I had my eyes on the Nesco Porcelain roaster for a while now, even though I already have an electric roaster. Little did I know that this was a perfect turkey roasting machine. It completely exceeded my expectations when I finally got it. I was first appealed to the vintage looks that reminded me old style Grandma crock pots. But there’s so much more than meets the eye about Nesco roaster. For starters, the extra high dome and the special ¨circle of design¨ heating element take every roast into another dimension.
Nesco 4818-14 Classic Roaster Oven – 18 Quart
- Exclusive "Circle of Heat" heating element
- Removable porcelain cookwell
- Adjustable Thermostat to 450 degrees
- Extra-high dome, self basting cover helps maintain moisture
- 18-Quart capacity
Cooking turkey in a roaster oven is much faster when you compare it to your regular convection one; it cuts at least an hour of cooking time, especially when it comes to large roasts. The smaller cooking space adds to the flavor with the extra steam and speeds up the overall process significantly. However, you should know that the Nesco roaster gives you even more steam and improved circulation inside the oven thanks to its special design. I usually cook medium size turkeys (15 to 17 pounds) in about two hours with this. It used to take around 4 hours in the past before I got into the electric roasters.
Juicy turkey tips: Get a Nesco Roaster Oven!
It is true that the Nesco roaster oven is versatile, but I can tell from experience that this oven has perfect design for cooking turkey. It does not heat the food from the bottom but from the sides. The heating element wraps around the oven, that’s why they call it the ¨circle of heat¨. I found out that the turkeys come out much crispier from the sides this way. Especially, the wings and the legs cook better. However, it does not just stop there.
The breast section of the bird comes out juicier, which is enabled by the extra steam created because of the high dome. So, in the end, my turkey breast is amazingly moist and delicious, while the wings and legs are crispier.
It is super simple to operate. You don’t have to watch the clock for preheating or guess if the oven is ready. The indicator light turns off when it reaches to the temperature you desire. All you need to do is to put the turkey in there as soon as it is ready. The only thing you have to decide is the temperature depending on what you are cooking. 350°F works best for me when I am roasting thanksgiving turkey, and 250°F is great for slow cooking.
The size can accommodate large turkeys up to 22 pounds, and it comes with a handy rack that you can use as a turkey lifter. I tend to use stainless-steel lifter forks to move the turkey when it is done. It turned into a habit over the years. However, this oven comes with a very useful rack with handles on the side that you can use as a turkey lifter. Remember; you should be careful when picking them up since they get extremely hot.
Cleaning is easy by hand and some soap, but fitting it to the sink is not, so you better have a large sink. That’s the thing with all electric roasters; the pans are huge to accommodate large turkeys.
It gets hot on the outside of the oven while cooking, and that is completely normal. You don’t have to worry at all; it will not damage your countertop. However, if you are really concerned, then I suggest you put a wood cutting board or similar underneath the oven. It does not heat up the whole house as the other electric roasters.
As it is also indicated in the manual, curing the Nesco electric roaster is a must before you start using it. It’s easy though; take off the lid, the porcelain cookwell, and the rack. Plugin the oven and set it to highest temperature. Leave it that way for an hour. Some smoke will come out, and that is just fine. It is better if you do this in a well-ventilated area. Plug it off after 1 hour; you are all set when it is cooled down.
Features:
- 8 x 16.8 x 9 inches
- Weighs 17.6 pounds
- Extra high dome
- Porcelain cookwell
- 18 Quart – 22 pounds turkey
Should You Put Stuffing Inside The Turkey?
Stuffing the turkey has never been my thing. It can be dangerous if you don’t do it right. You need to watch the temperature of the stuffing very closely, and make sure that it is at least 165°F. It would not be safe to consume otherwise. I think it is too much hassle, and it is not worth taking the risk. Keep in mind; if the bird is under-cooked, then the stuffing can get bacteria easily. Salmonella poisoning can be fatal on young children and the elderly.
I also don’t like throwing fruits and vegetables in there. It only prolongs the cooking time, and I don’t think putting apples and carrots in turkey cavity adds any flavor to my favorite part; the turkey breast. I like to spice up my turkey with a mixture of melted butter and virgin olive oil paste. Add a teaspoon of ground ginger, saffron, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, incredibly tiny-minced fresh garlic, and two tablespoons of dark honey to the oil mixture and sprinkle ground black pepper and salt as you like. Rub it all over, and that’s all it takes for an outstanding thanksgiving turkey. However, if you really want to put something in there, then try sliced onions and lemons.
In Conclusion
I think Nesco makes wonderful electric roasters because they seem to pay attention to details. I have not encountered another electric roaster that cooks from the sides. That’s a really smart move from Nesco; you get crispier legs and wings, but the breast is even juicier because of the high dome. I think this is a perfect turkey cooking machine that everyone should consider for preparing exceptional thanksgiving meal.
To summarize; Nesco roaster oven is elegant, the cookwell is made from porcelain, and it comes with an extra high dome lid, but more importantly, your turkey will taste the best in the whole neighborhood unless someone else also has another Nesco porcelain roaster oven in their kitchen.
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