Does anyone own an 18 qt roaster?

[Kteacher]

I just got back from a Girl Scout camping event, and someone brought an 18 qt roaster for us to use. I had never used one before, and it was great! We made scrambled eggs for 45 people in it, and for dinner we made sloppy joes . I'm now thinking of getting one- anyone here own one? What brand do you own, and what do you like/dislike about it?

 

[piratesmate]

I have a Nesco 18-quart roaster that my mother gave me. She got it from QVC & it has a fan in it, which is supposed to have something to do with the roasting but I forget what.

I don't use it often although I thought I would. I thought it would be great in the summer for making a turkey (cheap meat & we don't have AC). We rent & have a small oven that isn't self-cleaning. So when I make something in my regular roaster there's no room for any other pans/casseroles in the oven.

Those are reasons I would like it if I got to use it more often! (keeps the kitchen cooler in summer, gives me extra oven space) Because the pan is Teflon-lined, cleanup is much easier than with my regular roaster!

We also have limited counter space so using it means the rest of my activities in the kitchen are curtailed. Storage space where I can access it is another issue for me. The thing is so big that the reasonable place to keep it is in the attic and unfortunately I can't get up there (bad knee, no railing, old uneven steps) and have to rely on DH to get it for me.

I've never sent for it & I don't know if it's even still available, but there's supposed to be an insert so that you can put a couple casserole dishes in it to cook at the same time. I wish I had that! Then we could have turkey or ham, green bean casserole & corn pudding all for the same meal! Instead I usually make the meat one day & the sides the next when I'm just reheating the meat. Oh well - it's less work that way anyway.

 

[Kteacher]

Thanks!

 

[stepmom3]

I have the Rival brand. I also have the 3 pan insert. It was great at Christmas, I used it as a warming tray, just put three different foods in the smaller inserts and they were kept warm all day! We also cooked a 17 lb turkey in 3 hours. I love it! The only problem is storage. I have it in my laundry room on the top shelf, still in the box to keep dust out. If you have the storage room, I would definately recommend it!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I have the 18 qt Nesco with the fan and use it ALL the time. There is nothing better for doing the turkey on Thanksgiving. The fan turns the roaster into sort of a convection oven and speeds up the cooking time. As a for instance, we generally eat around 4 as DH works first, and I put about a 20 lb bird in around 11:30/12 and it is perfect for that dinner time.

And any time I have a larger group coming, or want to keep the oven free for side dishes out comes the Nesco. I also use it things like keeping burgers & dogs warm at a large cookout,etc.

It isn't terribly convenient for every day cooking but as soon as there are more than about 2 additional people out it comes!

Deb

 

[goofymom/pop]

I have the rival also with the 3 pan insert. Use the 3 pan insert at the holidays and grad parties. Its great for 3 veggies, 3 different wing types etc. Keeps all moist and warm.

Use the big one for mass cooking meatballs and sauce for big events. Keeping pasta warm for parties....

sometimes I wish I had two!!! All my neighbors have them so we borrow when we have big events and keep everything warm in them.

Love it!!!!!!

 

[justjulie]

KTeacher:

If you have a Target near you, watch their ad. I got mine the last time I was in Buffalo for $30!


justjulie

 

[Kteacher]

Thanks everyone!