A roasting pan should be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase—something you buy once, then rely on for an unbroken string of Thanksgiving turkeys and birthday rib roasts. We tested three midpriced roasters (between $70 and $200): the All-Clad Roti Pan Open Rectangular Stainless Roaster, the KitchenAid Gourmet Distinctions Stainless Steel Roaster, and the Viking Stainless Steel Roasting Pan. Which is worthy of holiday go-to status?
We performed three crucial tests on each. First, we roasted a family-size Thanksgiving turkey, either whole or butterflied. Second, we used the pan drippings to make an old-fashioned flour-thickened gravy right on our cooktop. And third, we made a jumbo batch of caramel corn, using each roaster to mix and bake this easily scorched treat. What we found was not terribly surprising: Quality construction and thoughtful design really do yield the kind of durable roaster you’ll look forward to pulling out every year.
Not the cheapest roaster on the shelf, but if you want a roomy, heavy-duty pan that won’t buckle in the oven, the Viking is not a bad investment.
If you cook a lot of roasts and don’t mind investing in a solid piece of cookware you’ll have forever, this is a pretty good buy.
This is a roaster for people who need one only once or twice a year. Any more than that and you may regret the purchase.