An electric roaster oven is a big lidded pan with its own heating element: a removable insert sits inside a heated well, a dial sets the temperature, and the whole thing plugs into a wall outlet. It does two jobs well. It roasts a large turkey or ham on the counter while the main oven bakes everything else, and it holds a full batch of food hot for serving, the way a restaurant line keeps carnitas, beans or rice ready for hours.
Most full-size roasters hold 18 to 22 quarts, and the makers rate them for turkeys of roughly 22 to 26 pounds. The differences sit in the details: the temperature range, whether there is a true keep-warm setting, how the insert is made and cleaned, and what the warranty covers. This guide sorts those out and names the roasters worth buying.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for when it cooks and holds food in volume, the makers’ own specifications and the product listings, which we cite. Food-safety guidance comes from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Quick verdict: which roaster oven to buy
For most households, the best electric oven roaster is the Proctor Silex 18-Quart Roaster Oven: the maker rates it for turkeys up to 24 pounds, it starts at a low 125°F, and Proctor Silex backs it for three years, the longest warranty we found. If you also want to bake in it, the Oster 18-Quart Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid comes with an enamel-on-steel pan, a steel rack and a two-year limited warranty. If you mostly serve a buffet, the Sunvivi 24-Quart Roaster Oven with 3 Buffet Servers holds three side dishes in its divided trays.
The rest of this page explains why, and which one suits the way you cook and serve.
Five roaster ovens side by side
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of cook, with the capacity and temperature range each maker or listing states. All seven roasters are reviewed in full below.
| Roaster | Best for | Capacity & turkey size | Temperature range | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Proctor Silex 18-Quart Roaster OvenBest overall
|
Holiday turkey, longest warranty | 18 quarts, turkeys up to 24 lb | 125–450°F | View on Amazon |
Oster 18-Quart Roaster Oven with Self-Basting LidBest for baking too
|
Roasting, then baking rolls or a sheet cake | 18 quarts, turkeys up to 22 lb | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Sunvivi 24-Quart Roaster Oven with 3 Buffet ServersBest for buffets
|
Holding three sides for serving | 24 quarts, turkeys up to 28 lb | 150–450°F | View on Amazon |
Sunvivi 28-Quart Roaster OvenLargest capacity
|
The biggest turkey, a non-stick pan | 28 quarts, turkeys up to 28 lb | 150–450°F, plus Defrost and Warm | View on Amazon |
VEVOR 22-Quart Roaster OvenClearest specs
|
Turkey, ham and roasts (not soup) | 22 quarts, turkeys up to 26 lb | 150–450°F, plus defrost and warm | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Turkey sizes and temperature ranges are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best electric oven roaster
These seven roasters cover the ways people actually use one: full-size 22-quart models for a big holiday bird, 18-quart models for smaller counters, and a buffet version with divided trays for serving. Each pick explains who it suits, the specifications that matter, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Proctor Silex 18-Quart Roaster Oven – Three-Year Warranty, Low Start
Proctor Silex is part of the Hamilton Beach family of brands, and this 18-quart roaster is its current home model. On its own product page, Proctor Silex rates it for a 24-pound turkey, gives a 125 to 450°F range on one knob, and backs it with a three-year limited warranty, the longest on this list.
The 125°F starting point is lower than most roasters, which start at 150°F. That gives you a gentle setting for keeping bread or tortillas warm, but it is not a safe holding temperature for cooked meat: the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) says hot food should be held at 140°F or above, so check with a thermometer rather than trusting the lowest marks on the dial.
The domed, self-basting lid holds in moisture, the cooking pan lifts out for cleaning, and a lift-out rack lets you raise a ham or turkey out of the pan in one piece. Proctor Silex lists the outside at 12.93 inches high, 23.15 inches wide and 15.63 inches deep. It does not publish the wattage; retailers Kohl’s and Ace Hardware list 1,450 watts, and Ace lists an aluminized steel pan.
