Roasting usually brings out the flavor in meats and other foods. So if you are an experienced cook looking to add another kitchen appliance to your arsenal, or if you are planning your first Thanksgiving feast and are unsure of the oven to invest in. We recommend buying the best electric turkey roaster.
An electric roaster oven is ideal for saving time and energy. You can also use it for other dishes making it perfect for holiday cooking. Here are the best options for your cooking needs.
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1. Oster Roaster Oven 22 Qt with Self-Basting Lid, Stainless Steel
- Electric roaster oven accommodates turkeys up to 26 pounds
- Self basting lid continually recirculates moisture
- Versatile electric roaster bakes, slow cooks, roasts, and serves
- Dimensions: 23.3 L x 15.6 W x 11.8 H inches
- Roasting pan and rack are removable for easy cleanup
Oster Roaster Oven has a stainless steel body and is large enough to accommodate a 26 pounds turkey. Besides, the roaster oven features a removable roasting pan, self-basting lid, and stainless steel rack. Also, the roaster oven slow cooks and bakes and operates at a temperature range of 150°-450°F.
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Instead of removing the lid each time I want to check the roasting progress, I bought a meat thermometer with a wire to check the inside temperature, and I found this hack much more effective. This ensures safe cooking temperatures while heat stays trapped inside.
Furthermore, I recommend placing foil between the turkey and roasting pan walls to prevent the burning or sticking of the meat. On the other hand, I usually use oven mitts when handling this 22-quart roaster oven because it gets a bit warm while cooking. I suggest you use oven mitts too for your safety.
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2. Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-10 Roaster Oven, Stainless Steel
- Air fryers give you all the flavor of deep-fried cooking, without...
- Air fryer with 7 built-in smart programs, including: bake, roast,...
- 1-step EvenCrisp TechnologyTM allows you to achieve a crispy...
- Get a deep-fried flavor with little to no oil for healthy and...
- The Instant Vortex Plus air fryer oven circulates super-hot air...
If you're looking for the most versatile electric roaster oven, look no further than the Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Roaster Oven. This unit is an air fryer and roaster oven and can toast, bake, dehydrate, broil, and rotisserie. However, the roaster oven has a smaller capacity of 10 quarts and can only roast 4.5 pounds of turkey. So if you have a bigger turkey, you might be unable to roast it whole at once.
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The Instant Vortex Plus has a stainless steel exterior. In addition, it comes with several accessories such as two cooking trays, rotisserie spit and forks, a stainless steel rotisserie basket, a retrieval tool, and a drip pan. On the other hand, the unit includes a heating element on top that is ideal for browning.
I prefer manually setting the cooking temperature and time, although the roaster oven has a preset button for roasting that comes with automatic temperature control. This way, the turkey is roasted precisely and is delicious.
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3. Nesco Porcelain 6 quart Roaster Oven, 4816-14
- 750-Watt heating base for moist, even cooking
- Removable 6 quart cook well serves up to 6 people
- Full-range temperature control (200°f - 450°f)
- Durable porcelain enamel finish
- Stay cool side handles
The Nesco Porcelain 6 Quart is another small roaster oven option for smaller-size turkeys. The unit comes in different colors that you can choose from. The turkey roaster oven has a circular heat design that allows turkey or other meats to be roasted from the sides instead of the bottom, ensuring more uniform cooking.
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The roaster oven is made of porcelain and is easily broken, so you should take care of it. It also has a robust porcelain enamel coating which is also breakable. On the other hand, the unit can serve up to 6 people. When cooking, I usually touch the side handles without fear of burning because the handles are designed to stay cool throughout.
The Nesco Porcelain 6 Quart Roaster Oven features a cooking rack with lift-out handles to make food handling easier. You can adjust the temperature range of the roaster oven and set it between 200°F and 450°F. When roasting a turkey, I usually maintain the temperatures at 300°F for soft, delicious meat.
