Best Roasters for Family Cooking

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 4, 2024
If you adore roasting and preparing succulent meals, you may be interested in purchasing a roaster - a small and portable kitchen ...Read more
PROS

Thanks to the ribbed inner surface of this oven's lid, the steaming moisture runs back down on the food. This way, even the toughest meat will be cooked tender, mouth-watering, and flavorful.

CONS
The stainless steel looks thin, although it does not affect the quality of the meat roaster that much.
OUR VERDICT

Thanks to a wide range of temperatures, rich package of accessories and bigger than average capacity, this Oster pan will be an excellent option for those who plan to use it on a regular basis not only at home but also outside of it. 

detailed parameters
CAPACITY

22 Qt

TEMPERATURE

150 °F - 450 °F

CONVENIENCE
Temperature control, Convenient lid holder, Removable pan and rack with handles
CLEANING

Removable parts and lid can be washed by hand; Removable rack is dishwasher-safe; Body should be cleaned with a damp cloth; Not recommended immersing in water

PACKAGE
Removable enamel-on-steel roasting pan, Removable steel roasting rack, Self-basting lid
WARRANTY

1-year limited warranty 

PROS

A removable rack is fitted with pretty large handles that ensure a secure grip to take out heavier and bulkier foods without a hassle. They are also collapsible, so, you can fold them for convenient storage.

CONS

You have to turn the temperature dial to the minimum before unplugging the device.

OUR VERDICT

Budget-friendly yet very functional and attractive, this turkey roaster oven from Hamilton Beach will lend you a helping hand every time you have a holiday. It can fit a 28-pound turkey and allow you to cook a variety of other meals besides meats, including stews, soups, cakes, desserts and side dishes.

detailed parameters
CAPACITY

22 Qt

TEMPERATURE

150 °F - 450 °F

CONVENIENCE

Temperature control knob, Removable pan, Lift-out rack with handles, Lid with handle, Side stay-cool handles

CLEANING

Pan, rack, and lid can be washed by hand in hot, soapy water; Body can be cleaned with a damp cloth; Not recommended immersing in water

PACKAGE

Enamel-on-steel interior pan, Steel roasting rack

WARRANTY

1-year warranty

PROS

The combo of high power (1450 watts), special Circle of Heat technology, and domed lid for optimal air circulation ensures fast cooking with maximum even cooking results.

CONS

The lower temperature setting can still be a bit high for some dishes.

OUR VERDICT

The Nesco MWR18-13 roaster oven is a classic kitchen device that allows you to fry, steam, bake, slow-cook and roast a whole turkey weighing up to 18 pounds. It has a smart construction and comes with an enameled outer layer that prolongs its service life and gives it a sleek look. 

detailed parameters
CAPACITY

18 Qt

TEMPERATURE

200 °F - 450 °F

CONVENIENCE

Removable cookwell with integrated side handles, Temperature control knob, Indicator light, Lid with handle, Side cool-touch Handles

CLEANING

The removable cookwell is dishwasher safe; Rack and lid can be washed by hand in hot and soapy water; Body can be cleaned with a damp cloth; Not recommended immersing in water

PACKAGE

Cooking rack with lift-out handles

WARRANTY

1-year warranty

PROS
The pan in this chicken roaster has a wide high border to provide better access to it. This way, you will easily remove the pan for cleaning or for serving food in it.
CONS

The lid is a bit loose. 

OUR VERDICT

The Oster pan roaster oven is a heaven-sent gift for big families. It will also be a sound choice for those who participate in various fairs and festivals and love cooking. The black color makes it less vulnerable to stains and looks pretty cool overall. 

detailed parameters
CAPACITY

18 Qt

TEMPERATURE

150 °F - 450 °F

CONVENIENCE

Removable pan, Removable rack with handles, Lid with handle 

CLEANING

Pan, rack, and lid can be washed by hand; Body can be cleaned with a damp cloth; Not recommended immersing in water

PACKAGE
Enamel-on-steel roasting pan, Steel roasting rack, Self-basting lid
WARRANTY

1-year limited warranty

PROS

The model is convenient and safe to use thanks to the cool-touch handles, solid base with non-skid feet and a lid with a handle for easy grip. 

