Any modern kitchen will be incomplete without a roasting pan. This kitchen item is as indispensable as your baking sheet. The only difference is that the pan’s design allows you to create a feast that is enough to feed an army. The best roasting pan with rack not only helps you create fabulous oven-cooked dishes. It can also serve as a great device for searing meats, making sinful sauces and gravies, and concocting Michelin-worthy dishes for the whole family.
The key to unleashing the full potential of the roasting pan is getting only the product that can meet your expectations. This entails examining the different attributes of each roaster on the market. Unfortunately, most of us cannot afford to perform extensive research. We took care of this by giving you 7 of the best roasting pans with a rack we tested, analyzed, and reviewed. Let’s get started.
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I. Our Top Picks for Roasting Pans with Rack
| Products & Features | Image & Price |
|---|---|
1. Our #1 Pick: Cuisinart MCP117-16BR MultiClad Pro |  |
2. Upgrade PickCalphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack |  |
3. All-Clad E752C264 |  |
4. Anolon 30834 Roaster with Rack |  |
5. Cuisinart 7117-16UR Chef’s Classic |  |
6. Viking Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Roasting Pan |  |
| 7. Circulon 56539 |  |
II. Why You Should Buy a Roasting Pan with Rack
By nature, everyone loves eating. Cooking and eating have become traditional ways of entertaining. You can’t have guests over without a decent meal. Holidays and special occasions are also marked with the food that is served. Indispensable in the menu, especially for family traditions and gatherings, would be roast. It can pot roast, ham, turkey, steak but something out of the oven is almost a pre-requisite to complete a gathering. Investing in a good and durable oven is indeed an investment, but so is buying a roasting pan to put the meat, stuffing, and gravy on.
A roasting pan can be considered a staple for more kitchens. It helps cook huge chunks of meat while retaining all its natural juices. It is also the most convenient extra space to roast your vegetables or herbs and spices to bring in additional flavor and aroma to your roast.
If you are one of the many folks, who like to roast meat regularly, then buying a roasting pan makes sense and is a practical decision. Roasting pans are not particularly costly, so you can buy them brand new, or if you are on a very tight budget, getting second-hand ones would be sensible too.
What makes this a great purchase if you are not limited to using it just for roasting. You can use it as a baking dish too and even as a basin. You can put in smaller baking wares that need to be surrounded by steaming water. You can also serve huge portions of food in your roasting pan if you lack those huge plates. The uses are limitless, making it a must-have in your kitchen.
An excellent roasting pan ideally comes with a rack. Some brands don’t, but eventually, you will still end up buying a rack, so get a good deal and buy a pan that comes with one. You must understand that the rack contributes to the success of your roast. Roasting racks are usually laid flat on your roasting pan, but they can also be designed to stand then vertically sit on your pan.
A rack raises your meat off the bottom of the pan and out of its juices so you can retain the skin crispiness of your roast. It promotes air circulation hence achieving a more even roasting. It will be an unpleasant sight and taste if the skin of your roast is saggy and soft. It won’t qualify as a roast if that’s the case.
One more reason why your roasting pan should come with a rack is that these racks allow the drippings to trickle onto the bottom of your pan. These juices will help you create a more flavorful sauce and gravy to serve with your roast.
Overall, a roasting pan with a rack does come with a lot of kitchen advantages. It makes cooking your roasts evenly an easy job while at the same time allowing your vegetables and gravy to be equally tasty. It is a full-proof system that your roasts will be a hit every time. What’s more, you can use it not just for roasts but also for other kitchen and cooking needs.
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III. The 7 Best Roasting Pans with Rack
1. Cuisinart MCP117-16BR MultiClad Pro Our #1 Pick
The MCP116-16BR MultiClad Pro is one of Cuisinart’s best-selling products. This is a professional-grade 6-inch deep roaster that can make roasting a feast for the family so easily. The roaster combines the structural soundness of stainless steel and the heat-conducting capabilities of aluminum to give you a cooking tool that can serve as a one-meal-pot.
The MultiClad Pro is ready for your induction cooktop. You can give your steak a nice sear, throw in your favorite vegetables, add stock, and finish the cooking process in your convection oven. The cooking surface has a nonstick coating that should make cleanups a breeze. Handling the MultiClad Pro is also never an issue. The handles are not only thick, that they will never slip off your fingers. They stay cool, too.
This roaster with rack is also ready for your dishwasher, that is, if your machine is large enough to accommodate the MultiClad Pro. Otherwise, you will have to wash it by hand. Its great combination of durability, thoughtful design, and affordability makes the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro our top pick.
Pros
- Heavy-duty stainless steel and aluminum construction
- Excellent heat distribution
- Induction-ready design
- Nonstick cooking surface
- Stay-cool handles
Cons
- May not fit certain dishwashers
2. Calphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack Upgrade Pick
Conventional racks do not keep rounded food items steady. Roasting a turkey, for example, will have the bird rolling on its side if you are not careful. Calphalon has the answer to this annoying tendency of certain foods to roll on the rack. The unique V-shaped roasting rack of the Calphalon Contemporary Roasting Pan with Rack secures your meat during the cooking process.
