Are you looking for a Roaster oven? This here is your definitive guide to buying the best roaster oven out there.
Cooking with an oven isn’t easy.
Some people make it look easy, and the recipes you’ll find online make it sound like baking something is the simplest thing in existence. But anyone who has ever used an oven can tell you, reading about preheating the oven and checking on your food now and then is much different from actually doing it.
What makes it so complicated?
Let’s start with the fact that all ovens are different, and yours might be colder or hotter than the one used to create a recipe. It means that your delicious and delicate soufflé might go up in flames even when following the recipe to a tee just because your oven was hotter than expected.
Then comes the fact that not all ovens are perfectly isolated on all sides, which means that your food will be cooked unevenly.
If uneven temperatures, different cooking times, and varying temperatures aren’t enough to prove that cooking with an oven isn’t as easy as other people make it seem, there’s also the size of your oven to consider.
Do you think that was obvious?
You’d be surprised how few recipes mention the size of the chicken, turkey, or other ingredients used. So it’s entirely within the realm of possibilities that you gather all of your ingredients, start cooking, and surprise, surprise, you find out that your delicious creation won’t fit in the oven once baked.
What can you do to make baking and roasting easy?
Get the best roaster oven, of course!
THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND THE BEST ROASTER OVEN
While most roaster ovens have roughly the same cooking capabilities, give or take certain special features, they’re still different enough that you’ll find differences in the cable length, oven capacity, materials used to create it, and more.
Knowing what these characteristics involve and what works best for you is the most crucial step towards buying a high-quality roaster oven.
Here are the things you should keep in mind:
TEMPERATURE LIMITS
The first step is to decide how high or how low you plan to go when it comes to cooking temperatures.
As a general rule, most ovens will go between 150 and 450 degrees, but others might go lower or higher.
Know what temperatures you’ll be cooking often and find a roaster oven that can give you that.
SIZE
Roaster ovens come in different sizes, to satisfy as many needs as possible.
If you live in a small house or an apartment and plan on cooking for one or two people, a small roaster oven should do the trick.
If you have plenty of room at home and you plan on cooking for large families, you should consider something larger.
Roaster ovens can be as small as 4 quarts and as large as 30, so make sure to buy one that fits both your kitchen and your needs.
MATERIAL
Different brands of Roaster ovens use different materials to build their products. Enamel is a common material, but you’ll find ceramic, glass-ceramic, and even glass as well, and that’s only in the removable bits.
The cooking well is often made of steel, but you’ll be able to find other materials as well.
The most recommended mix? Enamel on steel, which allows for high conductivity and heat retention. So don’t be afraid of trying out different combinations!
LID
Some roaster ovens come with flat lids. Others come with high domed lids that can help your roaster turn into a vaporizer.
Regardless of what kind of lid you choose, you’ll need to make sure it covers the cooking well nicely, even with food in it, so keep in mind what you’re going to cook and see if the provided lids will make it possible.
OTHER USES
We mentioned that, with the right lid, your roaster oven could turn into a vaporizer, and that’s because roaster ovens come with all kinds of attachments that give them more uses, such as buffet inserts, grill inserts and more.
BEST ROASTER OVEN REVIEWS
Now that you know what to look for when looking for your first roaster oven, you’re ready to go out and buy one!
Is scouting between dozens of roaster ovens at the store not your cup of tea?
No worries, we’ve reviewed the best 5 roaster ovens in the market!
Let’s get started:
OSTER CKSTRS71 18-QUART ROASTER OVEN
This 18-quart roaster oven might look simple, but we assure you it’s capable of covering your every cooking need.
It is equipped with a self-basting lid that allows you to cook with more efficiency. A roasting rack that gives you the chance to bake as well as roast. Rotisserie attachments and a removable roasting pan that makes cleaning a piece of cake, this roaster oven is the best for those looking for a mix of quality and value.
This Roaster oven is the most affordable article in this list, making it perfect for those who want to try roaster ovens but aren’t willing to break the bank just yet.
This roaster oven is rather large, which can be a good and a bad thing. The good part? You’ll be able to cook chickens or even turkeys in this oven. The bard part? You’ll need a lot of free space to store this oven.
Pros
- Spacious
- Affordable
- Comes with different inserts, which makes it quite versatile
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It gets really hot on the outside
- Takes up a lot of room
RIVAL RO180 18-QUART ROASTER OVEN
Smaller than the previous entry, the Rival RO180 is a good idea for those looking for an affordable roaster oven that doesn’t take up a lot of space in the kitchen.
Don’t be mistaken. This is a large roaster oven, just not as large as others in this list.
The temperature of this model can go from 150 to 450 degrees, which makes it a fantastic choice for using this oven over and over again, in a variety of ways.
This roaster oven comes with a buffet insert, which allows you to keep your food warm for a long time. It is a great add-on, particularly for those who cook for families or small events.