CONS

The white housing is prone to staining. 

OUR VERDICT

The Nesco 4816-14 roaster utilizes a 750W heating base, which ensures that it cooks food evenly and quickly while also locking in all the flavors to produce delicious and juicy results. With this roaster at hand, you can do so much more than just roasting, and it has a perfect size for 5-6 people households.

detailed parameters
CAPACITY

6 Qt

TEMPERATURE

200 °F-450 °F

CONVENIENCE

“Circle of Heat” technology, Stay cool side handles

CLEANING

Pan, lid, and roasting rack can be washed by hand; Body can be cleaned with a wet sponge; Not recommended immersing in water

PACKAGE

Durable porcelain enamel pot, lid, and cooking rack with lift-out handles

WARRANTY

1 year limited

Great Capacity

The Oster CKSTRS23-SB Roaster Oven is a simple device that will quickly become irreplaceable in your kitchen.

Right off the bat, this oven is very big and can hold up to 22 quarts of food, which should be enough to serve food for up to 17 adults, and that is impressive. This means you can easily use it as the main oven if you do not have one, and if you have, it'll certainly lend you a helping hand when you're waiting for the guests to come around. Plus, the Oster CKSTRS23-SB Roaster Oven will easily accommodate a whole turkey, leaving the other oven free for other meals.

Besides capacity, the Oster CKSTRS23-SB has a nice and stylish stainless steel design, perfectly matching different kitchen interiors. Also, it looks good if put on the table when dishing up the meal. The exterior of the roaster is also good, even though it is a bit thinner than usual, and will serve you for a long while without warping.

Various Cooking Features

As mentioned, the Oster CKSTRS23-SB has enough capacity to cook a whole turkey, chicken and big steaks to perfection. However, its cooking capabilities do not end here. Thanks to such a big pan and rack included in the set as well as variable temperature modes (150°F-450°F), you can use this roaster for cooking not only meat but also such dishes as soups, sauces, cakes, and even bread. Plus, it's able to keep the meal warm, if set at 150°F-200°F temperature. What is also great is that the lid here is self-basting, meaning you won't need to constantly open it to check on the meal. Thanks to all this, the heat won't leak and the meal will come out juicy, warm, and tasty.

Speaking of convenience features, the Oster Roaster Oven has all the essentials you need, including lid holders and handles making it easier for you to take the food out of the pot and serve it. Also included is an indicator that will let you know when the appliance reaches the needed temperature and you can start cooking.

Maintainance of the unit is simple. All you'll need is to give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth after each use. The internal parts (the pan and the rack) are easy to clean as well. Thanks to the non-stick coating it'll be enough to rinse them with hot water and a small amount of cleanser.

In closing, if you need a simple, yet functional roaster that won't cost you a fortune but will be suitable for cooking a variety of meals, the Oster Roaster Oven will be the right choice, especially if your family is big.

Last updated price $64.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00CQLJESK

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4.6)

Easy to set the temperature. Easy to clean, a bit large in the sink, though.

Size & Weight(4.2)

The insert is made from a medium weight metal perfectly suitable for it's application.

Features(4)

Clean-up was super easy because of the removable pan.

Power(4)

The heat (power) output of this model is not enough to boil soup when it is filled with 12 quarts of soup.

For Family Dinners and Hearty Parties

If you have a big family or often welcome guests in your house, a good roaster will be a perfect addition to your kitchen arsenal. And we strongly recommend turning your eyes to higher capacity models like the one from Hamilton Beach. With minimum effort and control from your side, it will help you cook a variety of wholesome large-size dishes.

The model comes fitted with a generously sized 22-quart cooking bowl that can easily accommodate a whole 28-pound turkey, a chicken with several portions of vegetables, a lamb leg or a pork knuckle. So, if you need to cook a festive dinner or a party treat for about 12-15 persons, the Hamilton Beach roaster will cope with that task without a hassle. And while it cooks the main dish that will undoubtedly become the focal point of your table, you will have time to make appetizers and other side dishes.

Once the meal is ready, you can either serve it right in the roaster to keep it warm for longer or remove it and serve on the plate. A roasting rack features hefty side handles, ensuring a secure grip to safely and conveniently take out heavier and bulkier foods. Besides, the unit body also has stay-cool handles on the sides to prevent the risk of burns when handling a hot unit.