This is not the only admirable thing about the Contemporary. Its stainless-steel cooking surface allows you to use any kitchen utensil. Nonstick-coated pans require special utensils to mix ingredients in the pan. Not the Calphalon. Cooking any dish on the stove or in the oven is never a problem since this roaster comes with a design that guarantees even heat distribution.
You’ll be paying a bit of a premium for all these innovations of the Calphalon Contemporary. However, it should still be a worthy investment for those who want only the most reliable and durable cooking tools in their kitchen. It also makes for a great alternative to the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro.
Pros
- Reliable heat distribution
- Unique V-shaped roasting rack
- Heavy-duty construction
- Ergonomic and safe handles
- The cooking surface works with all cooking utensils
Cons
- Pricier than other roasters
3. All-Clad E752C264
The All-Clad E752C64 is like the M1 Abrams of contemporary roasters. Its construction is as tough as the armor of the main battle tank. This roasting pan can handle a 20-lb turkey with ease and allows you to roast your favorite garnishing as well. The 6-inch deep pan is so tough that you will be seeing this in action for many years to come.
The All-Clad comes with a V-shaped roasting rack. This is perfect for ensuring the uniform browning of your bird. It also secures the bird, preventing it from rolling to its side. The design allows you to spoon juices from the pan and slather it on the meat with ease.
The solid construction of the All-Clad warrants a price tag that is heftier than the Calphalon Contemporary. Plus, this roaster is never on terms with an induction cooktop. The good news is that you can always use the All-Clad for many of your cooking activities. From the stovetop to the oven, the All-Clad E752C264 can be a marvel of a cooking tool.
Pros
- Heavy-duty stainless-steel cooking surface
- Durable pan construction
- Sturdy V-shaped rack
- Ergonomic and secure handles
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Very pricey
- It cannot be used on induction cooktops
4. Anolon 30834 Roaster with Rack
If you want a roasting rack with a more circular design, you should pick the Anolon 30634 Triple Clad. The grates have a more rounded shape that is perfect for holding rounded food items. You can roast a log of beef or even poultry with this baby in the roaster.
The sides and bottom of the 30834 are thick. This is because of the integration of two stainless steel sheets sandwiching a premium quality aluminum core. The design gives the roasting pan the heft it needs to be stable and secure on any surface. The addition of an aluminum core enhances the heat retention and distribution capabilities of the roaster. Transferring the roaster from the stove to the oven is easy as the pan and rack already come with well-built handles.
Our only comment is that the bottom comes with a raised rectangular center. As a result, food juices and drippings can accumulate on the perimeter of this raised center. Nonetheless, the Anolon 30834 is still a good choice for a dependable roasting rack.
Pros
- Very even heat distribution
- Heavy bottom and thick sides
- Curved nonstick roasting rack
- Easy-to-grip handles
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The bottom is not completely flat
5. Cuisinart 7117-16UR Chef’s Classic
The Chef’s Classic is Cuisinart’s answer to those who want many of the reliable features of the MultiClad Pro at a friendlier price point. This 16-inch roaster looks like the MultiClad Pro, except that both the roasting pan and the rack do not have a nonstick coating. Also, the handles of the Chef’s Classic tend to stick out more to the side.
Nevertheless, the design of the Chef’s Classic is something you would not want to ignore. It is heavy and solid. As a result, you can place a whole Thanksgiving bird on the rack, complete with vegetables and other ingredients, and treat your family to a feast.
Cleaning the Chef’s Classic is also not that difficult. You can always pop it in your dishwasher or give it a more personal touch. One advantage of the Chef’s Classic is the design of its corners. As a result, you can pour the gravy and sauce without dripping.
The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic can make it super easy to create fabulous feasts for an amicable price. Its construction is also spot-on, guaranteeing kitchen service for many years.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Good heat distribution
- It doesn’t drip when pouring
- Easy to carry
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Handles stick out
- Not nonstick
6. Viking Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Roasting Pan
Most roasting pans have handles that slant outwards. This design can make it tricky to place in an oven that is narrower than usual. If you have a small oven, then you should pick a roaster that has near-vertical handles. This is what the Viking Culinary Roasting Pan provides. The handles are perpendicular to the pan. This design allows you to position the roaster in the oven without the handles touching the inside walls of the oven.
The Viking roaster’s construction is remarkable. It can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also put it in the refrigerator if you like. One thing people admire about the Viking is its compatibility with different cooking appliances. You can place it on an ordinary stovetop or even on an induction cooktop.
