Roaster ovens can make an incredible addition to any kitchen arsenal. While many of us are limited by our stationary kitchen appliances, roaster ovens are completely portable. Sifting through the many customer responses, there are 3 major reasons people were really impressed with their roaster ovens.
Roaster ovens retain moister, transport easily, and slow cook food to perfection. But not all roaster ovens were created equally. To find the right model for you, we've laid out the 11 Best Roaster Ovens of 2020 by category, review count, star rating, warranty period, common customer responses and an overall conclusion of each model.
We've placed our list in order of increasing size.
Enjoy!
Recommended Products
1) Nesco 6 Qt (Mini)
Roaster Oven
- Fits 15 Lb Bird
- 200-450°F Temp Range
- Under $60
- 1 Year Warranty
2) Nesco 18 Qt Roaster Oven
- Fits up to 22 Lb Bird
- 200-450°F Temp Range
- Removable porcelain cook-well
- Self-basting cover
- 1 Year Warranty
3) Proctor Silex 18 Quart Roaster Oven
- Fits 24 Lb Bird
- 150-450°F Temp Range
- Removable Pan with Handles
- Under $100
- 1 Year Warranty
4) Rival 18 Quart
Roaster Oven
- Fits 22 Lb Bird
- 150-450°F Temp Range
- Removable Steel Rack and Pan
- Under $100
- 1 Year Limited Warranty
5) Nesco 18 Quart
Roaster Oven
- UL Approved
- 200-450°F Temp Range
- Removable Enamel Cook Well and Rack with Handles
- Under $100
- One Year Limited Warranty
6) Oster 18 Qt Roaster Oven
w/ Self Basting Lid
- Fits 22 Lb Bird
- Keep warm - 450°F Temp Range
- Self Basting Lid (Grooves in Lid)
- Removable enamel pan and rack included
- Under $80
- One Year Limited Warranty
7) Oster 18 Quart Roaster Oven w/ Buffet Tray
- Fits 18 Lb Bird
- 150 - 450°F Temp Range
- Buffet Server Included
- Under $80
- One Year Limited Warranty
8) Hamilton Beach
22 Qt Roaster Oven
w/ Self Basting Lid
- Fits 28 Lb Bird
- 150 - 450°F Temp Range
- Self Basting Lid (Grooves in Lid)
- Under $60
- One Year Limited Warranty (US)
- Five Year Limited Warranty (Canada)
9) Oster 22 Qt Roaster Oven
w/ Self Basting Lid
- Fits 26 Lb Bird
- Keep Warm - 450°F Temp Range
- Self Basting Lid (Grooves in Lid)
- Included Roasting Rack and Pan
- Under $80
- One Year Limited Warranty
10) EaZy BranZ Oberdome
Roaster Oven
- Fits 22 Lb Bird
- 150 - 450°F Temp Range
- Can Bake Flat Foods (Pizzas, Cakes, Bread, etc.)
- 1100 Watts and Preheats in 6 Minutes
- Under $70
- One Year Limited Warranty
11) Viking 8.5 Qt 3-Ply Oven Roaster
(Does not Contain Heating Source)
- Fits 14 Lb Bird
- Safe to 600°F
- Can Use as a Roaster, Dutch Oven or Stock Pot
- Stainless Steel
- Under $200
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
Why a Roaster Oven?
1) Portability
One of the most attractive features of a roaster oven is how easily it can be transported. Being able to take an oven wherever you go means you can create epic meals literally anywhere. Taking your roaster oven around is as easy as unplugging it and putting it in the car.
2) Moist Meals
What's the most common complaint with any cooked bird? It's too DRY! Roaster ovens are moisture retaining machines. By far, the most notorious customer responses to all the roaster ovens below are how moist the dishes come out. If your roaster oven does nothing else, it will dependably give you a moist, succulent party dish.
3) Less Cook Times
Heating up an oven can feel like it takes a lifetime, especially when you're cooking for a hungry crowd. Roaster ovens heat up a much smaller area and thus preheat in a fraction of the time.
