A roasting pan earns its counter space in about two minutes of use. Set the bird on the rack, push the pan into a hot oven, and an hour later you have a browned roast, a tray of softened vegetables underneath it, and a pool of drippings you can turn into gravy without scrubbing a second pan.
The problem is that most roasting pans look identical on a shelf and behave nothing alike. A shallow sheet pan with a flimsy wire rack is not a holiday turkey roaster, and a heavy stainless roaster that warps on a burner is no fun for deglazing fond. We compared ten roasting pans with racks, reading every published specification, and cross-checking what reviewers actually say after months of use rather than after one meal.
If you cook on induction, size matters as much as anything else, and our notes on induction cooktops for large pans are worth a read before you buy. Pan weight, flat base contact, and magnetic base layers decide whether your new roaster even registers on the burner.
Below you will find the ten pans we recommend for 2026, ranked by how well each one handles a real roast, a real oven, and a real sink. Every measurement quoted here comes from the manufacturer’s own published listing, and every performance claim comes from the review record rather than from the marketing copy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Roasting Pans with Racks in 2026
Circulon 17-Inch Nonstick Roaster
- 17 x 13-inch nonstick body
- U-shaped rack
- 450°F rating
- limited lifetime warranty
Farberware 11 x 15-Inch Roaster
- Chrome-plated flat rack
- PFAS and PFOA free
- 450°F
- warp-resistant steel
GoodCook 15 x 10.5-Inch Pan and Rack
- Raised wire rack
- PFOA-free nonstick
- dishwasher safe
- 1.9 lb body
Best Roasting Pans with Racks (October 2026)
All ten pans below ship with a rack in the box. The differences are in the pan body, the rack shape, and how honestly the listing states its temperature and stovetop limits.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Circulon 17-Inch Nonstick Roaster with U-Rack |
|
Check Latest Price |
| GoodCook 15 x 10.5-Inch Pan with Raised Wire Rack |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Farberware 11 x 15-Inch Nonstick Roaster with Flat Rack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Cuisinart 16-Inch Stainless Steel Roaster with Rack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Chicago Metallic 13.5 x 9.5-Inch Nonstick Roaster |
|
Check Latest Price |
 P&P CHEF 16-Inch Stainless Set with Two Racks |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Rachael Ray 16.5-Inch Roaster with Reversible Rack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Cooks Standard 14 x 12-Inch Heavy-Gauge Stainless Roaster |
|
Check Latest Price |
 E-far 16 x 11.5-Inch Stainless Roaster with Two Racks |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Kendane 15.5-Inch Stainless Roaster with V-Rack |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Circulon 17-Inch Nonstick Roaster with U-Rack
Circulon Total Bakeware Nonstick Roaster, Roasting Pan with Rack, 17-Inch x 13-Inch, Gray
17 x 13 x 3.8 inch alloy steel
Oven safe to 450°F
3.2 pounds
U-rack included
Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- U-shaped rack lifts meat for even browning
- Nonstick surface releases food and wipes clean
- Steel construction spreads heat evenly
- Wide handles grip well with oven mitts
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Nonstick coating can bubble if pushed to the 450°F limit
- 17 x 13 inch footprint is oversized for many ovens
- Sized around a 20 pound turkey
This is the pan we keep reaching for first, and it carries the largest review base of anything we tested. At 17 by 13 inches with 3.8 inch walls, it holds a 20 pound turkey with room left over for a bed of onions and carrots, which is exactly the arrangement you want for drippings.
The U-shaped rack is the part that matters most. It lifts a bird far enough off the pan bottom that air moves underneath instead of steaming the skin, and the walls are deep enough that a 20 pound turkey does not spit fat across your oven door. Reviewers consistently single out the rack as the reason the pan performs well rather than the coating.
Two details deserve attention before you commit. First, this is alloy steel, not tri-ply, so it heats fast and holds shape but does not distribute heat the way a clad pan does. Second, the listed maximum temperature of 450°F is a real number, and the most common complaint we found is that owners who roast at that ceiling see the nonstick coating bubble or peel over time.
Our advice is to run this pan at 425°F for most roasts and save the top of the range for short finishing bursts. The 3.2 pound weight is on the light side for a pan this size, which makes lifting a heavy bird out far easier than with a 6 or 7 pound stainless roaster.
