I remember the moment I first understood the magic of roasting. I was in a Belgian restaurant, and a friend ordered roasted Brussels sprouts. I tried one and was astonished; how could this vegetable so reviled by so many people taste this sublime? Roasting, that’s how.
You may have had your fair share of roasted vegetables, pork, lamb, and beef, but it takes a comparison to really appreciate the magic of roasting. Compare boiled Brussels sprouts or beef to the roasted version; you could hardly believe you’re eating the same thing. So why don’t we all roast more? Oftentimes it’s the wrong roasting pan leading to inconsistent results and messy cleanups.
There are a lot of options out there. You’ve got stainless steel roasting pans and cast iron roasting pans. You can explore a variety of roasting pans, including those with a convenient roasting rack and options with a lid for added versatility. You’ve got all kinds of brand names, from Scanpan to Le Creuset. It’s a lot to take in. So what do you have to know?
Let’s go through some examples and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
The advantage of stainless steel for cooking is that it does a great job distributing heat. But in an oven, that’s less of a concern because the heat is all around your food (okay, there are hot spots) than with a burner. Still, stainless steel is tough and a classic design-wise.
Most options here have a core of another metal to help distribute heat evenly. Scanpan has its Impact line with an aluminium insert and its Coppernox line with a copper insert. Both are good choices and come with racks.
Le Creuset has a high-end version with its 3ply stainless steel roasting pan. The advantage of this model is that it works on the stovetop, so you can use it to brown meat or veggies before bringing them into the oven, leading to less cleanup.
If you're looking for a more affordable pan that's also 100% stainless steel, go for the Chasseur Maison Roasting Pan. This pan offers an excellent balance between affordability and quality. With its versatile design, this roasting pan allows you to transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven. It provides the convenience of browning ingredients and finishing the roast in the same pan, minimising the need for extra dishes and simplifying cleanup.
Stainless steel may be great for browning, but it’s not the easiest to clean. The beauty of non-stick roasting pans is that it ensures easy food release. The non-stick coating on these pans creates a smooth cooking surface that prevents food from sticking, allowing for effortless serving and cleanup. This feature is particularly beneficial when working with delicate meats or dishes that are prone to sticking, such as roasted vegetables or sticky glazes.
Scanpan roasting pans make excellent quality non-stick coatings less likely to chip and wear down than regular pans. The Scanpan Classic roasting pan is a great option and an all-time favourite by many chefs and home cooks. The pan's Stratanium non-stick cooking surface ensures easy food release and requires less oil during the cooking process. A higher-end option is Le Creuset’s toughened non-stick roasting pan with ergonomic handles and a higher capacity.
Cast iron roasting pans can be modified dutch ovens doing double duty. These enamelled cast iron pots and pans are great for browning on the stovetop and moving into the oven. Their thick sides and tight lids will also keep food warm long after it’s out of the oven.
They likely don’t have any fitted racks, so that’s worth taking into account. A good option to consider would be the Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Roasters. These Le Creuset roasting pans make the best examples of offering exceptional heat retention, even cooking, and easy food release. With their durable construction and stylish design, these beautiful roasters provide an excellent roasting experience and are a reliable choice for achieving delicious and beautifully cooked dishes.
Another option and a slightly more affordable one to consider would be from Chasseur. The Chasseur roasting pan made from cast iron offers excellent heat retention, distributing heat evenly for consistent cooking and browning. The Chasseur cast iron roasting pan, and the Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Roaster may vary in their specific features and design elements, highlighting the differences between the two brands.
Ceramic roasting pans are an excellent choice for cooking due to their exceptional heat retention, non-reactive surface, and non-stick properties. They distribute heat evenly, resulting in consistent cooking and preventing hot spots. The non-reactive surface ensures that the flavours of your dishes remain intact, and the non-stick coating allows for easy food release and effortless cleaning. Ceramic roasting pans are versatile, durable, and can be used for various cooking methods. They also add an elegant touch to table presentations and are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze!
Emile Henry offers one of the best options to consider when it comes to ceramic roasting pans. Emile Henry's ceramic roasting pans excel in heat retention, ensuring even and consistent cooking. The high-resistance ceramic material absorbs heat gradually and distributes it evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes with enhanced flavours.
Enamelware roasting pans are typically made from a durable metal base coated with a layer of enamel. This construction allows for even heat distribution, ensuring your food cooks evenly and avoids hot spots. The enamel coating on the roasting pan creates a smooth and non-stick surface. This feature makes it easier to release food and facilitates effortless cleaning after use. The non-stick properties also reduce the need for excessive oil or fat when cooking, promoting healthier cooking options.
Falcon Enamel baking pans and roasters are a highly regarded choice due to their trusted brand reputation, classic design, and excellent heat distribution. The enamel coating ensures even heat distribution for consistent cooking results, making them reliable and efficient for roasting a variety of dishes.
Size: Choose a roasting pan that suits your cooking needs. Consider the size of your oven and the amount of food you typically roast. A larger pan allows for cooking larger cuts of meat or accommodating multiple dishes at once.
Roasting pan depth: Look for a roasting pan with sufficient depth to prevent splattering and accommodate larger ingredients. This is particularly important when roasting meats, making lasagnas, or baking slab cakes. A deeper pan also allows for covering with aluminium foil, keeping the heat and moisture locked in during the roasting process.
Cooktop compatibility: Determine the compatibility of the roasting pan with your cooktop. Some pans are specifically designed for use on certain types of cooktops, such as gas, electric, or induction. Ensure that the roasting pan is suitable for your specific cooktop to avoid any heating issues.
Honestly, a lid probably isn’t very necessary. It’s nice for keeping food warm or roasting with less direct heat on the food to avoid burning, but aluminium foil does the same job, so if one is included, awesome! If it isn’t, don’t worry too much.
Roasting racks serve a crucial role in the cooking process by lifting food off the bottom of the roasting pan, facilitating even air circulation for more consistent cooking and browning. Additionally, they allow excess fat and drippings to drain away, leading to a crispier exterior and healthier results. They’re essential if you want to roast large cuts of meat (though not so important for veggies).
When it comes to choosing the right cooking twine for roasting, it's important to select a twine that is food-safe, heat-resistant, and strong enough to truss the meat securely. The most commonly used twine for roasting is cotton twine, also known as butcher's twine or kitchen twine. Cotton twine is natural, unbleached, heat-resistant, and food-safe. It is sturdy enough to hold the meat together during cooking but also easy to cut or remove after roasting.
Interested in exploring more? Check out the full range of roasting pans available at Everten.
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