For Various Cooking Purposes

The Hamilton Beach 32229R is a pretty multifunctional device. Ideal for roasting, it can also be used for numerous other purposes. Variable temperature settings will let you choose the cooking temperature between 150°F-450°F. Thus, depending on the temperature mode you set, the appliance is also suitable for steaming, stewing, simmering, baking, and even slow cooking. All dishes will come out evenly and perfectly cooked with all the juices sealed inside and minimum oil used. Meat and vegetable stews, beef rolls, puddings, roasted chicken, cakes, souffles, and even bread. These are only a few dishes you can cook in the Hamilton Beach roaster. And if you want to use it as a slow cooker, we highly recommend checking out these slow cooker recipes to surprise your family with mouth-melting delicacies.

Along with a variety of cooking options and high cooking performance, this model will impress you with robust construction. This kitchen assistant has a stainless steel exterior, which is not only durable but also easy to clean from grease and oil. The roasting rack, pan, and lid are made of steel as well. While the pan is dishwasher safe, taking the strain off out of the cleaning process and saving you the need to scrub and rub it after use, for the lid and rack, manual wash is recommended. Yet, they are a breeze to clean in warm soapy water. The body should never be immersed in water and a damp cloth will quickly and easily remove all the stains. Solidly built, the Hamilton Beach roaster is definitely designed to serve you for long and proper maintenance will help you extend the unit service life to the maximum.

To sum up, if you want to cook hearty meals like a professional chef with minimum effort and no guesswork, this efficient and reliable roaster will get you covered. Plus, it comes at a fairly reasonable price tag and won’t cost you a fortune.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $60.07
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N0GN7N4

Optimal Cooking Results in a Flash

The Nesco MWR18-13 roaster oven has a thought-out design and utilizes some of the best cooking technologies, allowing it to deliver efficient cooking results time and again. Not surprisingly, as of now, this model is a bestseller on the market.

To start things off, if you're looking for a reliable kitchen assistant to use for daily cooking, the Nesco MWR18-13 will get you covered. For one, it doesn't consume a lot of energy due to its power yield of about 1450 watts and for two it needs just a short space of time to have your meal cooked, which makes it a practical and energy-wise device. In addition to that, it needs almost no assistance: just put the food inside, select the desired cooking temperature and let the device do the rest of the job for you while you can go do some other chores around the house. The feature that is notable about this model is that it's suitable not only for roasting but also it can be used for steam and slow-cooking, frying, and even baking. Hence, with its help, making your family menus versatile won't be a hassle at all.

To continue, the roaster offers 6 pre-set temperature options in a range between 200°F and 450°F and utilizes a special Circle of heat technology both of which work to help you avoid under and over-cooking and achieve fantastic results each time. Plus, the MWR18-13 has a domed lid that ensures the perfect air circulation inside. For your safety, it has a cool-touch handle.

Durable Enameled Exterior

Other convenience features include a handy indicator which turns red when the unit gets hot and two handles on both of its sides allowing you to carry it for serving. As a result, the risk of burning hands is reduced to a minimum.

As for the capacity, at 18 Qt, this model is a bit smaller compared to its major rivals, yet it offers enough room to accommodate a whole average-sized turkey for Christmas or Thanksgiving. So, if you don't need a big roaster oven and/or you don't usually cook more than two- to three-serving sized meals at a time, it will suffice. It will also perfectly suit those who have a smaller kitchen and do not have a lot of space. 

To add more, the appliance is very easy to maintain. The body can be quickly wiped with a damp cloth while the removable cookwell can be safely put into a dishwasher. As for the tray and the lid, they can be washed in lukewarm water.

To make a final note, we can't help but like the enameled exterior of the unit. It is highly resistant to tear and wear and will be able to easily stand to the test of time. Besides, it gives the unit a sleek modern touch, making it a stylish addition to any countertop.

Overall, the combination of durability, good performance, and effortless cleaning makes the Nesco MWR18-13 an extremely helpful assistant for anyone.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $66.89
Stock In stock
ASIN B07N9LKB3V

Shape Matters

What other whistles and bells can be added to a device like a roaster? At a glance, everything is already thought through. But in Oster, they think there is always some room for improvement, hence the Oster CKSTRS18-BSB roaster oven that proves it.

