Which is the Best Roaster?
Finding the right electric roaster can make holiday meals so much easier and your everyday cooking more fun. With so many choices in stores and online, it can be hard to know which one to pick. Some are cheap but might not last long, while others cost more but have cool features. I’ve tested many roasters over the years and talked with home cooks about what they love and hate about their roasters. In this guide, I’ll share what makes a great roaster and which ones are worth your money in 2025.
What Makes a Great Electric Roaster
Before we look at specific brands and models, let’s talk about what features really matter when you’re picking out a roaster for your kitchen.
Size and Capacity
The first thing to think about is how big of a roaster you need. Roasters come in different sizes, usually between 16 and 22 quarts. The size you should get depends on what you plan to cook most often.
If you mainly cook for a small family of 2-4 people, a 16-18 quart roaster will probably work fine. These smaller roasters can fit a 12-14 pound turkey or a decent-sized pot roast with vegetables.
For bigger families or if you host Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll want to look at 20-22 quart models. These larger roasters can handle turkeys up to 24 pounds, which feeds about 12-14 people with leftovers.
Remember that bigger isn’t always better! Large roasters take up more storage space in your home. They also use more electricity and take longer to heat up. Only get a big one if you really need it.
Construction Quality and Materials
The materials used to make a roaster affect how well it cooks and how long it lasts. Most roasters have a metal cooking pan inside a metal housing with a lid on top.
The best roasters have cooking pans made of enameled steel or porcelain-coated steel. These surfaces are smooth, don’t stick too much, and are pretty easy to clean. Some cheaper models use thin aluminum, which doesn’t last as long and might cook less evenly.
Look for roasters with thick walls that hold heat well. The outside should stay relatively cool to the touch to prevent burns. Good insulation between the inner pan and outer shell is important for safety and efficiency.
The lid should fit snugly to keep steam and heat inside. Glass lids let you see your food without opening the roaster, which helps keep the temperature steady during cooking.
Temperature Control and Heating Elements
Good temperature control is super important for a roaster. The best models have thermostats that keep a steady temperature throughout the cooking process.
Basic roasters might only have Low, Medium, and High settings. More advanced models have actual temperature controls that let you set a specific heat, usually between 150°F and 450°F. Having this control means you can use your roaster for more types of cooking.
The heating elements should surround the cooking area for even heating. Cheap roasters often only heat from the bottom, which can cause food to cook unevenly or burn on the bottom while staying raw on top.
Top Electric Roasters of 2025
After testing many models and reading hundreds of reviews, here are the best electric roasters for different needs and budgets.
Best Overall Roaster
The Hamilton Beach 28 lb Digital Roaster Oven stands out as the best all-around choice for most people. This 22-quart roaster hits the sweet spot of quality, features, and price.
What makes it great is the digital control panel that lets you set exact temperatures between 150°F and 450°F. The countdown timer with auto shut-off is really handy – you can set it and focus on other things without worrying about overcooking.
The removable pan and rack are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup much easier. The lid has a special design that helps moisture drip back onto the food instead of onto your counter when you lift it.
Users especially love how evenly it cooks and how it keeps meat juicy. The only real downside is that it’s pretty big and takes up significant storage space.
Best Budget Pick
For those watching their spending, the Rival 18-Quart Roaster Oven offers impressive performance at a lower price. While it lacks some fancier features, it handles the basics very well.
This model has simple dial temperature control that goes from 150°F to 450°F. The enamel-on-steel roasting pan removes for easy cleaning, though you’ll need to wash it by hand.
What’s surprising about this budget option is how well it maintains temperature. Many users report that it cooks almost as evenly as models costing twice as much. It can fit up to a 18-pound turkey, which is enough for most family gatherings.
The main drawbacks are the thinner metal construction (which means you need to be careful not to dent it) and the basic knob controls instead of digital ones.
Best Premium Roaster
For serious cooks willing to invest more for the best quality, the Nesco 18-Quart Professional Roaster stands out from the crowd. This American-made roaster costs more but delivers professional-level performance.
The unique “Circle of Heat” element wraps around the sides rather than just the bottom, creating much more even cooking. The temperature control is very accurate, and it can maintain low temperatures for slow cooking better than most competitors.
The heavy-duty porcelain cookwell is extremely durable and won’t scratch easily. Users report these roasters lasting 10+ years with proper care. The adjustable rack makes it easy to lift out large items like turkeys.
The biggest drawback, besides the higher price, is the weight – this solid construction makes it heavier than other models, which might matter if you plan to move it around often.
Best for Large Gatherings
If you regularly cook for big groups, the Oster 24-Quart Roaster Oven is the way to go. This extra-large roaster can handle turkeys up to 26 pounds, making it perfect for big holiday meals.
Despite its large size, it heats up quickly and maintains temperature well. The defrost setting is a unique feature that helps when you’re working with frozen foods – just remember to follow food safety guidelines about proper defrosting.
The self-basting lid helps keep food moist without you having to manually baste every hour. Many users say this feature alone makes it worth buying.
The main downsides are its large storage footprint and that such a big oven takes quite a bit of energy to run.
