Finding the right roasting pan for your needs
Roasting food is a popular cooking method that applies a dry heat to all sides of an item of food to produce juicy, succulent interiors with a crispy, caramelised exterior. It's most commonly used to roast large pieces of meat for family dinners, such as a whole chicken, turkey and legs of lamb, as well as veggies that are browned to perfection.
Roasting pans come in different shapes, materials and sizes to suit your cooking needs and household, from enamelled oval roasting pans to stainless steel roasters with racks for catching juices and preventing burning. Find a roasting pan to suit you from leading brands like Falcon, Le Creuset and Bakemaster.
Let's talk size
The size of your roasting pan will depend on how many people you intend to feed. There are large roasting pans to comfortably fit a whole chicken or turkey with veggies nestled around it for a one-pot wonder, such as the Scanpan Classic Roaster Large and Chasseur Rectangular Roasting Pan in stunning shades.
There are medium sized roasting pans that measure around 35cm in length and will fit a whole chicken for a family of 4, plus smaller roasting pans for feeding 1-2 people, such as the square Scanpan TechnIQ and the Wiltshire Stellar Vitreous Enamel Petite Roasting Pan.
Pick a good depth
A deep roasting pan with high sides will reflect more heat from the oven onto the meat for a browner, more caramelised crust. It will also trap all of the cooking juices and brown bits on the bottom which are needed to create a rich and tasty gravy on the stovetop. Choose a deep baking pan for roasts with extra colour and flavour, such as the Bakemaster Non-Stick Large Deep Roasting Pan or Swiss Diamond Classic XD Deep Roasting Pan.
Non-stick, stainless steel, cast iron and more - material and construction matters
Roasting pans can be constructed from various materials. The most common types include:
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Stainless steel - A stainless steel roasting pan provides even heat distribution, won't warp in high heat and is easy to clean. It will also give you delicious caramelised bits on the bottom of the pan for making gravies!
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Non-stick - A non-stick roasting pan prevents food from sticking and is easy to clean.
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Cast iron - Cast iron roasting pans have superior heat retention which means they will bake food evenly and keep it warm long after it's cooked. Enamelled cast iron is non-stick and dishwasher-safe.
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Stoneware - A stoneware pan has a traditional aesthetic and has excellent heat transference and retention properties.
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Anodised aluminium - Hard anodised aluminium is extremely durable, scratch-resistant and has exceptional heat retention with even distribution.
Factors to consider when purchasing a roasting pan
These factors will help you to choose a roaster that meets your cooking needs:
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Size - A large roasting pan is ideal for roasting whole turkey and legs of lamb, while smaller roasters will fit pork chops, veggies and cuts of meat for 1-2 people.
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Weight - Make sure the pan is sturdy, yet still light enough to hold with a heavy item of meat and other items inside.
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Deep sides vs shallow sides - A deep roasting pan radiates more heat for a browner roast and is better for meats that release plenty of drippings. A shallow pan can be used for ingredients with less juice, such as potatoes and fish.
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Handles - A roasting pan with handles will be easier to lift in and out of the oven.
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Removable rack - Racks lift the meat off the bottom of the pan and promote airflow for an all-round crispy exterior.
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Ease of use - From dishwasher-safe roasting pans that make clean-up a breeze to handles, lids non-stick surfaces - choose features that align with your unique needs.
High-quality roasters with racks available
A baking pan with a roasting rack will lift the meat up off the bottom to prevent burning and promote air circulation for even browning and a crispy base. It also allows fats and juices to drip off the meat. Discover our roasting pan and rack combos, including Tefal Non-Stick Roaster with Rack, Chasseur Escoffier Roaster, Scanpan Coppernox Roaster with Rack and the Jamie Oliver Premium Hard Anodised Roaster and Rack.
Other cooking accessories to consider when buying a roasting pan
These cookware and kitchen gadgets will help you to go from roasting and baking to steaming, braising, boiling, sautéing and so much more:
Maintenance, cleaning and care
A cast iron roaster will need to be seasoned after each use to maintain its natural non-stick surface. Other roasters, such as stainless steel and non-stick roasters, can safely be placed in the dishwasher for a quick clean.
Brands we know and trust
Sunday roast is easy when you use quality products by the best Australian and international brands! Discover all of your favourites at amazing prices lower than RRP, including Scanpan, Le Creuset, MasterPro, Swiss Diamond, Tefal, Bakemaster, Chasseur and Pyrolux.
Buying online with Kitchen Warehouse
A high-quality roasting pan is just the beginning when you shop online at Kitchen Warehouse. Browse our extensive categories in kitchenware, bakeware, tableware and more or discover a new favourite in our latest products. We also have gift cards to spoil a loved one from afar and flexible payment methods, such as credit card and Afterpay, to checkout with ease. Plus, receive free delivery when you spend over $100 Australia-wide.
FAQs:
What's the difference between a roasting pan and a regular pan?
A roaster is larger than a regular baking pan so that it can fit whole meats inside and has high sides to keep in the juices and help to make a gravy. A regular dish will typically have shorter sides, can come in all different shapes and often comes with a lid for keeping food in the fridge when it's done. Roasting pans are primarily used to roast foods, while a baking dish can be used to cook a wide range of meals using different cooking methods.
What kind of utensils should I use with my roasting pan?
There's a few utensils that will make mastering the perfect roast easier. These include kitchen knives and shears for cutting raw meat, tongs for handling and carving forks and knives to serve. A thermometer can help you to achieve a moist centre every time. When it comes to eating your mouth-watering creation, a good steak and fork cutlery set will neatly slice through any kind of meat and sides with ease and look stylish on your dining table. Check out the Victorinox Classic 12pc Steak Knife and Fork Set.
If you are using enamelled or non-stick roasting pans, avoid metal utensils as these can scratch the surface. Stick to wooden, silicone or plastic ones instead.