Non-Stick or Stainless Steel?
A good roasting pan does more than hold the joint. It affects how well your meat browns, how good your gravy is, and how long you spend scrubbing afterwards. With Christmas on the way, here is our guide to choosing between non-stick and stainless steel, plus the roasters we recommend.
Non-stick roasters
The good
- Food releases easily, so clean-up is quick.
- A good choice for sticky glazes and anything that tends to catch.
The not so good
- You need to avoid metal utensils and harsh scouring pads to protect the coating.
- You get less of the browned, sticky residue on the base that gives gravy its depth.
- Any coating will wear eventually, however well you look after it.
Stainless steel roasters
The good
- Very durable. You can scrub them and use metal utensils.
- Brilliant for gravy. The roasting juices lift off with a splash of stock or wine and a wooden spoon on the hob.
- Good-quality multi-layer pans heat evenly and look smart enough to go straight to the table.
The not so good
- Food can stick if you don't use enough fat or oil.
- Burnt-on residue can take more effort to clean.
- Quality pans can be heavy, especially when full.
The roasters we recommend....
Scanpan Classic Roasters (non-stick)
- Why we like it: easy release and easy clean, and it is a good size for a family roast.
- Worth knowing: it is NOT suitable for induction hobs. Scanpan's says dishwasher safe however we never recommend putting quality cookware into the dishwasher. We recommend hand washing to protect the coating.
Scanpan Impact Roasting Pan with Rack (stainless steel)
The Impact roasting pan is made from 18/10 stainless steel with a thick, 6.4mm sandwich base containing an aluminium core. Whilst a sandwich base performs well, is it not as efficient on as evenly heat distributing as Five layer pans which have the aluminium core not only running through the base but up the sides of the pan also.
It comes with a wire roasting rack and two handles, and the rim is designed to prevent drips. It measures 42.5 x 26cm and is 11cm deep, and it is oven safe to 250°C.
- Why we like it: it works on all hobs, including induction, so you can make your gravy in the same pan. Scanpan gives it a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
- Worth knowing: it is dishwasher safe, but Scanpan recommends washing it by hand.
Scanpan Fusion 5 Roasting Pan (stainless steel)
This is the pan we have in our kitchen, Mrs Peppercorns favourite and and excellent Roaster. The Fusion 5 is a five-layer design with an 18/10 stainless steel interior and an aluminium core that runs through the base and up the sides for even heating. It has a no-drip rim and two stainless steel handles. The roaster is 35 x 24cm.
- Why we like it: it works on all hobs including induction, and it makes excellent pan gravy.
- Worth knowing: it is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is gentler on it. As with any stainless steel pan, use a little fat to stop food sticking.
De Buyer Affinity Roaster (stainless steel)
Made in France, the Affinity is a 5-ply stainless steel roaster with a mirror-polished finish and riveted cast stainless steel handles. The roasting pan is 41 x 27.5cm overall, with a capacity of 2.5 litres, and it works on all hobs including induction.
- Why we like it: even heating, a beautiful finish and a pan built to last for years.
- Worth knowing: it is a premium pan. It is dishwasher safe, but De Buyer recommends washing by hand to keep it looking its best. The handles can get hot in the oven, so always use oven gloves.
At a glance
| Roaster | Type | Induction | Oven safe | Rack Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scanpan Classic | Non-stick, recycled cast aluminium | No | Up to 250°C | No |
| Scanpan Impact | Stainless steel, 18/10 | Yes | Up to 250°C | Yes |
| Scanpan Fusion 5 | Stainless steel, 5-layer | Yes | Up to 250°C | No |
| De Buyer Affinity | 5-ply stainless steel | Yes | Yes (check label for maximum) | No |
So which one should you choose?
- Easiest clean-up (and no induction hob): the Scanpan Classic.
- A roasting pan with a rack that works on any hob: the Scanpan Impact.
- A five-layer stainless steel pan for gravy lovers: the Scanpan Fusion 5. *OUR PICK*
- A pan to keep for life: the De Buyer Affinity.
Come and see them in the shop
It is much easier to choose when you can pick a pan up and feel the weight of it. Pop into Peppercorn in Llandeilo and we will help you find the right roasting pan for your oven, your hob and your Sunday lunch.
Our top roasting tips
- Let the oven get properly hot before the meat goes in.
- Use a rack to keep the joint above its juices for crisper results.
- Rest the meat once it is cooked and make the gravy in the same pan.
- Let the pan cool before washing.
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