Comparison of Top Roasters
Here’s how the top electric roasters compare on key features:
| Roaster Model | Capacity | Temperature Range | Special Features | Average Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Beach Digital | 22 quarts | 150°F – 450°F | Digital controls, auto shut-off | $89.99 | 1 year |
| Rival Roaster | 18 quarts | 150°F – 450°F | Simple dial control, lightweight | $49.99 | 1 year |
| Nesco Professional | 18 quarts | 125°F – 450°F | Circle of Heat technology, heavy-duty | $129.99 | 2 years |
| Oster Large Capacity | 24 quarts | 150°F – 450°F | Self-basting lid, defrost setting | $79.99 | 1 year |
| Proctor Silex | 16 quarts | 125°F – 450°F | Compact size, energy efficient | $59.99 | 1 year |
| GE Digital Roaster | 20 quarts | 150°F – 500°F | Smart controls, extra high temp | $109.99 | 3 years |
| Cuisinart Classic | 18 quarts | 200°F – 450°F | Brushed stainless finish, buffet pans | $99.99 | 3 years |
Key Features Worth Paying For
When shopping for a roaster, some features are worth spending extra money on while others aren’t as important.
Must-Have Features
A removable cooking insert is absolutely essential. Roasters without this feature are a nightmare to clean. Being able to take out the cooking pan and wash it separately makes life much easier.
Accurate temperature control makes a huge difference in cooking results. Roasters with specific temperature settings (not just Low/Med/High) give you much more flexibility for different recipes.
A tight-fitting lid keeps moisture and heat inside where it belongs. This helps food cook faster and stays juicier. Look for lids with small vent holes that allow a tiny bit of steam to escape when needed.
A sturdy lifting rack is important for safely removing large items like turkeys. The best racks have handles that extend up above the cooking well, so you don’t have to reach down into hot steam.
Nice-to-Have Extras
Self-basting lids have ridges on the underside that collect steam and drip it back onto your food. This helps keep meats moist without you having to open the lid and manually baste.
Buffet inserts let you use your roaster as a serving station for parties. These usually consist of 2-3 smaller pans that fit where the main cooking pan would go, letting you keep several side dishes warm.
“The best roaster isn’t necessarily the most expensive one – it’s the one that fits your cooking style and has the features that matter most to you. For me, accurate temperature control and easy cleaning are worth paying extra for.” – Professional Caterer Linda Williams
Timer functions with auto shut-off are convenient but not essential. They’re great if you tend to get distracted while cooking, but a separate kitchen timer works fine too.
How to Get the Most from Your Roaster
Once you’ve chosen the right roaster, these tips will help you use it well and make it last longer.
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Always unplug your roaster and let it cool completely before cleaning. Never immerse the main heating unit in water – only the removable cooking pan should be washed.
For stuck-on food, soak the pan in warm soapy water before scrubbing. Avoid harsh metal scrubbers that can damage non-stick or porcelain surfaces. A plastic scraper works well for stubborn bits.
Clean the lid after each use to prevent grease buildup. The outside of the roaster can be wiped down with a damp cloth, then dried thoroughly.
Most roaster problems come from improper storage. Store your roaster in a dry place, and consider keeping the original box to protect it. Don’t stack heavy items on top of your roaster, as this can damage the heating elements.
Getting Better Cooking Results
Preheat your roaster for 15-20 minutes before adding food. This helps ensure even cooking from the start.
Don’t overcrowd the roaster. Leave some space around food items for heat to circulate properly. This is especially important when cooking multiple items at once.
Use a meat thermometer rather than just timing your cooking. This is the only reliable way to know when meat is safely cooked.
For crispier skin on poultry, try brushing the outside with a mixture of butter and herbs about 30 minutes before cooking is done. Some cooks also transfer their turkey to a conventional oven for the last 20-30 minutes to brown the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an electric roaster last?
A good quality electric roaster should last 5-10 years with proper care and maintenance. Premium models may last even longer. The heating elements typically last the longest, while seals, knobs and switches are usually the first things to wear out.
Can I use my roaster for foods other than meat?
Absolutely! Electric roasters are very versatile. You can bake bread, cakes, and casseroles in them. They’re also great for making large batches of stew, chili, or soup. Some people even use them for canning in small batches.
Is it worth paying more for a name brand roaster?
Generally yes. Well-known brands like Hamilton Beach, Nesco, and Oster typically offer better customer service and warranty support. They also tend to have replacement parts available if something breaks, which isn’t always true for cheaper unknown brands.
How much larger should my roaster be than the turkey I’m cooking?
For poultry, you want about 2 inches of space around all sides of the bird. As a rule of thumb, a 16-18 quart roaster works for turkeys up to 16 pounds, an 18-20 quart for turkeys up to 20 pounds, and 22+ quart roasters for anything larger.
Can I use aluminum foil in my electric roaster?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in most roasters. This can be helpful for easier cleanup or when you want to create separate zones for different foods. Just make sure the foil doesn’t directly touch the heating elements.
Do electric roasters use a lot of electricity?
Electric roasters use less electricity than a conventional oven for cooking similar foods. Most roasters use between 1,250-1,500 watts when actively heating. For comparison, a standard electric oven uses 2,000-5,000 watts.
Choosing the right roaster depends mostly on your cooking needs and budget. For most families, the Hamilton Beach Digital Roaster offers the best balance of features, performance, and price. If you rarely host large gatherings, save some money with the Rival 18-Quart. And if you’re a serious cook who uses a roaster often, the extra investment in the Nesco Professional will pay off over time with its superior durability and performance. Whichever you choose, a good electric roaster can make cooking big meals much easier and might just become your favorite kitchen helper!
