A roasting rack is a metal rack that is normally set into a roasting pan and used for cooking meat, generally chicken, turkey, rib roasts, pork roasts, or duck. The roasting rack can be flat or v-shaped, square or oval shaped. Some are adjustable, adding more versatility. They are generally made of stainless steel, but some inexpensive ones can be made of aluminum.

The interconnected metal wires of the roasting rack allows the air to circulate around the meat as it cooks. This not only helps to prevent burning but it makes the skin of the meat crispy and brown while sealing the juices inside. The roasting rack helps to achieve this effect by allowing keeping the meat away from the juices and fat that drip to the bottom of the pan as the meat cooks. Since the meat will not be resting in the juices, it will not boil, and will continue to brown evenly on all sides.

Roasting racks also help you avoid steaming the meat instead of browning it. Covering the meat too tightly will cause it to steam which in turn will keep the skin from browning and crisping nicely. If the meat is elevated, however, more air will be able to circulate around it.

The non-stick coating usually found on roasting racks helps you remove the food easily without it sticking and tearing. Roasting racks also often feature handles in addition to those on the roaster (the roasting pan) which helps you easily lift the meat out of the pan and onto the cutting board. You are then left with the grease and drippings in the bottom of the roasting pan, which can be used to make gravy or sauce.

A roasting rack will generally cost between $10 US Dollars (USD) and $25 USD, depending on whether it is made of stainless steel or aluminum, or if it is adjustable and has a non-stick coating. Naturally, various sizes are also available, to fit inside different sized roasting pans. If your oven is large enough to accommodate it, it is best to purchase a larger roasting pan as it will give you more versatility in the kitchen.

A roasting rack can be purchased at any kitchen specialty store, along with most department stores and discount stores. It is also possible to purchase roasting racks online. Many roasting pans come with roasting racks, but if yours didn't, it is a smart investment to improve the quality of your food.