Best Electric Roasters According to Reddit
Shopping for an electric roaster can be super tricky with so many choices out there! That’s why I spent weeks reading what real people on Reddit say about their roasters. Reddit is a place where folks share their honest thoughts without trying to sell you stuff. I went through hundreds of comments, posts, and threads to find out which electric roasters people truly love and why. Let’s dive into what the Reddit community thinks are the best electric roasters for your kitchen, and why these picks might be right for you too!
Top Electric Roaster Brands According to Reddit
Nesco Picks
When you dig through Reddit comments about electric roasters, one name pops up again and again: Nesco. Reddit users love Nesco roasters for a few big reasons. First, they’ve been around forever (since 1931!), so they know what they’re doing. Many Reddit users mention that their parents or grandparents used Nesco roasters, and now they do too!
The Nesco 18-Quart model gets tons of praise. People say it heats up fast, keeps a steady temperature, and lasts for years. One Reddit user wrote that they’ve had their Nesco for over 15 years and it still works perfectly for Thanksgiving turkeys every year.
A cool thing about Nesco that Reddit users point out is that you can buy extra pans and racks for them. This means you can cook different foods at the same time, which is super helpful for big family dinners.
Oster Roaster Love
Another brand that gets lots of thumbs-up on Reddit is Oster. The Oster 22-Quart Roaster Oven is especially popular for folks who need to cook for big groups. Reddit users who host Thanksgiving or big family gatherings say it’s perfect for a 20+ pound turkey.
Credit: amazon.com
What Reddit users seem to like most about Oster roasters is how easy they are to clean. Many models have removable pans that you can take right to the sink. One user called it a “lifesaver” because it freed up their main oven during holiday cooking.
Several Reddit threads mention that Oster roasters are also great for keeping food warm at parties. The temperature control goes low enough that food stays warm without overcooking.
Hamilton Beach Fans
Hamilton Beach roasters have a solid group of fans on Reddit too. The 22-Quart model gets mentioned often for being a great value. Reddit users say you get a lot of features without spending too much money.
One thing that stands out in Reddit comments is how even the heating is in Hamilton Beach roasters. Users say food cooks the same on all sides, which isn’t always true with cheaper roasters.
Reddit users also like that Hamilton Beach roasters come with a cooking rack. This lets air flow under the food, which helps it cook better. One user said this made “the biggest difference” in how their turkey turned out.
Features Reddit Users Care About Most
Size Matters
If there’s one thing that’s clear from Reddit discussions, it’s that size is super important when picking an electric roaster. Here’s what Reddit users recommend:
| Roaster Size | Best For | Reddit’s Take |
|---|---|---|
| 16-18 Quart | Small families (2-4 people) | Good for apartments, single household |
| 18-20 Quart | Medium families (4-6 people) | Most versatile size, good for regular use |
| 22+ Quart | Large families, parties | Best for big turkeys, recommended for holidays |
Reddit users often warn against going too small. One popular comment said: “Always go bigger than you think you need. You can cook small things in a big roaster, but you can’t cook big things in a small roaster!”
Temperature Control
Another big deal for Reddit users is how well the roaster controls temperature. The good roasters, they say, heat up fast and stay at the exact temperature you set.
Many Reddit threads talk about cheap roasters that run too hot or too cold. One user shared that they bought a thermometer just to check their roaster and found it was cooking 25 degrees hotter than the dial said! The most-recommended brands (Nesco, Oster, and Hamilton Beach) get praise for having accurate temperature controls.
Easy to Clean
Nobody likes cleaning up after a big meal, and Reddit users really care about how easy a roaster is to clean. Roasters with removable cooking pans get the most love on Reddit threads.
Several users mention looking for roasters with non-stick surfaces. However, there’s some debate about this – some people worry about scratching the coating, while others say it’s worth it for the easy cleanup.
One clever tip from Reddit: put a slow cooker liner in your roaster before cooking for super easy cleanup. Several users swear by this trick!
Reddit’s Favorite Uses for Electric Roasters
Beyond Just Turkey
While most people think of roasters for cooking turkey, Reddit users have found tons of other uses for them. This versatility is why many people say their roaster is worth the money and kitchen space.
