Best Electric Roaster Ovens According to Reddit
Have you ever needed to cook a big turkey but your oven was too small? Maybe you wanted to make food for a lot of people but didn’t have enough space? That’s when an electric roaster oven comes in handy! These handy kitchen helpers are like having a second oven. People on Reddit love talking about which ones work best. I spent hours reading what real people said about their roaster ovens and put together this guide to help you find the perfect one for your kitchen.
What Makes a Good Electric Roaster Oven
When looking for a roaster oven, there are a few things that matter most. Reddit users agree that size, temperature control, and extra features are the most important things to think about.
Size Matters
The size of your roaster oven depends on what you plan to cook. Most people on Reddit say that bigger is usually better. A roaster that can fit a 22-pound turkey will work for most families. But if you cook for big groups often, you might want something even larger.
One Reddit user named CookingDad78 wrote: “I bought the 22-quart Oster for Thanksgiving and it was the best money I ever spent. Had room for our 20-pound turkey and some veggies on the side.”
Temperature Control
Good temperature control means your food cooks just right. Reddit users really like roasters that heat up fast and keep a steady temperature. Many cheap roasters have trouble with this.
Helpful Extra Features
Some roaster ovens come with cool extras that make cooking easier. Reddit users often talk about these features:
- Removable pans that are easy to clean
- Racks that let you cook different foods at the same time
- Timers that turn off the heat when food is done
- Self-basting lids that keep meat juicy
- Warm settings for when the food is done but not ready to serve
Top Electric Roaster Ovens According to Reddit
After reading hundreds of comments, I found the roaster ovens that Reddit users love most. Here they are, with all the details you need to pick the right one.
Oster 22-Quart Roaster Oven
The Oster 22-Quart is the clear winner on Reddit. Users love how big it is and how well it works. It can cook a turkey up to 22 pounds, which is enough for most family gatherings.
“My Oster has lasted 15 years of Thanksgivings and is still going strong,” says Reddit user BakingQueen44.
The removable pan makes it easy to clean, and the self-basting lid helps keep meat juicy. Some users say it cooks a bit hotter than the dial shows, so you might need to use a meat thermometer.
Nesco 18-Quart Classic Roaster
The Nesco roaster gets lots of love from Reddit users who have been cooking for years. Many say their parents and grandparents used the same brand.
What makes it special is how evenly it cooks food. The “Circle of Heat” design means no cold spots. It’s a bit smaller than the Oster but still fits an 18-pound turkey.
“My Nesco makes the juiciest turkey I’ve ever had,” says HomeChef92 on Reddit. “The secret is the way the heat wraps around the food instead of just coming from the bottom.”
Hamilton Beach 22-Quart Roaster Oven
The Hamilton Beach roaster is popular with Reddit users who want good quality without spending too much money. It has a big 22-quart size and comes with a rack that makes lifting foods easy.
Users like that it heats up quickly and has a wide temperature range (150°F to 450°F). This makes it good for slow cooking and roasting.
“I’ve used mine for everything from pulled pork to cheesecake,” says one Reddit fan. “For the price, you can’t beat it.”
Rival 18-Quart Roaster Oven
The Rival roaster gets mentioned often as a good budget choice. Reddit users say it’s simple but does the job well. It doesn’t have as many features as other models, but the price is hard to beat.
“My Rival roaster isn’t fancy but it’s cooked our Thanksgiving turkey perfectly for the last five years,” reports FrugalCook55.
Elite Gourmet 18-Quart Roaster
The Elite Gourmet is another budget-friendly option that gets good reviews. Reddit users like its dome lid, which gives extra room for taller foods. It also has a helpful “keep warm” setting.
“Got the Elite model when my old roaster died two days before Thanksgiving. Saved the holiday and has worked great ever since,” says a grateful Reddit user.