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4. NutriChef Convection Countertop Roaster Oven, PKCOV45
- BEST APPLIANCE FOR EASY ACCESS: Small enough to fit on your...
- HEALTHY MEAL PREP: Healthy cooking made easy Temperature &...
- FASTER MEALS: The best countertop convection oven for a faster...
- EFFECTIVE & EVEN COOKING: High temperatures & built-in fan...
- HASSLE FREE & CONVENIENT: Attractive glass makes for convenient...
The NutriChef PKCOV45 is another versatile roaster oven to count on. Though it's mainly advertised as an air fryer, it can roast, broil, steam, grill, and bake. In addition, the toaster oven is large enough to accommodate a 22-pound turkey. Besides, the unit has a broiling rack, a roasting rack, and a stainless steel extension ring. Plus, it heats up to 450°F.
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The NutriChef Contention Oven features a glass bowl and lid. So I can monitor the food conveniently as it's cooking in the glass bowl without lifting the lid. However, some users have complained about the glass bowl cracking easily. And what I have been doing to prevent this from happening is ensuring the bowl is cool before cleaning it.
The heating element of this roaster oven is at the top attached to the lid's bottom side. It usually works like a convection oven, swirling warm air around. This ensures heat is distributed evenly and reduces cooking time compared to a conventional oven. However, the lid gets hot, so I have to use oven mitts when opening it.
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5. Sunvivi 22-Quart Electric Roaster Oven with Visible Glass Lid
- 【Made for Delicious Roast Turkey】- If you want to make a...
- 【Convenient Visible lid design】- The unique Visible lid of...
- 【Warm / Defrost / Multifunction】: With this unique and...
- 【Easy to Clean & Easy to Take Out】This electric roaster oven...
- 【SATISFACTION GUARANTEED】 We enjoy bringing the best...
Sunvivi Electric Roaster Oven is large enough for a 26 pounds turkey. Like other roaster ovens that I have tried and tested, this model has a wide temperature range, reaching up to 450°F. Besides, one of my favorite features of this unit is the adjustable thermostat which has a defrost setting and a "keep warm" setting that I use to keep food warm before serving.
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The stainless steel roasting rack enables me to lift an entire turkey once cooked conveniently, and the high-dome lid usually self-bastes, providing additional cooking space. However, although I was pleased by the results after cooking turkeys, chicken, and ham, I noticed that the meat didn't brown well. Therefore, we recommend looking for another model on the list if browning is crucial to you.
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6. Hamilton Beach 22-Quart Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid
- 747090310465
If you are looking for the best electric turkey roaster for big family gatherings, count on the Hamilton Beach Roaster Oven. The unit is big enough for a large turkey or significant amounts of food. Conversely, the 22-Quart roaster oven has a variety of features and conveniences. It usually roasts the turkey or other food without me having to operate it now and then. Therefore, don't worry if you don't know how to cook.
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This roaster is made of stainless steel, so it won't be easily ruined if it gets into contact with culinary oil, water, or other contacts. Besides, I find it quite easy to clean and maintain.
The best part is that the roaster oven has a one-year limited warranty, giving you added security. I don't spend much time arranging the food on the platter. Instead, I usually set the roaster oven immediately on the tabletop since it's both safe and elegant.
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7. NESCO 18 Quart Roaster Oven with Porcelain Cookwell, 4816-12
- Exclusive "circle of heat" heating element
- Removable porcelain cookwell
- Adjustable thermostat
- Metal lid; self basting cover helps maintain moisture
- 18-quart capacity
The Nesco Roaster Oven has an 18-quart capacity and can accommodate a turkey weighing up to 22 pounds. The unit features a removable rack with handles that I conveniently use to pull the food out. Besides, the temperature range is between 200 and 450°F; when cooking turkey, I usually maintain the temperatures at 325 °F, so the moisture in the meal is retained.