4) Easier to Dial in
Trying to perfect using a stovetop and oven can feel like a huge hassle. Roaster ovens are much more predictable after the first few uses.
5) Cheaper
For the quality roasts you're able to perform, there really isn't anything like a roaster oven. As you skim through Amazon, you'll find one of the most common responses to be "best turkey I've ever cooked." Considering how much you might pay for a traditional oven, roaster ovens are very reasonably priced.
6) Easy Clean Up
All the roaster ovens below are made with an insert that is designed for easy clean up. Wait for it to cool down, and scrub it with soap and water. Some are even dishwasher safe.
What to Look Out For
1) Size
By far the most important aspect of picking out the right roaster oven is knowing the right size for your needs. Here are some general guidelines to help find the right capacity for you.
6 Quart: Good for a house of 1-2 people who plan on cooking small meals for themselves. It can work for soups, beans, and veggies, but can't handle bigger birds.
16 Quart: Good for birds generally up to 18 pounds.
18 Quart: Good for birds generally up to 24 pounds.
22 Quart: Good for birds generally up to 28 pounds.
2) Heat Indicator
It's important to have an indicator light that tells you when the oven is hot. Roaster ovens can easily burn you if you're not careful, and the light is a nice precaution to have.
3) Temperature Range
The bigger the temperature range, the more versatile the roaster oven. Look for a roaster oven that ranges from "keep warm" to 450°F.
4) Portability
Make sure the weight and dimensions fit your spaces and that you will be comfortable carrying it. Both of these variables are included with each roaster oven model below.
5) Clean-ability
Thankfully, most modern roaster ovens come with a non-stick insert. Just make sure reviewers had a good experience with cleaning their roaster oven. You'll find this in our Pros and Cons section of each review.
6) Price
It's important to know that you're getting what you need for a price that it deserves. As far as I can tell, there is no reason for any roaster oven to be over $100. You'll be surprised to know our 22 Quart roaster oven winner sells for under $70.
11 Best
Roaster Ovens
1) Nesco 4816-14 Porcelain 6 Quart Roaster Oven
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
Inventing the roaster oven in 1931, Nesco has been around for a very, very long time. They continue to represent a market of people who just want a kitchen appliance to do its primary job, and do it well. In this case, that means slow roasting chickens, pork and any other melt-off-the-bone meat you can think of.
The most common response to this model was how well it slow-cooked. It maintains its advertised temperature well and it can be stowed away very easily. There were several remarks about porcelain flavor in their meals, but I'm assuming this is due to them not following the initial burn-off process to get rid of the remaining material residue from the factory.
Concluding:
If you want a reasonably priced, smaller roaster oven that specializes in slow roasting soups, broths, and small birds, this unit may be the one for you. I encourage you to do your own research and see if this unit fits the bill.
2) Nesco 18 Qt Roaster Oven
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
Nesco, Prosctor silex, Oster and Hamilton Beach seem to be the four leading distributors of quality roaster ovens. The rest of the companies appear to be drowned out by the success of these four companies.
So why would I choose this roaster oven over the others?
The main difference in this Nesco model that thrilled customers the most was the variable temperature control. Yes, every roaster oven has variable temperature control, but this one is labeled with both temperatures and applications (slow cook, cook, roast, bake and steam). While home chef would be able to tell you which temperatures line up with which application, it is very helpful for those who aren't slow cooking on a continual basis.
There were come complaints with this roaster oven only lasting a few years. Unfortunately, this is usually the case for most roaster ovens out there. Plan on replacing it every few years or so. There are exceptions in which these models could last up to 5-10 years. Just have reasonable expectations.
3) Proctor Silex 32191 18 Quart Roaster Oven
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
Proctor Silex continues to design budget products that meet our high standards. They ultimately make cheaper products that deliver high quality results. If you need a roaster oven for basic level cooking and want to save a couple of bucks, I highly recommend this model.
