Thanksgiving - Electric Roaster? Is it an Option?

[iankh]

Hi, I'm new to these forums. I was hoping to find a little help.

I like everyone else am hard pressed for oven space. I have started to investigate electric roasters, such as the Nesco Roaster.

I was thinking about putting in my regular oven for the first 30 or 40 minutes at 400, which is exactly what my recipe calls for, but then transfer it to the preheated electric roaster, for the the remaining time. That would certainly reduce stress and free up the oven.

Has anyone had any experience with electric roasters? I've been looking at the Nesco.

I'm looking for some input as to whether it might be worth a try.

I will be making a 16 lbs organic free-range turkey.

[ChefToddMohr]

My Grandfather had an electric rotisserie, it took FOREVER.

With a 16 pound turkey, my guess is you're serving 12-15 people. Rather than buy a new piece of kitchen equipment that you'll only use once a year, how about a better production plan to use the oven space you have?

If you respond with your menu, I can help you plan production, but in general, you can roast the turkey well ahead of time. Your 16 pound bird will probably take about 4 hours. An old caterer's trick (I'm not old) is to heat some bricks or tiles in the oven along with the bird. Wrap the hot bricks in towels, and place bird and bricks in a (sanitized) insulated drink cooler. Your bird will stay warm while you work the oven with the rest of the meal.

Speaking of the rest of the meal, your money is probably better spent on a vacuum-packing machine than an electric roaster. This way, you can make butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, creamed onions or spinach wayyyyyy ahead of time, vac it and refrigerate or freeze. Then, oven space is saved by boil-in-bag re-heating.

Lastly, and most importantly, don't over-produce. You'll save time, money, waste, and oven space if you purchase and prepare only what you need. Consider starting your planning at your desk, with a calculator. 4 ounces of potatoes per person, 3 ounces of vegetables, and so on. If you have bigger eaters, make it 6 ounces of potatoes, but start with a plan. Don't shop by eye at the grocery store "that doesn't LOOK like enough potatoes". Start with a written, quantifiable plan.

Spending money on gadgets won't solve the holiday cooking stress. Good prior planning will. I'd be glad to give any advice you need.

[Dough Boy]

I have been using an electric roaster to cook the Christmas turkey every year for the past 30+ years. Our family have been big time users of electric roasters for more than just a once-a-year appliances. We use them for large gatherings as a cooker/server all in one. I have made very large batches of Chili for watching the Super Bowl...I have made large batches of cabbage rolls for family reunions, and even made 15 lbs of beef roasts in it, then made the pan gravy and recombined the meat and gravy to take to a pot luck at church. I paid about $30 for mine at Wal Mart, and it's the best $30 I've spent in a long time. I have even used it to keep things warm and to free up my single oven. I then store it in the basement on a rack specifically for kitchen/party items.

When you only have a single oven, this baby can come in real handy. I consider it an investment and not a frill.

[Whoopie Pie]

Here is how I do it.

I bake my rolls in the morning. I roast the turkey and when that is finished, I take it out, place it on a platter and wrap in foil.

While the turkey was roasting I prepared my sides, I make my mashed potatoes and put them in a heat proof glass bowl and place over a dutch oven (think double boiler) and keep them warm. My oven sides are all ready to go in the oven when the turkey comes out, so in they go, they usually take around 30 minutes. While the sides are in the oven, I make my gravy from the pan drippings and finally I make the honey ginger glazed carrots.

Everything is hot at the same time this way. Since I left the turkey intact, and wrapped in foil, it is still quite hot after 30 minutes.

[Big Daddy's House]

I usually bake the pies first a day ahead, then the mac & cheese and then the turkey.
Everything else is done on top of the stove. When the turkey is done, then, in go the dinner rolls.

My George Jr. Rotisserie can do about a 14-pounder, but I've never roasted a turkey in it. My Thane Flavorwave Convection Oven can also do a small turkey very nicely! I cooked one in THAT one before.

[Semigourmet]

I have this one
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=203384

it is LARGE! It cooks hotter than the oven even though the temp is set to the same. I have a bit of trouble with dryness. but, I have only used it twice. I am sure it is user error. Other than learning my roaster I love it.

[Dough Boy]

I have this one
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=203384

it is LARGE! It cooks hotter than the oven even though the temp is set to the same. I have a bit of trouble with dryness. but, I have only used it twice. I am sure it is user error. Other than learning my roaster I love it.
Like any oven (this is just a mini oven), you need to learn if it cooks hot, cold or just right. When I make a 20# turkey in my electric roaster, I add water to the pan and cover the lid with old bath towels to hold the heat and humidity in the roaster. Their loose lids have a tenancy of allowing the heat and steam to escape.

