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Posted: 2021-10-25T18:42:16Z | Updated: 2022-10-28T17:32:20Z The Best Roasting Pans To Buy For Thanksgiving Turkey And Beyond | HuffPost Life

The Best Roasting Pans To Buy For Thanksgiving Turkey And Beyond

Testers say these roasters with racks work really, really well.

If you eat or serve meat at Thanksgiving , you know the turkey is the grand centerpiece of it all , even if sides are what everyone actually loves eating the most. If the turkey goes wrong if it’s too dry, or unseasoned , or falls on the floor, or whatever other nightmare you can think of then the entire meal feels off.

Half the battle is knowing what size turkey you need and how long to cook your turkey per pound , and the other half is having the right tools like a roasting pan, that classic piece of holiday cookware that also comes in handy for all sorts of things, from roast beef or pork to ham to mac and cheese and lasagna. The glory of a roasting pan is that its rack allows you to set the meat up high and roast vegetables in its drippings below. And the pan can also go straight to the stovetop for searing or making gravy (provided it has a mostly flat bottom, something to keep an eye out for when shopping). Plus, unlike cheap disposable pans, good roasters won’t rip under the weight of your bird.

Although you can find roasting pans in a wide variety of shapes, materials and configurations, experts and testers say a few features are crucial: Tri-ply stainless steel, which typically has a middle layer of aluminum, browns foods much better than either plain or enameled stainless; the handles matter a lot, since you’re maneuvering and carrying a large, heavy and extremely hot dish; and the roasting rack should fit snugly enough that your turkey (or whatever you’re roasting) doesn’t slide around dangerously when you’re moving it in and out of the oven. Most experts recommend rectangular pans over oval types, since these typically line up better with the burners on your stove for gravy. 

(A note about size: The size given for a roasting pan typically reflects the pan’s interior, not necessarily its total length. For example, a 16-inch roasting pan may actually be 20 inches wide from handle to handle, so check the full dimensions and measure your oven before buying the pan you want so you can be certain it will fit. Keep in mind that if your pan is too large for your turkey, the drippings may burn, though covering the bottom of the pan with chopped vegetables can help with that.)

Here are the best roasting pans that testers have given their seal of approval:

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro tri-ply stainless 16-inch roaster
This roasting pan is winner for both America's Test Kitchen and Wirecutter . ATK noted that it seared meat without buckling or burning and gave veggies an even, golden-brown crust, while its flat bottom aided with deglazing. Wirecutter said it cooked more evenly than others in its price range, noting it could handle a 20-pound turkey. "We cant find another roasting pan that can sear as well on the stove and roast as evenly in the oven for under $100," its testers reported.
Viking 16-inch culinary roaster with two-piece carving set
ATK lists Viking's 16-inch tri-ply roaster among its recommendations, noting that although their pan is heavier than some others, it's also "handsome" and "durable." This version at Amazon, which can handle a turkey up to 25 pounds, comes with a matching carving knife and serving fork.
Cooks Standard 16-inch stainless steel roaster
This pan in the 14-inch size was America's Test Kitchen's "best buy" pick for small roasters with racks, but it no longer available. But this 16-inch size is made of the same materials, only two inches bigger, and may be all smaller households need (and prove to be a more versatile size year-round). Testers noted that although not made with tri-ply, the 14-inch model was thick enough to still retain and control heat well.
All-Clad HA1 hard-anodized nonstick roaster and rack
Consider this an expert pick by Amazon buyers, because this All-Clad hard-anodized nonstick roaster has an impressive 4.8-star rating from users and it's on sale right now as an early Black Friday deal. The 16-inch size is perfect for family-sized birds and vegetables, and the sleek, curved roaster has tall straight sides and double-riveted handles to make it both chic and heavy-duty, with all the quality you expect from All-Clad. It's oven-safe to 500 degrees and works with any stovetop, including induction.
Le Creuset stainless steel 14-inch roasting pan
This was an ATK winning recommendation for small roasting pans, based on the way it turned out "beautiful" browned food. The body is tri-ply, the V-shaped rack is nonstick, and unlike some others, this roaster works on induction cooktops. The smaller size will be versatile year-round.
All-Clad stainless steel flared roasting pan
The top performer in Wirecutter's tests , both in the oven and on the stovetop, is this premium roaster that's exclusive to Williams Sonoma. Testers praised it for producing the most golden, crispy skin and for the low, flared sides helping to disperse heat evenly. Some cooks prefer the flat rack, too, since it can be a bit more versatile for other cuts of meat. The only catch is that it's more expensive than others, leading Wirecutter to name it their "upgrade" pick.
A nonstick roasting rack to use with a rimmed baking sheet
If you don't have the budget or space for a roaster, don't panic: We've even roasted a turkey on rolled-up aluminum foil in a pinch. A better option, as Serious Eats points out , is to buy a rack like this one to use with a rimmed baking sheet you already have in your kitchen. Just be very, very careful when you're moving your bird to and from the oven, especially if you've got hot juices sloshing near the rim of your pan.

