Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Most of my cook- and bakeware is of the hard-anodized Calphalon ilk. That said, I will admit that the Calphalon was not my first choice for a roasting pan. I will also admit that my first choice was the shiny, uptown All-Clad Roti. And I will even be so brazen as to admit that the Roti was my first choice because (a) it is shiny, (b) it is All-Clad, and (c) I am not immune to the whole cache of All-Clad and that whole "kitchen-bling" thing that it has going on. But then I realized that for the cost of the Roti, I could get the Calphalon, a 25 pound turkey, two bags of cranberries, a bottle of wine, and a vintage cookie jar that I have had my eye on. This pan, like all my stove-tops items, fared amazingly well. The handles are very sturdy. At first, I was a little perturbed by the fact that the handles tilt in (i.e., over the interior of the pan, rather than sticking out), but then I quickly realized that this was handy for many reasons. I thought the pan was easier to lift than other similar-size roasters, even when fully loaded with a 25-pound turkey. Also, I would imagine that for one with an oven less cavernous than mine, having the handles angle in would be more space-economical. I also liked the shape and depth of the pan. Don't think that a roasting pan of this size is something that you bring out only with the Thanksgiving cornucorpia. You can use it for everyday things like casseroles, broasted potatoes, and cobblers. I have used it quite a bit as the "bain" for a bain-marie. It also is very easy to clean, even in the aftermath of mammoth turkey. Drawbacks: I gave it four rather than five stars because while this is a "better" pan, it is arguable that it is not the "best." But there really are not any deal-breaking drawbacks to the pan itself. Especially if one can acquire it at such a low price. I will say, however, that the inward angle of the handles might encroach on the cooking space of the pan. But you would have to be cooking something VERY, almost unimaginably large for this to occur. My biggest peeve was the lifters. I found them pretty much useless, but then again, the lack of efficacy could have been due to the girth of my turkey. Did I mention the 25 pound turkey? Bonuses: The baster rocks. It really makes your carcass of choice moist and delicious. And you get that whole Jonas Salk feeling. Recommendations: Get a flat rack to use in addition to the vented rack that comes with it. That way you can roast and broast smaller, flatter items. Also, try not to through out your meat thermometer with the turkey bones. Which doesn't have anything to do specifically with the Calphalon, but in general is just sound advice. Summary: The All-Clad Roti might be the Cadillac of roasters, but the Calphalon is definitely the Jeep Grand Cherokee -- it works hard, gets the job done, and cleans up nicely. Cheers!