Are Electric Roasters Any Good?
Electric roasters have been around for a while now, but many home cooks still wonder if they’re worth buying. These kitchen tools promise to make cooking big meals easier, save space in your oven, and cook food evenly. I’ve tested many electric roasters over the years and talked to lots of folks who use them. In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about these handy machines, their good and not-so-good points, and help you decide if an electric roaster should find a home in your kitchen.
What Is an Electric Roaster?
An electric roaster is a countertop cooking tool that works a lot like an oven. It has a big pan inside a heating case. Most roasters come with a lid that keeps heat and steam inside while cooking. They plug into a wall outlet and have dials or buttons to set the cooking time and heat level.
How Electric Roasters Work
Electric roasters heat up using elements that sit under and around the cooking pan. The heat moves all around your food, cooking it from all sides. This is different from slow cookers, which mostly heat from the bottom. Most roasters can get as hot as 450 degrees F, just like a regular oven.
Pros of Using an Electric Roaster
Frees Up Oven Space
One of the biggest benefits of an electric roaster is that it gives you extra cooking space. This is super helpful during big family meals like Thanksgiving when your main oven is already full of other dishes.
Even Cooking
Electric roasters are made to spread heat evenly around your food. This means no more dishes that are burnt on one side and raw on the other. The steady heat helps meats cook through without drying out.
Energy Saving
Since roasters are smaller than full-sized ovens, they use less power to heat up. They also heat up faster than big ovens, which saves time and energy.
Easy to Clean
Most roaster pans are made of non-stick material or have a smooth finish that makes cleanup easy. Many parts can go in the dishwasher too.
Good for Summer Cooking
Using a roaster instead of your main oven keeps your kitchen cooler in hot weather. This is a big plus if you live somewhere warm or don’t have air conditioning.
Cons of Using an Electric Roaster
Takes Up Counter Space
Electric roasters are pretty big – about the size of a large microwave. You’ll need a good amount of counter space to use one, and storage space when you’re not using it.
Limited Browning
While roasters cook food well, they don’t always brown the outside of meats as nicely as a regular oven. If you want that golden-brown look on your turkey, you might need to finish it in your regular oven.
Learning Curve
Cooking times and temperatures might be a bit different from what you’re used to with a regular oven. It can take some practice to get things just right.
Best Foods to Cook in an Electric Roaster
Electric roasters work great for many different foods. Here’s what they do best:
Meats
Roasters shine when cooking big cuts of meat like:
- Turkey
- Whole chickens
- Hams
- Beef roasts
- Pork roasts
The steady heat helps keep meat juicy while cooking it all the way through.
Casseroles and Side Dishes
Roasters are perfect for big batches of:
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Mac and cheese
- Vegetable casseroles
Baked Goods
You can even make some baked goods in a roaster:
- Dinner rolls
- Simple cakes
- Bread
My grandma always said, “An electric roaster is like having an extra oven that you can take anywhere.” After years of using one, I think she was right.
Comparing Electric Roasters to Other Cooking Methods
How do electric roasters stack up against other ways to cook? This table shows the differences:
| Feature | Electric Roaster | Regular Oven | Slow Cooker | Pressure Cooker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Speed | Medium | Medium | Slow | Fast |
| Size of Food | Large cuts | Any size | Medium cuts | Small to medium cuts |
| Energy Use | Medium | High | Low | Low |
| Kitchen Heat | Low | High | Very low | Low |
| Portability | Good | None | Excellent | Good |
| Price Range | $40-$150 | Built-in | $25-$100 | $60-$200 |
| Browning Ability | Fair | Excellent | Poor | Poor |
Tips for Getting the Best Results
If you decide to try an electric roaster, these tips will help you get the best results:
Preheat Is Important
Always preheat your roaster for about 15-20 minutes before adding food. This helps cook food more evenly.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Since cooking times can be a bit different in a roaster, always use a meat thermometer to check when meats are done.
Add Liquid for Moisture
Adding a bit of water, broth, or wine to the bottom of the roaster helps keep food moist and prevents burning.
Don’t Peek Too Often
Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and adds to your cooking time. Try to check only when needed.
Try Adding Smoke Flavor
If you miss that oven-roasted taste, try adding a drop of liquid smoke or some smoked paprika to your recipes.
What to Look for When Buying
If you’re thinking about getting an electric roaster, here are some things to consider:
Size Matters
Roasters come in different sizes, from 16 to 22 quarts. For a whole turkey, you’ll want at least an 18-quart model. Think about what you’ll cook most often.
Temperature Range
Look for a roaster that can go from about 150°F to 450°F for the most cooking options.
Removable Parts
Models with removable inner pans and racks are much easier to clean.
Even Heat Distribution
Better models heat evenly without hot spots. Check reviews to see how well each model cooks.
Are Electric Roasters Worth the Money?
Whether an electric roaster is worth buying depends on how you cook. If you often make big family meals, host holiday dinners, or need extra cooking space, a roaster can be very helpful. They’re also great for people who take food to potlucks or family gatherings.
For someone who lives alone or rarely cooks big meals, a roaster might just take up space. Think about your cooking style and kitchen space before deciding.
FAQ About Electric Roasters
How much electricity does an electric roaster use?
Most electric roasters use between 1000-1450 watts, similar to a microwave. They use less energy than heating a full-sized oven.
Can I use an electric roaster like a slow cooker?
Yes! Many roasters can be set to low temperatures to work like a slow cooker. Just make sure yours can be set to around 200°F.
How big a turkey can I cook in an electric roaster?
It depends on the size of your roaster. An 18-quart roaster can usually fit a 20-pound turkey, while a 22-quart model might handle up to a 24-pound bird.
Can I use aluminum foil in an electric roaster?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil to cover parts of your food or line the pan for easier cleanup.
Do electric roasters cook faster than regular ovens?
Sometimes. Because they’re smaller and the heat source is closer to the food, roasters often cook a little faster than regular ovens. Start checking food about 30 minutes earlier than you would in a standard oven.
Can I bake bread in an electric roaster?
Yes! Electric roasters work well for bread. Just place the dough in a bread pan inside the roaster, or directly on the rack if you want a free-form loaf.
Are electric roasters hard to clean?
Most electric roasters are designed to be easy to clean. Many have removable, non-stick inner pots that can be washed separately from the heating unit.
Can I use my electric roaster outdoors?
Yes, as long as you have access to an electrical outlet. This makes them great for parties and gatherings where you need extra cooking space.