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Furthermore, the 18-quart electric roaster oven is made of stainless steel and has a porcelain cooking chamber. And cleaning it takes me a few minutes since the materials are not destructible.
This roaster oven model comes in five different colors; I have the silver color model since it matches the décor of my kitchen. Besides, the roaster oven uses very little energy, and its exterior is porcelain-coated, protecting it from stains, scratches, and corrosion.
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8. Rival Roaster Oven, (RO230-B)
- Versatile roaster oven designed to roast, bake, warm, and cook
- Even heat distribution for perfectly for moist, tender results
- Accommodates roasts and turkeys up to 22 pounds
- Adjustable temperature from 150 to 450 degrees F
- Removable steel rack and pan make cleanup simple
I chose the white color model because it complements my other kitchen appliances; you can either choose between white or black color. Also, you can choose between 18 quarts and 22 quarts. I bought the roaster three years ago, and it's still sturdy; expecting it to last more years since it's made of stainless steel.
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Cleaning the roaster is quite easy; I usually use a dishwasher machine. Besides, the roaster has a removable steel roasting rack that raises food over the cooking liquid. The good thing is that the side handles are designed to remain cool.
Furthermore, you can change the cooking temperature between 150 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. As for me, I usually maintain temperatures at 350 degrees Fahrenheit as I cook the turkey. Besides cooking turkey, I prepare other different types of food, like casseroles.
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Advantages of Electric Roaster Ovens
1. Portability
An electric roaster oven is more portable than a standard oven making it ideal for holiday meals away and camping.
2. Ideal for Roasting Birds
Like a covered pan in a regular oven, an electric roaster oven usually offers a tight-fitting space for your turkey. Nonetheless, since the roaster oven is smaller, the steam stays closer to the turkey, resulting in moister meat. Conventional ovens are more prone to dry out your turkey.
3. Easier to Clean
Cleaning a standard oven can be quite time-consuming. Even with a self-cleaning oven, it might take you longer than expected. Conversely, an electric roaster oven is significantly easier to clean with an oven cleaner spray. In addition, most roasters usually have removable pans making it even better.
4. Quicker cooking time
Before buying an electric roaster oven, I used to have a conventional oven that took forever to heat up. The roaster oven heats up more quickly and reduces cooking time since it's smaller.
5. Cheaper
A conventional oven is a bit more expensive than an electric roaster oven, not even considering higher-end models. However, a roaster oven is cheaper, making it ideal for those who need more oven space but are on a tight budget.
Disadvantages of an Electric Roaster Oven
1. Less Browning
Unfortunately, electric roaster ovens can't achieve the same crispy, brown finish as regular ovens. A regular oven's dry heat is better for browning. However, the best roaster ovens can cook food to perfection, so don't get disappointed if the meat seems lighter in color.
2. Limited Cooking Space
An electric roaster is smaller than a standard oven. Even the larger capacity models cannot accommodate multiple dishes simultaneously. You might get disappointed if you intend to cook your entire Thanksgiving feast in the electric roaster oven. You can only roast one turkey or one dish at a time.
3. Less versatile
Most electric roaster ovens are not as versatile as convection ovens. However, you can get a few versatile models, such as the Instant Pot Vortex Plus.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Electric Turkey Roasters
1. Size and Capacity
Before looking for the best electric turkey roaster, consider its size and capacity. Although you can use roaster ovens for several cuisines, they are popular for their ability to make picture-perfect roast meats, particularly turkey. Consequently, it comes to reason that the first consideration should be the size.
If you want a roaster oven large enough to serve eight people but do not have the storage room for a 24-quart model, a 16 or 18-quart size oven will serve the purpose. And if it is not big enough for your needs, you can go for 22-quart models.
Although smaller roaster ovens, roughly 6 quarts in size, are not designed for turkeys, you can still use them on smaller turkeys or divide the turkey and roast it in half.