Before You Go

Things To Buy Before You Travel Again For The Holidays
A clamshell-style passport and vaccine card holder(01 of28)
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First things first: If you're traveling to a place that will require you to show your vaccine card often, you need to protect it. This PU leather holder has one flap that's perfect for your passport and another that will protect your vaccine card while keeping it visible.

Get it from Etsy for $10 (comes in 13 colors) or check out this version on Amazon for $9.98 that also has RFID blocking.
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Or a 5-pack of waterproof vaccine card protectors(02 of28)
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Want to take your vaccine card with you, but be confident it won't accidentally get roughed up? Grab a pack of these waterproof card protectors. With five in each pack, there's likely enough for everyone in the fam.

Get it from Amazon for $6.98.
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Packing cubes(03 of28)
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Packing cubes are the best trick for keeping yourself organized when away from home. Rather than rummaging through and undoing all your precious folding looking for socks, just pull out your sock cube! The three sizes in this set from packing cube experts Eagle Creek each come with a grab handle, compression, mesh windows so you can see what's inside each one and self-repairing zippers. They're also made from fabric that's both washable and water-resistant to you save you from spills .

Get it from Eagle Creek for $29.95 . (And if you love packing cubes with lots of structure, a set of the company's original packing cubes are available at Amazon for $23.40 and up .)
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A travel at-home COVID test that emails results for re-entry(04 of28)
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Will you be taking a return flight to the U.S., or going on a cruise? This FDA-approved at-home test meets the CDC's conditions for proving a negative result for certain types of travel. Simply purchase the kit, sign into the included virtual visit with an eMed professional who will observe and help you administer your test wherever you are, and you'll then receive third party verification of your results by email or app that you can present for re-entry.

Get a two-pack for $69.99 .
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Or at at-home rapid test for personal use(05 of28)
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If you're simply traveling to gather with friends or family and want to check your status before you arrive (as opposed to the need to provide results in order to travel or re-enter the country) you can get an FDA-approved but less expensive at-home rapid test. The BinaxNow test takes just about 15 minutes to swab your own nose and wait for results.

Get Abbotts BinaxNow test from stores including Walgreens for $23.99 , Walmart for $14 and Sams Club for $14 . It is also sometimes in stock at Amazon .

Other at-home options are also available, listed here.
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A luggage scale that saves so much money in the long run(06 of28)
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Avoid paying those nightmarish overweight luggage fees by weighing your bags before you leave home. Just hang your suitcase from this little scale, which can handle suitcases up to 110 pounds, and you'll know whether you need to adjust your packing while you can still do something about it.

