The best turkey roasters on the market — whether you’re looking for a starter pan or an heirloom.
Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
So you’ve graduated from Thanksgiving guest to host. Your kitchen might be outfitted with well-worn sheet pans and a stack of casserole dishes from past Friendsgiving potlucks. But if this is your first time roasting the Thanksgiving turkey, you’ll need a good turkey roasting pan. Our experts reviewed whats on the market to find the best picks that provide enough surface area to circulate heat properly so you can crisp the turkeys skin while retaining moisture.
A good roasting pan doesnt have to cost an arm and a (turkey) leg. Even a budget-friendly pan is worlds better than the best disposable turkey roasting pan. It will be sturdier and include racks that lift the turkey from the bottom of the pan to ensure even cooking.
That said, spending over $100 can land you a pan that lasts forever. “Our top pick is high quality, large, durable and easy to clean,” says Nicole Papantoniou, Director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. “Flimsier nonstick pans might roast well initially, but they won’t last as long.”
Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, we’ve got you covered. In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, weve tested thousands of kitchen appliances and more than 150 sets of cookware over the years. We’re also trained cooks who have roasted countless turkeys and know what to look for in a good roasting pan. All the roasting pans in this roundup are by brands weve personally used.
At the end of this guide, you can read more about how we chose the best turkey roasting pans — plus everything you need to know about different types of roasting pans and what to consider when shopping. Looking for more ways to prep your kitchen for the holidays? Check out our guides to the best turkey fryers, best bakeware and the best nonstick cookware.1Best Overall Turkey Roasting Pan
As Thanksgiving approaches, thoughts turn to roasting that centerpiece 25 lb turkey. A high-quality turkey roaster that evenly cooks and bastes your bird is essential for a picture-perfect Thanksgiving dinner. After extensive research, I’ve discovered the best 25 lb turkey roasters for a flawless feast.
When searching on Amazon for “25 lb turkey roaster,” several excellent options emerge The top-rated roaster is the HONGBAKE Nonstick Turkey Roasting Pan, an extra-large pan measuring 18.7×13.6 inches. It’s made from heavy-duty carbon steel with a nonstick coating and comes with a handy U-shaped rack to elevate the turkey Reviewers praise it for evenly cooking their 25 lb birds.
Another popular choice is the Granite Ware Rectangular Roaster, made from speckled black enamel-coated steel. With 21 inch length, it easily accommodates 25 lb birds. The lid lets you baste the turkey with its own juices. Over 2,400 Amazon reviewers give it a 4.2-star average rating.
For a very large turkey, the Goodcook Nonstick Quick Baste Roasting Pan is ideal. At 25 lbs capacity, it has a unique raised center to pool drippings for self-basting. The nonstick material ensures easy clean-up too. It earns a 4.3-star average from 380 reviews.
I also researched expert recommendations from Good Housekeeping. Their top pick for best overall turkey roaster is the Hestan Provisions Classic Clad Roaster. It has tri-ply stainless steel construction for excellent heat distribution and is roomy enough for a 20 lb turkey. The quality and performance match its higher price tag.
Good Housekeeping’s budget pick, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Rectangular Roaster, also gets great reviews. It’s praised for its sturdy handles, lightweight steel material, and raised center that directs juices for easy basting. Despite the low cost, it performs very well in the oven up to 500°F.
For self-basting, Good Housekeeping recommends the Goodcook Nonstick Quick Baste Roasting Pan. Its unique raised center pools drippings along the edges for effortless basting. The affordable price, 25 lb capacity, and easy storage make it a winner
Other top options include the All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with a handy nonstick rack, and the Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan which will develop a natural nonstick patina over time. Prices range from budget-friendly to over $100 for heirloom quality.
When selecting a 25 lb turkey roaster, Good Housekeeping recommends considering the material, price range, included accessories like racks and lids, rectangular shape for versatility, handles and pouring lips for ease of use, and easy clean-up.
For a 25 lb bird, look for a roaster at least 18 inches long. The turkey should fit with 1-3 inches of space on all sides for proper air circulation. Nonstick interiors can make clean-up easier. A rack is essential to elevate the turkey for even cooking.
25 lb turkey roaster: 21
Amazon: 3
Good Housekeeping: 5
HONGBAKE Nonstick Turkey Roasting Pan: 2
Granite Ware Rectangular Roaster: 2
Goodcook Nonstick Quick Baste Roasting Pan: 2
Hestan Provisions Classic Clad Roaster: 1
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Rectangular Roaster: 1
All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan: 1
Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan: 1
Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan
- Will develop a nonstick patina over time
- Oven safe up to 1,200˚F
- Lightweight
- Does not accommodate large turkeys
- Requires seasoning
This one’s for you, spatchcocked turkey lovers. Made In’s lightweight roasting pan features a low, wide pan and a flat rack to splay out your bird. The pan is made from carbon steel, making it perform well in high-heat cooking and last a long time. It will work with any stovetop (including induction) for easy deglazing and gravy-making. However, the rack does not have handles, so lifting the bird out of the pan might be tricky after its cooked. The pan itself has angled stainless-steel handles.
Like a cast iron skillet, this roasting pan must be seasoned before its first use, and it will become more seasoned — and more nonstick — with each use, meaning it gets better with age. This pan has a straight-cut edge, not a bent lip, which means you might experience slight dribbling when pouring pan juices.
How we chose the best turkey roasting pans
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we’ve been testing cookware and bakeware for decades, including more than 150 sets of cookware over the years. We’re also trained cooks who are familiar with the market and know what to look for in a turkey roasting pan.
When researching the category, we selected pans in a range of price points, materials and sizes to find the right pan for a variety of home cooks. We’ve owned and used cookware from all of the brands in this roundup. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
How To Cook A Turkey in a Roaster Oven 2024 Update – Thanks To Viewers
FAQ
How long to cook 25 lb turkey in a 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 many hours does it take to cook a 25 lbs turkey?
Turkey Cooking Times and Temperatures
A 25-pound turkey will take approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to cook until done — when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast and thigh registers 165 Fahrenheit, according to the UIE.
What size oven do I need for a 25 lb turkey?
In a 30” or wider single oven or range, expect that a 25 lb. or more turkey will fit easily. In a double oven, a 10 lb. turkey pan will fit in the smaller oven as shown in the photo below. In our smallest 24” wall oven interior, a 16” X 13” X 3” inch pan will fit which holds about a 20 lb.
What size roaster do I need for a 25-pound turkey?
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.