Reddit users report great results using their electric roasters for:
- Cooking large cuts of beef or pork
- Baking multiple loaves of bread at once
- Making big batches of lasagna or casseroles
- Slow cooking stews and chili
- Steaming tamales (a very popular use!)
- Cooking corn on the cob for a crowd
One Reddit user shared that they use their roaster to make pulled pork: “I can fit an 8-pound pork shoulder in there and let it go all day. Best pulled pork ever!”
Holiday Hero
It’s no surprise that many Reddit discussions about electric roasters happen around November. Thanksgiving is when these appliances really shine! Reddit users love that roasters free up the main oven for other dishes.
One repeating theme in Reddit comments is how roasters save holiday cooking stress. A user wrote: “Having the turkey in the roaster and the sides in the oven saved our Thanksgiving. Everything was hot at the same time!”
For Christmas and other winter holidays, Reddit users mention using their roasters for hams, roast beef, and even for keeping mulled cider warm during parties.
Reddit’s Tips for Getting the Most from Your Electric Roaster
Preheating Advice
One tip that comes up often in Reddit discussions is to preheat your roaster properly. Many users say this makes a big difference in how well food cooks.
The general advice from Reddit is to preheat for at least 15-20 minutes before adding food. Some users even suggest preheating at a higher temperature than you’ll cook at, then turning it down when you add the food.
Lifting Food Off the Bottom
Reddit users strongly recommend using the rack that comes with your roaster. This keeps food from sitting in drippings and helps heat circulate all around what you’re cooking.
For foods that don’t need a rack, several Reddit users suggest using foil balls in the bottom to raise food up slightly. This tip comes up especially for baking bread in a roaster.
Moisture Management
How to manage moisture is a hot topic on Reddit roaster threads. Some users recommend adding water to the bottom for moist meats, while others say this creates too much steam.
The best advice from Reddit seems to be: add a little water (½ cup) if you want moist meat, but skip the water if you want crispy skin or a browned bottom.
Several users mention leaving the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes of cooking a turkey to help the skin crisp up. This trick gets mentioned a lot in Thanksgiving-related threads.
Reddit’s Warnings and Advice for Buyers
Price vs. Quality
Reddit users generally agree that with electric roasters, you get what you pay for. The very cheapest models get complaints about uneven heating and short lifespans.
However, many users say you don’t need to buy the most expensive model either. The middle-price options from trusted brands (around $50-80) seem to hit the sweet spot for most Reddit users.
Where to Buy
There are lots of comments on Reddit about where to find good deals on quality roasters. Many users recommend watching for sales in October and early November, right before Thanksgiving.
Some users suggest checking thrift stores and yard sales since roasters are the kind of thing people often buy and barely use. One lucky Reddit user found a brand-new Nesco at a thrift store for just $15!
FAQ Based on Reddit Discussions
How big of a turkey can I fit in a 22-quart roaster?
According to Reddit users, a 22-quart roaster can handle up to a 24-26 pound turkey, though most recommend staying under 22 pounds for best results.
Do electric roasters cook faster than regular ovens?
Many Reddit users say yes! Several report that turkeys cook about 30-45 minutes faster in a roaster than in a conventional oven.
Can I use my electric roaster outdoors?
Reddit users say yes, but be careful with extension cords and keep it away from rain. Some use them for cooking on patios to keep heat out of the house in summer.
Are electric roasters worth the storage space?
This gets mixed answers. Those who use them only for Thanksgiving question it, but those who find multiple uses say absolutely yes. One user wrote: “I use mine at least twice a month – best kitchen purchase ever!”
Can I cook multiple things in my roaster at once?
Yes! Many Reddit users report using dividers or separate dishes to cook several foods at the same time.
How long do good electric roasters last?
According to Reddit experiences, quality roasters from brands like Nesco often last 10+ years with proper care. Some users report having the same roaster for 20+ years!
Whether you’re cooking a holiday feast or just need extra cooking space, Reddit’s collective wisdom can help you find the perfect electric roaster. The community seems to agree that while these aren’t everyday appliances for most people, a good roaster is worth the investment for the times when you really need it!