Why we like it
- Holds a 24-pound turkey in an 18-quart body
- Wide 125–450°F range on a single knob
- Three-year limited warranty from the maker
- Lift-out rack for large roasts
Key specifications
| Model | 32211 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 18 quarts; turkeys up to 24 lb |
| Power | 1,450 W (retailer listings) |
| Temp range | 125–450°F |
| Insert material | Not stated by maker (retailers list aluminized steel) |
| Rack | Lift-out rack |
| Cleaning | Removable cooking pan |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want close to full-size turkey capacity in a slightly smaller body, and value a maker’s warranty that runs three years. It is a sensible second oven for holiday cooking and weekend batch cooking alike.
Skip it if you want the maker to tell you what the pan is made of and whether it can go in the dishwasher; the product page says neither.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longest warranty here
- 24-lb turkey capacity
- Low 125°F starting point
Cons
- Pan material not stated by maker
- Dishwasher use not stated
- Lowest settings are below safe hot-holding
2. Oster 18-Quart Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid – Roasts, Then Bakes
Oster’s 18-quart roaster is the smaller sibling of its 22-quart model, which was out of stock when we last checked. The listing rates it for turkeys up to 22 pounds, which covers the bird most families buy, and says it bakes anything a regular oven would, from muffins to yeast rolls to an entire sheet cake.
The lid is the selling point. Oster calls it self-basting and says it saves time, heat and energy: there is no need to baste by hand, and keeping the lid on stops heat escaping, which speeds cooking. That matters because every time the lid comes off, a countertop roaster loses heat fast.
The roasting pan is enamel-on-steel and lifts out for cleaning, and a steel roasting rack is included, according to the listing. Oster’s listing does not give the wattage, the temperature range or the outside dimensions, so check the box or manual before you plan a cook around a particular setting, and measure your counter.
For a restaurant-style use, think of it as a second oven for a pork shoulder for carnitas, a ham, or a pan of enchiladas when the main oven is full.
Why we like it
- Rated for turkeys up to 22 pounds
- Self-basting lid, according to Oster
- Removable enamel-on-steel pan and steel rack
- Two-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | CKSTRS18-BSB-W (black) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 18 quarts; turkeys up to 22 lb |
| Power | Not stated |
| Temp range | Not stated |
| Insert material | Enamel-on-steel roasting pan |
| Rack | Steel roasting rack |
| Cleaning | Roasting pan is removable |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants a roaster that earns its storage space outside the holidays, baking rolls and cakes as well as roasting, and who cooks turkeys of 22 pounds or less.
Skip it if you want the temperature range and wattage in writing before you buy, or if your bird is bigger than 22 pounds; the VEVOR 22-quart roaster is rated for 26 and the Sunvivi 28-quart for 28.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Self-basting lid
- Bakes as well as roasts
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Smaller turkey rating than the 22-quart models
- Power and temperature range not on Oster’s listing
- Dimensions not stated
3. Sunvivi 24-Quart Roaster Oven with 3 Buffet Servers – Main Dish and Sides in One
If the roaster’s main job is serving, this is the one to look at. Sunvivi’s 24-quart model comes with a divider pan and three buffet trays that drop into the well, so once the roast is done you can hold mashed potatoes, vegetables and gravy, or rice, beans and a meat filling, side by side at the table.
It is the largest roaster on this list. The listing says it fits a whole turkey up to 28 pounds, with a 150 to 450°F dial, a defrost setting and a warm setting. The dome lid is self-basting, and the handles on the lid and body are described as cool-touch.
Cleanup is where the buffet version earns its keep: Sunvivi lists the removable enamel roasting pan and the three buffet trays as dishwasher safe, with a stainless steel exterior that wipes clean. The listing does not give the wattage or the warranty term.
For a taco bar or a party spread, the three trays work like a small steam table. Keep the food at 140°F or above, as FSIS advises for buffets, and check it with a thermometer about every hour.
Why we like it
- Three buffet trays and a divider pan included
- Rated for turkeys up to 28 pounds
- Pan and trays listed as dishwasher safe
- Warm and defrost settings on the dial
Key specifications
| Model | ZER01X |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 24 quarts; turkeys up to 28 lb |
| Power | Not stated |
| Temp range | 150–450°F, plus warm and defrost |
| Insert material | Enamel roasting pan; three buffet trays |
| Rack | Lift-out rack |
| Cleaning | Pan and trays dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits hosts who cook the main dish and then need to keep several sides hot without crowding the stove. The trays turn one appliance into a small serving station.