To kick things off, the CKSTRS18-BSB has everything a cutting-edge device is supposed to have and will make a great addition to the arsenal of any average family or a cook taking part in various social events and dinners on a regular basis. Furthermore, just like many other roasters, it can also substitute for an oven. So, what's the difference?

Truth be told, there's not much difference. That said, there are few features that make it stand out. If you take a closer look at it, you're likely to notice is that it has a wide border that is higher than the border of the device. While this might seem a minor thing, it's a big benefit. In fact, when it comes to roasters, it is their shape that matters. So, the wider borders here greatly facilitate serving and cleaning, something any avid home cook will be able to appreciate.

Other than that, the CKSTRS18-BSB has an average capacity of 18 Qt which will let you fit pretty much any meat including whole poultry, so you can use it as a back-up oven for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Moving on to the cooking features, the model is suitable not only for roasting meat but also for slow cooking and baking. You can select a temperature in the range of 150°F - 450°F using a temperature regulator located on the front of the device. There's also a power indicator next to this dial that lights up when the roaster is plugged in and on. Finally, the CKSTRS18-BSB is supplied with a removable rack that enables you to cook meat without dipping it in fat and/or can be used separately for placing a baking sheet.

Stylish Black Design

Not that we've not seen such lids before but we like the fact that the lid on this one is self-basting. Thanks to it, it can ensure faster cooking and make your meat dishes much juicier and more succulent on the inside and outside. On the negative side, according to users, the lid seems to be a bit of a loose fit, therefore it is recommended to double-check if it snugly fits on top of the roaster.

Turning to design, this roaster looks pretty awesome too. It has a stylish black body that doesn’t get stained as easily as silver-colored ones, and it is very easy to maintain clean. Even when it gets dirty, which might happen sometimes, it will be enough to give it a quick wipe. Speaking of the other components, they are not dishwasher-safe and need handwash.

Finally, we can't but like the fact that this roaster is much more affordable than many other roasters with a similar set of features. So, this is the case when you get great value for the little money.

To wrap the whole thing up, if you are looking for a reliable device that will be able to deliver consistent cooking results and won't cost you a fortune, the Oster CKSTRS18-BSB can be the right choice.

Last updated price $93.52
Stock In stock
ASIN B00CQLJESU

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4.5)

Once the dial is set right the temperature is stable enough.

Size & Weight(4.8)

Good size, has liner pan, lifter rack.

Features(4.3)

The roasting pan cleaned up easily. We have made meatballs, roasts and other meats.

Power(4)

This little roaster is a power house! I have used it a few times and it works beautifully.

Portable Thing

Whether your family loves braises, sewed meat or roasted chicken and lamb ribs, using a roaster oven is always the right way forward. Small yet highly efficient, it's a valued supplementary appliance that can lend you a helping hand both on camping trips, when preparing festive meals for your friends and family, and pretty much any other occasion. A case in point is the Nesco 4816-14 Roaster Oven. Designed by a reputable brand, it's an appliance that is highly portable and up-to-date yet includes all the handy features needed for producing excellent cooking results each time. Let's take a closer look at it.

To start off with the size, the unit weighs just about 8 pounds, making it a good option for use not only in your kitchen but also away from home—in a boat, RV, motor home, garage, patio etc. Despite that, its inner dimensions are far from being modest. With a removable 6-quart cookwell, it provides ample space to cook quite a large meal for a family of 5-6 people, giving you a truly versatile cooking appliance for home use.

Using the roaster is quite convenient and safe, thanks to its well-thought-out design with cool-touch handles, solid base, non-skid feet, and a lid with a handle for easy grip. The lift-out handles on the rack, which you get with the purchase, largely add to the safety of use, preventing the risk of burning your hands while cooking. To let you start using the roaster from the get-go, the roaster is also shipped with a time chart so that those who've not used a roaster before can achieve perfection in cooking on the first try.

