Top 10 Best Electric Turkey Roaster Ovens for A Delicious Thanksgiving and Christmas Cooking

Article by Sarah Morris

Sarah Morris

    

Sarah Morris is an avid writer specialized in home decor and product reviews. She covers furniture products and more for ChosenFurniture.

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| Updated on April 26, 2022

The electric turkey roaster oven has been around for generations and is a great addition to any kitchen. Although they’re ideal for the holidays and large events, these roaster ovens are so practical and versatile that one may just become your daily cooking favorite. They’ll cook almost anything your regular oven can, still, they offer an easier cleanup, use less energy, and often lead to moister, more succulent cooking results.

Electric roasters are effectively mini ovens that sit on your countertop. They do take up a bit of space but are much more useful than most people realize. They are time, heat, and energy-efficient. Once you own one of these, you wonder how you managed without all those years. Even you don’t roast turkeys, it would be great for a few roaster chickens. Plus, these electric roasters have various functions which makes it very versatile – they bake, boil, stew, grill (broil), keep food warm, or slow cook.

The size of the roaster oven, the material used and the type of lid, as well as the temperature settings available and the amount of energy savings you will get from your electric roaster, are all important considerations. The self-basting lid may be an advantage because you don’t need to keep opening the lid to baste the turkey or any other bird. Since it is said that the more you open the lid of a non-basting roaster to baste the turkey, it loses some heat energy, thereby increasing the cooking time.

Choosing the right electric roaster oven to meet your needs can sometimes be difficult, so we are here to help you with your decision. Out of all the models on the cooking appliance market, we offer you a selection of the top 10 electric roaster ovens, in terms of the best quality and outstanding performances.

List of Top 10 Electric Turkey Roaster Ovens (Updated 5th May 2022)

