What Size Roasting Pan Do You Need For A 12 lb Turkey? A Complete Guide

The best turkey roasters on the market — whether you’re looking for a starter pan or an heirloom.

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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

Are you preparing your first Thanksgiving turkey and not sure how to select the perfect roasting pan size? Roasting the holiday bird is a time-honored tradition for many, but determining the right cookware can be confusing with so many options.

Fear not – this comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about choosing the ideal roasting pan for a 12 lb turkey. We’ll cover key factors like dimensions, temperature, and extra features so you can shop with confidence. Follow our tips, and soon you’ll be carving up a juicy, golden brown masterpiece the whole family will rave about.

Why Size Matters For Roasting Pans

While most roasting pans look similar, they come in a range of sizes, from small pans under 14 inches to extra large pans over 18 inches long. For optimal results, you want a pan that provides a snug fit for the turkey without overcrowding.

If the pan is too small, there won’t be enough air circulation as the hot air bounces around the tight walls This can lead to uneven cooking. On the flip side, an oversized pan allows juices to spatter and potentially burn, while the turkey itself can dry out.

As a general rule, go with the smallest pan that will comfortably accommodate your turkey with a little room to spare.

Factoring In Turkey Weight

The most important factor in choosing a roasting pan is the weight of your turkey. Here are some common turkey weights and the recommended pan sizes:

12 pounds or under – a 14 inch pan is ideal
14 to 16 pounds – choose a medium 16 inch pan
18 to 20 pounds – opt for a large 18+ inch pan

So for a 12 lb turkey, a 14 inch roasting pan will provide the right balance of snugness and breathing room

Consider Oven Dimensions

While you want a pan that fits the turkey, it also needs to fit in your oven! Before buying a roasting pan, measure the interior dimensions of your oven and make sure to account for the pan’s handles.

Leave at least 1 inch of clearance on all sides for proper airflow. If the pan length or handles extend past your oven size, this can hinder even cooking.

Optimal Pan Depth

For roasting, a depth between 3 to 4 inches high is best. Shallow pans under 3 inches won’t hold juices, while pans over 4 inches deep tend to steam food rather than roast it.

Most standard roasting pans are 3 inches deep, which creates the ideal environment for crispy turkey skin and keeps drippings from overflowing.

Sturdy, Oven-Safe Materials

Roasting pans come in a variety of materials like stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, and ceramic. Stainless steel is the gold standard for even heating, easy cleaning, and durability. Anodized aluminum also conducts heat nicely without reacting to acidic foods.

Avoid uncoated aluminum which can give foods a metallic taste. Also pass on glass or ceramic roasting pans, which aren’t as sturdy at high oven temperatures.

Add A Roasting Rack

A wire rack elevates your turkey from the metal pan bottom, allowing air to circulate completely around the bird. This prevents soggy skin and promotes browning.

The rack also catches any fat or juices dripping down, keeping your turkey crispy. Look for a pan with a sturdy roasting rack included.

Helpful Handles For Heavy Lifting

Since roasting pans can be quite heavy, especially when loaded up with turkey and sides, handles should be made of durable, oven-safe material.

Stainless steel handles with stay-cool grips are ideal. Floppy handles that move around are annoying when maneuvering a hot, heavy pan, so opt for firmly fixed handles.

And consider handle length – extra long handles provide better leverage and control when lifting.

Handy Extra Features

Nonstick surfaces allow for quicker cleanup of any crusty drippings after the big meal. A v-rack helps elevate large birds.

Some roasting pans come with a poultry lifter for easily maneuvering the cooked turkey. And dual-purpose pans with a removable insert for cooking mac and cheese or roasted veggies alongside the main roast are convenient time-savers.

Top-Rated Roasting Pans For A 12 lb Turkey

Now that you know what to look for in your ideal roasting pan, here are top recommendations for a 12 lb turkey:

Cuisinart 16-Inch Roasting Pan – Aluminum with sturdy steel rack. Handles turkeys up to 18 pounds.
Calphalon Contemporary Roasting Pan – Heavy gauge steel construction with stay-cool handles. Nonstick rack.
KitchenAid Gourmet Roasting Pan – Affordable enameled steel pan under $30. 14 inch size.
All-Clad E8759964 Roaster – 14 inch stainless steel pan. High sides for easy basting. Lifetime warranty.
Farberware 15-Inch Roasting Pan – Aluminum set under $25. Ideal for 12 lb birds. Includes rack.

Additional Tips For Roasting A 12 lb Turkey

Once you’ve selected the ideal roasting pan, keep these extra turkey roasting tips in mind:

Allow 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours of roasting time per 4 to 5 pounds of turkey weight at 350°F.
Place an aluminum foil tent over the turkey breast and legs if browning too quickly.
Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices to prevent drying out.
Let the turkey rest 20 to 30 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the thighs reach 165°F and the breast reaches 155°F.
Carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter surrounded by the roasted veggies.

Now you’re all set to roast a mouthwatering Thanksgiving turkey right in your own oven. We hope our tips help you pick the perfect size pan for a 12 lb bird. Just relax and enjoy the festivities as you wow everyone with your own golden, juicy turkey straight from the roasting pan.

what size roasting pan for a 12 lb turkey

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.

Hestan Provisions 15-inch Classic Clad Roaster with Rack Now 20% Off

Wide, ergonomic handles
Flush rivets make it easy to clean
Durable tri-ply construction for even heating

On the heavy side

Our experts have been impressed by a lot of Hestans cookware. The is our top pick for best stainless steel cookware sets.

The Hestan Classic Clad Roaster has a tri-ply stainless-steel build with an aluminum core, so it conducts heat like a champ and is oven-safe up to 600˚F. Our GH+ member testers tout the roaster’s ergonomic handles, ease of cleaning (thanks to flush rivets) and heavy-duty craftsmanship that make the pan heirloom worthy.

The rack’s handles make it easy to pop the turkey out. The roasters exceptional heat conductivity means it performs well directly on any stovetop — including induction — for gravy-making, sauce-based reductions and searing. And the pan’s bent lip makes clean work of pouring. If you’re cooking a big bird, Hestans larger can hold turkeys up to 20 pounds.2Best Value Turkey Roasting Pan

Cooking & Kitchen Tips : How to Use a Turkey Roasting Pan

FAQ

How long should a 12 lb turkey take to cook?

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A simple way to calculate cooking time is to allow 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey.
For a stuffed turkey, allow 15 minutes per pound.
Check the temperature of the turkey about three quarters of the way through the cooking time, and then every 10 minutes after that.
The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part of the breast and thigh meat.

How big of a turkey will fit in a 22 quart roaster oven?

What is the largest turkey your standard roaster can hold? We recommend turkeys no larger than 20 pounds for all of our standard size roasters.

Can you cook a turkey in a 9×13 pan?

If you have a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish, you can make this work for smaller roasts like chicken or game hens. For a full-sized turkey, go with an oversized baking dish with relatively high sides.

How many people will a 12 lb turkey feed?