There are good Thanksgiving turkeys and then there are great Thanksgiving turkeys. The secret to making the latter a reality? Cooking your bird in one of the best turkey roasters. After all, the flex isn’t in the recipe alone. Using one of these genius pieces of cookware really can make all the difference, as they circulate heat effectively and retain the perfect amount of moisture to yield perfectly cooked birds. Our top pick overall is All-Clad’s Stainless Steel Covered Oval Roaster, a roomy, self-basting pot with oven-to-table elegance.
To help wade through the crowded field of roasters, we consulted two experts: Naftali Hanau, CEO of kosher meat company Grow & Behold, and chef Keith Sarasin, author of The Perfect Turkey Cookbook. Since turkeys have relatively long cooking times, both Hanau and Sarasin stress the importance of finding a roaster that promotes even heat circulation and keeps moisture in for the juiciest results. “Turkey thighs and breasts cook at different rates,” says Hanau. “Your roasting pan should let you begin with steaming and end with roasting to crisp up the skin.” Whether you’re drawn to standard stainless steel roasting pans or electric models that free up precious oven space, ahead, we’ve got you covered with a curated list of the best of the best.
- Best Turkey Roaster Overall: All-Clad Stainless Steel Covered Oval Roaster
- Best Affordable Turkey Roaster: TeamFar Roasting Pan
- Best Small Turkey Roaster: Granite Ware 15-inch Covered Oval Roaster
- Best Large Turkey Roaster: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 16-inch Roaster
- Best Electric Turkey Roaster: Oster Roaster Oven With Self-Basting Lid
- Best Professional-Grade Turkey Roaster: Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan
What To Look For In A Turkey Roaster
To ensure you pick the best model for your needs, here are the factors to consider while shopping for turkey roasters.
Capacity
The size of the roaster you need depends on the size of the turkey you plan to cook (or typically cook). If you are roasting a bird that’s 25 pounds or larger, make sure to check that your roaster’s capacity is up to the task, as most models are designed to accommodate smaller birds. For the best results, the turkey should fit comfortably into the roaster with room leftover for air circulation.
Cover
Both Sarasin and Hanau swear by covered turkey roasters. “Starting the bird covered helps to steam it, which will keep things juicy while it cooks,” says Hanau. “That way, you are only uncovering it at the end to brown and crisp up the skin.” If you don’t have a covered roaster, you can achieve similar results by tenting your bird with foil to keep it from drying out in the oven.
Additional Features
Generally speaking, turkey roasters don’t come with a bunch of bells and whistles. The actual construction of the roasters, though, varies—and some features are better than others, according to the pros. “The best roasters include a removable wire rack,” says Sarasin. “They keep the bird off the bottom of the roasting plan and help facilitate airflow.”
What Is The Best Electric Turkey Roaster?
For its generous capacity and self-basting lid, the Oster Roaster Oven—which can hold up to a 22-pound turkey—is our favorite turkey roaster. Not only does the electric model keep turkeys moist and juicy, but it also frees up the oven for other holiday cooking projects.
Is Turkey Better In An Electric Roaster Or Oven?
While many home cooks have a preference, you can make great turkeys in both electric roasters and ovens. When deciding which route to take, consider how much counter space and oven space you have to work with. If you need to save room in the oven for other Thanksgiving dishes, consider going with an electric model. If you like to spread out on your countertops and don’t want a standalone appliance crowding the field, stick with a roasting pan in your oven.
How Big Of A Turkey Roaster Do I Need?
If you are planning to cook a smaller bird (in the 10 to 14 pound range), any size roasting pan should do the trick. But for bigger birds, a larger capacity roasting pan is necessary. Check before you buy to make sure your pan suits your needs.