Rank		Material		Score
1.		Steel Enamel	Oster CKSTRS23B 22-Quart Electric Turkey Roaster Oven Constructed from the highest quality enamel-on-steel. It features a removable roasting pan and can accommodate a turkey or roast of up to 26 pounds. The lid will recirculate moisture in the roaster oven which saves you time and energy. The defrost setting allows you to roast from frozen in a couple of short hours. There is also a warming setting on the electric roaster so you can keep your roast warm until you are ready to serve your guests without stress. Variable temperature control on the roster oven allows you to adjust your settings between 150-degrees to 450-degrees Fahrenheit. Cook any dish to perfection and you will be very pleased with the way it performs.	9.80	View Product
2.		Steel Enamel	Nesco 481825PR 18-Quart Electric Roaster Oven with Porcelain Cookwell Adjust the temperature from 200F to 450F. The patented heating element rotates the heat so that the food will be cooked from the sides, not from the bottom, ensuring an even cooking. The rack is made of steel and has handles so you can easily remove it from the pan. When it has reached the right temperature, it will let you know by turning off the light indicator. The interior pan is made of stainless steel coated with enamel so nothing will stick to it. No need to stir because of the self-basting lid that ensures juicy cooking anytime.	9.60	View Product
3.		Steel Enamel	Oster CKSTROSMK18 Electric Roaster Oven Smoker, 16-Quart, Red Smoke This is a slightly smaller electric roaster, it only fits a 20-pound turkey, but it can also work as a smoker. The temperature control adjusts from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The removable wood chip pockets can be used outdoors to give your food smoked flavor. With its cool-touch handles, this electric roaster can also be used as a serving dish. The removable enamel-coated steel roasting pan and rack are durable and easy to clean. Can be used as a smoker, roaster, slow cooker, steamer, or traditional oven for baking. Ideal for large gatherings, social functions, special events, or holiday entertaining. Specially designed for outdoor roasting!	9.40	View Product
4.		Steel	Chefman 20-Quart Electric Roaster Oven Slow Cooker with Window Has the capacity to cook large meals for the whole family, can even accommodate up to a 26 lb turkey. Perfect for any Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, can be used for your everyday cooking needs such as roasting, slow cooking, baking and more. Double your cooking efficiency with this roaster as it is 30 percent faster than traditional ovens and can heat up to 450F. Defrost setting is time-saving as well – go from frozen to perfectly roasted in hours. Switch the roaster to Keep Warm once your dish has finished cooking to keep it warm until you are ready to eat. With a self-basting lid that recirculates moisture, your food will come out juicy, tender and flavorful, while the viewing window allows you to see your food as it is roasting without opening the slow cooker.	9.10	View Product
5.		Steel Enamel	Rival RO180 18-Quart Electric Roaster Oven Easily prepare meals on holidays and special occasions. This versatile roaster oven handles a variety of cooking applications, including baking, roasting, and slow-cooking, and it has a large capacity that can accommodate turkeys up to 22 pounds. The adjustable temperature range from 150F to 450F. Additionally, in case you want to keep the food warm, set the heat to a maximum of 200F and it will stay warm until you serve it. Thanks to its removable rack and roasting pan, this roaster oven is easy to clean. It’s a budget product because it has everything you would want from an electric oven, except that you do not have the option of a self-basting lid.	8.80	View Product
6.		Steel Enamel	Proctor Silex 32700 Portable Electric Roaster Oven Proctor Silex 32700 is one of the smallest electric roaster on the market today. It has only a 6.5 pounds capacity, it will fit a small turkey or an average sized chicken. These convenient roaster ovens bake, roast, and cook like a traditional oven, they’re also great for making popular desserts like cheesecake and pound cake. Comes with a removable pan that lifts out for easy cleanup at the sink. The adjustable dial allows selecting temperature from 200 degrees and all the way up to 450F. Proctor Silex roaster ovens give you the extra cooking space you need when your main oven is busy cooking other dishes or desserts.	8.70	View Product
7.		Porcelain	Nesco 4818-12W Classic Electric Roaster Oven with Porcelain Cookwell, 18-Quart, Red This is a special edition of the classic NESCO electric roaster. It’s the one that any grandma had at home to cook the turkey at Thanksgiving. It’s also one of the most versatile cooking appliances available. It has all the outstanding features of an 18-quart standard model. For many, it’s the primary kitchen oven! For others, a second oven for the family room, porch, or cabin. It’s portable, so you can take it along for family outings. This electric roaster oven is ideal for large meals and entertaining in the home. Roast a whole turkey, up to 22 pounds, pot roast, pork roast, ham, or whole chickens. Bake cookies, cakes, pies – cook soups, stews, lasagna, and hot dishes. Provides a wide range of temperature settings from 200F to 450F. The cook well is removable and the entire unit is easy to handle, clean, and store. The most impressive thing is the fact that it is very affordable and yet it comes with its own self-basting lid.	8.50	View Product
8.		Steel Enamel	Oster CKSTRS71 Electric Roaster Oven with Buffet Server, 18 Quart Accommodating a 22-pound roast, the self-basting lid is designed to recirculate moisture around the pan and ensure that your roasts remain moist and tender. Temperature control dial allows you to set your temperature from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The roaster pan is removable making it very easy and simple to clean. Removable steel rack raises food above the cooking liquid. It offers a warming function to take the stress off you as you can serve when you and your guests are ready. Completely portable, not just for roasting, this countertop electric roaster oven can also be used for slow cooking, baking and more.	8.40	View Product
9.		Steel	Hamilton Beach 22-Quart Electric Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid With a 22-quart capacity and the convenience of a conventional oven, it’s the perfect answer for extra oven space when cooking holiday dinners and large meals. Adjustable temperature control from 150 to 450F lets you do everything from keeping a side dish warm to roast a large turkey. The removable rack has handles to easily lift big items after cooking. Or take the roaster oven right to the table for serving. Either way, cleanup is easy – the removable pan, lid, and rack can be washed in hot, soapy water. Roast beef, turkey, chicken, and ham to perfect tenderness in about 3.5 hours. The lift-out rack makes the oven to platter transition easy.	8.20	View Product
10.		Steel	Ninja Multi-Cooker Electric Roaster Oven, Stove, Steam and Slow Cooker, 6-Quart, Red Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ is four appliances built into one. A slow cooker, a stove-top for searing and sauteing, a steamer, and an oven. Cook everything from stews and roasts to seafood and vegetables and even baked goods. With Auto-iQ technology: you select a recipe, add ingredients, and let Auto-iQ cook for you. Choose from over 80 pre-programmed recipes divided into four programs. The included cookbook serves as your guide for selecting recipes. Between Manual and Auto-iQ functions, there’s a huge array of delicious, one-pot meals at your fingertips. This 6-quart cooking system also includes an auto stay-warm feature, digital timer, and steaming/roasting rack. Controlled temperature range from 250 to 425F – you can dry bake hearty roasts or steam bake bread, cakes, and more. Includes 6-quart nonstick cooking pot, glass lid, steaming/roasting rack, multi-purpose pan, roast lifters, silicon mitts, cookbook, and travel bag.	8.10	View Product

Consumer Reports – Electric Turkey Roaster Oven Pros and Cons

A good electric turkey roaster is a valuable investment and an essential piece of kitchenware for anyone who takes their cooking seriously. Whether you’ll be hosting large dinners during the holidays or make a summer barbecue, electric roasters are an invaluable investment. And that always raises the question if it’s good or bad to have one – especially if you’re planning to cook a large turkey, ham, roast, or even a smoked brisket.