Will it fit your oven and your bird
Measure the oven cavity before ordering. At 17 by 13 inches, this pan needs a full-size wall oven and a deep cavity, and buyers report it will not clear a smaller apartment range. If your oven is tight, step down to the Farberware or Chicago Metallic models instead.
The listed capacity of 24 pounds is a manufacturer figure, but the useful number from the review record is closer to a 20 pound turkey. Anything heavier and the bird touches the walls, which blocks airflow and steams the skin instead of browning it.
When to skip it
Skip this pan if you cook on induction and need the pan to move to a burner for gravy, because nothing in the listing states stovetop compatibility and the nonstick coating has no business over a high flame for long. It is also the wrong choice if you want an uncoated surface that can take a wire brush or metal scouring without worry.
Long-term durability is the other tradeoff. Nonstick roasters of this type look great for a few seasons and then the coating dulls. If you expect to keep a pan for a decade, a stainless roaster will outlast it comfortably.
2. GoodCook 15 x 10.5-Inch Nonstick Pan with Raised Wire Rack
GoodCook Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan & Raised Wire Rack, 15×10.5-Inch
15 x 10.5 x 1 inch steel
Rack rated to 410°F, pan to 450°F
1.9 pounds
Dishwasher safe
PFOA-free coating
Pros
- Raised wire rack holds food above grease for crisping
- Nonstick on both pan and rack
- Lightweight at 1.9 pounds
- Dishwasher safe
- Rack works standalone for cooling or glazing
Cons
- Wire rack is flimsy and prone to sticking and rust
- Shallower and smaller than a half-sheet pan
- Rack temperature limit is below the pan's
Be clear about what this is. The GoodCook set is a sheet pan with a raised wire crisper, not a deep roasting pan, and treating it as a turkey roaster is the mistake most buyers make. At 1 inch deep and 15 by 10.5 inches, it is built for bacon, wings, vegetables, and small cuts.
Used for what it is actually designed to do, it is genuinely versatile. The raised wire rack sits above the pan bottom so fat drains away from the food, which is exactly what you want for crisp skin, and the inner rim holds the rack in place so it does not slide when you pull the pan from a hot oven.
The two temperature numbers in the listing matter and are easy to miss. The pan is oven safe to 450°F, but the rack is rated only to 410°F. Push the rack past that and the coating on the wire gives up, which connects to the single most common complaint in the reviews: the wire rack is the weak component in an otherwise capable set.
Reviewers report the rack flexing under weight, sticking to food as its coating wears, and showing rust after a handful of dishwasher cycles. The pan itself draws almost no complaints, and at 1.9 pounds it is light enough to pull from a hot oven one-handed.
Where this pan earns its place
This is the pick for weeknight cooking rather than holidays. Chicken wings, a sheet of Brussels sprouts, a rack of sausages, and a pan of roasted vegetables all come out well, and the cleanup is as simple as it gets with both pieces dishwasher safe.
It also works as a second piece for a larger meal. If you are roasting a turkey in a deep roaster, this pan handles the vegetable course or the rolls without asking you to wash between dishes.
What you give up
You give up depth, capacity, and rack durability all at once. The 1 inch walls will not contain a 20 pound bird, and a pan that is smaller than a standard half-sheet means crowded racks and uneven browning on a large batch.
Buy this pan for crisping, not for roasting a whole holiday meal. And if rust appears on the wire after a few cycles, the correct response is a hand wash and dry cycle from here on rather than another trip through the dishwasher.
3. Farberware 11 x 15-Inch Nonstick Roaster with Flat Rack
Farberware Bakeware Nonstick Roaster, Roasting Pan with Rack, Gray
16 x 11.25 x 2.25 inch alloy steel
450°F maximum temperature
3 pounds
Made without PFAS or PFOA
Chrome-plated flat rack
Pros
- Removable chrome rack lifts meat so fat drips away
- Steel body resists warping over years
- Dual-riveted stainless handles stay secure
- Made without PFAS
- PFOA
- lead or cadmium
- Dependable everyday roaster
Cons
- 11 x 15 interior is small for a large turkey
- 2.25 inch walls offer little roasting space
- Flat rack gives less airflow than a V-rack
The Farberware is the value pick, and the value is easy to measure. It is a full roaster with a removable rack, dual-riveted stainless handles, and a nonstick interior, and it holds a 4.6 star average across more than 7,500 reviews.
