I’ve had my fair share of kitchen equipment and appliances as a seasoned restaurant chef with a decade of expertise. I recently tested the Nesco Roaster Oven, putting it through its paces based on the crucial roaster oven factors that matter most to culinary professionals. I was curious to see how it performed when roasting a large turkey roast.
Nesco has been the original and leading roaster oven brand for a long time. I was searching for it online and found it aesthetically pleasing. So, I read some reviews and ordered the Nesco Roaster Oven 18-quart size on the same day. It arrived earlier than expected, so I was able to try it sooner. I have written this review based on the following parameters:
- Capacity
- Heat Distribution
- Cooking modes
- Temperature Range
- Energy Efficiency
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Durability and performance
- Warranty
Read on below to check my full Nesco Roaster Oven review.
Capacity of Nesco Roaster Oven
The Nesco Roaster Oven boasts an impressive capacity that can accommodate a 22-pound turkey with ease. This oven is ideal for any home cook or professional chef looking to serve a crowd.
Because of the ample space, I was able to put the whole turkey with all of the necessary ingredients and accompaniments. This roaster oven is a versatile choice for any roasting task. I was able to cook for a family gathering conveniently.
Heat Distribution
The heat distribution in the Nesco Roaster Oven is commendable but not perfect. While it provides relatively even cooking, I noticed a slight difference in temperature across the cooking area. However, this is only a minor issue, as it still produces deliciously roasted dishes.
Nesco Roaster Oven’s Cooking Modes
The Nesco Roaster Oven offers a selection of cooking modes, including roasting, baking, and steaming. This roaster oven is exceptionally well-suited for slow-roasting meats. The even heat distribution, combined with the spacious interior, ensures that your roasts come out succulent and perfectly cooked.
The baking mode is a handy feature for those who love to bake but want to conserve space in the kitchen. You can easily bake bread, cakes, casseroles, and more in the Nesco Roaster Oven.
However, some users have noted that the temperature accuracy in the baking mode may need fine-tuning for precise baking, as it might run slightly hotter or cooler than indicated. Despite this, it can still deliver delicious baked goods with a bit of experimentation.
Temperature Range
The temperature range in the Nesco Roaster Oven is fantastic, ranging from 200°F to 450°F. This wide range allows for various cooking techniques and recipes, from slow roasting to quick broiling. After my first test of using the oven for roasted turkey, I was also able to use it for different dishes, like baking bread and steaming vegetables. However, it does not include a broiling function.
Energy Efficiency of Nesco Roaster Oven
I was pleased to find that the Nesco Roaster Oven is relatively energy-efficient for its size. It saves more energy because of its well-insulated construction.
While it consumes less energy than a conventional oven for similar tasks, it’s not the most energy-efficient appliance on the market.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The removable porcelain pan and stainless steel insert make cleaning a breeze. The non-stick surface ensures food residues don’t stick. However, the exterior can be a bit tricky to clean due to the grooved surface. Because of this factor, cleaning took me a bit more effort.
Durability and Performance
The Nesco Roaster Oven exhibits impressive durability with a sturdy build and well-crafted materials. During our cooking test, it consistently delivered excellent performance and proved to be a reliable workhorse in the kitchen. However, there’s room for improvement in terms of heat retention, as it tends to lose heat quickly when opened.
Nesco Roaster Oven’s Warranty
The Nesco Roaster Oven comes with a standard one-year warranty. While it is reassuring, it would be nice to have a more extended warranty period, considering its price point.
Colors, Sizes, and Shapes Available
The Nesco Roaster Oven offers ovens in different colors, sizes, and shapes. You can find this versatile appliance in various finishes to suit your kitchen decor.
| Shape | Size | Color |
| Round | 6-quartz | Red, Stainless Steel, Ivory |
| Oval | 18-quartz | Red, Black, White |
Roast oven shapes are relatively standard, with the classic oval design being the most common. The oval shape is well-suited for accommodating roasts, poultry, and other large dishes. It also fits nicely on the countertop without taking up too much space, making it a practical choice for various kitchen setups.
Drawbacks of using Nesco Roaster Oven
While the Nesco Roaster Oven has a lot of good aspects, it’s important to consider some drawbacks. Aside from my experience, I will also share a few disadvantages based on online reviews from different platforms like Amazon and Reddit.
A common theme among the reviews is the durability of the roaster oven. One user reported that after only three uses, they noticed rust forming around the edge and underside of the lid, specifically where the screw holds the handle. The user also mentioned that the roaster’s insert became dull and difficult to clean after cooking the spaghetti sauce.
Another user highlighted issues with the exterior of the oven. They mentioned that the exterior began to chip away after just four months of usage. The deterioration of the outer finish can be disappointing, as it not only affects the aesthetics of the appliance but also raises questions about the oven’s overall quality and longevity.
Similar to my experience, one reviewer expressed dissatisfaction with the temperature settings and heat distribution. They think that the temperature may not be as accurate as desired.
Inaccurate temperature settings can lead to cooking disappointments, affecting the cooking time and efficiency of the roaster oven. This could result in unevenly cooked dishes and unpredictable results in the kitchen, which can be frustrating for users seeking consistent and precise cooking outcomes.
Nevertheless, the Nesco Roaster Oven is still worth the purchase as it does its job well, given its price point. This roaster oven offers more than its drawbacks.
Conclusion
As a seasoned restaurant chef, I can confidently recommend the Nesco Roaster Oven as a valuable addition to your kitchen. In conclusion, here are the key points of the Nesco Roaster Oven.
Pros:
- The Nesco Roaster Oven can comfortably accommodate a 22-pound turkey, making it ideal for large gatherings and family feasts.
- It caters to different cooking needs and preferences with roasting, baking, and steaming options.
- Its well-insulated construction makes it relatively energy-efficient compared to conventional ovens.
- The oven exhibits impressive durability and consistently delivers great performance in the kitchen.
Cons:
- Some users have reported issues with rust forming around the edge and underside of the lid after minimal use. The insert’s non-stick surface can sometimes dull and become challenging to clean.
- There have been complaints about the exterior chipping away after a few months of use, raising questions about long-term durability.
- There are also issues about the accuracy of temperature settings, which can affect cooking time and efficiency, potentially leading to unevenly cooked dishes.
While there are some durability and temperature accuracy issues, the benefits outweigh these drawbacks, especially given its reasonable price point.
From my perspective as a chef, the Nesco Roaster Oven offers convenience and performance that both home cooks and professionals can appreciate. It’s a valuable addition to any kitchen, particularly for those seeking an efficient and reliable roaster oven that can handle large cooking tasks.