Extremely Versatile

When it comes to performance, the Nesco 4816-14 is no slouch. Despite its portable dimensions, it utilizes a powerful 750W heating base with the exclusive "Circle of Heat" heating element, which allows it to evenly cook food and keep it deliciously moist and juicy. In regard to the temperature settings, you've got a full range from 125 up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to this, the device does a great job of searing and roasting quite large chunks of meat while also being suitable for baking, slow cooking, and steaming.

Finally, you can't help but like the design of the Nesco 4816-14. Made of porcelain fused to the steel, it looks expensive and durable and is able to match just about any kitchen interior. If you'd rather choose something darker and less prone to staining, more color options are available from the manufacturer. In general, though, no matter what color you choose, all models have a non-porous, inert glass like surface that makes up for hassle-free cleanup after use.

In the end, if you are looking for a portable yet highly efficient roaster for cooking healthy and delicious meals, the Nesco 4816-14 may be a good choice. With this roaster at hand, you'll be able to do so much more than just roasting and get the most out of recipes with ease.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0002WRRSO

What Is a Roaster?

A roaster looks like a big slow cooker. Owing to the option of setting low temperatures, it can also work in a similar way, that is, cook food for a long time. But at the same time, the temperature modes of a roaster oven are more varied, so this device is perfect for baking and roasting. To be exact, you will be able to cook in a slow roaster oven every single recipe you cooked in your traditional oven before. But when compared to a traditional oven, the beef roaster still has a few benefits. It is easier to clean. Owing to the design, the pan roaster is much more cost-efficient, needs less power to heat up and maintain the temperature. It is also more portable, so you can use it wherever there is an access to the power line, like on your backyard patio. The distinctive feature of turkey roasters is their size. You will be able to cook a whole turkey or a 20 lbs chicken, and feed a big party, a company of family and friends. No problem with preparing a festive table for the Christmas, the Thanksgiving day, or another event, with all the relatives gathered around. If you read our best roaster review till the end, we are sure you will find the very turkey roaster oven that is good for you.

The slow cooker is a device similar to the roaster. With it, you will be able to cook any dish that requires a lot of time. It will be a useful addition to your kitchen's everyday appliances thanks to a smaller size.

To quickly cut vegetables or mince meat for various recipes, you may find it useful to have a food processor, and to nicely slice the already cooked meat, electric food slicers will be good.

What Features to Compare

Capacity

The first thing to consider when you purchase a turkey roaster oven is its capacity. You will probably encounter slow roasters with a 6 to 22 quarts capacity the most often. The 6-quart capacity is enough to feed a small family of 3 to 5 people. But the most popular are the 18-quart to 22-quart pan roasters. Using this kind of poultry roaster, you will be able to prepare meat, poultry, vegetable sauces, puddings, or soup to feed not only your family but all the guests who you invited for dinner. The best roaster reviews say that this volume of food is good for 10 to 17 adult servings. Also, these kinds of beef roasters are often used to prepare food for community meals and parties.

Cooking Features

We have already mentioned it before, but the home roasters' cooking features to prepare recipes in various ways are truly extensive. However, depending on the temperature modes your electric roaster oven can manage and its scope of supply, the features can decrease, so pay attention to this too. First and foremost, the chicken roaster is a device, created to roast and bake food, the same as your common oven. In this case, the meal will be prepared in a pan. The pan is included in every cooking roaster.

The average temperature mode to bake meat and poultry ranges between 325°F-450°F. Some turkey roaster models may act as slow cookers, that is, braise food for a long time at approximately 200°F-250°F. This way even the toughest meat will become tender and literally melt in your mouth. Few electric roaster ovens are good for baking puddings, baked rolls, or even bread. The average temperature, in this case, will be 325°F-425°F. Also, it will be great if your meat roaster has a rack to place the baking sheets on when you use the roaster for this. The rack will come in handy when you decide to steam food without an ounce of fat. Just pour some water into the pan, put your meat or veggies on the rack, set the rack on top of the pan. At ~400°F temperature you will after some time get a healthy and tasty meal. The 150°F-200°F temperature will provide for keeping food warm before you dish it up. It is a useful feature if you haven't finished cooking other meals in time. And you can use this setting to warm up the already cooked food.

