UPDATED October 6, 2022: Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner, and the Hamilton Beach® Test Kitchen wants to help you plan a holiday meal that goes off without a hitch. First order of business: the turkey! With all your side dishes and desserts that need space in the oven, you may be wondering how you’ll have time to roast the turkey too. We’ll solve that problem by showing you how to easily cook a deliciously moist and juicy turkey in a roaster oven, freeing up the main oven for the sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.
Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey is the centerpiece of many holiday meals. While roasting in the oven is traditional, using an electric roaster oven has some major advantages. Roaster ovens cook the turkey faster, free up oven space for sides, and keep your kitchen cooler.
If you’re new to cooking turkey in a roaster oven, you likely have questions about times temperatures and technique. Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered in this complete guide to roasting the perfect holiday turkey!
What is an Electric Roaster Oven?
An electric roaster oven is a counter-top appliance that can cook anything you’d normally make in your regular oven. It is oval in shape and has a tempered glass lid. Roasters range from 16-24 quarts in capacity.
The benefits of using a roaster oven for turkey include:
- Shortened cook time due to better heat circulation
- Self-basting lids that keep the turkey continuously moist
- Free up your main oven for all the sides and pies
- Keeps the kitchen cooler than running a regular oven
- Doubles as a food warmer for serving
How Big of a Turkey Can Fit in a Roaster Oven?
Most electric roasters can accommodate a turkey up to 24 pounds. As a general rule, allow 1 pound of turkey per quart capacity of your roaster. So an 18-quart roaster could fit an 18 lb turkey.
I recommend selecting a roaster of at least 18 quarts to have enough room, even if cooking a smaller bird. For extra-large turkeys, look for a roaster with a domed lid to allow clearance. Or cook two smaller turkeys instead.
How Long to Cook a Turkey in an Electric Roaster
Cooking time depends on the turkey’s size if it is stuffed or unstuffed and the roaster temperature. Here are some general guidelines
- 12-14 lb unstuffed turkey: 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours
- 14-18 lb unstuffed turkey: 3 – 3 1⁄2 hours
- 18-22 lb unstuffed turkey: 3 1⁄2 – 4 hours
- Add 30-45 minutes for stuffed turkeys
Check your roaster oven’s manual for the most accurate times based on temperature and turkey size. Always use a meat thermometer to determine doneness rather than relying solely on cook time.
Turkey Roasting Tips
Follow these tips when roasting turkey in an electric roaster oven:
- Completely thaw turkey before cooking
- Pat turkey dry and coat in oil, salt, pepper, and herbs
- Place breast-side up on roasting rack
- Resist lifting the lid during cooking
- Monitor temperature with a probe thermometer
- Cook until breast reaches 165°F and thighs 180°F
- Let rest 20 minutes before carving
I like to rub the turkey skin with a blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also place halved lemons, onions, garlic, or herbs in the cavity for extra flavor.
Ensuring Food Safety
To prevent foodborne illness when handling raw turkey:
- Thaw turkey in the fridge (24 hrs per 4-5 lbs)
- Don’t wash raw turkey, which can spread bacteria
- Use separate cutting boards/utensils for raw turkey
- Cook to 165°F minimum internal temperature
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
As long as you thoroughly cook the turkey to 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thighs, you can safely roast a delicious turkey in your electric roaster oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a 14 lb turkey in a roaster oven?
For a 14 lb turkey, plan on around 3 to 3 1/2 hours in an electric roaster oven. Allow 10-15 minutes per pound as a general guideline. But always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Should you add water to the roaster when cooking a turkey?
Most experts recommend against adding water to the bottom of the roaster pan when cooking turkey. The moist heat environment created by steam is not ideal. Turkey roasted alone in the dry heat of the electric roaster will be juicy and flavorful.
What temperature should you cook turkey in a roaster oven?
Cook the turkey at 325°F for optimal texture and tenderness. The lower temperature helps the meat cook evenly throughout without drying out. For food safety, cook until the breast reaches 165°F and thighs reach 180°F on a meat thermometer.
Is it better to use a roaster oven or regular oven for turkey?
A roaster oven cooks the turkey faster, uses less energy, and frees up your regular oven space. Many people worry a roaster won’t brown the turkey as nicely, but you can still achieve crispy skin. Avoid peeking under the lid during roasting for best results.
Time to Enjoy Your Perfectly Cooked Bird!
Learning how long to cook a turkey in an electric roaster oven takes the guesswork out of holiday meal preparation. In just 3-4 hours, you can roast a juicy, delicious turkey that looks and tastes like it cooked all day. Free up your oven for all the sides and pies to complete the feast!
Roast a tender, juicy turkey
A countertop electric roaster oven is a must for busy holidays when your kitchen range is working overtime. Hamilton Beach has large-capacity roaster ovens that can handle up to a 28-pound turkey with ease. While your pies are in the main oven, the roaster oven can roast the turkey to golden-brown perfection and keep it warm and juicy until you’re ready to carve and serve. There’s even a handy lift-out rack that makes removing the heavy bird a lot less strain on your back.
Don’t worry if you’ve never used a roaster oven before. Follow this tried-and-true recipe from the Hamilton Beach Test Kitchen. And remember, when the turkey is finished roasting, don’t forget to dress it up on a large platter with fruit and herbs.