Being a restaurant chef for ten years has allowed me to try different kitchen tools and equipment. One of the most used equipment in our restaurant is the roaster oven. In my extensive experience, I have used different kinds of ovens, and I can say that some have their merits while some are not that efficient.
Today, I am reviewing the Oster Roaster Oven, which a friend recommended to me. The Oster Roaster Oven is a versatile countertop appliance that goes beyond just roasting. It’s equally adept at slow cooking, baking, and more. Its innovative lid design sets it apart, which automates the basting process by continuously redistributing moisture, saving you the laborious and time-consuming task of manual basting.
This Oster Roaster Oven review is based on important factors for roaster ovens. I have written a detailed review below based on the following parameters:
- Capacity
- Heat Distribution
- Cooking modes
- Temperature Range
- Energy Efficiency
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Durability and performance
- Warranty
I tested this oven by cooking turkey roast, which is a staple during Thanksgiving. Check out my full review of the Oster Roaster Oven below.
Capacity of Oster Roaster Oven
The Oster Roaster Oven boasts an impressive capacity that easily accommodates our 22-pound turkey roast. This generous space allowed for a perfectly cooked turkey, leaving ample room for other dishes if needed.
I was able to cook for my family and relatives for a celebration using this oven. The extra space makes it ideal for large gatherings and events. Capacity is a crucial oven feature in any professional kitchen or even at home if you usually cook for plenty of people.
Heat Distribution
The heat distribution in this roaster oven was commendable, with a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. We did notice a slightly warmer area towards the back, but it wasn’t significant enough to cause any major concerns. The turkey cooked evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful roast.
Oster Roaster Oven’s Cooking Modes
The Oster Roaster Oven offers versatility with its adjustable cooking modes. We appreciated the flexibility to roast, bake, slow cook, and more. However, we found that the temperature settings could have been more precise, as there were limited increments to choose from.
Temperature Range
The Oster Roaster Oven covers a temperature range of 150°F to 450°F, which can be used for various cooking needs. It provided ample control over our turkey roast, allowing us to achieve the desired level of browning and tenderness.
Energy Efficiency of Oster Roaster Oven
While the Oster Roaster Oven is generally energy-efficient, it does consume slightly more power than traditional ovens due to its size. However, this is expected given its capacity. It’s still a cost-effective option for cooking large meals compared to using a conventional oven.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The removable roasting pan and rack made cleanup a breeze. The non-stick surface prevented food from sticking, and the components were dishwasher-safe. Hence, it saves you valuable time in the kitchen. The convenience of easy maintenance is invaluable in any kitchen.
Durability and Performance
During our testing period, the Oster Roaster Oven demonstrated impressive durability. It exhibited consistent performance, maintaining temperature stability throughout the cooking process. While it may not match the longevity of commercial-grade equipment, it’s more than capable of extended use in a restaurant kitchen.
Oster Roaster Oven’s Warranty
Oster provides a one-year warranty for their roaster oven. It may not be too extensive, but at least it gives us peace of mind in case of any unexpected issues. This warranty is a reassuring factor for any home cook or professional chef.
Colors, Sizes, and Shapes Available
The Oster Roaster Oven comes in an 18-quartz oval-shaped design. As for colors, the Oster Roaster Oven is available in classic stainless steel and black finishes. The sleek and timeless design blends well in any kitchen environment.
Drawbacks
In my experience, the only drawback I can account for in the Oster Roaster Oven is the temperature setting, which I hope to be more precise. I have also read online reviews about this oven and am sharing some of the points worth considering before purchasing your own.
Some users have expressed concerns on Amazon about the durability of the enamel or spray coating on the removable pan. After only a few uses, they noticed signs of wear and chipping. This could impact the long-term performance and appearance of the appliance.
Another drawback highlighted by a user is the discoloration of the inside of the removable roasting pot after just one use. While this discoloration doesn’t seem to affect the roaster’s food quality or overall performance, it can be seen as an annoyance. This issue could be related to the material used for the pot’s interior.
One Reddit user reported that the cooking times in the Oster Roaster Oven are longer than the provided charts specify. This discrepancy could lead to adjustments in meal preparation schedules and potentially impact the convenience factor of the appliance.
Nonetheless, these drawbacks were outweighed by the numerous advantages of this roaster oven. Forbes even listed the Oster Roaster Oven as one of the best turkey roasters. While I cannot find a review for this oven from a famous chef, my colleagues who have also used this only have positive things to say.
Conclusion
The Oster Roaster Oven is a valuable addition to any kitchen, offering remarkable versatility and impressive capacity. To sum up, here are the advantages and drawbacks of this roaster oven.
Pros:
- The Oster Roaster Oven has a substantial capacity that easily accommodates a 22-pound turkey roast.
- It provided consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
- The appliance offers roasting, baking, slow cooking, and more flexibility.
- Despite its size, it remains cost-effective for preparing large meals.
- The removable components are dishwasher safe, saving valuable time in the kitchen.
- While not commercial-grade, it exhibits consistent performance and durability for extended use.
Cons:
- The temperature settings could benefit from finer increments for more precise cooking.
- Some users have reported issues with the enamel or spray coating on the removable pan, wearing and chipping after a few uses.
- The interior of the removable roasting pot may discolor after use, although it doesn’t affect food quality or performance.
- Actual cooking times may be longer than the manual specify, requiring adjustments to meal preparation schedules.
While it does have some minor drawbacks related to temperature settings, durability concerns, and cooking time accuracy, these issues are outweighed by its numerous advantages. From a chef’s perspective, I can say that the Oster Roaster Oven is worth the purchase, especially for those frequently preparing meals for large gatherings or events. The Oster Roaster Oven indeed gives value for your money as it can simplify and elevate your cooking experience.