To Pan Or Not To Pan: The Electric Roaster Conundrum

Electric roasters are a versatile kitchen appliance, perfect for busy holiday and family dinners. They can be used for roasting, baking, steaming, slow-cooking, and warming food. A common question that arises when using an electric roaster is whether to remove the pan or not. Some people might consider removing the pan to accommodate larger dishes or due to issues with the lid fitting. However, removing the pan is not recommended, as it may increase the risk of burning.

Using a pan of water to retain moisture

There are several benefits to using this method. Firstly, it adds moisture and steam, keeping the meat juicy and tender. Secondly, it promotes even cooking by distributing heat evenly and preventing hot and cold spots. Thirdly, the water and meat juices create a flavorful broth that can be used to make gravy. It also prevents smoking by keeping the pan bottom moist, and makes cleanup easier by loosening stuck-on bits.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Using a pan of water can dilute the flavour of the meat as the steam can waterlog the natural juices and flavours. It also makes achieving a crispy skin on chicken or pork difficult. The water can cool down the heating element as it requires a lot of energy to heat up and evaporate, and it requires monitoring to ensure it doesn't boil dry and burn.

• Use the right amount of water – for a standard roaster pan, 1 to 2 cups of water is usually sufficient.
• Place the water pan under the roasting pan to catch drippings effectively.
• Keep an eye on the water level and replenish if needed.
• Make drippings into gravy by spooning off the fat first, then using the pan liquids to make gravy.
• Allow moisture to escape by leaving openings for steam to prevent sogginess.

The decision to use a pan of water depends on several factors, including the type of meat, cooking time, desired result, and size of the roast. For lean meats like chicken breast, quick-cooking meats, and larger cuts, using a pan of water is beneficial. However, for high-fat meats or items that need crisping, skipping the water is recommended.

Pros and cons of using a pan of water

Using a pan of water in an electric roaster is a common technique to keep meat from drying out. The water evaporates, creating a moist environment that envelops the meat in gentle steam, keeping it juicy and tender.

Pros of Using a Pan of Water in an Electric Roaster

• Adds moisture and steam: The steam helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Promotes even cooking: The hot water helps distribute heat evenly, preventing hot and cold spots.
• Makes gravy: The water mixes with the meat juices to create a flavoursome broth for gravy.
• Prevents smoking: The water stops burnt bits on the pan bottom from smoking.
• Easier cleanup: Deglazing the pan with water helps loosen stuck-on bits.

Cons of Using a Pan of Water in an Electric Roaster

• Dilutes flavour: Excessive steam can dilute the natural juices and flavours of the meat.
• Makes skin soggy: The steam makes it almost impossible to achieve crispy skin on chicken or pork.
• Cools the heating element: Water requires a lot of energy to heat up, which can cool the heating element.
• Requires monitoring: The water level needs to be checked to prevent it from boiling dry and burning.
• Risks overflow: Too much water risks overflowing the lip of the pan.

Tips for using water

Using water when roasting meat in an electric roaster can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it adds moisture and steam, helping to keep the meat juicy and tender. The steam also promotes even cooking by distributing heat evenly, preventing hot and cold spots. Additionally, the water mixes with the meat juices to create a flavoursome broth, perfect for making gravy. It also prevents smoking by keeping the pan bottom moist, and makes cleaning easier by loosening stuck-on bits.

However, there are some drawbacks to using water when roasting. One of the main issues is that the steam can dilute the natural juices and flavours of the meat, and it can also make the skin soggy, making it difficult to achieve a crispy texture. The water can also cool down the heating element as it requires a lot of energy to heat up and evaporate.

• Use the right amount of water: For a standard roaster pan, 1 to 2 cups of water is usually enough. Adding too much water risks overflowing.
• Place the water pan under the roasting pan: This allows the water to catch the drippings effectively.
• Keep an eye on the water level: Check the water level periodically and replenish if needed.
• Make drippings into gravy: Spoon off the fat first, then use the pan liquids to make gravy.
• Allow moisture to escape: Don't tightly cover the meat. Instead, leave openings for steam to escape, preventing sogginess.
• Consider the type of meat: Lean meats like chicken breast benefit from the added moisture of water, whereas fattier cuts like pork shoulder may not need it.
• Take into account the cooking time: Quick-cooking meats are more likely to dry out, so they may benefit from the moisture that water provides.
• Think about the desired result: If you want a crispy, browned exterior, skip the water as it can interfere with this. Water is better suited for slow-cooked, moist meat.
• Consider the size of the roast: Larger cuts of meat require more moisture distribution, so water can be helpful in this case.

When to use and not use water

Electric roasters are a handy appliance to have in your kitchen, especially if you're cooking for a large group. They can be used to roast, bake, steam, slow-cook, and warm food.

Some models have a removable pan that sits inside the roaster. This insert can be used for easy cleaning and to cook soups, stews, curries, and casseroles.

When to Use Water

You can add water to the base of some electric roasters, but always check the manual first. If your roaster has a removable pan, the water should go in the pan, not the base. Adding water can help to:

• Create steam and moisture, keeping the meat from drying out
• Distribute heat evenly and prevent hot and cold spots
• Make gravy—the water mixes with the meat juices to create a flavoursome broth
• Prevent smoking by keeping the pan moist
• Make cleaning easier—the water loosens stuck-on bits

When Not to Use Water

However, adding water can also have some negative effects:

• It can dilute the flavour of the meat by steaming up into the meat
• It can make the skin of chicken or pork soggy, so if you want a crispy skin, skip the water
• The water can cool down the heating element as it requires a lot of energy to heat up and evaporate
• You'll need to keep an eye on the water level to prevent it from boiling dry and burning
• There is a risk of overflow if the water level is too high or there is vigorous bubbling

Tips for Using Water

• Use 1-2 cups of water for a standard roaster pan
• Place the water pan under the roasting pan to catch drippings
• Check and top up the water halfway through roasting if needed
• Make drippings into gravy by spooning off the fat and using the pan liquids to make gravy
• Don't tightly cover the meat—leave openings for steam to escape and prevent sogginess

Other uses for an electric roaster

Electric roasters are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking tasks beyond roasting. Here are some alternative uses for an electric roaster:

Baking

The roaster oven can be used for baking a variety of dishes, from sides like seasoned rice and baked potatoes to desserts like cheesecakes, pound cakes, and apple cakes. The roaster oven essentially acts as a second oven, freeing up space in your main oven for other dishes.

Steaming

If you're looking to steam large quantities of vegetables, an electric roaster is a great option. Simply put boiling water into the roaster pan and place your vegetables in a colander above the water. This method ensures your broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are expertly steamed to your desired doneness.

Warming Food

Electric roasters are perfect for keeping food warm, especially when serving buffet-style meals. You can use the roaster to keep rolls, biscuits, or pancakes warm for up to an hour, allowing your guests to enjoy perfectly warmed treats throughout the meal.

Slow-Cooking

In addition to roasting, electric roasters can also slow-cook large batches of food. This is particularly useful when preparing meals for a crowd, as they have a large capacity (up to 22 quarts) and can accommodate dishes like chili, stews, soups, and casseroles.

Cooking Meat

Electric roasters are not just for turkey and ham; they can also be used to cook various other meats. You can cook large quantities of meat low and slow, making them ideal for preparing BBQ or ribs. They are also useful for cooking multiple chickens or a large Easter ham, as the oven rack keeps the meat off the bottom of the roaster.

So, whether you're preparing a holiday feast, potluck contribution, or a simple weeknight meal, an electric roaster can be a valuable tool in your kitchen, offering convenience, versatility, and additional cooking space.

Frequently asked questions