The vast majority of roasting tasks you need for a roasting pan—roasting turkeys, prime ribs, legs of lamb, and other large cuts of meat— are easily (and probably best) performed on a simple roasting rack or wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. The combination costs about $40 all-in and usually works better than an expensive roasting pan. This combination allows for more even air circulation and transfer of heat energy to the bottom of the roast, resulting in more evenly cooked meat and crisper skin.

Our recommendations: a rimmed baking sheet paired with a wire cooling rack.