There’s nothing quite like a roast dinner, a meal so familiar that its true magic can often go unnoticed. Compare boiled Brussels sprouts or steamed chicken with the roasted versions; the results are worlds apart. When roasting brings forth such robust, caramelised flavours and textures, it’s important to cook with a good quality roasting pan. Let’s discuss the fundamentals and find your new favourite roasting pan.
The right roasting pan for you
Before exploring the different types of roasting pans, it's important to assess your own cooking habits. Let’s discover:
- How often do you roast? If roasting is part of your regular routine, you might want to invest in a high quality pan that can handle frequent use.
- What types of meals do you cook? If you’re mostly roasting large cuts of meat or whole poultry, the size and strength of a pan become crucial factors.
- What size is your kitchen? Some roasting pans can be bulky, so ensure you have adequate space in your kitchen - and your oven.
Roasting pan priorities
Roasting pans come in many different sizes, styles and materials. Key characteristics of roasting pans to consider include:
- Durability: If you're after long lasting cookware, cast iron or stainless steel roasting pans are excellent choices.
- Ease of cleaning: Non-stick pans are easier to clean, but may not last as long as stainless steel or cast iron.
- Size: Depending on how many people you are cooking for, the size of your roasting pan is important. Large pans suit family meals or dinner party dishes. Small options are also available at Everten, handy for single or small servings.
- Price: Quality pans can come at a higher cost, but often have a longer lifespan. You can also find budget friendly options without compromising too much on performance.
The many materials
The material of a roasting pan impacts its lifespan, durability and, believe it or not, the way food roasts. Let’s uncover more about the importance of roasting pan construction.
- Non-stick roasting pans: These pans are easy to clean and prevent food from sticking, but they are typically less durable and cannot handle high heat like other materials can.
- Stainless steel roasting pans: Known for even heat distribution and durability, stainless steel pans are perfect for creating rich caramelisation during the roasting process. Trusted for roasting hot and fast. Deglazing is effective in a stainless steel pan; utilise pan juices and fond to make a flavour-packed gravy.
- Cast iron roasting pans: Thick and robust cast iron roasting pans take longer to heat up, but retain and distribute heat exceptionally well. Suited to both high and low cooking temperatures. Enamelled cast iron pans are available in a range of fashionable colours. Serve straight from the oven to the table!
- Stoneware or ceramic roasting pans: Stoneware or ceramic roasting pans give a classic look and feel. Expect great heat retention, non-stick properties, reduced hot spots and more consistent cooking. Stoneware and ceramic are suited to lower cooking temperatures, rather than intense heat.
- Glass roasting dishes: Glass retains heat, acting as an insulator, and stays warmer for longer when it leaves the oven. Dishes like pasta and vegetable bakes, puddings and crumbles are suited to glass because they benefit from insulated, low temperature roasting. Glass bakeware is not suited to high heat cooking or sudden temperature changes, though modern borosilicate glass options are designed to reduce the risk of breakage.
- Enamelware roasting pans: Enamelware pans conduct heat rapidly due to their thin yet strong metal core. This helps to achieve crispiness during the roasting process. The enamel coating creates a smooth non-stick surface which facilitates easy food release and cleaning. Though it’s at risk of chipping, enamel lasts longer than other non-stick options.
Find your favourite brand
To get you started, here are five different roasting pans available at Everten:
- Scanpan Coppernox 42cm: A classic! Your new favourite all-rounder.
- Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron 33cm: Premium cast iron optimised for steady, even heat distribution.
- Falcon Enamelware Deep 41cm: Porcelain enamel fused with heavy gauge steel.
- Essteele Clad Square 20.5cm: Super sleek tri-ply stainless clad steel.
- Stanley Rogers SR-Matrix Round 36cm: A stylish and unique non-stick option.
Ready to roast?
Everten is the place to be. Check out our full range of roasting pans!
