The holidays are almost upon us, and folks are starting to put together their Thanksgiving menu, plan their grocery lists, and rifle through their kitchens to be sure they have everything they need to prepare the entire feast. For some, the appetizers, side dishes and desserts change or expand each year, while others stick with the tried-and-true spread they know everyone will love.
But one thing that usually remains the same is a roasted turkey. Some like to feature another main dish, like a whole chicken or duck, a few cornish hens, a rack of lamb, or a vegetarian option, but most people look forward to a big turkey as the table’s showstopper. With its crispy brown skin and caramelized onions, garlic, and citrus fruits arranged around the bird, it’s the dish that brings the entire meal together.
As we inch closer to the big day, Aldi is starting to drop kitchen and home goods to help you get ready to host and entertain like a pro. This week, it’s bringing back the two-piece Crofton Roasting Pan With Rack that will serve you well for the Thanksgiving holiday and beyond. At just $17.99, it’s far less expensive than many of the popular options sold at other retailers.
Crofton Roasting Pan With Rack, $17.99 at Aldi
Crofton Roasting Pan with Rack
It’ll hold a turkey that weighs up to 30 pounds, making it suitable for most birds. The pan comes in black or sage green, measures 16 by 12 by 30 inches, and features a nonstick surface for easy cleaning. Its removable V-shaped rack fits neatly inside the roasting pan, propping the bird for even cooking and draining excess fat and juice. (The drippings can later be skimmed off and used to make gravy.)
And if you’re wondering what else you can do with this pan to get your money’s worth, the list is endless—with or without the rack. You can use it to make a juicy roast or ham on the rack with vegetables situated in the pan, bake large-batch casseroles and pasta, and braise meats like short ribs and pork shoulder. Without the rack, it can also serve as a large water bath when making cheesecake or crème brûlée.
According to a post by the Aldi Reviewer on older models of this roasting pan, the instructions that come with the unit recommend handwashing it in warm, soapy water rather than washing it in the dishwasher. Some folks reported in a Reddit post that the nonstick coating was coming off, possibly due to dishwasher use. The manual also states that nylon, wood, silicone or plastic cooking tools should be used with this pan to avoid scratching the surface.
With a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and for a stellar price, Aldi’s roasting pan seems like a good deal. Be sure to follow the package’s cooking and cleaning instructions to make it last. The pan drops on Oct. 29 and likely won’t stick around long.