At 11 by 15 inches internally, this is a bird-for-four pan. The review record is consistent and specific about that limit: buyers use it for chickens, pork shoulder, a small holiday turkey, and an impressive amount of vegetables, but they do not expect it to swallow a 20 pound bird.
Two specification details are worth knowing. The listing states the pan is made without PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium, which matters if you cook at high heat often and prefer to avoid coating concerns entirely. The 2.25 inch side walls are low, so this pan contains less splatter than a deep roaster and gives you less room to nestle aromatics alongside the meat.
The handles are the part owners praise most after the coating. They are wide, stainless, and attached with two rivets each, and a welded handle would have been the point of failure on a pan that regularly carries a hot bird.
Does it earn a place in your kitchen
If you cook for two to six people most weeks, this is a very good pan. It is the size of a small chicken, so a whole bird plus a tray of vegetables is a realistic meal rather than an aspiration.
It is also a strong second roaster for a holiday, because you can roast the turkey in a larger pan and the casseroles and side dishes in this one. The nonstick interior also means a cooking spray is optional and a soak is usually enough.
Where it falls short
The flat rack gives less circulation than a V-shaped rack, and with walls at 2.25 inches the juices splatter more than reviewers like. Both are manageable with a sheet of foil beneath the rack.
If your holiday bird is 16 pounds or heavier, skip this and go larger. Spending a few dollars more on a pan that fits the bird is cheaper than serving a turkey that did not brown properly because the pan was too tight.
4. Cuisinart 16-Inch Stainless Steel Roaster with Rack
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Roasting Pan w/Rack, Stainless, 16″, 7117-16UR
16.8 x 12.8 x 3.4 inch interior
21.1 inch width with handles and rack
Induction compatible
7 pounds
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- 16 inch interior holds a 20+ pound turkey with room for vegetables
- Uncoated stainless surface with nothing to flake
- Rack with handles elevates meat and drains fat
- Dishwasher safe and cleans up well
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Steel is thinner than premium rivals and can flex
- Handles add several inches of width
- No lid included so foil is needed to tent a roast
This is the runner-up, and it is the one to buy if you cook on induction. It is the only pan in our set whose listing explicitly states induction compatibility, and it pairs a 16.8 by 12.8 inch interior with a rack that has its own handles for lifting a heavy bird out.
Buyers consistently make the same point about value: this pan does everything a far more expensive roaster does, and nobody misses the coating because there is no coating. The 731 cubic inch capacity and 16 inch interior hold a 20 pound plus turkey with space around it for vegetables.
The honest weakness is steel gauge. The listing does not claim a heavy-gauge or clad build, and a minority of reviews report the pan flexing under a large bird. At 7 pounds it is also the heaviest roaster we tested, so lifting it out of a hot oven full of drippings is a two-hand job.
Measure twice on width. The pan measures 16.8 by 12.8 inches, but with the handles and the rack in place the listing gives 21.1 by 12.8 by 5.8 inches. That figure is the one that tells you whether it will clear your oven and your cabinet.
Why induction cooks should look here first
Induction depends on a magnetic base layer, and manufacturers rarely bother to say whether one exists. The Cuisinart listing states it plainly, and the flat stainless base sits well on a burner, which means you can pull the pan off the oven and deglaze the fond on the cooktop without a separate saucepan.
The lifetime warranty is also the strongest in this group. For a pan that will live in your kitchen for two decades, that is a meaningful difference from a one-year replacement policy.
What to watch out for
There is no lid, so if you want to keep a large breast from drying out you will be tenting with foil. That is a minor inconvenience but it is a real difference from a covered roaster.
The other caution is handling. Seven pounds plus a turkey plus a full pan of drippings is heavy, and the riveted handles are the only thing between you and a hot drop. Get mitts with full coverage rather than thin dish towels.
5. Chicago Metallic 13.5 x 9.5-Inch Nonstick Roaster
Chicago Metallic Roasting Pan with Rack – 9.5 Inch
13.5 x 9.5 x 2.25 inch carbon steel
0.4 mm steel gauge
Oven safe to 450°F
1.2 pounds
25-year limited warranty
Pros
- Compact footprint fits most standard ovens
- Nonstick on interior
- exterior and rack
- Fold-out rack handles simplify lifting
- Dishwasher and metal utensil safe
- 25-year limited warranty
Cons
- Interior is too compact for a whole turkey
- Nonstick needs care with high heat and metal utensils
The Chicago Metallic is the small-pan answer, and its 25-year limited warranty is one of the strongest coverage terms in this group. At 13.5 by 9.5 inches and 1.2 pounds, it is the lightest roaster we looked at and the easiest to lift one-handed with mitts.