One downside to the Viking is that its rack is not dishwasher-safe. You can still toss the pan into the machine, however. It can be pricier than conventional roasters, too. Nevertheless, the Viking Culinary Roasting Pan remains a good choice for people who may have small ovens.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Works with any cooking appliance
- V-shaped roasting rack
- Vertical handles
- High heat resistance
Cons
- Roasting rack not dishwasher-safe
- Quite expensive
7. Circulon 56539
Budget-conscious homeowners are always on the lookout for excellent buys that don’t break the bank. One of these is the Circulon 56539 Roasting Pan with Rack. The best part? It is a full inch larger than your typical roasting pan. So it should be easy to cram a 24-lb turkey or roast in its U-shaped rack and still have plenty of space for other foods.
The rack is also unique. It comes with 4 hooks that help secure it on the top edges of the pan. This lets the rack hang like a hammock and freeing your food from getting drenched in the sauce at the bottom of the pan. As a result, you get crisper skin and a more even finish for your food.
The only issue here is that the pan may not fit into small ovens. Also, the pan is lighter than other roasters. Regardless, these are minor concerns if you only want a roasting pan you can trust to deliver good food every time.
Pros
- Slightly larger pan than other roasters
- Durable construction
- Easy-to-clean nonstick cooking surface
- Durable and secure U-shaped rack
- Affordable
Cons
- May not fit small ovens
- Not as heavy as other pans
IV. Things You Should Consider
Buying a good roasting pan is a huge decision to be made. This is considered a treasured investment and an indispensable piece of your kitchenware. If you love cooking and it is something that you take seriously, whether as a personal hobby or as a source of income, you shouldn’t be drastic when it comes to roasting pan shopping.
A roasting pan, especially if it comes with a rack, is essential for family dinners and get-togethers with friends who share your love of roasted meat, a good turkey or brisket, and barbeque. There are many brands and options right now easily made available on the market but don’t be in a rush. Instead, make sure that you thoughtfully consider some factors before deciding on a roasting pan that will be part of your future and many memories today, moving forward.
Here are just some factors you need to consider when shopping for your roasting pan with a rack. Going through these elements can make you buy the best one on the market that will suit your needs and your little extra wants.
Shape
You only have two choices when it comes to the shape. You either go for an oval roasting pan or a rectangular one. Oval roasting pans obviously work best for roasts that are also oval-shaped, like ham, turkey, chicken, and prime rib.
Additionally, they work best too for whisking gravy or your complimentary sauce. However, they have some limitations in roasting several items like game hens due to the restricted surface area. Rectangular roasting pans, meanwhile, provide you with more versatility when cooking more than one item, although the tight corners may be a challenge to clean. For the win, why not look for a rectangular roasting pan with rounded corners.
Weight
This is quite tricky because either the heaviest or the lightest won’t do you any good. The weight of your roasting pan should be solid but should not be extremely heavy that it becomes too difficult to lift. Remember that you have your actual ham, turkey, or meat that needs to be on that roasting pan, adding to the weight. Consider the stuffing, vegetables, and all the other goodies that you need to load.
Aside from the actual lifting to and out of your oven, the weight is also significant because it also dictates your pan’s ability to handle the oven’s heat and the weight of the roast without twisting, warping, or exploding it out of shape.
Material
The material used in the construction of your roasting pan directly impacts how the heat distribution works. This is just not for your roast itself but also the way your gravy, side dishes, and stuffing cook. For this element, you must identify your needs because there are a lot of material choices.
You must weigh the best among enamel carbon steel, clad stainless steel, aluminum stainless steel, cast iron, copper, glassware, Teflon, and non-stick. Of course, each would have the edge over the other, and their prices vary too. There would also be disadvantages that you need to consider for every material and determine if you are willing to compromise.
Handles
A factor that is always overlooked but plays an important role in lifting the x kilograms of weight in and out of your oven and out to your table for your guests to enjoy. For handles, you have what they call bale handles or rectangular-shaped handles that slide up and down.
This can be a bit flimsy, especially for heavier loads, so it is better to purchase a roasting pan sporting those large loopy handles that are permanently fixed with rivets. You can also hold and lift it comfortably, even with your oven mittens on.
Oven Size
This is often overlooked because of the excitement of having a new roast pan, but the functionality will depend on this major tidbit. If it doesn’t fit your oven, then you can’t use it. If it is smaller, then you are wasting valuable space, heat, and electricity in the process.
So before heading to the store or doing your shopping online, make sure you have accurate measurements of the inside walls of the oven. Also, don’t forget to factor in the handles of your prospect roasting pan in the process.
It will be best for you always to purchase a roasting pan that comes with a rack and one that is sturdy enough to last you years of holidays and food. You also must consider the pan’s capability of being transferred to your stovetop so you can complete the deglazing. Putting in mind these factors can help make a smart purchase and an indispensable investment.
V. Conclusion
The best roasting pan with a rack should always have good heat distribution capabilities. The high sides allow you to trap and radiate heat towards the food. The bottom and sides of the pan are thick to allow for more efficient heat transfer while also improving the pan’s strength. A good roaster has a rack that can raise food from the bottom of the pan. The handles are straightforward to grab and secure to hold. These qualities are exactly what the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro has to offer, making it our top pick. You should make it yours, too, or consider it one of the top picks we’ve reviewed earlier.
