Whether you are a newbie grandma or trying to cook like one, I will let you in one of their best-kept secret about Thanksgiving Day. Remember that juicy, tender, brownish turkey bursting with flavors each year? Well, it is not your grandma who perfected it. Sorry to disappoint you, but it is the extraordinary Nesco roaster oven loaded with porcelain Cookwell and many other unique features. Oh, and also, it does not matter if you already own an electric roaster oven or not. You will still want to get your hands on this one the second you learn about how talented and unforeseen it is.
All jokes aside, this model is truly beyond my expectations. It is like someone asked Santa to design the best roaster with the ability to perform all the cooking tasks in the kitchen. And apparently, he had some free time in his hands since this thing is like the Ferrari of all the roasters equipped with highly sophisticated details. Now that I got you all fired up, let me tell you why I am in love.
Nesco 4818-14 Classic Roaster Oven, 18 Quart, Porcelain Cookwell
Every roaster oven decision starts with the size. Some people prefer huge roaster ovens in the range of 22 quarts as if they are hosting open buffet gatherings every night. Nonetheless, Nesco 4818-14 is a perfect fit for most families. You can roast turkeys up to 22 pounds, which can easily feed up to 20 to 25 people. To me, that is more than enough. But if you are really after a gigantic oven, then check out this super-size model.
Take note that this roaster oven comes with an indicator light. It automatically turns off when the oven reaches to your desired temperature. This is a vital feature for me. I don’t have to second guess if the roaster is preheated or not. It is just one of those tiny things that you cannot do without once you get accustomed. Turn the knob, and It will let you know when it is ready. Keep in mind that the automatic temperature control feature allows you to cook evenly and efficiently.
Circle of Heat Technology – Unique Heating Element Design
The Nesco company has been around since 1932. They simply perfected their roaster oven production over the years. The Circle of Heat Technology is the company’s patented heating element design that cooks the food from the sides for moist and even results. In simpler terms, it wraps around the pan and takes advantage of automatic temperature control to produce exceptionally juicy and well-balanced dishes. It can perform all the tasks that your old standard oven can with the only exception of broiling. However, don’t get intimidated by the lack of this feature. You can still achieve the same browning effect by rubbing honey or browning sauce over the turkey’s surface before you start roasting.
Maximum Versatility
The highest available temperature is 450°F, which is sufficient to prepare any food. Better yet, the adjustable thermostat knob has specific mark points for various types of cooking; slow-cook, roast, bake, and steam. You can use these indicators and start making your favorite meal without wasting time with any adjustments.
You can also convert any standard recipe to slow cooking. It is easy as a pie; slow cook for 1-1/2 hours at 200°F to 250°F for each 30 minutes of regular cooking time. It is incredibly versatile. You can even sear and brown flawlessly. Check out this article if you want to learn how to convert slow cooker recipes for baking in a roaster oven.
Removable Porcelain Cookwell
Cleaning is a breeze with all Nesco roaster models, and 4818-14 is no exception. The Cookwell and the chrome rack are both removable. You can wash them with mild detergent and hot water. Frankly, it does not take more than 5 minutes for me to wash them all. Note that they are dishwasher safe. It is up to you to decide on the cleaning method. The chrome roasting rack comes with handles on the sides. You can either use them for lifting large meats or turn the rack over and use the handles as stands. On a side note, the porcelain coating on the Cookwell is a unique feature of Nesco. You won’t find this option in other brands’ products every day.
Extra-high Dome – Self-basting Lid
A self-basting lid is an essential feature of any roaster oven. I would personally stay away from any model that lacks this option. It is vital for roasting tender and juicy turkey. Nobody likes dried out meat on Thanksgiving Day. Self-basting means that you don’t have to hand-baste the turkey or other similar meat manually. The spikes or the ridges underneath the lid collect steam. When they turn into droplets, they start to rain on the food and keep it juicy. It is the best method to prevent the meat from getting dried out. This practice also enhances the aroma significantly. In addition, Nesco 18 Quart roaster oven has an extra high dome design to enable you to fit even the largest birds effortlessly.