What makes it interesting technically is the 0.4 mm carbon steel gauge, which is specified explicitly. That thickness is the reason it resists warping at 450°F, and the all-over nonstick coating, applied to the interior, the exterior, and the rack, means the whole set wipes down.
The flat rack has fold-out handles, a small detail that solves a real problem. Instead of tongs and a towel, you get a grip, and a whole chicken or a rack of ribs comes out of a hot oven with far less risk of dropping.
Size is the entire limitation. The listing gives an inner surface of 12.75 by 9.875 inches, and reviewers are consistent that this is a pan for chicken, casseroles, vegetables, and small cuts rather than a whole turkey.
Best uses for a compact roaster
A whole chicken, a pork tenderloin, a small batch of roasted vegetables, or a fish fillet. The 2.25 inch walls hold enough juices for a pan sauce without a lid, and the 5 pound listed capacity matches that scale.
It is also the right roaster for a second oven or a small kitchen where a 17 inch pan simply will not fit. Because it weighs 1.2 pounds, it is a good choice for anyone who finds a full stainless roaster uncomfortable to handle.
Where it will not work
It will not take a whole turkey, and trying means a bird hanging over the rim. If Thanksgiving is the reason you are shopping, this is the wrong pan and you should not let the warranty sway you.
Because the coating is nonstick, treat the metal utensil safe claim as permission rather than advice. A silicone or wood tool costs nothing and keeps the surface intact, and cooking at 450°F constantly will shorten the coating’s life no matter which brand you buy.
6. P&P CHEF 16-Inch Stainless Set with Two Racks
P&P CHEF 16″ Roasting Pan with Racks, Stainless Steel Roaster Turkey Pan
15.25 x 11.5 x 5.5 inch stainless
15.3 x 10.8 inch baking area
3.75 inch deep rim
Oven safe to 500°F
5.5 pounds
Pros
- Two racks
- a V-rack for roasting and a flat rack for resting or baking
- All stainless with welded wire racks and no coating
- Deep 3.75 inch sides contain sauces
- 500°F oven rating
- Light enough for many users to handle
Cons
- Listed size includes handles so the true interior is smaller
- Some steel needs scrubbing to remove factory residue
- Interior suits birds up to roughly 20 pounds
The P&P CHEF set is the one to buy if roasting two things at once appeals to you. It includes a V-shaped rack for the meat and a flat baking rack for vegetables, a second pan, or resting roasted meat while you carve.
Reviewers call this the value pick, and the reason is simple arithmetic. You get three stainless pieces, a 3.75 inch deep rim that genuinely contains gravy-heavy roasts, and a 500°F rating, which is the joint highest in this group alongside the Cooks Standard.
There is a size caveat you should read twice. The headline says 16 inch, but the listing states the item measures 15.25 by 11.5 by 5.5 inches including lips and handles, and the usable baking area is 15.3 by 10.8 inches. That is a real pan for an 18 to 20 pound bird, not a 25 pound one.
One other note from the reviews: some buyers find the steel needs a scrub with a abrasive pad to remove factory residue before the first use. It is a ten-minute job and it produces noticeably better browning afterward.
What two racks actually buy you
The V-rack elevates the bird so drippings fall clear and air moves underneath, which is what you want under a turkey. The flat rack lets you roast a tray of vegetables at the same temperature, at the same time, without the vegetables sitting in a pool of fat.
It also solves the awkward part of a holiday meal. A flat rack is a proper resting surface, so the bird can sit while you carve without juices running across the counter.
What to watch
The dimension gap between the advertised and usable size annoys buyers more than any other complaint. Measure your bird and your oven before ordering, and treat the 15.3 by 10.8 inch baking area as the number that matters.
Deep sides are not universally good. A 3.75 inch rim contains splatter, but it also traps more steam around a small cut, so leave the V-rack in a high position for a pork shoulder and a lower one for a bird you want to crisp.
