What Size Roasting Pan Do You Need for Your Turkey?

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how to cook the star of your holiday table – the turkey! While there are many factors that go into roasting the perfect bird, an important first step is ensuring you have the right size roasting pan. I’ll walk through how to determine the ideal pan size based on your turkey weight and oven dimensions.

How Big of a Roasting Pan for Your Turkey?

When selecting a roasting pan, you first need to consider the weight of the turkey you plan to cook. Here are some general guidelines on required roasting pan sizes based on turkey weights

• Turkeys up to 12 pounds – Use a 14-inch roasting pan
• Turkeys 12 to 16 pounds – Go with a 16-inch roasting pan
• Turkeys 16 to 20 pounds – Choose an 18-inch roasting pan

So for example, if you have a 15 pound turkey, you’ll want to use a 16-inch roasting pan.

While those sizes work for most birds, it’s still smart to double check the size by measuring your turkey. Make sure to account for extra girth if it’s stuffed. Allow around 3 inches of space around the bird for optimal air circulation.

If your pan is too small, it restricts airflow which can lead to uneven cooking. But too large and the juices may burn. The closer the match between turkey and pan size, the better.

Consider Roasting Pan Depth

Another important factor is depth. Look for a roasting pan around 2 to 3 inches deep. This provides enough room for the drippings without overflowing.

Shallow pans under 2 inches deep can cause messy spills. While pans over 4 inches deep may end up steaming the turkey rather than roasting it evenly.

Factor in Your Oven Size

It’s critical to take oven dimensions into consideration when selecting a roasting pan.

Measure the interior width and depth of your oven. Then compare to the size of roasting pan options, accounting for handles.

You want at least 1 inch of clearance on all sides for proper airflow. If the roasting pan length or handles extend beyond your oven size, this can lead to uneven cooking.

Additional Features to Look For

Here are some other helpful features to look for in a roasting pan:

• Roasting rack – This will elevate your turkey from the drippings for crispy skin.

• Heavy duty handles – Enable easy maneuvering of the heavy loaded pan. Check reviews for any handle issues.

• Nonstick surface – Simplifies cleanup after the big meal.

• Stainless steel material – Allows even heating and is easy to clean. Avoid aluminum which can react with acidic ingredients.

Top Roasting Pans for Turkey

Based on size requirements and handy features, here are top recommended roasting pans for turkeys:

• Cuisinart 16” Roasting Pan – Aluminum pan with rack. Handles up to 16 pound turkey.

• Calphalon Stainless Steel Roasting Pan – Heavy gauge steel construction and sturdy handles. Includes nonstick roasting rack.

• Farberware 15” Roasting Pan – Budget friendly aluminum set under $30. Fits turkeys up to 12 lbs.

• KitchenAid Roasting Pan – Durable stainless steel pan with long handles for easy grasping.

• Circulon Nonstick Roasting Pan – U-shaped rack keeps turkey elevated over nonstick surface for easy cleaning.

Get Ready to Roast!

With the right size high quality roasting pan for your kitchen, you’re all set to cook the star turkey for your Thanksgiving table. Follow standard roasting times and temperatures based on the weight. Soon your home will be filled with incredible aromas and your family ready to feast. Enjoy this special holiday centered around sharing delicious food and creating memories. Happy Thanksgiving!