A roasting pan is one of those tools you use a few times a year, and badly need when you do. A sturdy pan with a rack lifts the bird out of its drippings so heat circulates for crisper skin, and gives you a solid base for making gravy afterward.
We compared size, rack design, materials, and handles across stainless steel pans built for turkey season.
What to Look For
- Size: A 16" pan handles a turkey of around 20 lb; measure your oven before buying anything larger.
- V-rack: A V-shaped rack holds poultry upright and lifts it out of the drippings.
- Material: Uncoated stainless steel is durable, oven- and stovetop-safe, and won't chip.
- Wall height: Taller walls catch splatter and drippings; lower walls brown vegetables better.
- Handles: Sturdy, wide handles matter when you're lifting a heavy, hot turkey.
Our Top Picks
TeamFar 16-Inch Stainless Steel Roasting Pan Set
TeamFar's 3-piece set includes the pan, a V-rack, and a flat cooling rack in uncoated stainless steel.
Deep sides handle a full turkey, and it doubles as a lasagna pan the rest of the year.
QPMR 16.5-Inch Roasting Pan with V-Rack
QPMR's 16.5" pan with V-rack is rated to hold up to 22 lb, giving you room for large holiday turkeys.
Heavy-duty stainless steel and dishwasher-safe cleanup.
HaSteeL 15.2-Inch Roasting Pan Set
HaSteeL bundles a stainless pan with a flat grate, a V-rack, and a basting brush.
A complete kit for first-time Thanksgiving hosts.
Tifanso Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Rack
Tifanso's 16.6 x 12.6" pan has 2.75" walls to contain grease, with a raised rack for even heat.
Good for fattier roasts like ham and duck.
How We Chose
We focused on uncoated stainless steel pans with racks, sized for whole turkeys, then compared included accessories, rack design, and wall height.
Bottom Line
TeamFar's 3-piece set is the best all-around roasting pan. QPMR is the pick for 20-plus-pound birds, and HaSteeL's kit has everything a first-time host needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size roasting pan do I need for a turkey?
A 16" pan fits most turkeys up to around 20 lb. Leave a couple of inches of clearance on each side of the oven for air circulation.
Do I need a rack in my roasting pan?
A rack lifts the bird out of its juices so the bottom browns instead of steaming, and makes lifting the turkey out easier.
Can you make gravy in a roasting pan?
Stainless pans can go on the stovetop, so you can deglaze the drippings right in the pan.
Is a disposable foil pan good enough?
It works in a pinch, but foil pans flex when lifted and brown less evenly. Support one on a baking sheet if you use it.