What To Look For When Buying an Electric Turkey Roaster

There are a number of features to consider when looking for an electric turkey roaster oven. Some of these are the type of material the roaster is made from, the capacity of the roaster as well as the size of roast it can accommodate, or the temperature control. Countertop electric roasters should be large enough to accommodate a family roast without taking up too much space. They are the perfect alternative to traditional ovens and helps free up space (and storage!) when cooking large meals. Let’s have a look at some of the major aspects to consider.

Dimensions and Capacity

Into this electric turkey roaster top 10 buying guide, we reviewed roaster ovens that range from 6-quart to 22-quart. They will accommodate from a 6-pound to a 25-pound turkey roast, and even a smoker roaster. The dimensions of the portable electric turkey roaster oven are important as you need to consider the space available on your countertop, and also need to consider storage space that you have available on your kitchen.

If you wish to serve directly from your electric turkey roaster oven you also need to consider the size when laying out on the table. Always remember that your electric roaster will need at least 1–2 inches of space on the sides to allow for the best heat circulation. The perfect pan is between 16 inches long and 13 inches wide, as this size will be able to accommodate turkeys, chickens, and any other roasts you wish to do. The lid is also an important aspect when it comes to size. The high dome lids allow you to accommodate larger turkeys and ensure that heat circulation is optimal and spread even the heat distribution.

Material

The material that the roaster is made from will affect the way that it distributes the heat throughout the roaster. This, in turn, affects the way that your roast will cook and how much heat it will retain. Not all metals act the same when exposed to heat. Most people prefer stainless steel. It is easy to clean and does not react with any ingredients used for cooking. Aluminum, on the other hand, tends to warp in high temperatures and reacts with acidic ingredients. Enamel cook well, have greater heat retention and heat re-circulation.

Fast Heating

Electric turkey roaster ovens heat up faster than other small appliances. Slow cookers, for example, can take at least half an hour to warm up. With an electric roaster oven, all you do is simply set it to the appropriate temperature and give it typically a max of 10 minutes. You save a lot of time in the cooking process just by switching to an electric roaster oven. This is invaluable!

Temperature Control

All-electric turkey roaster ovens we have reviewed have temperature controls. These usually have a temperature range from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect when roasting, use it as a slow cooker, as well as a baking appliance. The roaster ovens can have variable manual thermal control or automatic thermal control. If you choose a roaster oven with a variable thermal control knob make sure that the temperature is clearly marked on the front panel. In the case of the automatic control system, you should look for LED indicators that will guide you through the settings. It is desirable to have a timer setting that will allow the oven to automatically shut down once the set time passes.

Roaster Oven Lid

The electric roaster oven lid needs to be resistant and tight-fitting so that all the heat and steam can remain inside. If the oven radiates heat and the oven lid becomes too hot, you could get seriously hurt. Self-basting lids are the best as they help by continuously recirculating the moisture inside the oven so that you do not have to hand baste. The food is tastier this way too as it retains the moisture and flavors better. High-dome lids are typically best because they can accommodate the larger shapes of turkeys.

Energy Savings

Everybody likes to save money and saving on energy will lower your budget expenses. Electric roasters are designed to lower the power use in comparison to traditional ovens, thus they will not only save you time but also energy – which relates to lower electrical bills.

Additional Features

There are some kitchen appliance roasters that are more than just oven roasters. You get those that are also smokers, such as the Oster smoker. You also get those that have a buffet server option which makes it easy to serve your guests. Having removable pans and racks also make your life a lot easier when using your roaster. Plus, you can take an electric roaster oven with you, put it up when you’re no longer using it, and hide it just about anywhere.

How to Cook In an Electric Roaster Oven

The electric turkey roaster oven is one of my wife’s favorite appliances in the kitchen. It is versatile, and cooks easily a juicy holiday turkey, but will also bake, steam, slow-cook and warm other foods, making this appliance a must-have in the kitchen. An electric roaster oven is also great for potlucks and block parties doubling as a buffet server once the food is cooked and ready to serve.