This roaster oven comes with a plastic lid to facilitate storage, and the removable cooking area is both non-stick and dishwasher safe.
This model does get quite hot when cooking, even the plastic bits, so you should be careful when operating it.
Though smaller than the previous entry, it’s still quite large, so you should keep this in mind when looking to buy this.
Pros
- Various temperatures
- Non-stick and dishwasher safe
- Sturdily built to facilitate storage
- Affordable
Cons
- Gets quite hot. Can burn if not treated properly
- Takes up a lot of space
- Enamel bits don’t seem to last for long
HAMILTON BEACH 22-QUART ROASTER OVEN
This is a large and sturdy roaster oven that’s armed with a removable rack that makes it easy to clean and gives you the ability to cook at full 22-quart capacity.
The enamel roaster is non-stick and very easy to clean. Not only that, but the enamel heats up quickly and evenly, coupled with the flat lid. Means food is cooked evenly and rapidly.
The downside of a flat lid is that it limits the size of the things you can cook.
This roaster oven has handles that let you move the oven around. It is useful because this roaster oven gets hot, which means you’re going to use them repeatedly.
The temperature control is excellent, not only in range (goes up to 450 degrees) but also in speed, so you’ll save a lot of time when cooking.
This is a huge roaster oven but here’ where the flat lid becomes an asset, as you can store this roaster oven in a cabinet and place things on top of it as well as inside so, technically, this unit doesn’t take up as much space as others, even if it’s quite extensive.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great temperature controls
- Spacious
- Removable grill
- Easy to ash
- Flat lid makes storage easier
Cons
- Flat lid reduces its capacity.
- Gets quite hot!
- Not particularly versatile, so it might not see a lot of use
OSTER CKSTRS18-BSB 18-QUART ROASTER OVEN
If you care about function as much as performance, we’re confident you’re going to love this striking roaster oven.
While most other Roaster ovens are available in white or even steel, this oven is entirely black, which is a bold choice and a great way of keeping it clean for a long time.
This roaster is the perfect choice for those with modern and minimalist kitchens, but it’s also a fantastic oven as far as performance goes.
It comes with a high-quality self-basting lid that’s built in such a way that it ensures a proper seal, reducing cooking time and keeping your food deliciously moist.
The liner included in this oven is removable to facilitate cleaning, but it’s not non-stick, so you might struggle with cleaning it so you’ll have to either oil up the liner or use paper liners.
This roaster oven gets hot, and we mean really hot, both inside and out. It’s so hot that the thermostat doesn’t seem to reflect the temperatures accordingly.
This might reduce the cooking time in a lot of products, but keep in mind that it also carries the risk of drying or even burning your food. Try with smaller, less important meals before using this roaster oven for cooking something crucial for the Holidays.
Pros
- Looks fantastic
- Cooks fast
- Large capacity
- Wide variety of temperatures
Cons
- Gets too hot, both inside and out
- There’s a learning curved involve, since this oven gets hotter than others
- No-nonstick, nor dishwasher safe
NESCO 6-QUART ROASTER OVEN WITH PORCELAIN COOKWELL
Nesco’s motto is “every day,” and this roaster oven delivers.
It is the smallest Roaster over in our list. So you should consider it if cooking for large gatherings isn’t your thing.
Its small size makes it easy to store and transport, but it allows you to cook at a small scale, which means you’ll be using this roaster oven repeatedly, to the point that you might not even need to store it at all.
Lightweight and non-stick, this oven is easy to clean both inside and out, which is a pro, particularly if you decide to keep it on the counter 24/7.
This roaster oven doubles as a baker oven as well and, as such, has fantastic temperature control. It also comes with a curved dome, which acts like a self-basting lid, and it also comes with removable roasting and baking racks, making it a very versatile machine.
Indeed, you’ll find yourself using this fantastic little roasting oven every day, and the low price is truly the cherry on top.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very versatile
- Easy to store
- Perfect for small families or single individuals.
- Automatic temperature control
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Too small for large meals
- The cord isn’t removable and it’s quite short
- Crock lining
RIVAL ROASTER OVEN 22 QT, BLACK RO230-B
Rival Roaster Oven, 22 Quart, is ideal for large social gatherings, functions, special events, or holiday entertaining. It comes in white color as well. You don’t need to be an experienced cook to use this oven roaster.
Rival Roaster Oven, 22 Quart includes:
- Lid
- Removable roasting rack
- Removable roasting pan
- Removable serving dishes
- Lid rest
- Indicator light
- Temperature control
It is perfect during the holiday season (Thanksgiving and Christmas) when you need a second oven. You can bake up to a twenty-pound turkey or two twelve-pound spiral cut hams in a single roaster.
It also keeps food warm. During the holidays or any time you have out of state relatives coming in, you can prepare food and keep them warm when your guests arrive, especially when you are expecting guests and not sure when they are going to arrive. This way, you can cook the meal and allow them to simmer a little in the roaster.