7. Rachael Ray 16.5-Inch Roaster with Reversible Hi-Lo Rack
Rachael Ray Nonstick Roasting Pan with Rack
16.5 x 13.5 x 3.5 inch nonstick roaster
Reversible hi-lo roasting rack
Holds up to 20 pounds
Oven safe to 450°F
3.7 pounds
Pros
- Reversible rack roasts high or low to suit the cut
- Large 16.5 x 13.5 inch pan handles 20 pound birds
- Wide handles stay comfortable with bulky mitts
- Works for lasagna and casseroles too
- Nonstick interior simplifies cleanup
Cons
- Nonstick coating degrades at high heat like any coating
- Two-height design is not a fixed V-rack shape
The Rachael Ray set solves a problem other racks create. A fixed V-rack forces one height for every job, and that height is wrong for at least half of what you will cook. A reversible rack flips so you can choose a low position for a small roast or a high position to roast vegetables underneath a bird.
At 16.5 by 13.5 by 3.5 inches with a 20 pound capacity, this is one of the larger nonstick roasters in the group, and owners consistently praise the size and the grip. The handles are wide enough to stay comfortable when you are wearing thick oven mitts and holding a full pan.
The 450°F rating applies to the pan. Nothing in the listing states a separate rating for the rack, so if you intend to finish a bird under the broiler, check the rack before you do it. Every nonstick roaster in this group has the same limitation, and it is the coating rather than the metal that gives out first.
At 3.7 pounds it is noticeably lighter than the 5.5 to 7 pound stainless roasters in this group, which matters when you are moving a pan full of hot drippings.
When the reversible rack earns its cost
Use the high position for a turkey, where you want vegetables underneath and air moving all the way around the bird. Use the low position for a pork loin or a fish fillet that you want to sit close to the element and crisp.
It is also the most flexible pan here for non-roast duties. Owners use it for lasagna and casseroles, which is a fair test of a pan’s rim height and handle strength, and the 3.5 inch depth gives you room for a thick bake.
What to watch
The tradeoff is that a two-height rack is less rigid than a fixed V or a wire shelf, so very heavy birds can rock slightly. If you routinely roast above 20 pounds, a stiffer rack in a heavier pan is the better tool.
Coating care is the other point. Wash it by hand with a soft sponge, avoid the dishwasher if you can, and expect a nonstick roaster to need replacing in four to six years of regular use.
8. Cooks Standard 14 x 12-Inch Heavy-Gauge Stainless Roaster
Cooks Standard Classic 14 x 12 Inch Stainless Steel Roaster Pan with V-Shaped Rack, Turkey Roasting Pan with Rack, Large Capacity, Oven and Dishwasher Safe
18/10 heavy-gauge stainless steel
14 x 11 inch interior, 3 inch high
Oven safe to 500°F
6.5 pounds
1-year replacement warranty
Pros
- Heavy-gauge 18/10 stainless gives even heat and durability
- V-shaped rack leaves room for vegetables underneath
- Flat bottom works on gas
- electric
- glass and ceramic
- 500°F rating and convection friendly
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not induction compatible
- 14 x 11 inch interior is modest for a large turkey
- 6.5 pound weight is substantial
The Cooks Standard carries the highest average rating in our set, and the reason is visible in the specification: 18/10 heavy-gauge stainless steel. Gauge is what separates a roaster that stays flat for a decade from one that buckles, and this one is built heavier than most of its price peers.
The V-shaped rack is properly shaped rather than a flat wire grid, so it holds a bird at an angle and leaves usable space beneath it. Reviewers highlight that space and the flat bottom, which is the part that matters if you move the pan to a burner to make gravy.
Two disclosures are worth reading carefully. The interior is 14 by 11 inches at 3 inches high, and the edge-to-edge figure is 15 by 12 inches, widening to 5.4 inches with the handles. That interior suits a turkey in the mid-teens rather than a very large bird.
The listing also states the pan is not induction compatible. If you have an induction cooktop and you want to deglaze fond in the roasting pan, this pan will not work for you, and the Cuisinart is the alternative.
Why heavy gauge matters for gravy
When you pour drippings and a splash of water into a hot pan to lift the fond, the pan absorbs energy rapidly. Thin single-layer steel flexes and can scorch the fond as it heats unevenly, which turns a good pan sauce bitter. Heavier steel spreads that heat across the base and reduces scorching.
This pan is also oven safe to 500°F and fits convection ovens, so it takes a high-heat finish without complaint. Uncoated stainless has no temperature ceiling below the melting point of the metal in normal kitchen use.