In general, electric roaster ovens range from 5-quart to a 22-quart size. Depending on the model you choose, some have buffet pans so you can use the roaster as a buffet server. You will find stainless steel models enamel and even porcelain models. Because of its simple design, an electric roaster oven cleans up easily.

Roasting In a Conventional Oven versus a Portable Electric Oven

We all have a large holiday meal each year that requires roasting a large turkey, a chicken, or roast beef. People love to bake a turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas in a conventional oven. If done right, it turned out to be super-delicious. However, the greatest challenges are how to bake other side dishes and desserts while a turkey is baking for hours and hours in the kitchen oven. Step forward to discover the main benefit of a portable electric turkey roaster.

Once you buy an electric roaster oven, you have a second oven in the kitchen! That is paramount when you are hosting a dinner for 10+ guests each year. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how the portable oven bakes or roasts the turkey as quickly as the conventional oven. We do not want to influence you to choose one over the other, but we highly recommend using both for all your dinner reunions!

How To Bake a Juicy Turkey Using an Electric Roaster Oven

Most turkeys come in sizes from 12 pounds to 25 pounds. Depending on the number of your holiday dinner party invites, you will cook a turkey to feed approximately 1/4 to 1/2 pounds per person. A good suggestion is to buy two smaller turkeys for a large reunion of 14 people instead of one very, very big one. Cooking a smaller turkey is easier and the meat can be a little more tender and juicy. At last, with 2 turkeys you’ll have 4 legs and 4 wings for those who like them. Of course, you can cook one in an electric roaster oven and the other one in a conventional oven. Keep in mind that a 22-quart electric roaster oven can fit efficiently a 25-pound turkey.

Your shopping list: turkey, poultry seasoning, chicken broth, butter, stuffing mix, celery, onion, turkey laces, baster, meat thermometer.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Total cooking time: 3-4 hours
• Serves: 12-14

Instructions:

First, turn your electric roaster oven to 350 degrees. Take your turkey and place it on the stainless steel rack with the breast side up. Place your turkey broth at the bottom of the roaster pan. Next, do the step I dislike – cut raw celery, onion, apple, and garlic (or whatever you want more) into large chunks. Gentle place all inside turkey cavity – IF you like stuffing your turkey. Tie the legs together to hold the filling during roasting. Good advice is to rub the entire skin of the raw turkey with olive oil. Sprinkle seasonings over the oiled turkey. Roast approximately 13 to 15 minutes per pound, basting every 15 to 30 minutes. Roast until the center temperature reaches 180 degrees. Extract the turkey from the electric roaster oven to a serving dish, and dispose of the filling from inside the turkey cavity.

Determine Meat Doneness There are two basic methods to test how done your meat is while you are cooking it – use a meat thermometer or press on the meat with your fingertips. Following the guide above, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the turkey making sure you do not touch some bones. Remember, once the meat is removed from the roaster, the temperature will rise about 5 degrees. Allow meats to stand about 10 minutes before carving and serving. Even if you are still planning to rely on a meat thermometer, press on the meat here and there while it cooks, and compare the feeling of the meat with the finger test.

Many people are concerned that their roaster oven won’t brown the turkey the same way that an oven does, however it still can. All you need to do is baste the turkey or chicken in the same way and heat it to the right temperature and it will look as brown and crispy as you like. One advantage of the electric turkey roaster oven is that it can baste for itself, so you don’t have to. The self-basting lid featured on some roaster ovens has channels on the top that catch condensation and pour it back onto the turkey. And you don’t need to remove the lid to baste.

Commonly Asked Questions About Electric Turkey Roaster Ovens

We are all asking questions to get the best answers. Fortunately, we already compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions in regards to electric roaster ovens, to provide those answers to you as a result.

How Do You Bake Food in an Electric Turkey Roaster Oven?

Since most electric roaster ovens come with a removable pan, roasting rack, and lid, it’s a simple process to bake anything you need. All you have to do is put it on the recommended temperature, set whatever you’re baking in the baking pan, then set the baking pan on the roasting rack. Keep an eye on it until you get your cooking times down, as an electric roaster oven can bake foods faster than a standard oven would. You should also consider to use an infrared indoor smokeless grill to cook delicious, evenly grilled foods.

Can My Roaster Do All the Things a Slow Cooker Can?