The power cord is way too short. Without a proper extension cord, you are guaranteed to have this cooker right up against the wall where it is plugged in. While it is still safer than an outdoor turkey cooker, you should seriously consider investing in a properly rated extension cord.
It takes up a lot of space when not in use. While it is a great space saver for cooking a turkey, it takes up a lot of space in your pantry.
It bakes things better and more evenly than regular ovens. The oven can get really hot, so make sure to place it somewhere that kids can’t easily touch.
Pros
- Versatile
- Reliable
- Easy to cook and clean
- Indicator light and temperature control
Cons
- Power cord is too short
- Removable parts are not dishwasher safe
GRANITE WARE 18-INCH COVERED OVAL ROASTER
It is a fantastic pan to cook turkey, chicken, roast, and vegetables.
The porcelain surface of these pans is all-natural and chemical-free. The dark surface efficiently absorbs heat from the oven and distribute it throughout the pan. That means your turkey will cook more evenly and faster than an uncovered pan or a glass pan.
It is also safe to use metal utensils on these pans.
The best feature of this roaster is the dimpled lid. It traps moisture inside the roaster from in and around your turkey. As the moisture rises, it collects on the dimples of the lid and then drips back down all around the turkey. It helps to keep the turkey moist throughout the cooking. This design is what ensures that the bird does stay moist by basting it in its juices.
There are a variety of styles and sizes of Roasters available. So you’ll be sure to find a roasting pan that’s just right for whatever you’re doing.
Pros
- Nonstick surface
- Excellent heat distribution
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Flat lid. If you are cooking a 15lb to 18lb Turkey, you will need a bigger roaster.
OSTER SMOKER ROASTER OVEN, 16-QT, RED
It is not just a roasting oven, Oster Smoker Roaster Oven, 16-Quart can also be used for slow cooking, baking, and more to prepare a variety of different foods, from the first course to dessert.
The key to delicious smoked flavor is the combination of wood chips, low temperatures, steam, and long cook time. The Oster Smoker Roaster is specially designed for outdoor roasting using wood chips that infuse a delicious smokey taste into your cooking. You can also use it indoors as a regular roaster.
The 16-quart roaster can hold up to a 20-pound turkey.
Its variable temperature control allows you to set cooking temperature from 150°F to 450°F to smoke, roast, bake, or slow cook to perfection.
You can also keep food warm for serving. Cool-touch handles make it easy to work with, and removable pockets hold wood chips for outdoor smoking.
Enamel-coated steel roasting pan and rack can be easily removed for cleaning.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Can be used as a smoker, roaster
- Uses 36% less energy than a traditional oven
- Great Price
Cons
- Temperature control is not accurate
- Too big to store on kitchen counter top
NESCO 4818-12, CLASSIC ROASTER OVEN 18 QUART
Everyone remembers this Nesco Roaster oven. It’s the one that Grandma had at home to cook the turkey at Thanksgiving. NESCO 4818-12 Classic Roaster Oven is one of the most versatile cooking appliances and has all the outstanding features from Nesco’s 18-Quart standard model.
Many people use it as the primary kitchen oven. For others, a second oven for the family room, porch, or cabin. It’s portable so that you can take it along for family outings.
NESCO Classic Roaster oven is ideal for large meals and entertaining in the home. You can roast a whole turkey, up to 22 pounds, pot roast, pork roast, ham, or whole chickens and bake cookies, cakes, pies, quiche, even whole meals! It can slow cooks less tender cuts of meat, too.
It has an exclusive ‘Circle of Heat’ heating element wrapped around for moist and even cooking. It also comes with automatic temperature control to maintains even cooking temperatures from 200 degrees to 450 degrees.
Removable steel rack has easy lift-out handles for safe, easy insertion and removal of hot foods.
Pros
- 1425 Watts of Power
- Adjustable Temperature Control
- Removable Cookwell
- Removable Steel rack
- Non-Porous Surface
- Indicator light
Cons
- The cover is loose fitting
- Heats up slowly
Cosori Original Air Fryer Toaster Oven CO130-AO
Cosori’s Original Air Fryer Toaster Oven is the perfect combination of multiple kitchen appliances in one machine. Carefully crafted, the Air Fryer Toaster Oven is built to be user-friendly while suiting various cooking, baking, and even dehydrating and rotisserie needs.
It can cook an entire 5 lb chicken for a delicious main course.
Pros
- 12 Presets
- Large Capacity
- Easy to clean
- Air Fryer Function
- Included recipe book
Cons
- Can get very messy
SUMMARY
From the above reviews, we choose Oster CKSTRS71 18-QUART Roaster Oven as the best roaster oven in the market today because:
- The price is affordable.
- It’s easy to use, clean, and cooks a lot faster than other ovens.
Now that you know not only what to look for in a Roaster oven but also the top 10 best roaster ovens in the market today, you’re ready to go out and purchase one!
Thank you very much for reading. Please let us know what roaster oven you got and your experiences in the comments section below.
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