If you are in the market for a new pan, but are unsure about what type to get, it can be hard to decide. You have to match size with material, height-to-width ratio with the type of cooking you want. But the one thing you should never forget about is the style of pan. There are two main types of pans that you can buy, and each has its own advantages. Roasting pans and broiler pans are the two main types of pans.
Broiling pans come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for roasting or baking. These pans tend to be very small and perfect for making a single serving of food, such as a single piece of bread. Broiling pans can also be used as sauté pans because of their non-stick surface.
Roasting pans are a little bit larger and usually have a flat bottom that will allow them to fit on most stove tops. These pans can be used for cooking large amounts of food, such as whole chickens. The non-stick surface of a roasting pan is not as effective as it is on broiling pans, but it does help food turn out better.
What’s a Broiler Pan?
A broiler pan is a metal baking pan that is used to cook foods under high heat. It can be used for baking, but it is most commonly used to place food under the direct flame of the broiler in an oven. The high heat will brown the top of the food until it reaches a desired doneness level. A broiler pan’s main purpose is to help with caramelization and browning or broiling. Without one, the food would only cook with the heat coming from directly above it, but broiler pans are designed to allow heat to come from both above and below, creating a more even heat distribution. The reason why most broiler pans are rectangular is because most oven surfaces are rectangular. Cooking meat on a rectangle pan naturally results in pieces that are that shape because foods naturally form into grill marks that way.
What’s a Roasting Pan?
A roasting pan is a rectangular-shaped pan or vessel that is used for roasting or baking. They can be used in the oven, microwave, and freezer for multiple uses. Roasting pans are typically made from aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. They can be found with nonstick coatings to help with food release and cleanup. Roasting pans usually have handles that allow the cook to easily move them in and out of the oven. Some also have racks that fit into them to hold items in place while they roast.
Differences between a Broiler Pan and a Roasting Pan
Materials
Roasting pans are typically made from aluminum, stainless steel, or copper. They can be found with nonstick coatings to help with food release and cleanup. Broiler pans are typically made from stainless steel with aluminum or copper-plated bottoms. They do not have nonstick coatings on their interiors, but they have a unique perforated surface that allows fat to drip off the food as it cooks.
Design and Construction
Roasting pans are usually rectangular in shape. They can also be square, round, oval-shaped, or other shapes. Their size is determined by the type of food that will be cooked in them. Broiler pans are rectangular in shape and are designed to fit into standard ovens. The ones meant for commercial use come with different sizes and can be found in racks so multiple items can all cook at the same time.
Heat Source
Roasting pans are made from metals such as aluminum and copper. They also have a few brands that use stainless steel or stone. The metal will create a lot of heat because it reflects the heat back into the food. Roasting pans do not have flat bottoms and cannot fit onto most stovetops, so they can only be used in an oven. If you want to use your roasting pan in the oven, you can cover it with tin foil or place it on a baking sheet to help distribute the heat evenly.
Uses
Roasting pans are made for the purpose of roasting. They are designed for this purpose and can be used in an oven or under a broiler. They will work for all different types of foods, but a rule of thumb is if it can be cooked on a grill, it can also be cooked in a roasting pan. Roasting pans are used for cooking meat, poultry, and fish. Roasting pans can also be used on top of grills to add additional flavors to the food while baking it at the same time. Broiler pans are designed for use under the broiler of an oven. They are used to cook meats, vegetables, and baked goods.
Price
Roasting pans tend to be less expensive and can be found for around $20.The price for broiler pans tend to vary and can be found in most kitchen stores for around $30 to $70.
Pros of a Broiler Pan
- They are small and versatile.
- They are used for all different types of food.
- They can be used on top of your stove or in your oven.
- They release grease easily.
- You can use the same pan for multiple purposes, such as roasting and baking.
- Easy to clean after each use.
Cons of a Broiler Pan
- The perforated surface can be hard to clean if it gets burned on.
- There is a risk of fire when cooking.
- You have to be cautious because the pan can easily warp in the broiler.
Pros of a Roasting Pan
- They are large enough for multiple family members to eat from.
- They are made from materials that distribute heat well.
- Food cooks more evenly when placed in a roasting pan due to its design and material composition.
- They are durable and will last a long time with proper care.
Cons of A Roasting Pan
They are large and heavy.
They are made of heavy metals.
Fats can drip down into the food, causing it to become fatty or oily.
Can Broiler Pans and Roasting Pans be used interchangably?
A roasting pan could be used for broiling as long as the inside of the pan is safe to use in a broiler. Most people recommend using a broiler pan to cook things like fish, chicken, or vegetables because they can easily flip over to cook it from multiple angles. The same is true with a broiler pan. However, if you are going to use a regular oven rack on top of your roasting pan, you should make sure that nothing will fall off that rack and into the food or it can contaminate it.
Broiler Pans Vs Roasting Pans; Which is better?
Of the two, the roasting pan is usually the better option. This is because it is made out of materials that are more durable than those used for broiler pans. Also, they are not as small and versatile as broiler pans, so you can use them for many different foods. They are also easier to clean than broiler pans because they do not have perforated surfaces like they do.