Skip it if you only want to roast: the buffet parts need storage space, and Sunvivi does not publish the power rating or warranty in the listing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built-in buffet trays
- Largest capacity here
- Dishwasher-safe pan and trays
Cons
- Wattage and warranty not stated
- More parts to store
- Defrost setting is not an FSIS thawing method
4. Sunvivi 28-Quart Roaster Oven – Biggest Bird, Non-Stick Pan
Sunvivi’s 28-quart roaster is the largest model here, with a listing rating of a 28-pound turkey, a 150 to 450°F temperature control, and Defrost and Warm functions named in the listing title. The self-basting lid has a viewing window and a steam vent, so you can check the food without lifting it.
The pan lifts out and has what the listing calls a heavy-duty food-grade non-stick coating, rather than the enamel on most roasters; the listing does not name the coating or say what metal is under it. A roasting rack holds food above the drippings, according to the listing.
Two cautions. First, a warm setting is a convenience, not a guarantee: FSIS says to keep hot food at 140°F or above, so check the food with a thermometer. Second, the defrost setting is Sunvivi’s feature; FSIS recommends thawing a turkey in the refrigerator and says never to thaw it on the counter or in hot water. If you use the defrost setting, follow the manual exactly. The listing warns of a little smoke on first use and asks you not to run it at high heat for long periods or leave it cooking overnight. It does not give the wattage or warranty.
Why we like it
- Fits a 28-pound turkey
- Viewing window in the lid
- Removable pan with a non-stick coating
- Roasting rack included
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 28 quarts; turkeys up to 28 lb |
| Power | Not stated |
| Temp range | 150–450°F, plus Defrost and Warm |
| Insert material | Non-stick coated pan; metal not stated |
| Rack | Roasting rack |
| Cleaning | Removable pan |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you need room for the biggest turkey of the group or a large batch of shredded pork for a party, and you want a non-stick pan rather than enamel.
Skip it if you want full published specs: the listing gives no wattage, warranty or model number.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest capacity here
- Viewing window in the lid
- Non-stick pan lifts out
Cons
- Wattage and warranty not stated
- Warm setting still needs a thermometer check
- Large to store
5. Rival 18-Quart Roaster Oven – The Classic Plain Design
Rival’s white 18-quart roaster is the familiar church-supper design: a removable pan in a heated well, a steel rack and a dial. The listing describes it as a roaster oven that roasts, bakes, warms and cooks, rated for roasts and turkeys up to 22 pounds.
The dial runs from 150 to 450°F, and the listing describes even heat distribution for moist results. Both the steel rack and the pan come out for cleaning. There is no self-basting lid or marked warm setting here, which keeps it simple: you set a temperature and check the food.
The listing does not give the wattage, the pan’s coating or a warranty term, and Rival does not publish a current product page we could find, so expect less maker support than with the newer brands. For roasting a 20-pound bird or holding a pan of beans for a crowd, it does the core job.
Why we like it
- Turkeys and roasts up to 22 pounds
- 150–450°F adjustable dial
- Removable steel rack and pan
- Roast, bake, warm and cook in one unit
Key specifications
| Model | RO180 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 18 quarts; turkeys up to 22 lb |
| Power | Not stated |
| Temp range | 150–450°F |
| Insert material | Removable pan; material not stated |
| Rack | Removable steel rack |
| Cleaning | Rack and pan lift out |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a no-frills 18-quart roaster for a holiday bird or a big batch of food and do not need a basting lid or buffet trays.
Skip it if you want current maker documentation: the wattage, pan coating and warranty are not stated in the listing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple, familiar design
- 22-lb turkey capacity
- Rack and pan come out
Cons
- Few published specs
- No basting lid or warm mark
- Smallest turkey rating of the full-size picks
6. VEVOR 22-Quart Roaster Oven – Power Rating on the Label
VEVOR’s 22-quart roaster is one of the few here whose listing states the power outright: 1,450 watts, with a 150 to 450°F range. The title rates it for a 26-pound turkey, and the listing adds defrost and warm functions plus a self-basting lid.
