In the market for an electric roaster? Learn more about this versatile cooking tool that can be used for more than just roasting turkeys.
An electric roaster will most likely fill a lot of different cooking necessities. People all over the world use it for dozens of different reasons.
The key to making a good decision stays in your ability to conduct proper research and buy a roaster that will actually meet your specific needs.
When interested in such appliances, most people inevitably think about roasting turkeys. However, the truth is that you can use it for a wide plethora of succulent meals and even large scale cooking.
Becoming familiar with the most popular style is probably the first phase in the attempt to make an informed choice.
What’s the Difference Between a Slow Cooker and Roaster Oven?
According to About.com:
Roaster ovens do look like large rectangular slow cookers … and their functions can be similar.
A roaster oven cooks like a range oven and an increased range of temperature settings widens the use possibilities. On the other hand, a slow cooker has only one function – to cook slowly.
Types of Electric Roasters: Open Roasters and Covered Roasters
Open roasters are easy to store and versatile. They can double as serving trays and are practical for cooking roasts, poultry or entrees, or for baking large cakes and desserts. On the other hand, covered roasters are known for sealing in flavor. They usually have higher sides which provide ample room for meat juices with no threat of overflowing during cooking. (Source: About.com)
Reasons to Choose Open Roasters
Open electric roasters have one huge advantage over other categories – they are space efficient. They are made from a variety of materials, but you will usually find stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron. Porcelain is more fragile, while carbon steel is more expensive.
Apart from the space efficiency, open roasters are quite versatile as well. Some of them come with nonstick coatings, only to ensure a simple and efficient maintenance.
These models are ideal to cook entrées, poultry and roasts. If you tend to cook poultry often, ensure that the pan is tall enough to accumulate meat juices in a clean manner.
Uses & Benefits of Covered Electric Roasters
Covered electric roasters are excellent to maintain the flavors and aromas. While you can use cooking foils too, the truth is that nothing compares to a proper enclosure.
They come with tall sides, but they are also spacious enough to accommodate big pieces of food. There are no risks for the meat juices to overflow. If not sure about the right material, stainless steel makes a popular choice.
Porcelain, enamel and carbon steel may also be available in commerce. Sizing standards, styles and costs vary widely.
Why You Should Consider Granite Ware Covered Roasters
The granite ware covered roaster is not new at all. It does not actually represent an innovation. In fact, you might remember seeing your parents using such things before.
While they are no longer as popular as they used to be a decade or two ago, they are still around and people still buy them, especially the electric version. Curious why? They come in all kinds of sizes, while the maintenance is insignificant.
They are economical and durable, so they can support your cooking sessions for years. Storing them is piece of cake as well.
How to Find The Right Electric Roaster For You
In the end, purchasing the best electric roaster is usually a matter of personal needs and expectations. Make sure that you know what you plan to cook upfront, then make the decision with this plan in mind.
Materials and construction types affect the costs, so take your time to research them accordingly. Avoid spending money on all kinds of bells and whistles. Many of them are completely worthless and you will never find a use for them, so think about what you need and what might be cool to have before even starting your search.
Looking for an easy way to get dinner on the table each night? I have put together a great list including a month’s worth of easy slow cooker recipes.
As it is a fine electric roaster. So I’m so glad we didn’t wait, because having a fireplace in our bedroom that is the best thing ever. It’s so cozy and pretty that I feel like I’m falling asleep in a bed & breakfast every night. Except that no one makes us breakfast, kids sneak in and ask us for water constantly, and the alarm clocks goes off way too early.