The 10 Best Roasting Pans With Racks
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in July of 2020. Using a pan with a rack is good for achieving an even temperature throughout roasted meats. These elevate the food to provide airflow and also conveniently collect the drippings on the bottom for use in gravy. Our list includes options for everyone, from seasoned chefs to novice cooks, in materials from stainless steel to nonstick enamel to suit any personal preferences. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel
2. Anolon Triply Clad
3. Calphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Stainless
Editor's Notes
August 25, 2020:
Roasting pans with racks are great for cooking holiday meals or large dinners for a number of guests. The rack is vital when cooking birds or large roasts as it elevates the meat from the drippings and allows air to circulate. This provides an even browning and finish while also collecting the juices for making gravy or other reductions.
The Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel, Anolon Triply Clad, Calphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Stainless, Viking 8.5 Quart Oval, and All-Clad 13-Inch by 16-Inch can go from the oven to the stovetop for converting the drippings to a sauce. The Calphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Set can be used on most stoves except for induction.
The Calphalon Hard Anodized 16-Inch, All-Clad 13-Inch by 16-Inch, and Rachael Ray Brights Hard Anodized have nonstick pans and racks while the Farberware Roaster has a nonstick pan and a steel rack. This makes cleanup easier and prevents the meat from attaching to the surface and possibly coming apart as it's removed. The downside to nonstick pans is that they're less efficient at transferring heat when compared to stainless steel. The Cuisinart Chef's Classic 16-Inch and Viking 8.5 Quart Oval have both stainless steel pans and racks, allowing them to provide even cooking results, although with the risk of food sticking. The Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel, Anolon Triply Clad, and Calphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Stainless combine the best of both worlds by offering a stainless steel pan and a nonstick rack.
The Viking 8.5 Quart Oval and Granite Ware Covered Oval are versatile options that can accommodate small to medium-sized turkeys, but these really prove their worth when preparing slow-roasts, such as pork shoulder. They both have lids that lock in moisture and heat, which helps break down tough fibers while keeping the meat juicy. When cooking a turkey, chefs can choose between having the lid on or off, the latter accommodating larger birds than the former.
Special Honors
All-Clad Stainless-Steel Flared Roaster At a high price point, this product offers premium quality thanks to the angled sides that promote airflow and achieve a uniform finish. Further, the curved edge around the base makes preparing gravy much easier as the contents will not get stuck in the corners. williams-sonoma.com
4. Viking 8.5 Quart Oval
5. All-Clad 13-Inch by 16-Inch
6. Calphalon Hard Anodized 16-Inch
7. Cuisinart Chef's Classic 16-Inch
8. Rachael Ray Brights Hard Anodized
9. Granite Ware Covered Oval
10. Farberware Roaster
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.