thanksgiving

12 Essential Roasting Tools Everyone Needs in Their Kitchen

published Nov 8, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Angled view of a whole roasted turkey in a black pan.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe ; Food Stylist: Brett Regot

If there’s one method of cooking I swear by, it’s roasting. Whether we’re talking about something as simple as roasting veggies for the perfect crispy side dish or slow-roasting a beautiful cut of veal with potatoes and carrots for the ultimate Sunday dinner, it’s my favorite way to cook by far. That being said, no matter what you’re roasting, it’s tough to nail the dish without the proper tools. But, what exactly are roasting tools? From obvious pieces like roasting pans and baking sheets to smaller tools like meat thermometers and the right cutting board, these kitchen essentials will make any roasted meal come out absolutely perfect, every time. Below, we rounded up 12 of the best roasting tools. So get shopping, that food isn’t going to roast itself!

Do you have any roasting tools that you swear by that we missed? We want to hear all about them! Tell us about your favorite finds in the comments below!

1 / 12
Amazon
$15.99
was $19.99

From sides to full meals, one of the most essential roasting tools you can have in the kitchen is a solid sheet pan. This durable aluminized steel pick from Ninja is a great option thanks to its nonstick design, comfortable grip that makes moving it a breeze, and — most importantly — its high sides that'll help keep you from spilling any of those precious juices.

2 / 12
Amazon
$12.99

To help get the perfect crisp and crunch on your veggies this roasting season, line your baking sheet with parchment paper sheets! We love that these sheets come precut so you don't have to fuss and fight to get the right size for your pan. The best part? Having this extra layer also makes cleanup a snap!

3 / 12
QVC.com
$22.98
was $25.00

This smart device from Henning Lee helps with one of the trickiest aspects of making sauces and gravies: controlling the amount of fat in the pan. Instead of guessing how much leftover cooking fat you have, which can lead to sauces that are either too greasy or too thin, just pour the contents of the pan into this tool and it will let you measure out fat and cooking liquids separately. It's a must-have for holiday roasts.

4 / 12
Williams Sonoma
$29.95

No kitchen is complete without a solid cast-iron skillet. This 10.25-inch skillet is a Kitchn editor favorite, made with a special triple-seasoning process, which means the pan will arrive perfectly seasoned out of the box, ready to take on anything. Its a great pick thanks to its unparalleled heat retention, oven-safe functionality, and even heating, scoring you the perfect braise, sear, or roast!

5 / 12
Williams Sonoma
$129.95
was $260.00

Whether you're roasting a honey-glazed ham or a 25-pound turkey, you won’t be disappointed by All Clad’s Large Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Rack. The Kitchn editors even named it the best overall roasting pan they tested. There are two sizes to accommodate your kitchen, and both include a sturdy rack that ensures your roast won’t get soggy while retaining the juices and drippings you might want for gravy. The large handles are also easy to grab — which is essential when dealing with heavy poultry — and the pan is dishwasher-safe.

6 / 12
ThermoWorks
$87.20
was $109.00

Put your fears of overcooked (or undercooked) meat to bed with the Thermapen One. This meat thermometer topped our Best List for its ease of use, incredibly accurate reading, and quick performance that provides a perfect readout in just one second! If there's one tool you pick up this roasting season, make it this one.

7 / 12
Amazon
$11.80

To help keep your roasts moist and burn-free, it's important to baste. We love this angled baster from Tovolo. Not only does it come with a brush for easy cleaning, it also features a dripless tip to help minimize any messes, something that's sure to come in handy during hectic holiday dinners.

8 / 12
Amazon
$7.65

Worried your oven may run a tad hot or cool? Invest in an oven thermometer. This classic Taylor pick easily hangs on the back of your oven rack, accurately reading out your oven's temperature so you can ensure precise cooking.

9 / 12
Amazon
$35.02

A good carving knife is a must for any roast, and our favorite pick is actually a set: the HENCKELS Statement Razor-Sharp 2-Piece Carving Set. Complete with a carving fork to help steady your cuts, this knife is a must-have thanks to its ultra-sharp, stainless-steel blade that makes carving up your favorite meats a breeze.

10 / 12
Amazon
$39.99

Alongside the right carving knife, you also need a solid carving board. The Epicurean All-In-One Cutting Board is a favorite for many reasons, a big one being its deep channel that makes it easy to keep juices on the board and off your counter — a must-have feature for any roast you whip up this season.

11 / 12
Le Creuset
$104.00
was $130.00

This editor-favorite casserole dish cooks meals to perfection and has grippy handles as well as an oven-safe lid that can keep food piping hot for three hours. It cleans easily, too, and has a glazed bottom that doesn’t easily scuff on oven racks. Plus, the whole thing is a gorgeous piece of iconic Le Creuset cookware, ideal for serving your beautiful roasted dishes out of, too.

12 / 12
Food52
$30.00

While moving your roasts in and out of the oven, it's important to keep safety in mind, so be sure you have a solid set of oven mitts on standby. The Five Two Silicone Oven Mitts are one of our favorite options — not only are they actually good-looking, but they have a silicone-cotton construction and built-in magnets for easy hanging.