Where it falls short
Six and a half pounds is heavy, and buyers with limited strength mention it directly. A full pan of this weight, with a bird on the rack, is a two-hand lift and you need full-coverage mitts.
The warranty is the weakest here too. Cooks Standard offers a one-year hassle-free replacement rather than a limited lifetime warranty, so this is a pan you expect to keep for years on the strength of the steel rather than on a promise.
9. E-far 16 x 11.5-Inch Stainless Roaster with Two Racks
E-far Roasting Pan, 16 x 11.5 Inch Stainless Steel Turkey Roaster with V-shaped & Flat Rack, Non-toxic & Heavy Duty Deep Broiling Pan, Dishwasher Safe – Large
16 x 11.5 x 3.75 inch stainless
3.75 inch deep sides
Two racks, V-shaped and flat
Upright riveted handles
Not induction compatible
Pros
- Two racks
- a V-rack for the bird and a flat rack for vegetables
- Deep 3.75 inch sides handle duck and goose
- Upright handles fit tight ovens
- Stainless only with no coating to scratch
- Reports of three-plus years without degradation
Cons
- Flat baking rack is somewhat wobbly
- Empty pan is heavy for some users
- Not induction compatible
The E-far is the deep-sides pick, and for a greasy bird that is the whole point. At 3.75 inches, the sides are among the tallest in this group, and reviewers who bought it as a disposable foil pan replacement keep coming back to that it contains a duck or a goose without a single wipe of the oven door.
Two racks are included. The V-rack takes the bird, and the flat rack handles vegetables or cooling, which makes this the second two-rack set in the group alongside the P&P CHEF.
The handle design is the quiet advantage here. They are riveted and upright rather than wide and flat, and owners with older ovens mention that the straight profile saves width, which matters in a vintage 17 inch cavity where a flared handle would not clear the walls.
Long-term reports are the best in this group. Multiple buyers describe three-plus years of use without degradation, which is what you expect from a fully stainless pan with no coating to fail.
Best for fatty birds and tight ovens
Duck, goose, a heavily marinated pork shoulder, or a rack of ribs that render a lot of fat. Deep sides also help when you want to add liquid for a rough-fried or braised finish, because the pan holds it rather than evaporating it across the floor.
It suits a 20 pound bird, and the 16 by 11.5 inch footprint sits between the very large nonstick roasters and the more compact stainless ones.
What to watch
The flat baking rack is the most criticized component, described as wobbly under load. Use it for vegetables and cooling, which it handles fine, rather than for a heavy cut of meat where rigidity matters.
At roughly 6 pounds empty, this is another pan that buyers with limited strength call out. It is not induction compatible either, so gravy goes into a separate saucepan on an induction cooktop.
10. Kendane 15.5-Inch Stainless Roaster with V-Rack
15 Inch Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Cooling Rack
15.5 x 11.7 x 3.7 inch stainless
V-shaped baking rack plus cooling rack
Food-grade stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
4.8 pounds
Pros
- Generous cavity for larger roasts at this size
- Deep sides with a V-rack and a cooling rack included
- Food-grade stainless that will not react with food
- Large riveted handles stay attached
- Dishwasher safe and easy to hand-wash
Cons
- Mixed feedback on finish quality and long-term durability
- Not described as induction compatible
- V-rack is not removable separately
The Kendane is the first stainless roaster most people meet, and on paper it covers the basics well. At 15.5 by 11.7 by 3.7 inches with a 3.7 inch deep body, it gives you more cavity than several more expensive pans in this roundup.
You get a V-shaped baking rack and a separate cooling rack, so the set covers roasting, baking, and cooling without a second purchase. The stainless steel is described as food-grade and will not react with acidic marinades, which matters if you brine or use a citrus or wine-based rub.
The honest framing is that this is an entry-level pan and the review record reflects that. Its 4.4 average is the lowest in our test group, and the reviews describe more mixed feedback on finish quality and long-term durability than they do for the premium brands.
One practical limitation: the V-rack is not removable separately for stovetop use. You cannot lift the rack out and set a pan directly on a burner with this setup, so making gravy means removing the rack or working around it.
What it does well for the money
Deep sides, a V-rack, a cooling rack, and riveted handles at 4.8 pounds. For a first roasting pan for a household that roasts a chicken most weeks and a turkey a few times a year, the feature list is complete.
