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Step 1
Determine what you will be using your roasting pan for. Will you be cooking family meals or using the roasting pan more for presentation? What is the price you want to pay for a roasting pan? Pans can run from $30 to $600 so determining your budget is the first step in deciding what pan you want to purchase.
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Step 2
Purchase a copper roasting pan if you plan to present your meals in the pan after cooking. Copper roasting pans are very expensive but are impressive when serving table side. The average copper pan can run over a few hundred dollars. Cleaning copper roasting pans is also very time consuming. Even when the pan is not in use, you may have to polish it to prevent tarnishing. For kitchens with a rustic, country theme, you may want to hang your pan for display.
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Step 3
Buy a stainless steel roasting pan for everyday cooking. Pay attention to the thickness of the steel. The thicker the gauge of the steel, the more meat and weight it will be able to handle. A large twelve pound turkey may bend or wrap thinly constructed roasting pans. Non stick versions are popular for people looking for easy cleaning. One drawback to the non stick version is once the surface is scratched, you cannot repair the scratch.
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Step 4
Aluminum pans have been receiving acclaim from both experts and novice gourmands. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and performs well in tests. Make sure the pan is heavy and substantial. Like stainless steel, this can warp and buckle under high heat. When you want to de-glaze your pan after roasting your meat on the stove top, the direct heat can warp a thin pan.
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Step 5
Visit several stores to see what pan you like best. Ask if any of the associates own any of the pans you are inquiring about. Sometimes personal referrals are the best to receive because they have hands-on experience with that piece of equipment.