Tip Alert
Use the Nesco 18 Qt roaster oven for the turkey during the holidays, and use your standard oven and the stove top for the pies, bread, and side dishes.
This model comes in three different colors. You can also choose stainless steel finish. Some of them feature non-stick coating option instead of porcelain Cookwell. Oh, and the professional buffet-server kit will fit into any Nesco 18 Quart roaster oven. You can host a feast to your friends by serving three different food or side-dishes simultaneously.
Features:
- Cookwell is enamel coated and dishwasher safe
- Circle of heat technology for even and efficient cooking
- Removable steel rack with handles
- Non-porous surface; no corrosion or stain
- Comes with an indicator light for temperature level
- Stay cool handles and easy storing; highly portable
- Automatic temperature control
- Self-basting lid with extra-high dome
Curing your roaster oven for the first time
- Unpack your new roaster oven and wash all the parts (lid, pan, and the rack) with hot soapy water. Rinse and dry well.
- Put the roaster oven in ventilated area, preferably on the counter.
- Plug it into the electric outlet.
- Turn the temperature knob to the maximum level (400°F).
- Let the roaster oven run on this setting for at least 60 minutes.
- Turn down the knob to minimum level and unplug the unit from the electric outlet.
- Your new roaster oven is all cured and ready to use.
Can you fry in a roaster oven?
Not recommended. Even if you really must and live on top of a mountain where the nearest kitchen appliances store is miles away. Always proceed with caution when cooking. Do not burn the house or the cabin. In general, roaster ovens should not be used for deep frying.
Can you use a roaster oven as a slow cooker?
You can certainly use your roaster oven as a slow cooker. Check your slow cooker recipe to see if it requires the LOW or HI setting. To match the exact stings on the roaster oven, set the temperature dial to 200°F for the LOW, and 250°F for the HI setting.
Are you supposed to put water in the bottom of a roaster oven?
The only time you would add water in the bottom of a roaster oven is when you are using it as a steamer. Otherwise, adding water to the inner pan of the roaster is useless. It is specifically designed to generate steam from the food cooking inside. Therefore, there is no reason to add extra water. People sometimes add liquid such as wine or broth to the bottom to improve the flavor.
Can you put aluminum foil in a roaster oven?
You can put aluminum foil in a roaster oven when roasting vegetables. The most common method is to bake the potatoes on a bed of aluminum foil. Don’t forget to add a tablespoon of olive oil over them.
How long does it take bake potatoes in an electric roaster?
Preheat the roaster oven to 400°F. Place the washed potatoes side by side, close the lid, and cook for 1 hour straight. Make sure the potatoes are not touching to the sides of the inner pan. Keep in mind that you can keep the baked potatoes warm in a roaster oven.
Tricks
- You can use your roaster oven as a steamer and prepare a big batch of rice for a large event or gathering.
- You can prepare extra-delicious steamed vegetables too. Add boiling water into the roaster pan and line vegetables on the rack.
Warnings
- Be careful when lifting the lid. Always keep it away from your body to prevent any injuries from heat and steam.
- Do not immerse the roaster oven into the water. You should clean it with a damp cloth.
In Conclusion
I am not going to lie; it is apparent that I am a massive fan of the Nesco 4818-14 roaster oven. How can I not be? You don’t encounter such an outstanding appliance equipped with many user-friendly features every day. Nesco managed to focus on the customer satisfaction when designing this practical, efficient, and yummy-maker roaster oven. It lets you concentrate on food preparation instead of adjusting cooking times and temperatures. Cooking, cleaning, and maintaining is made easy. It has everything you need to make tasty roasts, stews, soups, loaves of bread, pies, and more. You can even steam cook if you want; it is versatility at its best. If you are looking for one of the best electric roaster ovens available in the market, then search no more; you’ve just found it!