The rack has handles for lifting a bird out, the side grips are described as cool-touch, and the inside is a nonstick enamel pot that the listing says wipes clean. One unusual note sits in the listing itself: VEVOR says this roaster is not suitable for cooking soup. Take that at face value, and keep it for roasting, baking and slow-cooking meats rather than stock or pozole.
That limit also matters for tamales. Steaming tamales means water in the pan, so for a big batch use a pot made for it; see our guide to the best tamale steamer.
Why we like it
- States 1,450 W and 150–450°F on the listing
- Rated for a 26-pound turkey
- Rack with handles for lifting
- Defrost and warm functions
Key specifications
| Model | RO1 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 22 quarts; turkeys up to 26 lb |
| Power | 1,450 W |
| Temp range | 150–450°F, plus defrost and warm |
| Insert material | Nonstick enamel pot |
| Rack | Rack with handles |
| Cleaning | Pot wipes clean (listing) |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a full-size roaster with a clearly stated power rating, mainly for turkey, ham and roasts.
Skip it if you plan to cook soups, stews with a lot of liquid or steamed dishes in it, since VEVOR says it is not suitable for soup.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Power and range clearly stated
- 26-lb turkey capacity
- Rack with lifting handles
Cons
- Not for soup, per the maker
- Warranty not stated
- Dishwasher use not stated
7. HomeCraft 18-Quart Roaster Oven – Stainless Lift-Out Rack
HomeCraft’s 18-quart roaster stands out for its rack: the listing describes a stainless steel lift-out roasting rack that comes out completely, so you can remove it to free up room when you are cooking a pan of something flat rather than a bird.
The removable pot is enamel, the high-dome lid is plated aluminum, and the lid and pot handles are described as cool-touch. The temperature dial is full-range up to 450°F, covering thawing, roasting, slow cooking and keeping food warm, according to the listing, which does not state the low end of the range.
The listing names turkey, chicken and pot roast as uses but does not give a maximum turkey weight, a wattage or a warranty term. For an 18-quart roaster that is mainly a second oven for roasts and casseroles, it covers the essentials.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel lift-out rack
- Removable enamel pot
- High-dome lid seals in heat
- Cool-touch lid and pot handles
Key specifications
| Model | HCRO18BK |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 18 quarts; maximum turkey size not stated |
| Power | Not stated |
| Temp range | Up to 450°F (low end not stated) |
| Insert material | Enamel pot |
| Rack | Stainless steel, lift-out |
| Cleaning | Removable pot and rack |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a sturdy stainless rack and a plain 18-quart roaster for roasts, chicken and casseroles.
Skip it if you need to know the turkey limit before buying: HomeCraft does not state one, so for a big holiday bird choose a model rated by weight.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stainless lift-out rack
- Enamel pot comes out
- Cool-touch handles
Cons
- No stated turkey size
- Wattage and warranty not stated
- Low end of the dial not stated
How to choose an electric roaster oven
Five things decide whether a roaster suits your kitchen. Brand matters less than capacity, the temperature dial and how you will clean it.
1. Capacity and the turkey rating
Makers rate roasters by the largest turkey they hold. On this list, 18-quart models are rated for 22 to 24 pounds and 22-quart models for 26 pounds, with Sunvivi’s 24-quart buffet model at 28. Buy for the bird you actually cook, plus a little room: a turkey that touches the lid will not brown or cook evenly.
2. The temperature dial, top and bottom
Most roasters run to 450°F, so the top end rarely decides anything. The bottom end does. A dial that starts at 125 or 150°F gives you a warming position, but FSIS says hot food must be held at 140°F or above, and the numbers on a roaster dial are approximate. Use a food thermometer to find where your roaster actually holds 140°F, and mark it.
3. Keep-warm and buffet features
If you plan to serve from the roaster, a marked Keep Warm setting (the Sunvivi buffet model, VEVOR) is handy, and buffet trays (Sunvivi) let you hold several dishes at once. For a party, that is the difference between one hot dish and a small steam table.
4. The insert and cleaning
The removable pan is what you wash. Enamel-on-steel and porcelain-enamel pans are common; check whether the maker calls the pan dishwasher safe, as Sunvivi does. A rack with handles makes lifting a 20-pound bird much safer.