It is also available in 13, 15, 16, 18, and 19 inch versions, so if the 15.5 inch cavity is not right for your bird you are not stuck, you are choosing a different size of the same design.
Where it falls short
Finish quality is where the reviews diverge. A mirror-satin surface is harder to keep looking new, and some owners report visible wear and pitting after a couple of years of regular use, which is normal for a lighter-gauge stainless pan.
If you want a pan that stays flat under a heavy bird and lasts twenty years, the Cooks Standard or Cuisinart is the safer bet. Choose the Kendane when you want a good, simple roaster without a large commitment.
How to Choose a Roasting Pan with a Rack
Most disappointing roasting pans are not bad pans. They are the wrong pan for the size of the bird, the wrong rack for the cut, or the wrong construction for the burner you own. These are the five things to check before you order.
Can it go on the stovetop for gravy
Making gravy is the reason many people buy a roasting pan at all, and it requires a pan that can move from a 425°F oven to a burner. A wide flat base and a construction that spreads heat are what prevent the fond from scorching as you deglaze.
Only one pan in this roundup states induction compatibility. For gas, electric, glass, and ceramic cooktops, the Cooks Standard explicitly lists a flat bottom that works on all four. For the rest, treat stovetop use as unconfirmed and check the listing, because a nonstick coating over a high flame is a poor combination regardless of the pan.
If you want to start from the appliance side, our guide to induction cooktops for large pans covers the base-layer and weight limits that decide which roasters will even register on a burner.
V-rack or flat rack
A V-rack or U-shaped rack holds a bird at an angle and creates real clearance underneath, which is where your vegetables go and where air circulates. A flat rack is a simple grid that holds food above the drippings and works well for smaller cuts, ribs, and a whole fish.
The trade is airflow against capacity. A V-rack uses less of the pan floor but gives the roast better circulation. A flat rack uses the whole footprint and gives a small cut excellent airflow with nothing wasted.
The reversible hi-lo rack in the Rachael Ray set is a third option, and it is the most adaptable: one rack, two heights, one decision at the cooktop instead of two racks in the sink.
Matching pan size to bird size
The rule of thumb most kitchens land on is roughly 18 inches of pan length for a 20 pound turkey, and you want at least an inch of clearance on each side so hot air can move. A bird touching the walls will not brown properly, and a pan far larger than the bird leaves drippings burning in the corners.
Read the interior dimensions, not the headline number. Several listings in this roundup quote a size that includes handles and lips, and the actual baking area can be an inch or two narrower in each direction.
Match the depth too. Three inches is a useful middle: deep enough to contain juices and splatter, shallow enough not to trap steam around a small cut. Below 2.5 inches you get splatter, and well above four inches you get steaming unless the rack sits high.
Material and coating
Uncoated stainless steel is the durable choice. Nothing flakes into food, it tolerates high heat, metal utensils, and the dishwasher, and it can be scrubbed. Its one weakness is that fond sticks more readily, which is why a roasting pan used for gravy benefits from heavy gauge.
Nonstick steel is the easy choice. Food releases cleanly and cleanup takes minutes, which is the whole reason it dominates holiday cookware. The cost is a temperature ceiling, a ban on abrasives, and a replacement cycle measured in years rather than decades.
Carbon steel and enamel sit in between. Carbon steel is lighter, cheaper, and takes heat beautifully once seasoned, and it is the most responsive of the three for a hard sear. Enamel-on-steel gives you a nonstick-smooth surface that will not chip, but enamel is not for the stovetop and does not tolerate thermal shock.
If coating exposure is a concern for you, note that the Farberware and the Chicago Metallic both state explicitly that they are made without PFAS and PFOA, and the GoodCook listing carries the same claim.
Handles, warranty, and oven fit
Riveted handles beat welded handles for a pan that carries a hot bird, and every stainless roaster in this group uses rivets. Wide flat handles are easier to grip with bulky oven mitts, while upright riveted handles save width in a narrow oven. Check the width with handles, not without, before you order.
Warranty length is a reasonable proxy for expected service life. The Chicago Metallic carries a 25-year limited warranty, the Circulon, Cuisinart, and GoodCook listings reference limited lifetime coverage, and the Cooks Standard offers one year. None of those promises replace a well-made pan, but a longer warranty does signal manufacturer confidence in the steel and the coating.