Get it from Amazon for $13.32.
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Peak Design's wash pouch(07 of28)
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This Dopp kit/toiletry bag is so beautifully designed and satisfyingly constructed you'll probably want to use it at home, too. A magnetically sealed toothbrush pocket is the most thoughtful detail, but you'll also love the internal mesh pocks, lie-flat grab handle and the hanging hook that stows away when you prefer to set the bag upright. No space is wasted, so you'll be able to pack all you need without taking up extra space in your suitcase.

Get it from REI for $59.95 .
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A highly recommended travel backpack(08 of28)
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Travel backpacks have finally evolved past top-loading hiking gear that suggests you'll be spending your gap year in hostels. Today you can find them built more like wearable suitcases with roomy interiors, padded laptop compartments, built-in organizers and straps that detach or pack away in case you decide to check the bag rather than carry on. The Tortuga Setout comes in a luxe weatherproof fabric, is surprisingly comfortable to wear, holds more than you ever thought possible in a 22"x14"x9" carry-on thanks to its lack of wheel and handle structures, and will protect your laptop, tablet, keys and more. In fact, you have to be careful not to put too much in it so it doesn't get heavy.

Get it from Amazon in a men's torso fit or in a women's torso fit for $199 .

The Ebags Mother Lode travel backpack is less comfortable to wear for more than short periods of time, but expands beyond carry-on size when necessary. Check it out for $113.99.
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Or a hard-sided carry-on with spinner wheels(09 of28)
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Breeze through your trip with multi-directional wheels, an integrated TSA lock and an expansion zipper if you need it. Reviewers say this polycarbonate Samsonite Winfield 2 spinner is a great value for the money.

Get it from Amazon in brushed anthracite for $124 .
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A NIOSH-approved N95 mask you can purchase guilt-free(10 of28)
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These N95s are made by a Florida-based medical device company and have been certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health . You may want the extra level of protection when you're sitting in the airport boarding area, flying, traveling on a crowded train or taking a cab to your destination.

Get a five-pack from Amazon for $18.75.
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Or a pack of 10 KN95s(11 of28)
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These KN95 masks carry a stellar 4.5 rating on Amazon, with more than 20,000 people weighing in. They have elastic ear loops and an adjustable nose bridge, and, according the manufacturer, fit small and medium adult faces. Drop a few in a purse, carry-on or coat pocket so you feel ready for anything as you travel.

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
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A handheld steamer(12 of28)
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This foldable handheld steamer is great for small jobs and traveling (there's a storage bag for stashing it in your luggage). The cord is 8 feet long, and the steamer works both vertically and horizontally.

Get it from Amazon for $26.97.
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Individually packaged sanitizing wipes(13 of28)
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Whether you're in a car, train or plane, it's always nice to have some sanitizing wipes stashed away in your bag.

Get a box of 30 from Amazon for $6.66.
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A travel-sized face wash that'll work for just about anyone(14 of28)
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This creamy, foaming sulfate-free cleanser takes off makeup and sunscreen without your skin having to suffer for it. Antioxidants, aloe, glycerin and allantoin are great soothing inclusions, and this is also fragrance-free, so there's no needless irritation from a wash-off product that doesn't need to smell good anyway. At two ounces, the tube is a great way to try the product and breeze past those pesky TSA checkpoints at the same time.

Get it from Amazon for $11 or Sephora for $11 .
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A travel-sized deodorant(15 of28)
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You may scoff, but hear us out: If you're away for just a week or two, a full-sized deodorant is one of the biggest space-wasters you can pack in your toiletries bag -- most of the packaging is just air! And you definitely don't need the whole thing. Grab a travel-sized stick and be both lighter and smell-free as you fly.

Get it from Target for $1.29 .
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An inflatable kid's bed(16 of28)
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Tired of getting kicked by your own kid as you try to sleep together in a hotel or guest bed? This gives your children their very own fun sleeping space -- and its side bumpers will keep little ones from rolling out.

