GE 18-Quart Roaster Oven Review

This year the unthinkable happened to us right before thanksgiving. Our old electric stove gave up and we had no way of getting a new stove on time for the big meal. There I was with over 15 lb turkey waiting in the refrigerator scratching my head wondering what to do.

Someone told us about this roaster so we marched into the local Walmart do some last minute (more like second) shopping. This was the only appliance big enough to hold our turkey so it was kind of a non brainer to buy it for $30. Our model is 169221 and holds 18 quarts.

I got it home, washed it as instructed and read the booklet that came with it. Booklet advised to roast oven 15 lb turkey on 375 F for 4-4 1/2 hours. Our turkey said 350 F but I figured that would be for normal oven and followed the instructions from the manual.

I tried not to peek inside at all for an hour so the temperature would stay even. After two hours I've pasted it for about four times and lowered temp for 350 because this turkey was browning fast. We ended up pulling it out after about 2 hours and 20 minutes and it was actually so done that it fell apart! So I'm not overly pleased about the instructions, I should have roasted my turkey in lower temp to avoid any drying.

This year the turkey was not the best I've ever cooked but at least we had one! Since then I've made shake'n'bake style pork chops, potato wedges and a meatloaf in that roaster. Pork chops turned out great, very moist. Meatloaf seemed little greasier than from my regular oven but was not that bad.

For the price I'd say this is a great appliance to have, I can see myself using it for something later on same time as I'll use my oven. It is easy to clean and big size is a plus for our family of seven.

There is few bad things to mention about this roaster. Electric cord is very short. It is actually under 30 inches so you need to have the outlet right next to it, could be a problem for many. Lid handle and side handles get hot, you need to use a towel or oven mitt to handle them while the roaster is on.

I believe the thermostat is little off, I think it gets hotter inside than the thermostat reads. (No, I have no proof but years of experience in the kitchen would tell me that. After all it DID roast a 15 lb turkey in 2 hours!

Roaster comes with a medal rack, with side handles to place under your turkey (it even worked on my meatloaf). Makes it easier to take the bird out after it is done. Much easier than bending into your oven and trying not to burn yourself while taking heavy turkey out of your regular oven.

I have not yet baked anything in this roaster but according to the instructions you can. Our friend says she has made great cookies on it. So for $30 I'm pleased with my purchase so far.

Recommended:
Yes