Convenience

And one more parameter to think about before making a final decision is the convenience of electric roaster oven's use and maintenance. As these devices tend to heat up really bad during cooking, you may want to have non-heating handles. At the same time, remember that a high temperature is just an operational aspect for this type of devices, so be sure to always have an oven cloth within reach.

Then there is an option of having an indicator to notify you when the desired temperature is reached. Specific holders for the lid on the body will be of use when you dish up the meal, as you won't have to look for a place to set the lid. If you are going to cook big chunks of meat or poultry on the rack, having handles there will help you easily lift food from the electric turkey roaster. A removable lid, pan, and rack, when they are easy to wash, drastically simplify the roaster's maintenance. Sometimes you can even wash particular parts in a dishwasher. And to clean the roaster's body it is often enough to just wipe it with a wet cloth.

Every housewife knows that when you cook big slices of meat, the juice released from it must be constantly poured over the meat again. This is made in order to prevent overdrying. But the home roaster will spare you this problem. The tight-fitting lid will not allow the moisture evaporate and will preserve all the food flavors inside. The meat is cooked faster, and yet it is more juicy and tender.

Did you know?

A roaster oven is a multifunctional appliance that can be easily cleaned and is way more energy-efficient as compared to other electric cooktops. Yet, for some reason, people tend to use it mostly for big family holidays only (like Thanksgiving or Christmas) or other special occasions when they cook a lot of food (birthday parties or friendly dinners). So, we would like to share some other ideas on how to make the best use of your roaster.

Make a Full-On Thanksgiving Meal

Of course, one of the best uses for a roaster oven is to cook a whole turkey. Even though some users might worry it won't come out as brown and crispy as from a conventional oven, but we can convince you otherwise. All you need to do is to baste your poultry the same way you do when roasting it in the oven. Plus, there are some models of roasters that already come with self-basting lids that spare you from having to do it. However, a roasted turkey is not the only thanksgiving dish you can cook with the help of a roaster oven.

Making creamy and buttery mashed potatoes will be a breeze with such a kitchen helper too. Add all the potatoes, water, butter, and seasoning of your choice, select the temperature, and close the lid. In a few hours, you will have perfectly soft potatoes that are very easy to mash. And the best thing is that you'll get multiple servings to treat larger groups of guests.

Lots of roasters are also suitable for baking pies to finalize your Thanksgiving dinner. You can cook cheesecakes, fluffy almond pound cake, or a traditional apple pie. Just note that you need to pre-heat the device before baking (basically, same as you do when using a regular oven).

Cook Different Kinds of Meat

Apart from turkey, an electric roaster is good for cooking chicken and any other types of poultry, ribs, steaks, pork, barbeque meat, and even make meatballs with a delicious gravy. On top of that, you can also cook a meat stew in it without much hassle. In this case, the roaster will double as a slow cooker to knock off delicious mouth-melting meat stew for the whole family without much effort and hassle.

Get Perfect Seasoned Rice

With an electric roaster at hand, there is no need to purchase a separate rice cooker. Just clean the rice under the tap water the same way as you do before boiling it, add broth (or water, if you don’t have any), butter, onion or onion powder, and the desired spices. Mix all the ingredients together and let them cook for about one hour. In the end, you will get a batch of soft, fluffy rice.

As you can see, an electric roaster is much more than just a roaster. In fact, it might turn out an irreplaceable kitchen assistant that will make cooking less of a pain in the neck and can add versatility to your family and festive menus.

Sources:

1. Donna Currie The 8 Best Rotisserie and Roaster Ovens to Buy in 2017, The Spruce. October 10, 2017.

2. Jonae Fredericks How to Bake in a Roaster Oven, eHow.

3. CHRISTINA SCHNELL Difference Between Cooking in a Regular Oven & in a Roaster Oven, LIVESTRONG.COM. February 18, 2015.

4. Julie Miller The 7 Best Roasting Pans to Buy in 2017, The Spruce. October 10, 20176.

5. Cheryl Cirelli How to Use a Roaster Oven, LoveToKnow.

6. Roaster Oven, RecipeTips.com.

7. Fred Decker Does a Roaster Oven Cook Faster Than Your House Oven? Our Everyday Life.

8. Fred Decker Difference Between Cooking in a Regular Oven & in a Roaster Oven, Our Everyday Life.

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