The most common customer response was how well it cooked. If you're looking to make stews and soups in your roaster oven, I highly recommend this unit. It cooks meat thoroughly as well, but be warned, this unit will not brown the meat. Multiple customers wrote about how this unit does not get hot enough to brown meat. You can always slow roast and broil your meat in the oven afterwards. I'll leave the decision up to you.
4) Oster Rival 18 Quart RO180
Roaster Oven
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
Very similar in design to the Oster 16 Quart model above, this unit is just a great performer. With over 600 reviews, this unit has maintained a 4.5 / 5 star rating (as of 6/16/20).
The most common positive customer responses was for the convenience of cooking at holiday parties. While our home ovens serve a great purpose, they can't always handle all of our plans. That's why it's nice to have a secondary oven.
The most common negative responses were the short electrical cord and the ease to which this unit accidentally turns ON unnoticed. Apparently, it's very easy to turn ON and there is no indicator that notifies you.
Just a few things to keep in mind.
5) Nesco 18 Quart MWR18-13
Roaster Oven
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
I'm always hesitant to put any items on a list that don't have an ample review count, but there were three important variables that sold me:
1) "Hot" Indicator Light: Diminished the chance of unintentional burning.
2) Low Price: A competitively low price with high reviews.
3) UI Approved (Underwriters Laboratory Approved): Ul means this company is doing their part to ensure the unit is safe for consumer use.
Again, this unit has not had enough time to accumulate substantial reviews to justify the quality. But so far so good; this unit is showing promising feedback.
6) Oster 18 Quart Roaster Oven
w/ Self Basting Lid
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
One of the biggest selling points for roaster ovens is their ability to keep foods moist by retaining moisture. Well, Oster took it a step further and added a self basting lid. The grooves cause the evaporated moisture to form droplets that drip right back over the dish. A simple yet ingenious design.
The most common customer response was how well the food tasted after cooking. Holiday birds came out nice and juicy for an impressive meal. There were, however, several buyers who said this unit was incapable of browning a bird. Judging by this commonality between all reviewed roaster ovens, I'm inclined to believe these ovens weren't meant to brown. You may need to finish off the bird in the oven for that crisp outer crust.
7) Oster 18 Quart Roaster Oven
w/ Buffet Server
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
Yes, you are not mistaken. There are a staggering number of Oster roaster ovens on this review (the Rival is technically an Oster). We tried to be unbiased, but doing this any other way would've been dishonest.
Oster has demonstrated its dominancy in making high quality roaster ovens.
This unit is no exception. The baseline qualities are practically identical to the other 18 quart Oster models above. The main difference:
That awesome buffet tray.
Customers repeatedly raved about the buffet tray. A little skeptical at first (it looked a little flimsy), we dug a little deeper and found this to be unanimous. Verified buyers loved the buffet tray for holiday parties. Being able to roast your food outside your oven is great, being able to keep that food warm in the same instrument...
priceless.
8) Hamilton Beach 22 Quart Roaster Oven w/ Self Basting Lid
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
If you've spent any time sifting through the first page of Amazon reviews, you know that they're usually the most critical. These reviews get their top spot from getting the most "found this helpful" clicks. When the majority of these first page reviews are high reviews, it means the product has truly had a positive affect on customers.
And that's exactly what the Hamilton Beach 22 quart roaster oven has achieved, a very positive first page of Amazon reviews. It should also be noted that more customers said this roaster oven could genuinely brown a bird, than those who said it couldn't.
Keep size in mind when purchasing a 22 quart roaster oven. While these things can feed a small village, they can also take up a bunch of room. Also, think about where you're going to clean it.
9) Oster 22 Quart Roaster Oven
w/ Self Basting Lid
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
I usually try and keep customer quotes to a minimum in our Pros and Cons list, but I just couldn't help myself. The shear number of exclamation points in these reviews were unheard of. People were ecstatic with how this unit cooked their turkey. Remarks of moist, brown, delicious birds coming out of something other than an oven is pretty spectacular.
