Roasting pans were once used only around the holiday season, when families got together for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Today, roasting pans are used for more things and have come out of the oven and onto the countertop.
Electric roasting pans cook meats, vegetables, stews and soups while using less electricity than a conventional oven. If you need a 22-quart roaster big enough to roast a 26-pound bird, take a look at the Oster Roaster Oven With Self-Basting Lid.
Roaster ovens are another name for electric roasting pans. They are countertop cooking devices with electric heating elements and large, deep removable pans with lids. The heating elements are not only under the pan, as with a regular stove, but around the front, back and sides, too. This makes for even heating of all the meat, vegetables and liquids inside.
An electric roasting pan’s size is determined by how much food you want to roast and how much space you have on your counter.
The more power you have, the bigger the bird or cut you can roast. Wattages range from 750 watts on smaller roasting pans to over 1,400 watts on infrared roasters.
The more you can vary the temperature, the more versatile your electric roasting pan. Look for lower temperatures of less than 150 degrees so you can do more slow simmering of vegetables, soups and stews. Choose electric roasting pans with temperatures of at least 450 degrees for roasting large cuts of turkey, ham, corned beef and brisket.
Electric roasting pans can be used as slow cookers or buffet servers.
Prices vary by the roaster’s capacity, maximum power level and included features. Most cost $80-$180.
A. No. The biggest difference is that most slow cookers have only a few preset temperature levels, and electric roasting pans let you choose from a wide range of cooking temperatures.
A. It is if you choose one with a removable inner liner. Cleanup is even easier if you use foil liners made to fit roasters from 16 to 22 quarts.
A. When the meat is roasted on a rack, it sits above the fat drippings as it cooks, meaning your turkey will have less fat and be healthier, too.
Oster Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid
What you need to know: This 22-quart oven holds birds weighing up to 26 pounds.
What you’ll love: The self-basting lid constantly circulates moisture to keep the contents moist without you having to open the lid and do it by hand. This roaster is one of the largest available, measuring 23 by 16 by 11 inches. The temperature ranges from 150 to 450 degrees and has a keep-warm function, too. The inner roasting pan is enamel on steel and is removable.
What you should consider: This pan doesn’t have enough features for some reviewers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Nesco Porcelain Enamel Roaster Oven
What you need to know: This 6-quart roasting pan has 750 watts of heating power.
What you’ll love: There are six temperature settings from 200 to 450 degrees. The stay-cool side handles make handling this 8-pound oven easy. It comes in six colors and finishes, and the power cord is detachable.
What you should consider: Some customers said the analog control made it difficult to select the right temperature.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Nesco Digital Infrared Upright Turkey Roaster
What you need to know: Use this 19-pound stainless steel roaster with 1,420 watts of infrared power to cook an 18-pound turkey in only two hours.
What you’ll love: It uses a center heating element to cook from the inside out while the outer elements rotate heat around the bird. Set the time on the digital clock and the circle of heat takes care of the rest. This cooker detaches from the base for easy handling and has a drip tray for easy cleaning.
What you should consider: It doesn't have an auto-baste lid.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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David Van Allan writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