5. Power, space and warranty
Full-size roasters commonly draw around 1,450 watts where the figure is published. Running one next to other heating appliances on the same circuit can trip a breaker, so spread them out. Measure the counter: the 22-quart models here are about two feet long. Finally, compare warranties; Proctor Silex’s three years is the longest we found.
What the USDA says about roasters, turkey and holding food
All food-safety points here come from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
- Use it like an oven. FSIS says the cooking time and temperature in an electric roaster are generally the same as in a conventional oven, and to preheat the roaster to at least 325°F. It is not safe to cook any poultry at a setting below 325°F. Check the maker’s manual for its own settings.
- Raise the bird. Set the turkey on the roaster’s rack so it sits above the juices that collect in the pan, and keep the lid on, lifting it as little as possible.
- Watch dark interiors. FSIS notes that food may cook faster in a roaster with a dark interior, so start checking earlier.
- Cook to 165°F. A turkey is done at a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, checked with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost parts of the thigh and wing. FSIS recommends cooking stuffing separately.
- Thaw in the refrigerator. FSIS recommends refrigerator thawing and says a turkey should never be thawed on the counter or in hot water.
- Hold at 140°F or above. On a buffet, keep hot food at 140°F or warmer and check it with a thermometer. Do not use a holding appliance to reheat: FSIS advises reheating leftovers to 165°F first, then holding them hot.
Our guide to reheating Mexican leftovers covers the stovetop and oven side of the same rules.
How we chose these seven roasters
We started from what a working kitchen asks of a countertop roaster: enough room for a large batch or a holiday bird, a dial that can both roast and hold food hot, and a pan that comes out and cleans easily. We then narrowed the field to roasters sold on Amazon in the United States that were in stock when we checked, from brands with an identifiable maker. Specifications come from the maker’s own site where one exists (Proctor Silex) and otherwise from the brand’s Amazon listing; where we used a retailer’s figure, the review says so. We left out models that were out of stock (including NESCO’s 18-quart roasters) or nearly sold out (including Hamilton Beach’s 22-quart model), and sellers that publish nothing about their roaster beyond a title. Food-safety guidance is from FSIS only. We have not cooked in these roasters; where we describe how they work, we say whose information it is.
Roaster oven questions, answered
What is the best electric roaster oven for a turkey?
A 22- to 28-quart model rated for at least a few pounds more than your bird. The VEVOR 22-quart roaster is rated for 26 pounds and the Sunvivi 28-quart for 28; the Proctor Silex 18-quart is rated for 24 and the Oster 18-quart for 22. Cook it on the rack, lid on, at 325°F or higher, and check 165°F with a thermometer, as FSIS advises. For a conventional oven instead, see our guide to the best roasting pan for turkey.
Is an electric roaster the same as a slow cooker?
No. A roaster heats a much larger pan and reaches oven temperatures of up to about 450°F, so it can roast and bake. Many roasters can also cook slowly at low settings, which is why makers list slow cooking among their uses.
Can you keep food warm in a roaster oven for a party?
Yes, as long as the food stays at 140°F or above, which FSIS sets as the hot-holding temperature. Bring the food to temperature first, then hold it, and check with a thermometer. Buffet models such as the Sunvivi hold several dishes at once.
Can you steam tamales in an electric roaster?
Some cooks do, using the rack and water in the pan, but check your manual first; VEVOR, for one, says its roaster is not suitable for soup. A dedicated steamer is simpler; see the best electric tamale steamer, and our guide to what tamales are.
Does a roaster oven brown a turkey?
The lid stays on for most of the cook, and the makers describe their self-basting lids as holding moisture in rather than drying the surface. If crisp, deeply browned skin matters most to you, a roasting pan in your main oven gives you more control; see our best roasting pan guide.
Our final pick for big-batch cooking
Buy the Proctor Silex 18-quart roaster if you want one roaster that fits a 24-pound turkey, carries a three-year warranty and serves the rest of the year as a second oven. Choose the Oster 18-quart if you want to bake in it too, the Sunvivi 28-quart for a bird up to 28 pounds, and the Sunvivi buffet model if you mostly serve from it. Whichever you choose, roast at 325°F or above, hold at 140°F or above, and keep a thermometer next to it.
And if you would rather someone else did the cooking tonight, see the menu or call to order.