The Oster 22 Quart roaster oven won us over because of the overwhelming consensus that this oven can definitively brown a bird. The first thing that comes to mind when we think "roast," is usually meat with a crisp, browned surface. It's a little odd that half the units we reviewed had common complaints about the ovens inability to brown their food. Thankfully, this Oster model performs and has earned the title "roaster oven."
There was one customer who wrote an extensive review of their experience with this model. While he said it cooked extremely well, the item seemed to be made of cheap material. This isn't surprising if you look at the price tag. Just know this unit has a 1 year warranty and may not last as long as you'd like. Keep in mind that the price tag is so low, replacing it every so often isn't the worst option. I'll let you decide.
10) EaZy BrandZ EZO-3016B
Oberdome Roaster Oven
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
For all of those who desire a little more versatility with their roaster oven, the EaZy BrandZ Oberdome may be the unit for you. With its flat-plate bottom and heated dome, you can easily bake bread, pizza and cakes on top of your typical birds. Its simple design also allows it to be cleaned, stored and transported easily.
The most common positive remarks were with how fast this oven cooks compared to the traditional house oven. With less space to heat up, cook times can easily be cut in half.
While it does bake, keep in mind that the heating element is in the lid. Since the heating only comes from the top, this can keep items like pizzas from crisping on the bottom. People also said it took up a lot of space on the counter. Just a few things to keep in mind.
11) Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel Roaster Oven (no heating element)
Dimensions
Unique Features
Pros
Cons
Summary:
Yes, a slight deviation from the list, but this no-heat-element roaster oven is a sturdy, versatile, high quality piece of machinery. While many assume this unit to be strictly devoted to the oven, countless reviewers talked about its proficiency with induction and the stove top. So, the question becomes:
Why would I buy this over an electric roaster oven?
1) You need the counter space and an electric roaster oven would take up too much room.
2) You want something that will last a long time (and include a lifetime warranty).
Electric roaster ovens are fantastic pieces of equipment. Unfortunately, manufacturers began using cheaper materials to save people more money. This came at the expense of the longevity of some of these units. So, if you want to diminish the chance of having to replace your roaster oven in the next few years, I highly recommend the Viking 3-Ply Roaster Oven.
Keep in mind, some people thought this roaster oven was too small for their needs. To give you an idea, people said a 14 Pound bird was about as big as it can hold.
Concluding
Roaster ovens have become a must-have in a growing kitchen. Take the time to pick one that fits your particular lifestyle most effectively. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below.
Cheers,
Michael
Founder of Robust Kitchen
love the design of this post!
Thanks a lot Design Bee 🙂
I want to thank you for this homework done for me! I am going to buy an Oster, I swear by the make it is the only Tool I trusted for years to give a professional result in my years of work as a Dog groomer truly the best tools!
Working in a tourist town I was also a cook. We found Oster in the kitchen appliances! You were so right when you said,it sounds bias, but it couldn’t be said any other way I to quote you, “ We tried to be unbiased, but doing this any other way would've been dishonest.”
I bought a Brevetti roaster, what a disappointment! It has very hard to follow instructions with an indicator that is more than difficult to understand. I ask myself many times after wasting time and food; “Is it me?!” Or, “is this stupid machine working on its own without my instruction? Is it wired backwards? What?! Seriously is wrong with this thing!!?
Just today set to warm it did a wonderful job until it decided to cook at its top temperature and totally destroy my hours effort to make my hardest to prepare recipe!! I might add for once my recipe appeared to be absolutely perfect in every way just when I thought this roaster seemed to have set right, I trusted to leave the ………thing went full on high temp!!!
If I swore this would be the time! Instead I determined NEVER!! Trust! It!!! NEVER!
I wonder what rating would you give this one? It is not even considered here, I see!
Hey Janet,
Thank you for the kind words! Oster has definitely proven themselves in the roaster oven realm. We hope you enjoy it! Please leave a comment with your experience after you’ve used it a few times. Brevetti didn’t show up on our radar when we researched the top roaster ovens. While some people may have a positive experience with Brevetti, we found the outlined roaster ovens to have consistently higher customer reviews. Enjoy the rest of your day!
Michael