The short answer to this question is yes, an electric roaster oven can do all the things a slow cooker can. For a long answer, it can do more. It’s capable of doing everything a slow cooker, standard oven, and deep fryer can do without having to even change out a part. In most cases, it’s recommended to use an electric roaster oven over a slow cooker going forward, since roaster ovens provide such a faster and more efficient way of doing things.

How to Do Deep Fry in an Electric Roaster Oven?

While you won’t be able to deep fry all foods in an electric roaster oven, you may be able to air fry them or get certain oils to a hot enough temperature to fry things. Roaster ovens we select into our top 10 are excellent alternatives to deep frying altogether.

What Does the Self-Basting Lid Do?

Self-Basting Lids are specially designed to do the basting for you. By continually, re-circulating moisture this lid eliminates the need for tedious, time-consuming hand-basting.

What Quart Size Should I Select?

The Quart size of your electric roaster should be selected by the types and sizes of foods that you’ll cook most often. Use our table guides above when planning your meals to accommodate the number of guests you’ll be serving.

What Is the Temperature Range on an Electric Turkey Roaster Oven?

The range goes from 150 degrees Fahrenheit on Keep Warm to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should You Put Water Between the Pan and Heat Before Use?

You shouldn’t need to put any water or any additional materials into or between your roaster oven and anything else. It’s able to work on its own and has no problem getting hot enough to cook food without the help of water. Using water with an electric roaster oven can slow down the cooking process in most cases.

What Is the Difference Between the Smoker Roaster and a regular Roaster Oven?

A smoker roaster like Oster CKSTROSMK18 is specially designed so that in addition to using as a traditional roaster oven, it can also be an outdoor roaster using wood chips to infuse a delicious smokey taste into your meals.

Why Is My Turkey Roaster Smoking And Giving Off an Odor?

Due to the manufacturing process, some smoke and odor may be noticed during the first use. This should disappear after the first heating of an electric roaster oven.

How Do You Care For an Electric Turkey Roaster Oven?

This depends on the material that your roaster oven is made of. Enamel and porcelain, are easy to clean since nothing stains or sticks to them. A non-abrasive pad and a cleaner that’s also non-abrasive will easily do the cleaning. For stainless steel, soapy warm water or the dishwasher (if the product is dishwasher-safe) is an easy solution. For non-stick pans, clean is as you would the stainless steel but please ensure you’re not using any utensils that could scratch up the steel coating. Use rubber or wooden cooking utensils when using this type of roaster oven.

Important Safeguards

When using an electric turkey roaster oven, basic safety precautions should always be pursued, including the following:

• Read all instructions.
• Place the roaster oven on a flat heat-resistant surface and use it in a well-ventilated area.
• Cook only in the insert pan or other pans that are placed inside the roaster.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use pot holders or oven mitts when holding handles. Do not move the heated roaster oven.
• When lifting or removing the lid, avoid the vent holes on the lid and tilt the lid away to divert the escaping steam.
• To protect against electrical hazards, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the appliance in water or other liquid.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow cooling before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner.
• Use inside or in a covered outside area.
• Do not let cord hang over the edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
• Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
• Prior to connecting or disconnecting the plug from the wall outlet, turn any control to Off.
• These appliances are for Household Use Only. Do not use the appliance for other than its intended use.
• Do not leave unit unattended while in use.
• Close supervision is necessary when is used by or near children.

In Conclusion

An electric turkey roaster oven offers the same features as a conventional oven, in a convenient, portable unit. With any of our top 10 best electric turkey roaster ovens, you can roast, slow cook, bake, steam, keep food warm as well as use it to serve your prepared food. You can use it to cook your ribs, pork stew, bird roast, roast beef, brisket, soup, and more. You can use it to warm your food or to finish cooking your turkey or chicken to have a crispy, browned poultry skin. You can bake cakes, pies or bread, casseroles, or for roasting a lot of vegetables. The structure of a turkey roasting oven preserves the meat’s internal moisture without requiring constant basting.

It is great for family gatherings, potluck dinners, holiday dinners, or where a large amount of food is served. A turkey roasting oven packs easily in the back of a camper, and you can clean the entire appliance in less than five minutes. And if you need more information, don’t forget to check our blog articles for more product reviews.

Whether you choose a roaster oven from our list, one that you find thanks to our tips and buying advice, you have now the right knowledge to get one in the future. With your brand new electric turkey roaster oven, you’ll be able to cook a whole turkey and feed your family and friends on a festive table for Christmas and Thanksgiving day.