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 .
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An inexpensive folding travel hair dryer...(17 of28)
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Sometimes you just can't be sure your Aunt Sally's house, Airbnb or hotel is going to have a blow dryer. This 1600-watt Conair folds for easier portability and weighs just one pound.

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
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...Or an investment-worthy compact T3 dryer(18 of28)
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Of course, if your wet hair needs more oomph, this compact T3 is pretty, powerful and 30% smaller and 20% lighter than the company's beloved standard blowdryers. It weighs less than a pound (one of the only reasons to pay more for a hair dryer). You can use it on the road and at home.

Get it from Amazon for $149.99 in white and rose gold or graphite.
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A pair of comfy wool sneakers(19 of28)
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Need to hike through the airport without blisters but don't want your feet to freeze, either? Try these soft and cozy flexible Merino wool runners from Allbirds, which come with the added bonus of being machine washable. (And if warmth isn't a need, check out these other non-ugly shoes that are great for walking , too.)

Get it from Allbirds for $98 .
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Body wipes for staying fresh(20 of28)
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Why is it you can feel so dirty from just sitting in car or standing around in an airport? If you've got a long journey ahead, grab a pack of these wipes for a quick way to freshen up. Each big biodegradable, plant-based hypoallergenic wipe is individually wrapped so they stay fresh until you need them.

Get 10 for $9.99 or two packs of 10 for $18.99.
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A leather vaccine card holder with key ring(21 of28)
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Secure your card inside your luggage for safekeeping or carry it with you out on the town. Made of full grain genuine leather, this will hold a standard 4-inch by 3-inch vaccination card behind a protective clear plastic window.

Get it from Etsy for $12.99 in eight colors (personalization is also available).
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A neck-supporting travel pillow that won't take up too much space(22 of28)
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No matter how you're traveling, try this travel pillow, which is essentially a soft, washable fleece scarf with an ergonomic support for your neck inside. Although it doesn't pack completely flat, it does take up far less space than bulky U-shaped pillows.

Get it from Amazon in red, black, gray or coral for $29.99 .
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A waterproof Kindle Paperwhite(23 of28)
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One thing that will pack completely flat? A Kindle. It'll take up far less space than an actual book and fit in most purses. Plus, the illuminated screen will help you read in a dark plane or bright car, and you can buy more books on the go if you're choice for the trip turns out to be boring. It's also waterproof, so you won't have to worry about spills or dropping it in the bath.

Get it from Amazon for $84.99 .
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A drawstring makeup bag and organizer(24 of28)
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This barrel-style toiletries pouch has internal mesh pockets for organizing your products; then, when they're all in, you can simply cinch the top to keep everything secure. It's made of nylon fabric that won't be ruined by spills and comes with a mini zipper storage bag and brush bag, too.

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (comes in multiple colors).
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A portable air compressor for your tires(25 of28)
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If you're setting out on an 8-hour road trip to Grandma's house, you should check your tire pressure first and add air if you need it. Although you can do this at a gas station, you'll probably need quarters, and what if you don't have any handy (or you need air with no gas station for miles)? It's easy enough to do at home and on the road with this portable machine that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter. It will also blow up bicycle tires, balls and inflatables, too.

Get it from Amazon for $28.49.
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Blister bandages in several skin tones(26 of28)
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These breathable bandages both prevent and treat blisters you might get from a miles-long airport terminal or some unexpected sightseeing -- and they come in multiple skin tones.

Get it from Amazon for $8.12+ (availble in various styles).
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A leather travel jewelry case(27 of28)
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Use this roll-up case's three velvet-lined compartments to sort and store your jewelry and trinkets as you travel.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 in white or gray.
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A packable lightweight puffer jacket(28 of28)
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This will be especially handy if you're going from a warmer place to a colder one: This full-zip water-resistant washable puffy packs up into its own carrying bag with a drawstring to take up less room in your luggage.

Get it from Amazon for $39-$41.80 (comes in 23 colors) .
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