There are amazing Thanksgiving turkeys and good Thanksgiving turkeys. What is the key to making the latter a reality? Purchasing one of the best turkey roasters available. After all, the flex isn’t just in the recipe: cooking with one of these ingenious gadgets might make all the difference. Turkey roasters have enough surface area to circulate heat and retain moisture properly. However, with so many alternatives, such as rectangular roasting pans and stainless steel roasters with domed covers, it can take time to decide which to use. (For context, All-Clad’s Stainless Steel Covered Oval Roaster, a large, self-basting pot with oven-to-table elegance, is our top selection.)
In addition to All-Clad’s top option, we recommend Granite Ware’s 15-Inch Covered Oval Roaster,… [+] shown here. It’s best suited to little birds.
We engaged two experts to help us navigate the wide field of competitors: Naftali Hanau, CEO of kosher meat company Grow & Behold, and chef Keith Sarasin, author of The Perfect Turkey Cookbook. Due to turkeys’ relatively long cooking times, both Hanau and Sarasin emphasized the necessity of finding a roaster that encourages consistent heat circulation and maintains moisture for the juiciest outcomes. “Turkey thighs and breasts cook at different rates,” Hanau explains. “To crisp up the skin, your roasting pan should allow you to steam first and then roast at the end.” Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, we’ve covered you with a list of the top roasters on the market.
- Best Overall Turkey Roaster: 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
Best Overall Turkey Roaster
A Stainless Steel Beauty That Yields Perfectly Cooked Birds
1. All-Clad Stainless Steel Covered Oval Roaster
$200
Capacity: 20-pound turkey | Cover: No
The Stainless Steel Covered Oval Roaster from All-Clad is both functional and stylish. Its 10-quart capacity and retractable roasting rack allow it to accommodate huge turkeys while providing equal heat distribution—the robust domed top self-bastes the flesh, producing a juicy and browned bird. Meanwhile, the beautiful form of the roaster offers timeless elegance to any holiday meal. The All-Clad has you covered if you’re looking for a high-quality roaster that’s also a showpiece.
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Domed lid
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Best Affordable Turkey Roaster
2. A Budget-Friendly Roasting Pan That’s Easy To Lift Out Of The Oven
Capacity: 20-pound turkey | Cover: No
Many more inexpensive roasting pans have a nonstick coating that peels and scrapes off after a few uses. Meanwhile, TeamFar’s roasting pan is made of high-quality stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about toxins leaching into your turkey as it cooks. The roaster includes two stainless steel racks: a v-shaped rack for supporting your turkey or heavier roasts and a second flat rack for cooling cookies or crisping bacon. The wide-set, riveted handles make transferring food into and out of the oven simple and secure.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- No cover
Best Small Turkey Roaster
A Lidded Model Designed For Smaller Birds
3. Granite Ware 15-Inch Covered Oval Roaster
$24
Capacity: 10-pound turkey | Cover: Yes
Granite Ware’s 15-inch Covered Oval Roaster securely fits a tiny bird or turkey breast if you cook for a small Thanksgiving crowd this year. The porcelain enamel surface is nonstick and nonporous, distributing heat evenly for even cooking. The roaster also includes a cover that automatically bastes the turkey as it cooks, keeping the meat moist and tasty.
Pros:
- Naturally non-stick
- Self-basting lid
Cons:
- Does not accommodate larger turkeys
Best Large Turkey Roaster
A Bigger Model That Can Hold 25-Plus Pounds
4. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster
$65
Capacity: 25-plus–pound turkey | Cover: No
If you like to host larger Thanksgiving gatherings, Cuisinart’s 16-inch stainless steel roaster can comfortably fit a 25-plus-pound turkey, allowing you to feed everyone comfortably. The riveted stainless steel handles provide a secure hold, allowing you to confidently remove the roaster from the oven, while a stainless steel rack facilitates even heat circulation. After Thanksgiving, you may use this roasting pan to roast poultry, lamb, cattle, or veggies.
Pros:
- Holds a large turkey
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- No cover
Best Electric Turkey Roaster
A Top-Notch Model That Doesn’t Take Up Precious Oven Space
5. Oster Roaster Oven With Self-Basting Lid
$118
Capacity: 26-pound turkey | Cover: Yes
By roasting your turkey in Oster’s stand-alone electric turkey roaster, you can free up oven room for casseroles and sheet pans of vegetables. The oven has a retractable rack and a self-basting top that circulates moisture, keeping the turkey juicy while it cooks and providing crisp, golden brown skin. There’s no need to transfer the drippings from the turkey to your congested stovetop burners once it’s finished cooking—you can make gravy straight in the roaster’s oven pan.
Pros:
- Saves oven space
- Self-basting lid
Cons:
- Takes up significant storage space
Best Professional-Grade Turkey Roaster
A Chef-Quality Pick That Promotes Even Cooking
MOST POPULAR
6. Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan
$139
Capacity: 16-pound turkey | Cover: No
Made In’s roasting pan, designed with chef Tom Colicchio, delivers professional quality gear into your home kitchen. The pan is naturally nonstick carbon steel with relatively high sides to promote uniform, steady heating while roasting veggies or your Thanksgiving turkey. It has a retractable rack and can be moved directly from the oven to the stovetop for quick deglazing and gravy preparation. Like a cast iron skillet, the roasting pan becomes seasoned with each use, making it even better as it matures.
Pros:
- Naturally non-stick
- Oven safe up to 1,200˚F
Cons:
- Does not accommodate very large turkeys
What To Look For In A Turkey Roaster
Here are the variables to consider when searching for turkey roasters to guarantee you get the best model for your needs.
Capacity
The size of the roaster required is determined by the size of the turkey you intend to (or generally cook). If you are roasting a bird weighing 25 pounds or more, ensure your roaster’s capacity is enough, as most models are designed to accommodate smaller birds. The turkey should fit comfortably into the roaster with plenty to spare for air circulation for the best results.r the best results, the turkey should fit comfortably into the roaster with room leftover for air circulation.
Cover
Sarasin and Hanau recommend covered turkey roasters. “Starting the bird covered helps to steam it, which will keep things juicy while it cooks,” Hanau explains. “That way, you only uncover it at the end to brown and crisp up the skin.” If you don’t have a covered roaster, you may get similar effects by tenting the bird with foil in the oven to protect it from drying out.
Additional Features
In general, turkey roasters do not have a lot of bells and whistles. On the other hand, the actual structure of the roasters varies—and some aspects, according to the pros, are better than others. “The best roasters include a removable wire rack,” Sarasin explained. “They keep the bird from falling to the bottom of the roasting pan and help with airflow.”
What Is The Best Electric Turkey Roaster?
The Oster Roaster Oven, which can handle up to a 26-pound turkey, is our favorite turkey roaster due to its large capacity and self-basting lid. The electric variant not only keeps turkeys moist and juicy, but it also frees up oven space for other holiday cooking endeavors.
Is Turkey Better In An Electric Roaster Or Oven?
While many home cooks have a preference, you can make delicious turkeys in both electric roasters and ovens. Consider how much counter space and oven space you must handle while determining which path to follow. Consider using an electric variant to free up oven space for other Thanksgiving meals. If you prefer to spread out on your countertops and don’t want a separate appliance crowding the field, use a roasting pan in your oven.
How Big Of A Turkey Roaster Do I Need?
If you’re cooking a smaller bird (between 10 and 14 pounds), any size roasting pan should suffice. However, for larger birds, a larger roasting pan is required. Before you buy, make sure the pan will meet your demands.