[Semigourmet]

So true Dough boy! You do need to learn each oven. And thank you for the tip on the steam and heat. I will use that info next time. Mine cooks a bit hot and will dry everything out so I will be using the info you so kindly shared and will probably have much better luck with it.

[fusimas]

I accept with information: Consider starting your planning at your desk, with a calculator. 4 ounces of potatoes per person, 3 ounces of vegetables, and so on. If you have bigger eaters, make it 6 ounces of potatoes, but start with a plan. Don't shop by eye at the grocery store "that doesn't LOOK like enough potatoes". Start with a written, quantifiable plan.

[samue1eb]

I would wonder how good an electric roaster would be at keeping the heat and if it would be able to make a nice crust as I typcially turn my oven up to 500 for develpoing nice crusts with my roasts, whether it be beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.

[homecook]

I have an 18 qt. electric roaster. Mine also has the top browner so I'm able to get the crispy crust on my turkeys. I've had mine for about 10 years now and couldn't live without it. I use it for my turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I also use it for different affairs throughout the year. I also only paid about $30 for it. It's been a lifesaver in alot of situations. Showers, get-togethers, Super Bowl, etc.
I agree with Dough Boy.......it's an investment. You'll be surprised how many times you'll use it!

[Big Daddy's House]

I would wonder how good an electric roaster would be at keeping the heat and if it would be able to make a nice crust as I typcially turn my oven up to 500 for develpoing nice crusts with my roasts, whether it be beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.



Even when I slow roast a fresh pork shoulder, babyback ribs, or roast a turkey, it automatically browns on the top eventually.

I like to loosely tent the turkey to keep it from browning prematurely, then I remove the foil tent during the last 45 minutes or so to brown it nicely and get a nice dry crispy delicious tasting crusty skin!

[Dough Boy]

I would wonder how good an electric roaster would be at keeping the heat and if it would be able to make a nice crust as I typcially turn my oven up to 500 for develpoing nice crusts with my roasts, whether it be beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.
That's an interesting question. The answer is determined by whether or not there is liquid in the bottom of the pan. The more liquid, the more steam/humidity, which would inhibit the formation of a dry crust.

As for keeping the heat, if you shut off the heat and keep it covered, the heat will hold reasonably well. Again, due to the smaller size, once the lid is removed a lot of the heat will escape. I will often return the cut meat wrapped in foil to the roaster and leave it on warm to keep the meat warm until serving time.

[comommy]

How big of a turkey have any of you put in an 18 qt roaster. I have a Rival 18 qt electric roaster and need to feed 16 people for Thanksgiving this year. My sister in law usually hosts and says she buys a 22-24 lb turkey. I'd hate to buy one that big and get it home and it doesn't fit :(

Thanks!

[homecook]

My 18 qt. Rival says 20 lb. If you don't have the browning unit you could probably fit a 22 lb. The browning unit on my lid prevents any bigger. Believe me I've tried. LOL

[Big Daddy's House]

Homecook, does you're 18-qt Rival unit look like THIS one?

[homecook]

It's pretty similar BD. The top has a bigger domed lid because of the browning unit on top. Mine also has a light under the dial to let me know when it has reached temp.

[Big Daddy's House]

I was close.

[Mama]

This is the one that I have.

[homecook]

Wow........they must not make mine anymore. I can't find one with the browning unit. Hmmmmmm I wonder if there were problems with it?

[homecook]

I found this on QVC......I think that's where I got mine.

[Big Daddy's House]

Yours look like that one?

[homecook]

Exactly like that one! It has the window on top of the lid too. lol

[Big Daddy's House]

Yeah, I see the little window on the lid. Haha. If I ever decide to get one, it'll be that one!

[comommy]

I don't have a browning unit in mine....just a normal lid. We bought it at Target two years ago (had the three serving tray attchment and the "lift out" rack for under the turkey. I bought a 21 lb bird today and it seems to fit, it does not touch the side and I can put the lid on!

Mine looks very similar to Big Daddy's above but it white.

[homecook]

Super.........now you're good to go!!

I've got the lifter in mine also...

[Big Daddy's House]

Comommy, I don't have one yet. I got the Rival BBQ Pit Countertop Slow Cooker and the Thane Flavorwave Covection oven.

Homecook, now YOU'RE good to go as well. :)

[Semigourmet]

Homecook, does you're 18-qt Rival unit look like THIS one?

BDH that is the one I have!! LOL

[Big Daddy's House]

Great!