2. Material
Most electric roaster ovens are made from either stainless steel or enameled steel. Both materials are dishwasher safe, easy to clean and provide enough heat retention and distribution. Besides, stainless steel is lightweight, making portability, storage, and general use easier.
Enameled steel is a bit heavier though it has even heat distribution and retention, allowing your food to cook more evenly while also optimizing energy efficiency.
3. Portability
We recommend buying a portable electric roaster oven even though you don't intend to use it for camping; it can be handy for potlucks, parties, and last-minute Thanksgiving situations.
Furthermore, for storage purposes, you should be able to conveniently move your roaster oven from the countertop to the cabinets.
4. Temperature Functions
When shopping for the best electric turkey roaster, look for one with a wider temperature range and more settings. Avoid those that come with merely an on/off switch since they lack the precision cooking you need for anything more complicated than a stew or soup.
Most roaster ovens have additional functions such as a "keep warm" or defrost option for added versatility. Consider the settings you'll use the most and prioritize them. Moreover, we recommend looking for roaster ovens that reach temperatures up to 450°F.
5. Ease of Cleaning
The material usually has a lot to do with how easy your roaster oven is to clean. So, it will depend on the material of the roaster oven you intend to buy. Generally, we recommend looking for a roaster oven with a removable pan, removable steel rack, and one that's dishwasher safe. Besides, an enameled steel roaster oven with a smooth surface is always a good option for easy cleanup.
6. Self-Basting Lid Vs. Domed Lid
A self-basting lid is handy in a turkey roaster oven as it allows moisture to collect and drop over the food, so worry less about dry turkey. However, you must ensure the lid tightly fits because if moisture escapes, you won't get a moister turkey.
Conversely, a domed lid usually helps boost the capacity of the electric roaster. Since turkeys can be "lumpy," having that additional oven space at the top is handy. Also, the dome lid allows heat to flow, encouraging the food to cook evenly.
7. Price
Electric roaster ovens are cheaper than other kitchen appliances. They are the best way to achieve a professional finish on roast meats and vegetables without investing in expensive convection ovens.
You can get medium-sized roaster ovens for $40 to $60. However, avoid the ones under $30 because they are sometimes made of poor materials that could burn your food.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Electric Turkey Roaster
1. What is the difference between a rotisserie and a roaster oven?
Rotisserie ovens usually work differently from roaster ovens by rotating a piece of meat on a spit inside an oven cavity. Despite this, they provide many of the same benefits as a roaster oven, such as a crisp surface and higher moisture retention.
2. Is turkey better in an electric roaster oven or a conventional oven?
Based on the average energy and time, electric roaster ovens usually use 36% less energy and take 30% less time than conventional ovens. And though most people are concerned that roaster ovens don't brown the turkey as well as conventional ovens, the truth is that they can.
3. What is the best method for keeping a turkey moist?
To keep your turkey breast moist and juicy: Fold a square sheet of foil paper into a triangle. Brush one side of the triangle with olive oil and shape the foil over the turkey breast (oil-side down), then remove the foil; this will protect the turkey breast from drying out.
4. Should you roast a turkey covered or uncovered?
To attain that balance, allow the turkey to spend covered and uncovered time: We recommend covering it for most of the cooking time to keep it from drying out, then uncover it for the last 30 minutes or so to enable the skin to be crisp.
5. Do you add water to the roaster oven when cooking a turkey?
Fill the roasting pan halfway with liquid (water or stock). This keeps the oven moist and the turkey juicy. Besides, you can use this flavorful liquid to baste the turkey as it cooks.
6. What can a roaster oven cook?
Roaster ovens are designed to cook birds such as turkey and chicken; plus, they provide many of the same benefits of a full-size oven with a metal roasting pan, but in a smaller size and with less energy. In addition, the cooking process is quite easy. Simply set the turkey in the roaster with your favorite veggies, cover, and cook at 400°F for 30 minutes. Then, minimize heat to 350°F and continue to roast for another 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the size of the turkey.
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