with size, keep these factors in mind when selecting your turkey roaster:
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Material: Stainless steel, aluminum and enameled cast iron work well. Avoid glass and ceramic pans which don’t conduct heat evenly.
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Rack: Choose a roaster with a sturdy, anti-tip rack for heat circulation and easy lifting.
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Handles: Stay-cool handles help get the hot, heavy roaster safely in and out of the oven.
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Appearance: A roaster that looks nice enough to go straight to the table saves you clean-up.
Roasting Rack Tips
A quality roasting rack helps ensure turkey success:
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Look for a flat, sturdy rack that fits your roaster. Anti-tip features help keep the turkey stable.
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Keep the rack centered in the pan so heat circulates evenly all around.
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Spray the rack with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ease lifting.
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Place aromatic vegetables like onions and celery under the rack to boost flavor.
Key Takeaways
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For a 20 lb turkey, choose a roaster with a capacity of 18-22 quarts. Allow 2-2.5 inches of space all around the turkey.
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Consider the turkey’s actual size, not just the weight when determining roaster size.
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Elevating the turkey on a rack provides better airflow for even cooking.
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Having a slightly bigger pan is better than one that’s too small. Give yourself wiggle room.
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Pick a pan with stay-cool handles, nonstick surface and sturdy, anti-tip roasting rack.
With the right roaster for your 20 lb bird, you’ll be on your way to a Norman Rockwell-worthy golden turkey centerpiece!
How to Choose the Best Size Roasting Pan for You
If you have the space and the means, its 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 youre 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 dont 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, its sure to be compatible with any dish you want to make.
Choose the Right Material
Aside from picking the right size roasting pan, youll 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. Its 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 thats easy to transfer from oven to table.
The Perfect Roast: 20-Pound Turkey Edition
FAQ
Will a 20lb turkey fit in an 18 quart roaster?
Therefore, an 18-quart roaster can hold a 22-pound turkey, and a 20-quart roaster can hold a 24-pound turkey.Sep 15, 2022
How long to cook a 20 lb turkey in an electric roaster?
- 12- to 13-pound turkey, 1¾ hours.
- 14- to 24-pound turkey, 2 to 3 hours.
- 25- to 28-pound turkey 3½ to 4 hours.
How big of a pan do you need for a 20lb turkey?
| Turkey Size | Minimum Roasting Pan Size |
|---|---|
| Up to 12 pounds | 14 x 10 x 2-3/4 inches |
| Up to 16 pounds | 15-3/4 x 12 x 3 inches |
| Up to 20 pounds | 16 x 13 x 3 inches |
What size oven do I need for a 20 pound turkey?
In our smallest 24” wall oven interior, a 16” X 13” X 3” inch pan will fit which holds about a 20 lb. turkey.Nov 1, 2018