Comparison Table of Top Roaster Ovens
| Model | Size | Max Turkey Size | Temperature Range | Special Features | Reddit Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oster | 22 qt | 22 lbs | 150°F-450°F | Self-basting lid, Removable pan | 4.8/5 |
| Nesco | 18 qt | 18 lbs | 200°F-450°F | “Circle of Heat” design | 4.7/5 |
| Hamilton Beach | 22 qt | 22 lbs | 150°F-450°F | Easy-lift rack | 4.5/5 |
| Rival | 18 qt | 18 lbs | 150°F-450°F | Budget-friendly | 4.2/5 |
| Elite Gourmet | 18 qt | 18 lbs | 150°F-450°F | Dome lid, Keep warm setting | 4.3/5 |
How Reddit Users Use Their Roaster Ovens
One of the cool things about reading Reddit comments is learning how people use their roaster ovens in ways you might not expect. Here are some ideas that go beyond just cooking turkey:
Batch Cooking
Many Reddit users talk about using their roasters for meal prep. One user makes a huge batch of chili every Sunday for the week ahead. Another makes pulled pork for freezer meals.
“My roaster lets me make enough lasagna for three family dinners at once,” says MealPrepMama on Reddit. “It’s a huge time saver.”
Holiday Helper
During big holiday meals, oven space is precious. Reddit users love how roaster ovens free up their main oven.
“I cook the turkey in the roaster and use my regular oven for sides and dessert,” is a common theme in comments.
Cooking for Crowds
People who often cook for church events, family reunions, or neighborhood parties swear by their roaster ovens.
“I can make mac and cheese for 30 people in my roaster,” brags one Reddit user who often cooks for community events.
Unexpected Uses
Some Reddit users have found creative ways to use their roasters:
- Making large batches of soap
- Keeping hot drinks warm at parties
- Slow-cooking overnight steel-cut oats for breakfast
- Baking multiple loaves of bread at once
Care and Maintenance Tips
Reddit users share lots of tips for keeping roaster ovens working well for years:
- Always unplug and cool completely before cleaning
- Never put the main unit in water
- Use baking soda paste for tough, baked-on messes
- Spray the removable pan with cooking spray before using
- Store with the lid slightly open to prevent odors
One smart tip from Reddit: “Line the bottom with foil for super easy cleanup. Just don’t cover the heating element!”
FAQ About Electric Roaster Ovens
Can I use my roaster oven like a slow cooker?
Yes! Many Reddit users say they use their roaster ovens as giant slow cookers. Just set the temperature low (around 200°F) and let your food cook all day.
Do roaster ovens cook faster than regular ovens?
According to Reddit experiences, sometimes yes. The smaller space and good heat circulation can cook food about 30% faster. Always check your food earlier than you think.
Can I bake cakes or bread in a roaster oven?
Absolutely! Reddit users report good results with baked goods. The trick is to use a separate baking pan inside the roaster and to avoid lifting the lid, which lets heat escape.
Is it worth buying a roaster if I only use it once a year?
Many Reddit users started this way but found they used their roasters much more than expected. “I bought mine just for Thanksgiving but now use it at least twice a month,” is a common comment.
How much electricity does a roaster oven use?
Most roaster ovens use between 1000-1450 watts when heating up, similar to a microwave. Reddit users say the cost is reasonable, especially compared to heating a full-size oven.
Can I put my roaster insert in the dishwasher?
This depends on the model. Some removable pans are dishwasher safe, but many Reddit users recommend hand washing to make them last longer.
Where should I store my roaster oven?
This is a common question on Reddit since roasters are big. Popular spots include the garage, a high shelf, or under beds. Some people keep them in the original box for protection.
Do I need to add water to the bottom when cooking a turkey?
Reddit is divided on this! Some users add a little water for steam, while others say it isn’t needed. Check your specific model’s instructions.
After reading what real people on Reddit have to say, it’s clear that an electric roaster oven can be a great addition to your kitchen. Whether you cook for big family gatherings or just want extra cooking space, these handy appliances earn their keep. The Oster 22-Quart seems to be the crowd favorite, but any of the models we covered would work well depending on your needs and budget.