Cleaning and Care for Roasting Pans and Racks
Cleaning a roasting pan is not difficult, but the method depends entirely on the surface. Using the wrong one is what shortens the life of a good pan and leaves you with a bare, sticky pan by year three.
For nonstick roasters, hand wash with a soft sponge and warm water, dry the coating over low heat, and skip the dishwasher. Abrasive pads strip nonstick, and stacking pans in a dishwasher rack is the fastest way to scratch a surface. Wipe out excess fat while the pan is still warm and the job takes two minutes.
For stainless steel, let the pan cool enough to handle, then fill it with hot water and a spoonful of dish soap and leave it for twenty minutes. The loosened fond comes off with a non-scratch pad, and a paste of baking soda or a stainless-specific cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend will take off the grey bloom that heat leaves behind. That rainbow tint reviewers sometimes notice is cosmetic, and vinegar brings it off too.
Racks need separate attention. Food burns into the wire corners, which is the most common complaint we saw across the whole set, and a stiff brush or a soaked sponge is more effective than a dishwasher cycle. Stainless wire racks can go in the dishwasher. Coated wire racks should not, because the coating is what fails first.
Dry everything completely before storing. Trapped moisture under a rack is how a stainless wire rack ends up with rust spots, and it is the single cheapest problem to avoid.
None of this needs a specialty machine. If you are choosing appliances at the same time, our roundup of dishwashers with third racks is relevant for stainless cookware that is too tall for a standard rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best roasting pan with a rack overall?
The Circulon 17-Inch Nonstick Roaster is our top pick for most households. It combines a 17 x 13-inch nonstick body, a U-shaped rack that lifts a bird clear of the drippings, a 450°F rating, a 3.2-pound weight that is easy to lift, and a limited lifetime warranty, backed by the largest review base of any pan in our test group. Measure your oven first, because the footprint is large.
What type of roasting pan is best?
A heavy-gauge stainless steel roaster is the most durable type, holds up to 500°F, and can move to a stovetop for gravy. A nonstick steel roaster is the easiest to clean and the most forgiving for a first-time cook. A carbon steel roaster is the lightest and the best for searing. Match the type to the size of the bird and to how you cook, not to the brand name.
Do I need a rack in my roasting pan?
Yes, for anything larger than a small cut. The rack lifts the food above the pan bottom so hot air circulates underneath, which is what produces browned skin instead of a steamed surface, and it lets drippings fall clear for gravy. For a small fish fillet or a few sausages, a pan without a rack is fine.
What size roasting pan do I need for a turkey?
Plan on roughly 18 inches of pan length for a 20 pound turkey, with at least an inch of clearance on each side so air can move. Use the interior dimensions rather than the headline number, since many listings include handles and lips. Under 14 inches of interior length suits a chicken or a turkey in the low teens.
Can I make gravy in the roasting pan?
Yes, if the pan is safe for stovetop use. Move the pan to a burner, add a splash of liquid, scrape up the browned fond, then simmer. Only the Cuisinart in this group states induction compatibility, and the Cooks Standard states a flat bottom that works on gas, electric, glass, and ceramic. Never take a nonstick pan over a high flame for long.
What is the healthiest material for a roasting pan?
Uncoated stainless steel is the simplest answer, since nothing can flake into food and it does not degrade with heat. If you prefer a coating, the Farberware and Chicago Metallic roasters in this roundup both state explicitly that they are made without PFAS and PFOA. Ceramic nonstick is another coating-based option with the same care requirements.
Our Final Picks for 2026
The Circulon 17-Inch Nonstick Roaster is the one we recommend first. It is the only pan in this group that pairs genuine roasting capacity for a 20 pound bird with a light 3.2-pound body, a 450°F rating, a limited lifetime warranty, and the deepest review history we could find, which is why we would put it in the hands of almost anyone.
Our runner-up is the Cuisinart 16-Inch Stainless Steel Roaster, and it wins on a different axis entirely: it is the only pan here whose listing states induction compatibility, it holds a 20-plus pound bird, and it carries a lifetime warranty. Cook on induction and it should be your pick. The Farberware 11 x 15 roaster is the value option, and the GoodCook set is the budget answer for anyone roasting wings and vegetables rather than a bird.
Whichever you choose, measure the interior against your bird and the width with handles against your oven before you order. Those two numbers decide more roasting successes than the brand on the box.